San Juan - Hotel Recommendations?

[PandJcritics]

Greetings!

 

We are booked on an upcoming Celebrity cruise out of San Juan. We need a hotel recommendation! We'd like to be somewhere not too far from port, but somewhere that we can possibly walk to "Old San Juan".

 

Is this possible?

 

Any recommendations?

 

THANKS!

:cool:

[ILoveScotland]

Greetings!

 

We are booked on an upcoming Celebrity cruise out of San Juan. We need a hotel recommendation! We'd like to be somewhere not too far from port, but somewhere that we can possibly walk to "Old San Juan".

 

Is this possible?

 

Any recommendations?

 

THANKS!

:cool:

 

We won't be in San Juan until next January but am interested in the responses you get.

[Lsimon]

We recently stayed at the El Convento hotel. It was extremely nice and located in the heart of Old San Juan. A place with real character that I'd highly recommend. I think the building is a former covenant, once part of the San Juan Cathedral across the street, and that the original part of the building is over 300 years old. It is a bit on the high price side, but they do have a pre/post cruise special on their web site - although you have to call to get that rate - it isn't programmed into their we based reservations.

 

There are some other places in Old San Juan, newer modern places (Sheraton) and some in between places. Staying in Old San Juan was nice. I think the cabs to the Pan Am pier (Where Celebrity and RCCL embark from) were around $20, maybe slightly higher and took about 15 to 20 minuites. Cab ride in from airport was a couple dollars higher. Ours took a little over an hour as there was a big event in Old San Juan - cab driver was upset at traffic and said it normally isn't much more than 15 minutes.

 

Note that most other lines, and day stops at San Juan, dock right at Old San Juan.

[friendship]

We just stayed at El Convento and loved it. It was worth the money. It is very safe to walk around the area at night. Found a local restaurant with atmosphere. They have a wonderful wine and cheese reception every afternoon around the pool. Would stay there again for the experience.

[mocro]

We stayed there last summer en route to Vieques and it was unique and charming. Don't miss the afternoon wine and cheese party - very nice quality of both. I read on TripAdvisor that the hotel can set you up w/a private guide for a walking tour and we did that. David Lowlie gave us a four hour tour of Viejo San Juan including El Morro that was just unbelievable. We would have missed so much history if we hadn't taken David's tour. I don't remember the price, but it wasn't prohibitive. Have fun.

[JkyLovesRuss]

......from an Island native, this hotel is beautiful, you will love it! close to everything!

 

Rachel Ray stayed there when she stayed in San Juan. She did a show on it... anyway, back to the cruising boards! :)

 

Have a wonderful trip!

[CC2]

Just got back from a Celebrity Cruise. I stayed an extra day in San Juan. I spent a night at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel and Casino (I prefer Starwood hotels). Its a nice hotel, clean rooms and the casino is much better than the on on the Galaxy. My friends stayed at the Normandie; nice large lounge area, rooms were slightly larger but not as well kept, pool isn't that nice. We spent the day on the beach at the Hilton next door. It has a beautiful beach along the water. I would recommend the Sheraton if you just need a place to sleep. If you want the beach experience go to the Hilton, it is more expensive but you get what you pay for. FYI the price of taxi to airport from Sheraton was $20. I would highly recommend renting a car. You will easily spend alot more on taxi fare.

[SusieV]

We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Miramar last month and enjoyed it. I still found the price high ($150 US plus taxes/night) but it was very close to the pier and not far from the airport. I believe you'd need a taxi to Old San Juan though.

[jnv]

We have one night reserved at the Holiday Inn Express, prior to boarding on Summit next Jan 08. For San Juan the price was reasonable for Jan -$129 includes Cont. breakfast - location seems good for our needs, somewhere not far from airport and cruise port. Has anyone stayed at this facility and if so, any comments?