Just4funwmyfamily Posted June 29, 2015 #1 Share Posted June 29, 2015 I have two set of hotel reservations for our upcoming trip and was hoping for some insight or suggestions on which may be the best. We are a family of 4 traveling with our two teen daughters. The first is for the night prior to our trip and is for the Courtyard Marriott Maramar or the Holiday Inn Express San Juan Condado. The HI Express is a bit more, but does included breakfast. Any thoughts on what may be the better option to allow us to see Old San Juan before we cruise out the next day and maybe access to the ship (Sailing 7/5 Carnival Liberty). The second hotel is the Intercontinental for the day we return to port and prior to flying out. Would this location allow for a nice pool side/beach day and then easy access to the airport the next morning. Our flight is Monday at 7AM ish. I looked at the Marriott Stellaris, but wasn't sure about the casino & smoking. Finally, does anyone know if there will be any sort of fireworks in San Juan for the 4th of July. Also, if so, would there be a better hotel option? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrqoisWtrs Posted June 29, 2015 #2 Share Posted June 29, 2015 Holiday Inn Express San Juan Condado hi - I can only comment on this one since we stayed here on our last cruise. Breakfast was just okay. Typical danish, cereals, fruit, yogurt and some 'hot';) items, eggs, sausage, bacon. Its served in a pretty small room, so since it was the morning of a cruise, it was very crowded. Elevators at this place are tiny! Think 2 adults and 2 large suitcases, and it is crowded. This location was okay to be able to walk around at night, there are a few restaurants, and you can cross the street and walk on the beach. However, you would need to take a cab to Old San Juan. And then take a cab back. And then a cab to the port in the morning. I know it is probably higher, but how about the Sheraton? That is right across the street from the port (walkable even dragging luggage :)). You are also right in the heart of downtown OSJ, so can walk to the forts and everything in that area. Tons of restaurants and shopping. (There is also a free shuttle that runs around OSJ, but sometimes there is a wait for that.) And yes, you just get a regular hotel room at the Sheraton with no breakfast, but having stayed at both hotels, for one night precruise, I would pick the Sheraton every time - because you know its all about location, location, location. In this case, it is very true.:) See you were also asking about fireworks - Again I vote for the Sheraton, they have a rooftop deck with a pool - so would assume that would be pretty good to see any fireworks. Here's a few pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just4funwmyfamily Posted June 29, 2015 Author #3 Share Posted June 29, 2015 (edited) Thanks for your input. I was hoping to book the Sheraton, but they were requiring a two night minimum. Any thoughts on the Courtyard Marriott Maramar or any other hotels. It seems that we'll be using taxi rides for any other hotel. Unless you know of another option. hi - I can only comment on this one since we stayed here on our last cruise. Breakfast was just okay. Typical danish, cereals, fruit, yogurt and some 'hot';) items, eggs, sausage, bacon. Its served in a pretty small room, so since it was the morning of a cruise, it was very crowded. Elevators at this place are tiny! Think 2 adults and 2 large suitcases, and it is crowded. This location was okay to be able to walk around at night, there are a few restaurants, and you can cross the street and walk on the beach. However, you would need to take a cab to Old San Juan. And then take a cab back. And then a cab to the port in the morning. I know it is probably higher, but how about the Sheraton? That is right across the street from the port (walkable even dragging luggage :)). You are also right in the heart of downtown OSJ, so can walk to the forts and everything in that area. Tons of restaurants and shopping. (There is also a free shuttle that runs around OSJ, but sometimes there is a wait for that.) And yes, you just get a regular hotel room at the Sheraton with no breakfast, but having stayed at both hotels, for one night precruise, I would pick the Sheraton every time - because you know its all about location, location, location. In this case, it is very true.:) See you were also asking about fireworks - Again I vote for the Sheraton, they have a rooftop deck with a pool - so would assume that would be pretty good to see any fireworks. Here's a few pics. Edited June 29, 2015 by Just4funwmyfamily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GottaKnowWhen Posted June 30, 2015 #4 Share Posted June 30, 2015 Thanks for your input. I was hoping to book the Sheraton, but they were requiring a two night minimum. Any thoughts on the Courtyard Marriott Maramar or any other hotels. It seems that we'll be using taxi rides for any other hotel. Unless you know of another option. Search online for hotels in Old San Juan. Look past the obvious big box places like Sheraton and you will find quite a few smallish boutique hotels at reasonable prices. One of our favorite locales, we would hate to be on Condado or wherever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozarkmama Posted June 30, 2015 #5 Share Posted June 30, 2015 You might try posting in the ports of call forum for San Juan http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=131 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrqoisWtrs Posted June 30, 2015 #6 Share Posted June 30, 2015 Would this location allow for a nice pool side/beach day and then easy access to the airport the next morning. If you're looking for a nice beach, and pool, I'll mention the Condado Plaza Hilton. Its right on its own little beach where you can snorkel too. Short cab ride to the airport. You didn't say, but I'm assuming this is for this upcoming July 4, 2015? If so, I would call the Sheraton directly and see if they will let you stay for just the one night. If they are not at capacity for that time frame, I would think booking a room for even one night would be better than it sitting empty. :) Or how about booking a vacation rental? We're staying here in February and it looks awesome. Its right in the middle of Old San Juan, so can't beat the location. Yes, its not a hotel with amenities, but just thought I would throw it out there. More of a taste of OSJ than a chain hotel. :) http://www.vrbo.com/3904497ha Sorry I couldn't help more on the Marriott. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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