hotels to stay in in san juan

[cen822]

Family and I are on AOS leaving Sa Juan on 4/8/06.......just wondering if anyone has stayed either at Comfort Inn San Juan or the Courtyard by Marriott and what your thoughts on these hotels are. If anyone has stayed elsewhere would love to hear from you as well.

[thatbloominplace]

i have not stayed at either of those hotels. i have, however been to the westin rio mar twice, once for a week and once for a 3-day pre-cruise. it is on the northeast coast near el yunque and luquillo beach. it is too far, i think, for less than at least a 2-day pre-cruise. on the other hand, it is closer to the sights that are more of the nature variety and the drive is easily made with a rental car. the pool and beach are excellent, decent although expensive food at the hotel, good real puerto rican food within easy driving, and a small but decent casino. have been to san juan many times, so we prefer to experience more of what we feel is the 'real' puerto rico. whever you stay, try to get off property and experience the culture that awaits.

[Dave4120]

Hello...We have sailed out of San Juan on 3 occasions and have always stayed at the Caribe Hilton. Yes, it is a bit more expensive, but we have taken the attitude of we're on vacation, so what's a few extra dollars. The Caribe Hilton has a great beach area, wonderful outdoor pool and pool bar, and some great restaurants, including the world famous Morton's Steakhouse.

 

If you do decide to stay at the Caribe, make sure you tell them you want to stay in the tower section, because it is farily new. Rooms that are located in the building that houses the lobby and reservations desk are older and at least to us, not something we would prefer to be in.

 

I think the next time we might look at the Radison and Embassy Suites. The are both fairly new, and located just outside the airport, which makes things nice getting back and forth.

 

Hope this helps a bit.

 

Dave

[5soonerfans]

We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott this summer when we missed a flight to Nevis because our plane had trouble over Miami and we had to fly back and change planes. It was okay, but nothing great. Kind of old and dark. I don't know how much the rooms are because American Airlines paid for everything. The food at the restaurant was okay, but not great. The casino was fun and the beach was good. You are close to the airport. If you are just wanting a place to stay for the night before you sail, it might be fine if the price is good. Also, I might be a little bias towards the negative, since we weren't in the happiest mood for having to be a day late for our vacation in Nevis. That is a great place to go!

[CCCCreg]

We just returned from our sailing on AOS and stayed the pre-night at the Caribe Hilton. Awesome pool area and beach! We booked through RCCL and got a room on the executive floor which included evening cocktails and snacks from 5-7 and continental breakfast in the AM. The transfers were from RCCL since we booked the pre-night with them. We boarded the bus at the hotel at 1:00, left for the ship at 1:05 and were having a drink in the Viking Crown lounge by 1:30. Our luggage was left at the hotel and transported later by RCCL but was at our room by 5:00 PM. We had a late flight the following Sunday and went back to the Hilton and got day passes for $25 pp. Off the ship by 9:00 and in the pool before 9:30. Took the sting out of leaving the ship!

[beachbm213]

First time we stayed at larger Old Town hotel, think it was then a Wyndam but changed recently? Good location, roof top pool and hot tub which was fun at night but NO use during the day-too crowded.

Then we attempted to book the Hilton Caribe but was under construction and ended up at the Condado Plaza (sp?) which was nice but took over an hour to check in!

BEST? Marriott-least expensive-nice room, great pool area, breakfast buffet.

Guess it depends what you are looking for.

Enjoy!

[Tropicislandluver]

We have never been to San Juan before, but are staying there the day our ship disenbarks in October. We will be staying at the El Convento I believe it is called. A hotel that had been a convent built back in the 1600's. It looks beautiful from it's website photos. We looked into staying at more modern facilities but thought that we would like more of the old culture. I will let you know how it was when we return.

[missbear]

It really depends on what you are looking for, do you want beach, or local flavor? After looking at many hotel options, I've opted for El Convento for my own vacation because I like quirky and historic, and don't mind some luxury. But if you want beach, El Convento's not a good choice.

[hermang]

First time we stayed at larger Old Town hotel, think it was then a Wyndam but changed recently? Good location, roof top pool and hot tub which was fun at night but NO use during the day-too crowded.

Then we attempted to book the Hilton Caribe but was under construction and ended up at the Condado Plaza (sp?) which was nice but took over an hour to check in!

BEST? Marriott-least expensive-nice room, great pool area, breakfast buffet.

Guess it depends what you are looking for.

Enjoy!

If this is the hotel I am thinking of on Brumbaugh St - it is now the Sheraton Old San Juan. Very nicely located for dinner about 2-3 blocks from Calle Ft.Elieza and a great place called Mufungo for breakfast just across the portico from the Sheraton

[bouhunter]

Another vote for the Caribe Hilton. We spent a week there last February and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[cen822]

thank you all for the info.....we have a ways to go till our cruise 4-06......but will definitely look at all the suggestions provided.