San Juan Hotels

[cindik]

Leaving on Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan in December 2018. Need a nice, beachfront hotel for the night before cruise close to port. Any suggestions? Have never been to San Juan, looking forward to t!

[nutterbutter818]

There is a Sheraton across the street from the cruise terminal. We didn't stay in it but we saw it on our visit last year and it looked nice. There is a cool hotel that used to be a convent called El Convento. It is not beachfront but I thought it was cool and close to everything. I would guess it to be a mile or two from the cruise terminal. We usually stay in Airbnbs.

[MeganGC1983]

There are a lot of boutique hotels in OSJ. We are staying at the Decanter Hotel in Sept. I'll report back after. Also, I've heard good things about Casa Blanca. Neither of those are beachfront, but they are a few blocks away from the port and the trolleys are up and running.

 

 

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[Hotel CA]

Marriott Stellaris is nice--located next to a CVS foe last min needs and close to fabulous Beachfront restaurant (Oceania) for special dinner--nice place

[robandlil]

Beachfront hotels or condos near the port are on Isla Verde. Use that in your search. We’re staying at Hilton curio. Less expensive would be Hampton inn (2 block walk to beach) and free breakfast.

The beach in the Condado area is a lagoon.

[pghsteelerfan]

We've stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott - Isla Verde, twice now and both times were for one night, pre cruise. It's right on Isla Verde Beach, which we found to be very nice and it's also wide beach. Since our flights arrived between 11:30am and noon both times, we have been able to enjoy the afternoons relaxing on the beach. They also have a very nice pool area. They have a beach grill and a bar and the pool has a swim-up bar. There are places to eat inside, including a buffet. They also have a casino, small gift shop. Both times for us, check out the next day was noon and we were able to get a cab right from the hotel to the cruise ship. Both times we've stayed there, there have been several cabs waiting out front and they get you a cab right after you check out. The cab ride to the Carnival terminal is only 15 - 20 minutes. We had checked at the prices of hotels on the beach in the Condado area (a little closer to the cruise terminal) but found those to be over our budget. We really liked the Courtyard - Isla Verde and that will be our "go to" anytime we take a cruise out of San Juan.

[pe4all]

We have stayed at the InterContinental on Isla Verde, and also the Holiday Inn, Condado. The IC is right on the beach, and the HI was across the street. Had good stays at both. (we are IHG members and used our free anniversary night for our stays.)

[Toesinthewater728]

We stayed at the hotel attached to the Casino Del Sol and it was beautiful and a very fair value.

 

https://www.sjcourtyard.com/accommodations-en.html

[cindik]

We've stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott - Isla Verde, twice now and both times were for one night, pre cruise. It's right on Isla Verde Beach, which we found to be very nice and it's also wide beach. Since our flights arrived between 11:30am and noon both times, we have been able to enjoy the afternoons relaxing on the beach. They also have a very nice pool area. They have a beach grill and a bar and the pool has a swim-up bar. There are places to eat inside, including a buffet. They also have a casino, small gift shop. Both times for us, check out the next day was noon and we were able to get a cab right from the hotel to the cruise ship. Both times we've stayed there, there have been several cabs waiting out front and they get you a cab right after you check out. The cab ride to the Carnival terminal is only 15 - 20 minutes. We had checked at the prices of hotels on the beach in the Condado area (a little closer to the cruise terminal) but found those to be over our budget. We really liked the Courtyard - Isla Verde and that will be our "go to" anytime we take a cruise out of San Juan.

 

I have been looking at this hotel, think this is what we will do. Thanks so much. Helps to hear from someone who has stayed there!

[pghsteelerfan]

I have been looking at this hotel, think this is what we will do. Thanks so much. Helps to hear from someone who has stayed there!

 

You are very welcome. :)

[njhorseman]

I have been looking at this hotel, think this is what we will do. Thanks so much. Helps to hear from someone who has stayed there!

 

We often stay at this hotel, and in fact spent a week there just last month. You should be aware of the fact that the hotel is across the street from SJU's main runway and as a result you'll hear airplanes landing and taking off throughout the day and even some during overnight hours. We got used to it very quickly when we first stayed there years ago so the noise doesn't bother us, but if you're sensitive to that type of thing the hotel may not be for you.

 

Also I suspect the poster whose recommendation you're relying on hasn't stayed there for a couple of years because the buffet they mention no longer exists at dinner. There is a breakfast buffet however. Dinner service is available of course...but just not buffet style.

 

You should also know that the hotel is a bit isolated. There are no other open hotels, or restaurants, in the Courtyard's immediate area. I said "open hotels" because the two closest hotels, the Ritz - Carlton and El San Juan, which were also two of the nicest hotels in the San Juan area, have not reopened since Hurricane Maria, and it may be some time before they open again. The latest from Marriott Corp. states that the Ritz-Carlton isn't expected to reopen until the second quarter of 2019. We often would walk to the Ritz-Carlton to eat in the BLT Steak restaurant there, and I liked their casino better than the Courtyard's.

 

All that having been said I'm sure we'll be back at the Courtyard later this year, but I wanted you to have a more complete current picture of the hotel and area.

[Ron_L]

He stayed at the Hilton Condado and loved it. They have a nice beach area and it is convenient to OSJ and an easy walk down Ashford Ave. to bars and restaurants.

[SeeingTheWorldBySea]

There is a Sheraton across the street from the cruise terminal. We didn't stay in it but we saw it on our visit last year and it looked nice. There is a cool hotel that used to be a convent called El Convento. It is not beachfront but I thought it was cool and close to everything. I would guess it to be a mile or two from the cruise terminal. We usually stay in Airbnbs.

 

Would you do an AirBnB for just one night? I've never used it before but am looking into this option for Jan 2019 as we have 6 adults and 2 children in our party.

[skivy]

I like La Concha in Condado. The Intercontinental in Isla Verde.

I have rebooked both this December as they both have great access to the beaches. I really like the pools, hot tubs and the grounds at the Intercontinental. I also like taking long walks on the beach.

I like the restaurants and easy access to Old San Juan from La Concha. ( I have even walked it. About a 4 mile walk but following the north shore some of the sights can’t be beat. )

Have a great time.

 

 

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[ymncruise]

We stayed at the Serafina Beach Hotel in Condado. Nice new hotel. It’s a short uber ride to the pier.

[JMcgo1979]

I'm going on the 9-22-18 to 9-29-18 Freedom of the Seas crew. My wife and I are getting in a few days earlier and are staying at the Hyatt Place San Juan/City Center for $150 a night. It looks like a beautiful hotel and can't wait for the entire trip.

 

https://sanjuancitycenter.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

[DISFANS3]

We will be staying a The Casa Blanca next March. Hope for the best...

[PhoenixCruiser]

We booked connecting rooms - 2 bedroom 2 bath at the Embassy Suites and Casino. The original price was high however it has since gone down. This is for August.

 

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[kdawg954]

Just did the Hampton Inn pre cruise 2 weeks ago. Really great hotel.

 

So it’s not beachfront, more of an easy 10 minute stroll but they give you access to beach chairs, a cooler, umbrella and beach towels to take with you (all easily carried with back straps and are lightweight).

 

Free hot breakfast

Free internet and free access to the business center where I printed all my cruise paperwork for free

Free 2 hour Happy Hour (M to Sa). The rum punch was good.

Swim Up bar and pool grill with really good food.

The rooms are updated and rather modern

 

I honestly could of stayed there several days and just chilled. It was perfect. Plenty of food options nearby and stores very close.

 

The only negative was I wish the “hot pool” was more of a jacuzzi with bubbles but it still was a good vibe without them.

[maggie cruises]

Just did the Hampton Inn pre cruise 2 weeks ago. Really great hotel.

 

So it’s not beachfront, more of an easy 10 minute stroll but they give you access to beach chairs, a cooler, umbrella and beach towels to take with you (all easily carried with back straps and are lightweight).

 

Free hot breakfast

Free internet and free access to the business center where I printed all my cruise paperwork for free

Free 2 hour Happy Hour (M to Sa). The rum punch was good.

Swim Up bar and pool grill with really good food.

The rooms are updated and rather modern

 

I honestly could of stayed there several days and just chilled. It was perfect. Plenty of food options nearby and stores very close.

 

The only negative was I wish the “hot pool” was more of a jacuzzi with bubbles but it still was a good vibe without them.

 

 

 

Wow I just booked a suite room here. Glad to hear that that they have beach chairs and towels for you to borrow!!!

 

Please tell me more!!!! How close is cvs or Walgreens? Did you feel safe walking to beach? Etc etc? Tell me everything. Lol

 

 

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[mamax2]

I'm going on the 9-22-18 to 9-29-18 Freedom of the Seas crew. My wife and I are getting in a few days earlier and are staying at the Hyatt Place San Juan/City Center for $150 a night. It looks like a beautiful hotel and can't wait for the entire trip.

 

https://sanjuancitycenter.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

 

 

We are on the same cruise and staying at the same hotel. :D

[kdawg954]

Wow I just booked a suite room here. Glad to hear that that they have beach chairs and towels for you to borrow!!!

 

Please tell me more!!!! How close is cvs or Walgreens? Did you feel safe walking to beach? Etc etc? Tell me everything. Lol

 

 

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It really was a great pre cruise stay.

 

First off, the staff was great. Feel free to ask them anything. They are always eager to assist and with a smile.

 

The beach towels are in the pool area. The chairs come with a built in cooler and umbrella. I literally placed those chairs 10 feet from the water on the beach and relaxed. Reasonably priced beach bar right there.

 

It can’t be stressed how easy it was to carry the chairs to the beach. Much easier than I thought it would be.

 

The pool bar makes terrific pool bar food. Excellent burgers and a really good vibe and great staff again.

 

Usually there is a CVS (or Walgreens I forgot) across the street but it was still closed since the hurricane as it took major damage. But walk out the hotel and go left and there is a market, CVS and a Walgreens within 10 minutes of walking.

 

I felt safe walking to the beach but I would be lying if I said it was this open carefree walk. It is more of an alley with many cars parked and some driving through but once you go for about 5 minutes it opens up. You can walk down further when you exit the hotel and get a nicer walkway to the beach.

 

There are several good restaurants right there and I had plans to go to Metropol . . . .but I was having too good of a time at the beach bar and the food again was good food. Stayed in my swim trunks all day into the night.

 

Had heard the planes were noisy . . . It honestly became part of the ambiance to me . . . But when I checked in a guy gave me some advice to stay on the left side of the hotel (when facing check in desk) as it is away from the airport. Still it was not an issue at all.

 

I was able to check in at 10:30 am and had a room which was great after the flight. Had I gotten there earlier they would of let me had breakfast that morning but it closes at 10.

 

Breakfast was solid. I do wish it was more Puerto Rican but they had 2 waffle makers, pancakes, 2 egg dishes, 2 meats, yogurt, fresh fruit, cinnamon buns, bagels, cereal, coffee, juice, etc.

 

Happy hour was much appreciated. Snacks nothing fancy but the rum punch was good. Again it was awesome for free lol.

 

Seriously it was a 5 star stay for me . . . You will have a great time.

[maggie cruises]

It really was a great pre cruise stay.

 

 

 

First off, the staff was great. Feel free to ask them anything. They are always eager to assist and with a smile.

 

 

 

The beach towels are in the pool area. The chairs come with a built in cooler and umbrella. I literally placed those chairs 10 feet from the water on the beach and relaxed. Reasonably priced beach bar right there.

 

 

 

It can’t be stressed how easy it was to carry the chairs to the beach. Much easier than I thought it would be.

 

 

 

The pool bar makes terrific pool bar food. Excellent burgers and a really good vibe and great staff again.

 

 

 

Usually there is a CVS (or Walgreens I forgot) across the street but it was still closed since the hurricane as it took major damage. But walk out the hotel and go left and there is a market, CVS and a Walgreens within 10 minutes of walking.

 

 

 

I felt safe walking to the beach but I would be lying if I said it was this open carefree walk. It is more of an alley with many cars parked and some driving through but once you go for about 5 minutes it opens up. You can walk down further when you exit the hotel and get a nicer walkway to the beach.

 

 

 

There are several good restaurants right there and I had plans to go to Metropol . . . .but I was having too good of a time at the beach bar and the food again was good food. Stayed in my swim trunks all day into the night.

 

 

 

Had heard the planes were noisy . . . It honestly became part of the ambiance to me . . . But when I checked in a guy gave me some advice to stay on the left side of the hotel (when facing check in desk) as it is away from the airport. Still it was not an issue at all.

 

 

 

I was able to check in at 10:30 am and had a room which was great after the flight. Had I gotten there earlier they would of let me had breakfast that morning but it closes at 10.

 

 

 

Breakfast was solid. I do wish it was more Puerto Rican but they had 2 waffle makers, pancakes, 2 egg dishes, 2 meats, yogurt, fresh fruit, cinnamon buns, bagels, cereal, coffee, juice, etc.

 

 

 

Happy hour was much appreciated. Snacks nothing fancy but the rum punch was good. Again it was awesome for free lol.

 

 

 

Seriously it was a 5 star stay for me . . . You will have a great time.

 

 

 

Thanks for the info

 

I reserved it without pre payment and totally refundable because I was having difficulty finding anything reasonable for 2 nights for a family of 6

 

Now to figure out the cabin and airfare logistics

 

I'm jumping to rccl from ncl because ncl has terrible itins to the southern Carib imho but also the $$$$$ are ridiculous on ncl for 2019.

 

 

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[LBumb]

staying at IC in september

using my ihg points

ill let everyone know

[maggie cruises]

What's the IC?

 

 

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