SIlly hotel question

[luvdisney2010]

We just returned from a cruise on the Victory. We will be returning to San Juan next Christmas to cruise on the Adventure of the Seas. We wanted to make hotel reservations now. The non-chain sites have 55+ of the hotels already booked; however when I try to go to the hotel chain sites directly, some do not let me book into December 2012. Do you all really think that many of the hotels are already booked? Do you think it is just that the chains haven't opened the rooms up yet? I am in a panic because I don't know if I should book a more expensive, less desirable place simply to have a room, if I should try to go through the cruise line (which we never do), or if I should wait and hope for rooms to open up. I would hate to not have a room. We can fly in the day our ship leaves, but my in-laws cannot. I also don't know what my parents' plans are. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions on possible ideas.

[kdooley]

I think you should wait a bit, I don't think they are sold out. They may have a block on them for the Cruise Companies. But, I don't think you have to worry about not finding a good hotel room in San Jaun, except if you wanted one in Downtown, like the Sheraton by the Carnival dock.

 

We cruised out of San Juan last Christmas and had stayed the night (Dec 17th) before in the Marriott (La Concha). The room price changed several times between June and December, but the hotel never sold out. We got the best rate in mid-December when they were trying to fill the hotel!

[Host Faith]

I agree, I think you should wait a while. We stayed at La Concha pre-cruise this year, and the prices changed every few weeks as we got closer to the cruise date. Looks like you can't currently book a hotel through the Marriott website past November 2012.

 

I would wait a month or so, then book. I've been to San Juan a couple times in the past 3 years or so, and have never seen the hotels completely sold out. No worries :)

[luvdisney2010]

Thanks everyone! I have convinced DH to wait. It turns out that since we are sailing from the Pan Am pier, it might be better to stay in Condado (where we were hoping to stay anyway), and I found a site that has really good prices. I will watch that site along with the others as things get closer. Happy sailings!

[kdooley]

The Marriott La Concha is in the Condado area, along with the other Marriott (Stellas, I think?). We liked this location because you could take the public bus to the Old San Juan area for the day before you go over to the ship (saving on Taxi fare). The stop was right out front of the hotel and it was about $1 each way. The bus dropped you near the Free Trolley stop, near the dock area, but one block back so you could get a seat before the cruise passengers got on.

[Host Faith]

The Marriott La Concha is in the Condado area, along with the other Marriott (Stellas, I think?). We liked this location because you could take the public bus to the Old San Juan area for the day before you go over to the ship (saving on Taxi fare). The stop was right out front of the hotel and it was about $1 each way. The bus dropped you near the Free Trolley stop, near the dock area, but one block back so you could get a seat before the cruise passengers got on.

 

Yes, we love La Concha. Our favorite hotel in San Juan :)

[thegratefuldad]

I beleive, because it's happening to me, if you try and book a hotel more than a year in advance, most of the sites I've checked say No rooms available rather than saying they dont book more than a year in advance.:cool:

 

We just returned from a cruise on the Victory. We will be returning to San Juan next Christmas to cruise on the Adventure of the Seas. We wanted to make hotel reservations now. The non-chain sites have 55+ of the hotels already booked; however when I try to go to the hotel chain sites directly, some do not let me book into December 2012. Do you all really think that many of the hotels are already booked? Do you think it is just that the chains haven't opened the rooms up yet? I am in a panic because I don't know if I should book a more expensive, less desirable place simply to have a room, if I should try to go through the cruise line (which we never do), or if I should wait and hope for rooms to open up. I would hate to not have a room. We can fly in the day our ship leaves, but my in-laws cannot. I also don't know what my parents' plans are. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions on possible ideas.

[legalwife]

I beleive, because it's happening to me, if you try and book a hotel more than a year in advance, most of the sites I've checked say No rooms available rather than saying they dont book more than a year in advance.:cool:

 

You are quite correct on this. That is exactly what is happening.

[sorvillo]

Thank you for sharing and good luck with the thread.

[megr1125]

Right...most hotel websites only let you book about 330 days out..

 

there are several marriott brands..

 

Renaissance La Concha

 

San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino (commonly, though incorrectly, referred to often as the Marriott Stellaris...the CASINO is named Stellaris the hotel is the San Juan Marriott resort...)

 

and there are 2 courtyards, one in Isla Verde and one in Miramar, close to Condado...PLUS the Ritz Carlton over by the airport...

 

hope that helps.....