Late arrival SJU

We are considering a late arrival flight before our cruise. What would be best, staying at the airport hotel or a taxi ride to say Hotel Miramar? All Opinions are welcome:D

I would say it depends what you plan to do in the morning. Do you intend to hurry up and board ASAP? Then I would look for a lower priced option wherever I could find it (within reason). Do you want to enjoy a nice, leisurely breakfast, perhaps a dip in the ocean or a nice pool, and then a calm embarkation after the madding crowds? Then I would consider a nicer property but honestly I would be driven more by value for my $$ and nice accommodations than which location. I honestly think it is the flip of a coin as to whether you are closer to the port or the airport. Or split the difference - we have enjoyed staying at the Doubletree - half-way in-between:)

We took the Southern Caribbean last January. We arrived two days early. We made friends with a lady at the Martini Bar who had to catch the cruise in St Croix.

They we're supposed to arrive in SJU 4 hrs before the cruise but because the flight was delayed leaving Houston the husband had to spend $3000 to fly all six of them to the next port.

The lady said she could see the Summit sailing away as they were coming in for their landing.

They lucked out as the husband won all the money back in the casino.

I would get in at least a day early.

Happy sailings.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Right now the plan is a day early. How early or late depends on the flights available at the time. based on what's out there now we could leave early early in the AM this end and get there noon to 3 or leave here 6AM or so and get there around midnight. Guess it all comes down to what the boss (DW) decides.

We took the Southern Caribbean last January. We arrived two days early. We made friends with a lady at the Martini Bar who had to catch the cruise in St Croix.

 

They we're supposed to arrive in SJU 4 hrs before the cruise but because the flight was delayed leaving Houston the husband had to spend $3000 to fly all six of them to the next port.

 

The lady said she could see the Summit sailing away as they were coming in for their landing.

 

They lucked out as the husband won all the money back in the casino.

 

I would get in at least a day early.

 

Happy sailings.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

We did the Southern Caribbean Cruise on The Summit in 2013... And we LOVED it !!

We had been to San Juan previously as a day stop on an Eastern Caribbean Cruise, so when it was time to plan our visit for The Summit Cruise we intentionally came in 2 days early so we could enjoy this fascinating city.

Flying in a day before is a great idea... But I would come earlier than later so as to enjoy her in the daylight hours (or stay on post cruise)

We found that our 2 full days were not enough. We will be back. Lol, probably inconnection with another Southern Caribbean Cruise as The Summit does 2 Itineraries there alternating weekly.

Hope this helps,

Cheers!

Ps... We stayed at the Caribe Hilton near Condado Lagoon...best of both worlds about half way between the Airport, Port (PanAmerica Pier) and Historic Old San Juan. Also of note taxis in SJ operate on a zone system... So it is a known fixed rate system. No worries therefore getting ripped off.

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/getting-around-by-taxi/

Right now the plan is a day early. How early or late depends on the flights available at the time. based on what's out there now we could leave early early in the AM this end and get there noon to 3 or leave here 6AM or so and get there around midnight. Guess it all comes down to what the boss (DW) decides.

If the flight arriving at midnight leaves at 6AM as you wrote, there is no way I'd be taking that one. I'd take the other flight that also leaves in the am and gets you there in the early afternoon.

That way if your flight is delayed or you have issues with luggage you have time on your side.

I've heard mixed reviews on the airport hotel. Noise being the biggest complaint. I'd likely opt for something away from the airport but is still a low price where it's just for one night.

Right onw thats'how I am leaning.

If the flight arriving at midnight leaves at 6AM as you wrote, there is no way I'd be taking that one. I'd take the other flight that also leaves in the am and gets you there in the early afternoon.

 

That way if your flight is delayed or you have issues with luggage you have time on your side.

 

I've heard mixed reviews on the airport hotel. Noise being the biggest complaint. I'd likely opt for something away from the airport but is still a low price where it's just for one night.

Right now the plan is a day early. How early or late depends on the flights available at the time. based on what's out there now we could leave early early in the AM this end and get there noon to 3 or leave here 6AM or so and get there around midnight. Guess it all comes down to what the boss (DW) decides.

It doesn't matter where you stay really if you're coming in late. If you stay near the airport, odds are the hotel is used to people arriving at all times. I would suggest letting the know that you may want a late departure the next day. Since you'll probably be there for less than 24, it shouldn't be a problem.

If you do get in around noon or 3, I suggest staying in Old San Juan. Lots of unique restaurants there with local flavor. Cervantes is really nice, IMO.

Hopefully that helps!

Our flight lands at 1 AM. Because we won't have much time and were just looking for a 'cheap' bed, we booked the Radisson (yes, I know reviews are bad) I got it for under $100 in late Feb when all the other hotels in that area are going for double that.

I'd suggest finding somewhere nice in the Condado if arriving in the afternoon so you can enjoy the hotel's facilities but just looking for a price you can live with if arriving at midnight. Just make sure you choose a big enough hotel that they have a 24 hour reception. A real pain to arrive late and have to go somewhere or phone someone to check in.

I would say find something that fit's your budget and not worry about being at the "airport hotel". Suggestions: Embassy Suites, Condado Hilton, Caribe Hilton. Anywhere in the vacinity of these properties will be a fairly close and reasonable taxi ride to the port. Condado and Caribe are on the water, Embassy is close to it.

We took the Southern Caribbean last January. We arrived two days early. We made friends with a lady at the Martini Bar who had to catch the cruise in St Croix.

 

They we're supposed to arrive in SJU 4 hrs before the cruise but because the flight was delayed leaving Houston the husband had to spend $3000 to fly all six of them to the next port.

 

The lady said she could see the Summit sailing away as they were coming in for their landing.

 

They lucked out as the husband won all the money back in the casino.

 

I would get in at least a day early.

 

Happy sailings.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

How does this in any way address the OP's question about hotel location?????:rolleyes:

Our flight lands at 1 AM. Because we won't have much time and were just looking for a 'cheap' bed, we booked the Radisson (yes, I know reviews are bad) I got it for under $100 in late Feb when all the other hotels in that area are going for double that.

 

I'd suggest finding somewhere nice in the Condado if arriving in the afternoon so you can enjoy the hotel's facilities but just looking for a price you can live with if arriving at midnight. Just make sure you choose a big enough hotel that they have a 24 hour reception. A real pain to arrive late and have to go somewhere or phone someone to check in.

Do you mean the Radisson Ambassador? We got it on Priceline last Nov and it was fine. We enjoyed the Caribe Hilton more but it was also more money. If you are just there from 1 am until you leave for the ship the Radisson will be fine.

We have stayed at the airport hotel once, and have it booked again next month. We arrive after midnight, and to us, just not worth the extra cost to stay elsewhere. Hotel is what I would call "basic" accommodations, but bed is all we really need. And there really isn't much noise in the overnight hours.

I'm cruising on the Summit in January and decided to book the SJU airport hotel as well. Anyone has comments on it?

We're arriving late the day before the cruise (8:30pm) so really all we wanted is to be at the airport quickly for a sleep after a long flight travelling day. Ready for taking a CAB the next morning to catch the ship.

It's been a few years since we cruised out of San Juan, but we liked the airport Hampton Inn. They cater to cruise customers, and work hard to accommodate the varied flight times, etc. When we asked the front desk to call us a cab, it was out front and waiting on us, by the time we reached the lobby. Although they are near the airport, the only place that I noticed noise from the planes was outside, by the pool. And (IMHO) I can't imagine paying Caribe Hilton prices just for a place to sleep, in between the airport and the cruise ship.

I'm cruising on the Summit in January and decided to book the SJU airport hotel as well. Anyone has comments on it?

 

We're arriving late the day before the cruise (8:30pm) so really all we wanted is to be at the airport quickly for a sleep after a long flight travelling day. Ready for taking a CAB the next morning to catch the ship.

Here is the link to its Rating & Ranking on TripAdvisor (CCs sister website).

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g147320-d498911-Reviews-San_Juan_Airport_Hotel-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html

Most Travellers say it is ok for an overnight...

But at only 44% Thumbs Up and ranked in the 35th spot out of 46 Hotels... It is far from the best that beautiful historic San Juan has to offer

Cheers!

We've stayed at the Best Western at the airport twice. It's nothing fancy but you grab your luggage and walk straight to the hotel without going outside. Since our flights were arriving at 11:00 pm, it was perfect. It was easy grabbing a taxi or shuttle to the ship the next day. You won't see any of San Juan but you can do that after the cruise. It's a beautiful city.

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We always go in at least one day early on the earliest flight possible. And we normally stay at the Plaza de Armus on the Plaza in Old San Juan

But if I was coming in late like you are, I would stay at the most budget place I could find by the airport that was not a dive. If all I am going to do is sleep and head to the ship in the morning, no reason to spend a ton of money.

We are considering a late arrival flight before our cruise. What would be best, staying at the airport hotel or a taxi ride to say Hotel Miramar? All Opinions are welcome:D

We stayed at the SJU airport hotel only once after a very late flight arrival, so the others reporting here likely have more experience with it than we do.

The big advantage is getting off the plane and having your hotel room right there waiting for you. There is no need to first start taking a taxi or shuttle to go traveling somewhere else late at night when you are jet lagged and exhausted.

It is a practical way to do it if you are someone who only wants a place to crash for the night, and like to get up early and leave right away in the morning to be one of the first to board the ship.

But it is not for those who want to relax in a scenic resort type atmosphere where you sleep late the next morning, have a leisurely breakfast, lounge around and spend your time enjoying the hotel's facilities before leaving for the port.

Do you mean the Radisson Ambassador? We got it on Priceline last Nov and it was fine. We enjoyed the Caribe Hilton more but it was also more money. If you are just there from 1 am until you leave for the ship the Radisson will be fine.

Good to hear it was fine. We stayed at the Hilton Condado last time and have also stayed at the Intercontinental, the Mariott and the Courtyard Isla Verde. All of these were running double what we got the Radisson Ambassador for.

After staying at the Hilton Condado we decided we like this area best.

Personally, even if arriving late I wouldn't want to stay at the airport. I look forward to getting up early and going for a big walk including a visit to the beach.

Might only be one night for us and how late we get there I'm not sure. It it's really late I'm thinking we might only want to do the short walk to the hotel then get up late in the morning and go to the ship. Still weighing all the options.

It depends on what type of hotel experience you are looking for.

 

We stayed at the SJU airport hotel only once after a very late flight arrival, so the others reporting here likely have more experience with it than we do.

 

The big advantage is getting off the plane and having your hotel room right there waiting for you. There is no need to first start taking a taxi or shuttle to go traveling somewhere else late at night when you are jet lagged and exhausted.

 

It is a practical way to do it if you are someone who only wants a place to crash for the night, and like to get up early and leave right away in the morning to be one of the first to board the ship.

 

But it is not for those who want to relax in a scenic resort type atmosphere where you sleep late the next morning, have a leisurely breakfast, lounge around and spend your time enjoying the hotel's facilities before leaving for the port.