? re: San Juan Hotels

[emen822]

If money weren't an issue, which hotel would you stay at in San Juan. We (me, DH, and two DDs, ages 14 and 12) are cruising next year during spring break and would like a room pre cruise. We are specifically looking for something clean, safe environment, not too far from the airport, not too far from the pier, close proximity to Old San Juan, some good restaurants nearby and a nice pool area for the girls. Does such a place exist? The hotels are pretty pricey for that time of year but I'm just going to bite the bullet and book a room a.s.a.p. We sailed out of San Juan last year but flew in the day of the cruise so I don't know where anything is. Thanks for your help! :D

 

[i also posted this on the PR board but usually get more replies here.]

[paggerscorvette]

We stayed at the Marriott Stellaros (sp?) Loved the beach, pool and lounge area. Very nice rooms with a great view of the ocean.

[superjerryw]

The Marriott or the Caribe Hilton.

[Mac303]

We stayed at the Sheraton Old San Juan, this past May, hotel is clean, staff is friendly, and is near all that you mentioned. has a nice pool and gym located rooftop.

[stones902]

If money weren't an issue, which hotel would you stay at in San Juan. We (me, DH, and two DDs, ages 14 and 12) are cruising next year during spring break and would like a room pre cruise. We are specifically looking for something clean, safe environment, not too far from the airport, not too far from the pier, close proximity to Old San Juan, some good restaurants nearby and a nice pool area for the girls. Does such a place exist? The hotels are pretty pricey for that time of year but I'm just going to bite the bullet and book a room a.s.a.p. We sailed out of San Juan last year but flew in the day of the cruise so I don't know where anything is. Thanks for your help! :D

 

[i also posted this on the PR board but usually get more replies here.]

 

You have several choices. Depending on what you like I would consider the following possibilities:

 

The Water Club (a boutique hotel) - Very nice but maybe better suited for couples rather than a family. They have a pool on the roof and access across the street to Isle Verde beach.

 

The Intercontinental Hotel - Another good choice although I understand they are undergoing some renovations until October of this year. It is located right on Isle Verde beach and has a great pool area and a casino. Ruths Criss Steakhouse also on the premesis.

 

Embassy Suites - 5 min from Isle Verde Beach. Very similar to Embassy Suites here in the states. Small casino on property and a nice pool area. Great rooms. I think it is well suited for a family.

 

The El San Juan Hotel and Casino - Used to be a Westin but now is not franchised. Right next door to the Intercontinenal. Rooms leave a bit to be desired (older property) but a great casino, top notch lobby bar and nightlife on the property. Excellent pool area too. We stayed there last time.

 

Caribe Hilton - Older Hilton hotel probably located nearest to the ship. Not bad but can be pricey. Decent pool area and hotel ammenities.

 

Sheraton Old San Juan - Right downtown, casino, Carlos & Charlies next door. Pool on the roof.

 

I wouldn't get too hung up on closeness to the ship. All of these properties are located between the airport and the ship. I would probably opt with kids for something close to Isle Verde beach (Embassy, Intercontinental (depending on renovations status) or maybe splurge on the Water Club.

 

For what is worth, we're sailing in November and have booked the Embassy Suites. I think it is the best deal for the money. My 2nd choice was the Water Club but we are not travelling w/ kids.

 

P.S. - Don't forget that your ship might be leaving from the International Pier rather than downtown. It is probably a 5 - 10 minute cab ride from the downtown San Juan area. The Caribe Hilton is closest in proximity but you will still need to cab it. If you are porting downtown, the Sheraton is closest.

 

Hope this helps.

[cot427]

The Sheraton in Old San Juan looks very nice from the pictures I took when I was there. I never stayed in it or been in the hotel, but it looks nice.

[jimbug]

What about El Convento? If money is no object...

 

The reason I suggest this is because many CC posters have RAVED and RAVED about how awesome this hotel is. It is also right in the heart of Old San Juan, so you can walk anywhere for entertainment, dining, etc. Unfortunately, RCCL ships dock at the newer Pan Am pier, which is not close to anything, not even a hotel....but at the same time, not far from Old San Juan, either...a short cab ride away.

[polodad]

Kids would NOT like the pool area at El Convento (too small) and probably would not take full advantage of the manager's nightly wine reception.

 

My suggestion would be the Marriott Stellaris. Great room, hotel, pool & grounds & beach.

[chicagojayhawk]

If money were no object I'd go back and stay at The Gallery Inn. It's a fabulous B&B in Old San Juan owned by a local artist. It's walking distance to tons of great eateries (you MUST try Baru!), shops, El Morro and lots of history in the area, too.

 

The last night of our honeymoon we stayed in a suite there (we had an overnight layover). The place is full of charm and the artist's artwork COVERS every last square inch. The views are amazing. The cab ride from the airport was not expensive either.

 

http://www.thegalleryinn.com/

 

We stayed in the Felipe Suite which had a private patio overlooking the ocean with a jacuzzi for 2. They also have family suites, which I think have hot tubs as well!

 

The artist, Jan, is a delight to meet and visit with plus her staff goes above and beyond with friendliness. Her two trained birds roam freely in the open air garden and the B&B itself is a place like no other. DH and I literally felt like we were in a storybook!

 

Let me know if you'd like more information or are interested in seeing some of our photos!

[chicagojayhawk]

On a side note...on our outbound overnight layover we stayed at the Intercontinental...it was really nice and beautiful...but I wouldn't advise steering too far away from the resort strip!

[mitaxi]

If money were no object I'd go back and stay at The Gallery Inn. It's a fabulous B&B in Old San Juan owned by a local artist. It's walking distance to tons of great eateries (you MUST try Baru!), shops, El Morro and lots of history in the area, too.

 

The last night of our honeymoon we stayed in a suite there (we had an overnight layover). The place is full of charm and the artist's artwork COVERS every last square inch. The views are amazing. The cab ride from the airport was not expensive either.

 

http://www.thegalleryinn.com/

 

We stayed in the Felipe Suite which had a private patio overlooking the ocean with a jacuzzi for 2. They also have family suites, which I think have hot tubs as well!

 

The artist, Jan, is a delight to meet and visit with plus her staff goes above and beyond with friendliness. Her two trained birds roam freely in the open air garden and the B&B itself is a place like no other. DH and I literally felt like we were in a storybook!

 

Let me know if you'd like more information or are interested in seeing some of our photos!

 

I took a look at the link to the Gallery Inn... what a wonderful looking place... have sent an email to inquire about reservations..and would love to see your photos. Thanks

 

Michele

[chicagojayhawk]

I took a look at the link to the Gallery Inn... what a wonderful looking place... have sent an email to inquire about reservations..and would love to see your photos. Thanks

 

Michele

 

Hey...I just tried posting a bunch of links but it's showing with my personal email account. :/

 

Drop me a note at barbsmarathon AT gmail.com and I'll forward you some photos :) Sound good?

[Tex_Jen]

If money were no object, I'd stay at the Marriott Stellaris. Good restaurants close by. Bus stop for Old San Juan 1/2 block away. Walgreen's down the street (just in case). Good beach, good pool, very friendly staff and just a short cab ride from the pier.

 

I like the Caribe Hilton, too, but it is more isolated from other things.

 

Jen

[mitaxi]

Hey...I just tried posting a bunch of links but it's showing with my personal email account. :/

 

Drop me a note at barbsmarathon AT gmail.com and I'll forward you some photos :) Sound good?

 

Just sent an email.. in case it doesn't go.... mine is tillnextcruz@aol.com

 

Michele

[transam84]

Ritz Carlton, Isla Verde. We stayed there Pre-cruise last year for our 25th anniversary and DS graduation. The staff is truly outstanding. They went out of their way to make both occasions special. We really loved this hotel and we have stayed at some fine ones. Here is a link to our pre-cruise pictures: http://goodtimes.webshots.com/album/551917130ywthcE?vhost=good-times

[frito58]

Ritz Carlton, Isla Verde. We stayed there Pre-cruise last year for our 25th anniversary and DS graduation. The staff is truly outstanding. They went out of their way to make both occasions special. We really loved this hotel and we have stayed at some fine ones. Here is a link to our pre-cruise pictures: http://goodtimes.webshots.com/album/551917130ywthcE?vhost=good-times

 

I would love to see your pre-cruise pictures but I can't get your link to work:(

[lovemylab]

If money was not an issue I would stay at the Ritz-Carlton.

 

Since money is an issue I used Priceline and will be staying at the Caribe Hilton. It has pretty descent reviews and for $75 a night I can't complain.

[texancruzer]

Well we stayed at El Convento and I agree that the pool area is not one kids would really enjoy....really small. But for old San Juan this location and hotel can't be beat !!!!! We also "bit" the bullet and stayed 2 nights precruise. We loved it. But no kids in tow.....

 

I have seen the website for the Gallery Inn and read many reviews..... some good some so-so..... doesnt really "feel" like a kids place - more for honeymooners, couples or those really into art.

 

Here is another place you might want to check out....

 

www.numero1guesthouse.com Really small pool....but right on the beach. Nice area.

[emen822]

Lots of great information here. I have looked at the pictures of the Marriott and it looks great. But for one night precruise, it was about $500 total with all those fees, taxes, etc. :eek: The Sheraton is sold out for that night. I also heard of El Convento but doesn't seem like it would be a good choice with kids.

My next question: I was looking at Priceline and noticed that you can book a room getting a discounted rate or you can bid for a room. The Marriott is actually cheaper on Priceline than it is on their own website. I really don't want to gamble with a hotel in PR. Is this discounted rate on Priceline too good to be true??

[Cassandra]

I have a co-worker that moved back to PR. So here's an inside tidbit.

 

Any hotel that has a casino will charge more $$ than a hotel that doesn't. They have a tendency to be more expensive.

 

Something to keep in mind when you are choosing. If you can live without a casino for a night, then definately stay elsewhere.

 

If you aren't interested in glitz & glamour (think Vegas style hotels), then stay at a lower price one.

 

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Expressfor a 2 day pre-cruise. No frills, no casino, small pool and a continental breakfast. There were plenty of restaurants nearby within a 2 block walk.

 

We didn't need a casino (we have 2 here in Connecticut and soon to be 3), we didn't need glitzy or flashy (we have NYC hotels for that). All we needed was a place to drop our bags, shower and sleep.

 

If you were staying there a week on vacation, that's one thing, but for one night? The extra $$$ is not worth it. Save that for an excursion or an island purchase of something.

[tada]

We picked the Hampton Inn that is close to the airport. No casino, but part of a decent chain. I also get air miles for staying there. We are renting a car from Charlie's rental that allows us the pick up the car at the airport and drop it a the pier.

[buchie614]

We will be staying at the Embassy Suites, We have never gone wrong in staying at any of their hotels, however, we are using our free stay nights for the 2 nights pre cruise.........Where-ever you decide, have fun and enjoy the time with your family.