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Opinion on Sheraton in SJ

ruskatab

By ruskatab,
in San Juan, PR

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ruskatab

ruskatab

Posted
Posted

We are flying in the day before and what we really want to do is explore old SJ. We were thinking of a resort but we will be visiting all those beaches on the islands so were thinking of staying at the Sheraton so we can explore. Is is that bad? We just want a place thats clean thats near food and shopping and exploring. Can you walk to the cruise dock? Also where is the Coach outlet?

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Coqui2007

Coqui2007

Posted
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The Sheraton is a good choice (recently been refurbished). If you are leaving from the Old San Juan piers, the Sheraton is close (if you are leaving from the Pam Am pier you will need a taxi).

 

The Coach outlet is in OSJ and is within walking distance from the Sheraton (as is all of the great sights in OSJ).

 

Check out this post on my blog for ideas in OSJ http://www.visit-the-coqui.com/2007/05/pre-or-post-cruise-in-puerto-rico/

 

have fun

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ruskatab

ruskatab

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Im sailing on Destiny and my understanding is that it sails from Dock 4. Is this correct? We have been researching hotels and just cant decide mainly based on the reviews on trip advisor. Thats very frustrating! I know its only one night but sure dont want to start off the cruise with a bad experience.

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wrp96

wrp96

Posted
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Carnival Destiny sails out of Pier #4 which is right across from the Sheraton.

 

Serenade of the Seas sails out of the Pan Am Pier which is across the harbor from OSJ.

 

The Sheraton does have a casino. It is a pretty good hotel. Be aware that all the rooms that have double beds are on the back of the hotel overlooking Senor Frogs (noise issues). Ask for a king size room with a view of the harbor. That way when you wake up and look out your window you will see your ship, if it is docked at pier 4.

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waterbugohio

waterbugohio

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So if we stay at the Sheraton, what type of taxi ride would it be to Pan AM pier?? Very far??

 

 

If we want to arrive one day pre cruise, I would assume that it would still be a good place to stay and then just be able to walk Old San Juan and explore. What about night life?? If Senor Frogs is close I would assume other things??

 

Then just catch a taxi the next day when its time to go to the ship??

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prc

prc

Posted
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So if we stay at the Sheraton, what type of taxi ride would it be to Pan AM pier?? Very far??

 

 

If we want to arrive one day pre cruise, I would assume that it would still be a good place to stay and then just be able to walk Old San Juan and explore. What about night life?? If Senor Frogs is close I would assume other things??

 

Then just catch a taxi the next day when its time to go to the ship??

 

Senor Frog's is right next door. Grocery store and drug store about 5 blocks away. All of OSJ is pretty much within about 15 min. walk. The PanAM pier is about 15-20 min cab.

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bikinibottom

bikinibottom

Posted
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We stayed at the Sheraton both before and after our Destiny cruise. It was not the lap of luxury but the location was great for the cruise terminal and walking and exploring Old San Juan. We never used a taxi. Be sure to drop by the visitor bureau office just down the street for some great info and rum tasting! I enjoyed our visit to San Juan more on that trip then I had on previous ones where I was at a beach resort. Maybe it was the rum from the tourist office but I really loved Old San Juan ;).

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puffer46

puffer46

Posted
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The Sheraton is a good choice (recently been refurbished). If you are leaving from the Old San Juan piers, the Sheraton is close (if you are leaving from the Pam Am pier you will need a taxi).

 

The Coach outlet is in OSJ and is within walking distance from the Sheraton (as is all of the great sights in OSJ).

 

Check out this post on my blog for ideas in OSJ http://www.visit-the-coqui.com/2007/05/pre-or-post-cruise-in-puerto-rico/

 

have fun

 

Thanks for the article and the map. Both are great and very helpful. We are staying at the Sheraton post cruise so will have the whole day to explore. It's so nice that so many people take the time to do what you just did and is greatly appreciated.

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  • 2 weeks later...
mollyanne

mollyanne

Posted
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I just booked the Sheraton OSJ for November, 2008 - sick, I know! - but I wanted to be assured of securing a room. We wanted to be in the Old San Juan area this time - our last stay was at the Marriott Stellaris - a beautiful hotel to be sure - but too far away from the action IMHO. If the ship docks in the regular port (not PanAm) will a taxi be needed and how will the driver feel about going such a short distance? We will probably have more luggage than will be comfortable to "drag". Thanks!

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wrp96

wrp96

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If your ship docks at Pier 4 you will NOT need a taxi. Pier 4 is literally right across the street from Pier 4. What you can do if you have too much luggage is leave some with the bellman. Go drop off your first load with the porters. Then go back and get the rest from the bellman.

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waterbugohio

waterbugohio

Posted
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OK,

 

so what kind of price range is the Sheraton. And do we need to book a whole year in advance to make sure we get a room??

 

Mollyanne, when are you sailing. We are on the Serenade, leaving San Juan 11/15/08. Do you know the cancellation policy on the Sheraton. We do not have flights yet, so we are not sure if we are staying a pre and post cruise night. But I would like to get the rooms if they fill up early.

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mollyanne

mollyanne

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OK,

 

so what kind of price range is the Sheraton. And do we need to book a whole year in advance to make sure we get a room??

 

Mollyanne, when are you sailing. We are on the Serenade, leaving San Juan 11/15/08. Do you know the cancellation policy on the Sheraton. We do not have flights yet, so we are not sure if we are staying a pre and post cruise night. But I would like to get the rooms if they fill up early.

 

Waterbug:

We are booked one night for 11/2/08. We can cancel up til 10/30 with no penalty. The room we booked is the lowest category at $195 but with all the taxes it comes out to $239. I wanted to make sure we got a room since we want to be in Old San Juan and be able to walk around, etc. We are actually doing this overnight at the end of our cruise - doing the 10/26 Caribbean Princess from NYC to SJU. I think the airports will also be less hectic on a Monday:)

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wrp96

wrp96

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If you book directly with Sheraton, read the rate info before booking. Usually the lowest rate is entirely prepaid, non refundable. But the higher rates require no deposit, just a credit card, and can be cancelled at no charge up until 24 hours before checkin.

 

My recommendation is book a fully cancellable room now, then look around for something less expensive. Then when you find something less expensive cancel the more expensive rate. That way you know you have a room, but still can take advantage of looking for a deal.

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mollyanne

mollyanne

Posted
Posted
Molly,

 

Have you ever tried priceline?? I know alot of people talk about it but I have never tried it. There is a website to read on how to use it. Not sure if you would trust getting the hotel you wanted though.

 

thanks for your input

Waterbug:

I have not used Priceline but have used Hotwire several times. I have already been "stalking" the Sheraton on Hotwire and will try to snag it later on. I always do a lot of checking first with the "better bidding" websites to check amenities, etc. The reservation that I booked is fully cancellable up til 10/30 so if I can get this hotel on Hotwire and save some $$ it will be a win/win!:)

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Lsimon

Lsimon

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A couple other hotels for your consideration in Old San Juan:

 

El Convento - This is a great hotel that is truly something different. Very nice base for exploring Old San Juan and has a nice feel for the area. It is built in a 300 year old former Convent and has very nice open courtyards. We stayed there last February for two nights pre-cruise and had a great time. Don't miss the happy hour out on the balcony where they have a nice wine and cheese spread every evening. While the hotel is highly rated it has a price to match - there is a pre-cruise special on their web site for a two night minimum but you have to phone and ask for the rate - it isn't (or wasn't) available in the online reservations.

 

Hotel Milano - this is rated nicely and we've heard some nice comments from others that have stayed there - it is considerably less expensive. We're going to try this for one night pre-cruise on our next cruise out of San Juan.

 

I agree with the OP - staying in Old San Juan makes a lot more sense than staying at a beach resort as you'll see lots of beaches on most cruises but not many places like Old San Juan. And you won't have the same time exploring the old areas if you have to take a cab back and forth to a more distant hotel. I don't remember the exact price of a taxi to the Pan Am Pier but I think it was around $20, maybe less, including charges for luggage.

 

Here is a nice visual Map of San Juan which shows the pier and hotel locations:

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

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