bike1964 Posted April 7, 2009 #1 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Anyone have any experience with this hotel? Looking for 1 night pre-cruise. Any advice/comments are appreciated. Thanks.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mew1 Posted April 7, 2009 #2 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Haven't stayed there yet, will May 16th, but did a lot of research and I am convinced, got a good price too. Booked directly with them. Mew1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bike1964 Posted April 7, 2009 Author #3 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Apparently the place is almost 100 years old and the elevators have like screens instead of doors? Price is right and the location is good.:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelling4life Posted April 7, 2009 #4 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Apparently, from readings on another post or from a website, the elevator was kept original with all updated inerds..ha ha for the sole reason of its uniqueness. It is abit slow but the ride is something you dont experience anymore in the more modern day. The hotel is old, but is just beautiful. Look into the pictures. I am staying this fall prior to my cruise. I am glad that they kept the original. That is wonderful. Its purpose is for the memory of the hotel and grabs your attention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtmalt Posted April 7, 2009 #5 Share Posted April 7, 2009 I'll just add that many of the rooms are interiors with no windows at all. If that's important to you, you'll want to choose the queen or king balcony suites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bike1964 Posted April 7, 2009 Author #6 Share Posted April 7, 2009 Thanks for the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messunderstood Posted April 10, 2009 #7 Share Posted April 10, 2009 We have this HoJo booked for our pre-cruise stay in October. I was able to get a rate of $120 after taxes per night (king w/ balcony) using AAA discount and pre-paying. The next best rate I could find was at the Hampton Inn in Isla Verde for about $133 post tax. Has anyone researched what stores (i.e. drugs store or grocery) are fairly close to the HoJo? When traveling by plan I prefer to buy my liquid toiletries once I get to my destination to save on luggage weight, space and possible spills. I'm thinking that those type of stores are not likely in OSJ and I'll need to take cab elsewhere, but maybe I assume too much? **this is my first posting....hello!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtmalt Posted April 10, 2009 #8 Share Posted April 10, 2009 We have this HoJo booked for our pre-cruise stay in October. I was able to get a rate of $120 after taxes per night (king w/ balcony) using AAA discount and pre-paying. The next best rate I could find was at the Hampton Inn in Isla Verde for about $133 post tax. Has anyone researched what stores (i.e. drugs store or grocery) are fairly close to the HoJo? When traveling by plan I prefer to buy my liquid toiletries once I get to my destination to save on luggage weight, space and possible spills. I'm thinking that those type of stores are not likely in OSJ and I'll need to take cab elsewhere, but maybe I assume too much? **this is my first posting....hello!! It's my understanding that there's a Walgreen's right on the square at Plaza de Armas, less than a block from the HoJo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayInPR Posted April 10, 2009 #9 Share Posted April 10, 2009 There are 2 pharmacies and a supermarket on the opposite side (from the HoJo) of Plaza del Armas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orquidia Posted April 10, 2009 #10 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Apparently the place is almost 100 years old and the elevators have like screens instead of doors? Price is right and the location is good.:confused: San Juan is a city that is over 500 years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bike1964 Posted April 11, 2009 Author #11 Share Posted April 11, 2009 San Juan is a city that is over 500 years old. I know. I've been there. It's a beautiful place. Thanks for the info. Last trip there we stayed in a Comfort Inn @ Condando Beach. It was being renovated and it was a mess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey2 Posted April 11, 2009 #12 Share Posted April 11, 2009 We booked it for our upcoming pre-cruise stay in Dec. We booked inside rooms because I read that you can hear the street noise from the balcony rooms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messunderstood Posted April 12, 2009 #13 Share Posted April 12, 2009 I saw on another site that there was a Walgreen's on the corner as well but when I checked their website the closest store was in Isla Verde?? I'm sure it's something simple I'm missing.... Thanks for the info though. Now I know I won't need to pack liquid toiletries in my checked baggage and risk a spill! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messunderstood Posted April 12, 2009 #14 Share Posted April 12, 2009 There are 2 pharmacies and a supermarket on the opposite side (from the HoJo) of Plaza del Armas. SWEET!!! Thanks for the info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomarfan5 Posted April 30, 2009 #15 Share Posted April 30, 2009 It is a nice place and we would definitely stay there again. The elevator is definitely an experience and if you are claustrophobic, use the stairs (which aren't very wide either). It has a door that opens out and then another interior door that slides closed. It is a very slow ride, not air conditioned and is very small. DH and I with our three pieces of stacked luggage barely fit. A very unique experience. The room was clean and air conditioned. We booked a queen suite so we had a window and a balcony. My only complaint was the street noise which someone else mentioned. I was starting to think no one slept in San Juan but thankfully it started to downpour and it was blissfully quiet after that. There is a Walgreens right across the plaza as well as a Starbucks. This came in handy as the free breakfast at HoJo was less than satisfactory. We ate dinner at Barrachina's which was literally around the corner. A little pricey but very good food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateMah Posted April 30, 2009 #16 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Just booked a room there for Feb 2010 for $100+ tax - inside room. Booked directly with the hotel. Got this price because it's non-refundable. Kate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takeavacation Posted April 30, 2009 #17 Share Posted April 30, 2009 How far is the HoJo from the pier that RCL uses -- walkable or a taxi ride? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomarfan5 Posted April 30, 2009 #18 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Definitely a taxi ride. Their pier isn't in Old San Juan unfortunately. But it wasn't a long ride. I'm drawing a blank on how much it cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSue Posted May 1, 2009 #19 Share Posted May 1, 2009 I stayed there last year pre-cruise and loved it! We had one of the balcony rooms overlooking time square. The place is remodeled, clean and nice, but retains it's historic charm. From the outside you would barely know it's a hotel. It is in easy walking distance from just about anywhere and the trolley stops right out front. Front of Howard Johnson's view from balcony trolley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelmoxie Posted May 1, 2009 #20 Share Posted May 1, 2009 I stayed there last year pre-cruise and loved it! We had one of the balcony rooms overlooking time square. The place is remodeled, clean and nice, but retains it's historic charm. From the outside you would barely know it's a hotel. It is in easy walking distance from just about anywhere and the trolley stops right out front.Front of Howard Johnson's view from balcony trolley We stayed at the HOJO last Feb pre-cruise and loved it. Location is perfect for spending the day shopping in old San Juan. Thank you so much for posting the photos of the hotel. Brought back memories..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelling4life Posted October 15, 2009 #21 Share Posted October 15, 2009 What do they serve for their breakfast? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texancruzer Posted October 15, 2009 #22 Share Posted October 15, 2009 Please please please don't eat at Starbucks :eek: There is a 100+ yr old diner in Old San Juan called La Bombonera. In the morning they have hundreds of wonderful sweet breads and bakery items. They also have regular breakfast food too. Lunch and Dinner also. We ate there our last trip (4 adults) for around $ 16.00 incl tip ;) The mallorcas (I had hot ham and cheese with powdered sugar on top) are simply melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They are known for their coffee which they grow on the island and brew in a contraption on the counter that looks like something out of Jules Verne. The waiters wear bow ties and the whole place is so unique and a must do. Many locals frequent this place which is always a good sign. You won't be sorry - La Bombonera is located at 259 Calle del San Francisco. One of the main streets in old town. Check out their reviews on Tripadvisor too . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelling4life Posted October 16, 2009 #23 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Thankyou for your great info on La Bombaonera. My husband loves hot ham and cheese. Also, I love your life is short quote....may I also use this quote...there is alot of very good info in this...espiacially forgive quickly. A lesson myself and many need to be frequently reminded. As well as laugh uncontrollably........its amazing how a full down deep laugh can really make a person feel good and almost makes our own eyes open in surprise. So, with your permission may I also use this quote? Exceptionally good!!!!;):D:p:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelling4life Posted October 16, 2009 #24 Share Posted October 16, 2009 I read that the Fish and Chips on Deck 10 is out of sight. Does this place exist on the Victory? What class ship is the Victory...is it a Spirit Class Ship? I read a review that the Delis on the Spirit Class make some very good Ruebens. And Cazones at the Pizza stands. Are they also free? Or do they charge for these goodies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelling4life Posted October 16, 2009 #25 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Ice buckets or mini bars in the balcony staterooms? Level 8? Upper Deck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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