San Juan Hotels

[isyer1]

Does Anyone have some suggestions? Experiences?

Thanks in Advance!!

[Amtrack Springfield]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in January for one night. We had four rooms and the price was pretty good compared to other hotels. We wanted the Sherton in Old San Juan but it was sold out. This hotel is about a block from the beach, Walgreens, and some great places to eat dinner. It offers a good breakfast. I would check it out.

[mizLORInj]

I stayed at the Sheraton in Old San Juan. Princess ships come in right across the street!

[isyer1]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in January for one night. We had four rooms and the price was pretty good compared to other hotels. We wanted the Sherton in Old San Juan but it was sold out. This hotel is about a block from the beach, Walgreens, and some great places to eat dinner. It offers a good breakfast. I would check it out.

 

 

Thanks, How far is the Hotel from the Port?

[Stevesan]

Thanks, How far is the Hotel from the Port?

 

The holiday Inn Express is in Condado, about 15 minute cab ride.

 

http://www.langland.org/cruises/sanjuan.asp

[Simru12]

In April of '06, we stayed at Hotel Milano (www.hotelmilanopr.com) The room was very clean and comfortable (although ask for one in the back to avoid street noise). They have the only roof-top restaurant in Old San Juan, and if you're up early enough in the morning you can watch your ship come in.

 

It is walkable to the pier, however we cabbed simply for the convenience of not having to haul luggage. Took about 5 minutes at a cost of about $8 including tip.

 

The website says 2-day minimum on weekends, but we were able to get just one night by calling and telling them we were doing a cruise.

 

Lots in the area to see as well, if you want to venture out before going to the pier.

[isyer1]

In April of '06, we stayed at Hotel Milano (www.hotelmilanopr.com) The room was very clean and comfortable (although ask for one in the back to avoid street noise). They have the only roof-top restaurant in Old San Juan, and if you're up early enough in the morning you can watch your ship come in.

 

It is walkable to the pier, however we cabbed simply for the convenience of not having to haul luggage. Took about 5 minutes at a cost of about $8 including tip.

 

The website says 2-day minimum on weekends, but we were able to get just one night by calling and telling them we were doing a cruise.

 

Lots in the area to see as well, if you want to venture out before going to the pier.

 

I spoke to the folks at the Milano and it looks like we are going to stay there. They seemed very nice and they were tuned into the Cruise customer.

 

Is there a liquor Store near by?

[lskoob]

Is there a liquor Store near by?

 

We sailed on the Crown Princess last year from San Juan. If you're wanting to purchase liquor to take on board, there is a tax-free store inside the embarkation facility. It is the last thing you see before going thru Security and boarding the ship. I purchased a couple of bottles (really good prices) and carried them onto the ship with no problem.

 

Lori

[usha]

Priceline rocks! I bid for a resort hotel in San Juan two years in a row and got San Juan Marriot Resort both times. One year, bid was $93, next year $97.

San Juan Marriot's price is normally well over $300 a night.

[dudboom]

We have stayed at the Milano and loved it. The location is great. But, we got a room with 2 beds to give us more room. Our friends had only one bed and were complaining about the small room.

[Colo Cruiser]

Caribe Hilton would be one of my first choices. :)

[bhopal21]

Priceline rocks! I bid for a resort hotel in San Juan two years in a row and got San Juan Marriot Resort both times. One year, bid was $93, next year $97.

San Juan Marriot's price is normally well over $300 a night.

 

We have done the same and stayed at the Marriott Stellaris Resort & Casino twice for about $99. There are some great restaurants within an easy walk in the Condado district.

 

Mike:)

[NeurosurgeryNP]

We have done the same and stayed at the Marriott Stellaris Resort & Casino twice for about $99. There are some great restaurants within an easy walk in the Condado district.

 

Mike:)

With Priceline, how do you know you are not going to get a cheesy hotel with your bid, it is a blind bid, isn't it? Is the Marriott in Old San Juan Do you have to accept the hotel given if you win the bid?

[NeurosurgeryNP]

I stayed at the Sheraton in Old San Juan. Princess ships come in right across the street!

Did the Sheraton have any pool/hot tub facilities? Was the pool area nice?

 

Also, I did look here, but the rates were over $200 per night plus resort fee - this sounded kind of steep, especially when we are goung to be there for 3 nights.

[Colo Cruiser]

Did the Sheraton have any pool/hot tub facilities? Was the pool area nice?

 

Also, I did look here, but the rates were over $200 per night plus resort fee - this sounded kind of steep, especially when we are goung to be there for 3 nights.

 

 

 

I read an unfavorable review of that hotel recently in someones review. :)

[Melissa5920]

Last month I stayed at the Courtyard Miramar, it was nice. Great hotel for a quick over night. It's a pretty quite area with a pharmacy/grocery store across the street. This is about a 10 min cab ride to the old san juan pier.

[NeurosurgeryNP]

We are currently booked at the Courtyard Isla Verde. Apparently nice. Anyone know the area near by - i.e. drug store/grocery store? I know it is right near the airport.

Also - what is the driving situation in Old San Juan - i.e. - if we got a rental car - is this advisable? I think we are going to get a car for at least one day as we want to go to the El Yunque Park and do the Bacardi tour - don't know if these are possible without a car (maybe the Bacardi tour is).

 

Anyone know how far a trip Vieques Island is from SJ? Heard about the bio bay phenomenon. Would live to see this.

[Colo Cruiser]

Anyone know how far a trip Vieques Island is from SJ? Heard about the bio bay phenomenon. Would live to see this.

 

 

 

Vieques is a long haul. By the time you get to town (then ferry to the island) most of the excursions stay over night (for the viewing) on the Island so you need at least 2 days. ;)

[NeurosurgeryNP]

Thanks for the info - maybe next time.

 

Have you ever driven in SJ?

[bhopal21]

With Priceline, how do you know you are not going to get a cheesy hotel with your bid, it is a blind bid, isn't it? Is the Marriott in Old San Juan Do you have to accept the hotel given if you win the bid?

 

You can see the name of the hotel/resort.

 

And from what I have seen while we were in SJ, I would not attempt driving there. The freeways are okay; but you get on some of the side streets and you could have a very expensive rental car bill upon turn in.:D

 

Taxis are not that expensive there and you know what it is going to cost before you get in.

 

Mike:)

[NeurosurgeryNP]

You can see the name of the hotel/resort.

 

And from what I have seen while we were in SJ, I would not attempt driving there. The freeways are okay; but you get on some of the side streets and you could have a very expensive rental car bill upon turn in.:D

 

Taxis are not that expensive there and you know what it is going to cost before you get in.

 

Mike:)

 

Do you have to take the room if you win the bid? Or can you turn down their offer? Thanks.

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the info - maybe next time.

 

Have you ever driven in SJ?

 

Yes several times. It is very easy and once out of downtown SJ it is much better. :)

[NeurosurgeryNP]

Priceline rocks! I bid for a resort hotel in San Juan two years in a row and got San Juan Marriot Resort both times. One year, bid was $93, next year $97.

San Juan Marriot's price is normally well over $300 a night.

How many stars is this hotel? I am kind of afraid to use Priceline as I can not cancel the reservation if they accept my bid, correct?

[bhopal21]

How many stars is this hotel? I am kind of afraid to use Priceline as I can not cancel the reservation if they accept my bid, correct?

 

Whether or not you use Priceline or book direct you will find this the case in many ports.

 

We are booked directly with a hotel in Acapulco for an upcoming cruise and there are no refunds for cancellations; but we got a good rate.;)

Now if you want to pay $300 per night, usually it is refundable within a certain period of time.

 

Mike:)

[Elizabeth K.]

I recommend you go to the ports of call thread for SJ. There is a great thread on hotels and what people are getting on Priceline. It helped me alot when I went there pre cruise a few months ago. I was rebelling against the high hotel rates that seem to stick us pre-cruise folks :( and just wanted something decent for 1 night without paying $200.00. We stayed in the Normandy, less than 10 min. from the port for less than 1/2 the price of our friends staying at the Sheaton OSJ. It was a 3 star for 149/nt with more charm and character than say a Holiday Inn. For 1 -2 nts I'd have no problem staying there again, but you do have to taxi to the port.

 

The one turn-off for me at the Sheraton OSJ was the major line for check in when we went to meet our friends there. Its a tiny lobby and there must have been 30 -40 people crammed in there waiting to check in. Not enough staff. Yikes:eek:

 

But if you use Priceline, you are charged immediately if your bid is accepted. But you bid on a category and neighborhood such as 3 stars, 4 stars, etc and then a specific area and you will get something within that category, or sometimes a higher star level. But check out that thread for lots of info.Enjoy your cruise.