The Dreamcatcher, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Spatial Stories is a series that explores inclusive, healthy, and sustainable buildings.
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Photos: Dreamers Welcome website
The Dreamcatcher is a boutique hotel nestled in the Santurce neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Run by the LGBTQIA+-owned hospitality group Dreamers Welcome, the hotel is intentionally designed to welcome people of all races, genders, and orientations. From the front desk to leadership, Dreamcatcher reflects a broad spectrum of identities. As co-founder Stephan Watts shares, “Positions ranging from the front desk and back-of-house at Dreamcatcher Hotel to leadership roles are filled with every nationality and color—from Afro-Latino, Mexican, African-American, and Puerto Rican, to a spectrum of sexual orientations.” That diversity shapes the entire atmosphere of the place.
● Inclusion
An interior courtyard offers quiet enclosure, creating a sense of safety for many guests—especially those from marginalized backgrounds looking for respite. The kitchen was intentionally designed to be open, rejecting traditional “servant vs. served” architectural layouts that reinforce hierarchy. Here, cooks are part of the community, not hidden from it.
● Wellbeing
Greenery surrounds the hotel and fills the rooms, offering visual softness and a sense of calm. Acoustic panels and ceiling “clouds” absorb noise and soften echo, creating a quieter, more restful environment. Natural light is central to the design. On the balcony in the room I stayed in, a ceiling made of plastic stretched over wood lets sunlight pour in even during rain, so guests can enjoy the warmth and brightness of the day without interruption.
● Sustainability
The outdoor balcony of my room was twice the size of the indoor space, encouraging time spent outside. An outdoor shower and mirror are thoughtfully placed to reduce electricity use, allowing guests to bathe and get ready using natural light. Materials like rattan not only connect to design traditions from the Global South, but also offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic furnishings.
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You can learn more about the property here.