Help in San Juan? April 15, 2005

We are looking for a pre-cruise stay in San Juan. we will likely only have time for dinner and then to hand out before boarding (maybe a few hours to hang out the first day) so it doesn't have to be fancy, but we don't want a dump or someplace too far or unsafe.

Is there any hope of finding anything this early? Everthing I have seen is so pricey, even Hotwire is $200 for cheapest. Any thoughts?

I would recommend booking a cancellable hotel now, then take your time to see if you can find a nicer hotel at a better price. I booked the Comfort Inn. I'm still looking...but it looks like this is where we'll be staying. The hotel prices in San Juan are high and not many bargains to be found on Hotwire or Priceline, especially during high season. You may have better luck in April, as I do not think it is high season. I'm so glad I booked the backup, because many of the hotels are now completely booked, including the Comfort Inn.

WE stayed at the El Convento in Old San Juan. We loved it. We ate at the Armadais(not sure of spelling) It was great also. Excellent food. We were with 4 other couples and everyone still rave about it. El Convento has a web site.

ElConvento.com We got the best deal by calling them and talking with them over the phone. They are nice people. It is close to the pier, El Moro and shops, has a nice bar inside. Saturday night local bands set up in locations around Old San Juan and entertain.

Before our last cruise, even with a 10 pm arrival, we were able to enjoy the pool and grounds at the Intercontintal. We got it thru Hotwire for $135, and this was during spring break. I've been checking Hotwire and the prices for 'resort' are actually higher than Expedia- where you know what you're getting. My understanding is that the rooms don't get released until 6-8 weeks out, or even less. We hope to 'win' the Hilton. I joined Hhonors. Some have said that if you are a member and call the hotel after winning a room to verify beds etc. and give them your # you will get all the extras... late checkout, hor'douves and drinks, express check in. I also became a Wyndam-by-request member just in case they have any 24 hour sales.

We stayed in November at the Intercontinental and the Embassy Suites in Isla Verde by the airport. Both hotels were very nice and had great pool areas, but not quite up to what you'd find on the mainland. Check out the Intercontinental's website for pre-pay rates which were pretty reasonable if you book far enough in advance.

We are looking for a pre-cruise stay in San Juan. we will likely only have time for dinner and then to hand out before boarding (maybe a few hours to hang out the first day) so it doesn't have to be fancy, but we don't want a dump or someplace too far or unsafe.

 

Is there any hope of finding anything this early? Everthing I have seen is so pricey, even Hotwire is $200 for cheapest. Any thoughts?

Hi

I just got Comfort Inn for 4/23/05 for $71.20 plus tax/fees going through smarterliving.com :D

My flight gets to San Juan at 10:30 p.m. so I have even a shorter hotel stay than you do. Thought this would work since mostly just need a safe, clean place to sleep.

We've stayed at the C Inn during a past cruise departing from S Juan. We are not fussy when it comes to hotels. Like others we are looking for a safe and clean place to spend the night after a late flight arrival and heading to the pier first thing the next day. C Inn is nothing to write home about. However, after looking at the other hotels in the area the next day in the daylight realized most are that way!

Not sure if this will be much help, but downloading http://www.travelaxe.com (it's free) will give you the lowest rates for a bunch of different clearing houses. Remember that these aren't all of them. There may be others cheaper, but a good starting point. Hotwire just emailed me of a price drop (4* dropped to $325- not much better than the hotel web site) And checking this far out on Travelaxe actually had the 4* the same as the hotel fares, but many showed a decent discount.

If you are planning a pre/post cruise stay in PR or any U.S. port and you are a government employee, you can receive Govt. rates on hotels. I just booked the Sheraton Old San Juan at a Govt. rate of $155.00 per night. I always do a pre-cruise stay for 2 days and a 3 to 4 post cruise stay. I also booked the Wyndham Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino for a Govt. rate of $175.00 per night. I'm sure these rates would apply internationally also, since many hotels are chains and honor govt. rates. You must have your Govt. I.D. at check-in. Ist a world of differenced in price.

Sheraton Old San Juan: Best Available - $309 p/n (Govt. %155.00 p/n)

Wyndham Condado Plaza: Best Avail. - $357 p/n (Govt. $175.00 p/n)

Just something to think about in the event you were not aware of it.

John

I just got a terrific! rate on the Sheraton for 4/09/05 thru hotwire

JayHJay,

What sailing are you on? DW and I will be in San Juan on the 115th also. We are sailing the Golden Princess on April 15th.

John

It appears as though Hotwire has recently reduced the rates at the Sheraton Old San Juan. I just purchased this hotel tonight for a pre-cruise stay on 04/22/05 for $84. You may want to check this out for your dates.

I think I will definitely do that...what a great deal.

John