San Juan, PR

[HeyPaul413]

Looking for a pre-cruise hotel in San Juan. I would like to be on the beach, casino, fine dining. A nice bar would be a bonus with cold beer and good vodka. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, Paul

[Tomato53]

I'd suggest you look at either the Marriott Stellaris or the Renaissance La Concha. Both are in the Condado area and there are shops and restaurants (we enjoyed Jam Rum Bar) in that area. Both have beach access - it's nice for a "city" beach.

 

We stayed at the Marriott in April and liked it. Very nice pool area and it has a casino. Not sure whether the Renaissance has a casino, but it is within walking distance of the Marriott.

[World Member]

Hilton caribe is agood location

[RMorningglory]

I know a lot of people like the Condado but for my money it's Isla Verde all the way. You have a better group of choices with easy safe walking between the properties and the beaches are great. Short trip to the Airport as well. The only draw back is that you are far from Old San Juan. I have a solution to that: Wait till you check in on the ship and go from there. Ships usually leave late from San Juan so no reason not to take in the evening in an Old San Juan restaurant and wander around the shops in the late afternoon or evening.

 

I recommend the Ritz Carlton San Juan or the Intercontinental. Il Mulino and BLT are in the Ritz. Ruth's Chris is in the Intercontinental. We have sailed from PR many times and still go to these properties for a quick get away once a year or so. I swear we go just to eat at Il Mulino.;)

[Rotterdam]

We were in the Condado area last year after a few years away....they have done a great deal of renovation in that area( we were at La Concha)...saying that, I did not feel safe walking around the area even during the day.....I have been going to PR since the 1970's and rented apartments & stayed in hotels over the years...when the drugs & crime took over I stopped going. After hearing much good news about PR we decided to give it another try. Oh well.

 

Rmorningglory has a good compromise...stay at the Ritz Carlton & see Old San Juan on boarding day. Just keep you eyes open.

[HeyPaul413]

Thanks for all of your responses. They were a big help. I am going to go with the Ritz. Another question, what time can I board the Jewel of the Seas if it departs at 8:30pm?