Where to stay in Puerto Rico

[vacationlover_mn]

My husband and I are departing on the Adventure of the Seas next February 13, and much to my dismay, hotels are already starting to book up in Puerto Rico, for the evenings of Feb 11 & 12. Any advice on where to stay? We would like to stay somewhere nice, near or on a nice beach, close to things to do, easy to get to from the airport, and convenient to the port.

 

Thanks!

[VMIMarine]

Embassy Suites near the airport is a great option, if you are like us and don't mind cookie cutter hotels.:D We have stayed there several times with and w/o children [even into their 20s]

 

1. It is an easy cab ride from the airport and pier.

 

2. Free drinks in the evening.

 

3. Outback on site

 

4. Freeform pool with waterfall

 

5. Small gym with treadmill

 

6. two blocks from beach where they have a section with chairs and towels

 

7. Did I say, Free drinks in the evening.;)

 

8. Free cooked breakfast

[sailor05]

We stayed at the Caribe Hilton when we went out of San Juan and it was a beautiful hotel with a very nice pool area. You should try and search the San Juan, PR forum here on Cruise Critic for I'm sure there are hundreds of threads there already.

[espmass]

We always stay at the Embassy Suites in Isla Verde and have stayed there at least 5 times. In fact we just stayed there 3 weeks ago for 3 days prior to cruising on the Adventure. It's walking distance to several affordable restaurants (Mi Casita is a favorite of ours) and to a beach. We love the hotel's pool though. Being an Embassy Suites they have a buffet breakfast included and a free cocktail hour in the evening with munchies. The lobby has a small casino and an Outback Steak House along with their own restaurant. It's right next to the airport. Cab to old San Juan and to the pier.

[AmandaKaye79]

San Juan Water and beach club was a cute little boutique hotel right on the beach. This time we are staying at La Concha Renaissance Resort.

[hallasm]

I can recommend The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.

 

Here is a short video from the hotel:

ipTdIYBXviE

[ivanrocko]

Embassy Suites near the airport is a great option, if you are like us and don't mind cookie cutter hotels.:D We have stayed there several times with and w/o children [even into their 20s]

 

1. It is an easy cab ride from the airport and pier.

 

2. Free drinks in the evening.

 

3. Outback on site

 

4. Freeform pool with waterfall

 

5. Small gym with treadmill

 

6. two blocks from beach where they have a section with chairs and towels

 

7. Did I say, Free drinks in the evening.;)

 

8. Free cooked breakfast

 

I totally agree that the Embassy Suites is a great option.

 

Other options:

1) El San Juan Resort & Casino, Hilton Hotel

2) San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

3) Ritz Carlton

[Debde]

Hampton Inn Isla Verde

http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/puerto-rico/hampton-inn-and-suites-san-juan-SJUHHHX/index.html

[DAWCAW1]

We have stayed for several nights in the past at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on our pre-cruise stay. We found the hotel to be very nice and directly on the nicest beach in PR. Good Luch!

[vacationers]

all these hotels are good but a little ways taxi cab to the port. The adventure is on a different cruise port. Not in Old San Juan. Hotels can get expensive there so if you want to be just at the cruise port, then Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino: San Juan Hotel ...

http://www.sheratonpuertoricohotelcasino.com/ 200 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907

+1 787-993-3500

 

or we you have time and wish to stay in old san juan and walk around. Hotel Plaza de Armas is a small quaint hotel, very clean and located right at the plaza de Armas. http://www.hotelplazadearmaspr.com

Edited March 22, 2015 by vacationers

[LeeW]

If you want a beach, anything in Isla Verde (also called Carolina) is good. The Condado beach area (near Stellaris) usually has very large waves. Isla Verde is more of a touristy area with fast food, Walgreens, etc than the Condado area and it felt safer to walk around (Condado feels more like a downtown big city area). The Isla Verde Pueblo Supermarket has good sandwiches and a decent wine selection.

 

Taxi fare from airport or Isla Verde to ship is zonrf fare around $23 plus some for extra bags. You can also stay in Old Town, but you will still need a taxi to the ship - RCI uses the dock at the old airport on the southeast side of the inlet. Even the Hilton would be a long (but scenic)walk on the bridges.

 

Check the San Juan board on this website and local info on http://www.langland.org/cruises/sanjuan.asp

[cruisinfever]

We just booked the Marriott Stellaris for February 24, 2016. We stayed there before and loved it. It is pricey but in a great location and easy walk to many restaurants.

[bilyclub]

Depends on how much you want to spend. I booked the Verdanza for $84 plus taxes and fees, which are about 30%. Try Kayak and see what you like. Most of the better hotels are around $300 plus taxes and fees. I stayed at the Caribe a couple of times and though it wasn't worth the money. The pool and beach were very good, but it couldn't compare to a 5 Star hotel in the states.

[racerxspeedy]

Note -Most of the nicer hotels charge a "resort fee".

 

We just returned from SJU and will be back again in Sept. The "spring" hotel rates are ridiculous based on the quality of these hotels. You need to either have a large budget or low expectations. I have stayed at Wind Chimes, LaConcha, and studied many others while in the Condado area. I recommend west side of Condado if you are looking to wander around - restaurants, stores, views....

 

We rented a car last trip. I now know the area and the hotels very well.

 

We are staying on Isle Verde at the Intercontinental in Sept. and we will just be hanging out at the resort. IMO this area has less to offer (not much to see with all the tall resorts). Plus there is noise from the airport.

 

Let us know what you come up with if you are looking for further help.

[AmandaKaye79]

I have had nothing but good luck with Priceline and Hotwire. We got a Cyber Monday steal on La Concha for June. $110 a night for 3 nights. Total was $432.23 including taxes and 18% resort fee.

[Tak8]

I second the Hampton Inn. It's about a 3 block walk to the beach. They have free drinks at night and a nice breakfast in the morning. Close to airport and pier.

Metropol, a great restaurant, is just up the street.

[davekathy]

I second the Hampton Inn. It's about a 3 block walk to the beach. They have free drinks at night and a nice breakfast in the morning. Close to airport and pier.

Metropol, a great restaurant, is just up the street.

 

Agree with you on all except for the free drinks in the evening. Every Hampton Inn we've stayed at including the Hampton Inn & Suites in San Juan doesn't offer free drinks in the evening. All Embassy Suites we've stayed in including the Embassy Suites Hotel & Casino in San Juan offer drinks and snacks in the evening. We're doing a preCruise stay at the Hampton Inn on 27 and 28 March 2015. It would be nice if Hampton Inns offered the evening drinks and snacks like the Embassy Suites does. If I'm wrong then that will be an extra little bonus.

[klombar]

I have had nothing but good luck with Priceline and Hotwire. We got a Cyber Monday steal on La Concha for June. $110 a night for 3 nights. Total was $432.23 including taxes and 18% resort fee.

 

We got a similar deal a few years ago. Stayed a few nights before and a few nights after at La Concha. Had views of the beach from our balcony. The beach is beautiful. Pools are ok. The large one in the courtyard gets crowded. Infinity pool is small but hidden away. We loved the food! Its a short walk to a convenience store and has a couple of fast food places near by. I think it was Wendys and Subway. Dunkin Donuts down the street.

[Ship faced]

My first choice - Intercontinental, back up choice Marriott Stellaris.

[Tak8]

davekathy: I stayed there before my Christmas cruise last December and they had an evening cocktail reception for 2 hours by the pool. In fact they mention a weekday cocktail reception on their website.

 

Amenities and Services

 

Our Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan hotel is located in the Carolina area of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a short distance from the beach and the San Juan airport. We offer resort amenities such as a weekday cocktail reception, poolside activities including live music, chair massage, casino match coupons for nearby casinos, pool and beach toys, beach chairs and coolers.

 

 

They also had a dessert in the evening. It was something like 7-8. One night they had crepes at the entrance to the breakfats buffet. The second night they had tropical mini cheesecakes.

[Debde]

Last time I stayed at Hampton Inn in Isla Verde which was January of 2014-they did have the managers reception aka cocktail party.

Edited March 23, 2015 by Debde

[MapleCruiser86]

I have stayed at Da House in old San Juan. 15 min from the airport. 3 min walk to the port. Da house is in the heart of old San Juan. Walking distance to both forts. If you adventures enough you can find a nice beach near the fort. This place is a hidden jem.

 

Please keep in mind Da house is not for everyone. Do your research on tripadvisor and other internet website and visit the hotels website.

[PORT ROYAL]

My husband and I are departing on the Adventure of the Seas next February 13, and much to my dismay, hotels are already starting to book up in Puerto Rico, for the evenings of Feb 11 & 12. Any advice on where to stay? We would like to stay somewhere nice, near or on a nice beach, close to things to do, easy to get to from the airport, and convenient to the port.

 

Thanks!

 

 

El Convento, Old San Juan Class and style.

No beach but a terrace, but guests able to use the Luxury Private Beach Club facilities of their Sister Hotel (LC)

http://www.elconvento.com/?donotdisplayagain=1

 

For Dinner consider Marmalade, and go for the Wine Pairing Menu

El C is very for the Old Town and convenient for both SJ Ports

Edited March 23, 2015 by PORT ROYAL

[sweetlove13]

I stayed at La Concha and El Convento and would recommend both. La Concha if you want to relax on the beach, El Convento if you want to wander around Old San Juan. I highly recommend the banana walnut pancakes if you stay at El Convento! [emoji2]