San Juan pre cruise hotel

[Patgo28]

Any suggestions for a pre cruise night. I have no idea of any hotels in San Juan so would love some ideas from others who have done this.

 

Is there anything near the pier? Don't want to spend a fortune. Would like someplace clean and near restaurants etc.:)

 

Thanks

[-Lew-]

We stayed at the Marriott in the Condado section of San Juan the night prior to sailing. It's a beautiful hotel right on a beautiful beach. Taxi from the airport cost about $18...about the same to the port the next morning.

 

The hotel was undergoing renovation while we were there...our room had been recently redone. Great bed, huge bath, flat screen TV. The restaurant was just ok, nothing special.

 

We bid $95 on Priceline and it was accepted. With tax it came to about $115.

 

Lew

[Rudy888]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in the Condaldo area. Reasonably priced, good location. Short cab ride to the cruise ship pier.

[Patgo28]

Thanks for your help. I guess I will check those out.

[Seadoers]

Try this.....

Rent a car at "Charlie's Rental Car" on the wed... they will pick you up from the airport for free. Then- Drive car to 'Days Inn' in old town-- clean and safe-- close to everything. Drive car to "Charlie's - Port location" and they will check you in and then drive you to the ship in your rental car - luggage and all... Great service and cheaper then the rest. No cabs - tip the driver after he carries bags to porter. I have done this several times over the years and it works for me.... PR is part of the US after-all.... great place to pre or post cruise-- no need to stay in one of those Beach casino Hotels for hundreds a night- just walk in the front door if your so inclined... Days Inn is also on the web..

 

Have a great trip...

 

Truly Mike

[Patgo28]

Hi Mike,

 

I wish I could go several days early but that is out of the question. It does sound like a good idea.

[10X]

We also stayed at the Marriott this year. Great place and probably the best we've been in, in San Juan. We also got ours on Priceline for $95, which seems to be the minimum they'll accept. No one accepted my $90 bid, twice. When I decided to try $95 I got it on the first bid.

 

I have some pictures of the beach and pool areas if you are interested. I was just working on them yesterday and they're not quite ready for posting on the Internet but I can e-mail you a couple if you'd like.

 

Denny

shoot3gun@yahoo.com

[Fred&Lily]

I've stayed at the Marriott on Condado beach twice for pre-cruise. Remember, it's a casino with loud band and salsa dancing 'till all hours, so ask for a room a few floors up. Taxi to the ship is only $10 if I remember correctly. Beach is on the Atlantic side with big waves and pretty strong undertow - so be careful in the water.

[spingal]

Is there anything near the pier?

It depends on the pier you are sailing from. If it is Pier 4 then the Sheraton Old Juan is across the street. I stayed there and liked it and you can walk to the pier (of course you have to drag your luggage! :eek: ) So I would definitely stay here if it is Pier 4.

 

If you are sailing from the Pan American pier then there aren't any hotels close by and I would pick a hotel recommended here on the boards that is within your desired price range.

[nycruise]

I can tell you where NOT to stay. El Convento in Old San Juan. 3 Star hotel at 5 Star prices.:(

[texancruzer]

I can tell you where NOT to stay. El Convento in Old San Juan. 3 Star hotel at 5 Star prices.:(

 

I disagree.... we stayed 2 nights precruise..... loved it. And I have stayed at 5 stars in many many places....

 

You have to remember it was built as a convent in the 1700's..... nuns had small rooms..... but lots of charm and right in the heart of Old San Juan.... but expensive yes...... so are most hotels in San Juan.

[Patgo28]

Thank you everyone for your sugestions. It sound to me llike the Marriott through Pricelline of the Sheraton in Old San juan if we are at that pier.

 

What pier does the Crown sail from does anyone know?

[CruiserNic]

I have never stayed there personally, but my parents have stayed at the Hotel Milano in Old San Juan twice. It is not a huge fancy hotel, but it is very nice and clean and close to some bigger hotels if you want to use their casinos or something. They held my parent luggage after checkout so they could do some touring before boarding their ship. They then walked the two or three blocks to the port and boarded their ship. Although I'm not sure of where your ship will leave from, so it might not be the same. Here is their website http://www.hotelmilanopr.com/

[BJAMINGIRL]

I tried for 4 months to get a resort hotel on priceline for our 3/24 to 3/26 stay prior to our cruise. I tried every 24 hours using all the Cruise Critic tips to get 3 requests per day. I stayed between $120 per night and $140 per night and got nothing. I had held the Howard Johnson as back up and am glad I did. Rates are between $150 and $175 per night for reg or suite. It is in a great location, close to everything. There was a free breakfast every morning till 10:30, but we were usually out at the local spots. We stopped into the Shereton for a drink one night and it almost cost as much as our hotel room.

 

My only thing I would do different would be to ask for 2nd or 3rd floor. The elevator is very slow and warm. But the rooms were nice and clean.

 

The hotel is right off the Piazza, block from Barachina and in a good area for getting to resturants and down to the pier.

[Albertians]

I will be staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites in San Juan - Isle Verde

I have reasearched it alot. Seems this is a Hilton hotel. Cost is $265 with all charges added and taxes etc... San Juan hotels are expensive.

However, this looks like a great clean comfy hotel, nice pool, near airport.

No resort charges like at the Hilton. I think it's a mid-priced - 4 star hotel.

 

Checking things out on Trip Advisor is good to do. You candid travellers reviews.

 

Tracy

[texancruzer]

I will be staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites in San Juan - Isle Verde. Cost is $265 with all charges added and taxes etc... San Juan hotels are expensive.Tracy

 

FYI ~

 

We stayed at El Convento for $ 284.00 per night including taxes etc. and it was Thanksgiving (considered holiday rate)

 

5 Star in the heart of old San Juan. Booked through RCI.

[10X]

Tracy,

 

We've stayed at the Hampton Inn about 3 times and loved the place. It's very nice, clean, and with a friendly staff. We've had rates for as little as $99 and as high as $179, so your rate seems a little high, unless you're on a holiday weekend. The San Juan Marriott is a little nicer but doesn't include the HUGE continental breakfast that the Hampton does. We tried the Marriott for the first time this year because we were able to get a Priceline rate of $95 but we booked months in advance. I don't think that Hampton Inns participate with Priceline.

[fti]

What pier does the Crown sail from does anyone know?

 

Can anyone answer this? Does it depend on when the cruise departure date is? Thanks. John

[spingal]

Can anyone answer this? Does it depend on when the cruise departure date is? Thanks. John

 

Yes it does depend on the date of the cruise. I would check with Princess. We left from the Pan American pier in November and lately they have been using Pier 4.