Where is the best place to stay in the greater San Juan area of Puerto Rico? (Under $250/night)?

Question

We have two nights to stay after a cruise we are taking. We are in our early 30's and have no children. We like the outdoors and the beach, but we are not big nightlife people.

I am looking for specific recommendations, not a link to a web site. Thanks. I don't know anything about the different neighborhoods in San Juan.

Answer 1

It depends on how far you want to be from your cruise and also if you want a bustling or quiet area. If you like tos tay in the area near the port I recommend the Radisson Hotel, the Coral Princess Inn (both in the Condado district) or the Best Western Hotel Pierre in Santurce, the Marriot Courtyard in Miramar or for a truly amazing experience, the Normandie Hotel in Puerta de Tierra. The Normadie is possibly one of the most beautiful and unique hotels in the world and the location is prime as it is between Old San Juan and Condado/Ocean Park districts of the city.

Answer 2

If you are not into luxury, you can stay at "Casa de Playa Beach Hotel". I stay there several times when I knew for a fact that all I wanted was just to sleep and go back out. The local hotel is right on the beach located on "Isla Verde", about 10 minutes drive from the cruise port depending on traffic and about 15 minutes to the airport. The hotel has no room service or pool. However you will be on Isla Verde strip where you will find many restaurants including the well known American fast food restaurants. The last time I visit this place I pay $89 a night in 2000. It may be a bit more but according to frommers.com it is still the same price. It's best to call the hotel direct and confirm the rates. Here is the number to the hotel: 800-916-2272


You may also consider "Sheraton Old San Juan", right across from the cruise port. I have no clue how much it is going now, but I suggest to contact the cruise line you are booked with and see how much they can get it for you instead of contacting a travel agent. Or contact the hotel directly: Toll Free: 866-653-7577

I highly recommend tripadvisor and frommers for their recommendation and you decide what you think is best and stay away from travel agents trying to send you links.

Hope this was helpful and good luck on your cruise and visiting the island of Puerto Rico.

Answer 3

San Juan is a big city & has all the major hotel chains. SO you can stick with one that you like in particular also. You definitely need to check out where your staying on a review type of website like Tripadvisor.com. San Juan has different areas. Isla Verde is very nice, it has the best beach I think. Condado is nice, usually busy, close to the beach also. Carolina is near the airport. Old San Juan is nice, there are Old spanish colonial homes in bright colors & cobblestone streets w/ lots of restaruants & shopping & can walk to the historical sights, but not right on the beach.

You need to decide what area suits you best & what hotel suits you best. Most big hotels have casinos & restaraunts also. Either way if you stay in any of these areas, you will be a quick taxi ride away from everything. Also Price varies. High season between Nov-April is more expensive. Low season is less between May-Nov. And when you go, definitely visit 'El Morro' the ancient spanish war fort overlooking the ocean, walk Old San Juan & eat the delicious puertorican food. Also if you get the time take a trip to the rain forest or the biobay. ENJOY!!

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Here are some of the nicest hotels in San Juan, take a look, some are more pricey, but like I said the price depends on the season, so check the prices for your dates:

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hotel/sjuha?_requestid=153703

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SanJuan/Default.htm

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjupr-san-juan-marriott-resort-and-stellaris-casino

http://www.cervantespr.com/

http://www.caribehilton.com/

http://www.elsanjuanhotel.com/

http://www.sjcourtyard.com/index.php

http://www.normandiepr.com/

Answer 4

Hi I'm from P. R.
The best places to stay in metropolitan area of San Juan for your budget are in Condado and Isla Verde. The area is full of good hotels with beach front. My recommendations are :The Marriotts at Condado and Isla Verde, The Condado Plaza, The Ambassador and the Hotel San Juan. The Caribe Hilton and the Normandy are good choices in Puerta de Tierra (more closer to the Cruise Ships).

Answer 5

stay in San Juan, Rio Grande or Fajardo. the different cities are the country area of the island. Rio Grande has 2 massive hotels Wyndham Rio Mar and Melia Puerto Rico or Wyndham El Conquistador (terrific hotel interior the island) is in Fajardo approximately 40 5 minutes from San Juan and 20 from Rio Grande.

Answer 6

I know you do not want a website but I agree with everyone else about Tripadvisor.com. I'm currently looking for a hotel for my layover and I'm leaning towards El San Juan and Condado PLaza, both are smoke free and have stuff in addition to just a hotel room (restaurants, entertainment, etc), both are under $250

Answer 7

Try the Sheraton old San Juan. Its close to the cruise ship pier, and walking distance to historical sites in San Juan.

Answer 8

You say you don't want websites, but the website TripAdvisor.com will give you reviews from past guests. I've found very nice places to stay by using that site, including the Coral Princess Inn in SJ. It's not on the beach but is very conveniently located and very charming, as well as reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend it for two adults without kids.

Answer 9

check spincitytravel.com. They list all the available hotels with star ratings and guest comments.