Old San Juan vs Tres Palmas Inn (Condado/Isla Verde)

[kayo kruiser]

Looking for some advice from experienced San Juan travellers.

 

We've got a group of 12 who will be arriving in San Juan a day before our cruise. At the end of our cruise, all of us will be in Old San Juan for a day's sightseeing. (None of us have been in the Condado/Isla Verde areas but some of us have been to Old San Juan before.)

 

The question is where should we stay for the 1 night pre-cruise - Old San Juan or the Condado/Isla Verde area along the ocean. We are looking for somewhere cheap and cheerful so have got good prices from Hotel Casablance in OSJ and Tres Palmas Inn along the ocean. Does anyone have a recommendation as to which area to stay in that could appeal to a dozen people, not all who are interested in sightseeing or shopping, some just relaxation. Are there restaurants/bars within walking distance of Tres Palmas? Also, most importantly are there liquor stores in either OSJ or the Tres Palmas Inn area as we want to buy some booze when we arrive?

 

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Thanks so much!