San Juan Hotels

[macusr]

We stayed for one night pre-cruise in Feb 2007. It was awful. First room we were given had a leaking ceiling in the bathroom. Then the room they moved us to was smaller than a cruise cabin and apparently next to the disco. The music played loud almost all night. The breakfast was nothing to rave about. And luggage storage consisted of piles of bags stacked in the lobby with bicycle locks around them. I will never stay at this hotel again.

[2Oregonians]

Hands down, the Ritz Carlton. We took a 10 day Panama Canal cruise from San Juan to Acapulco in 1999 and stayed one night pre-cruise at the Ritz Carlton. Now mind you, we are definitely NOT wealthy people, but the $300 or so extra for this one night was heaven. This is a beautiful property with huge well-decorated rooms. Marble in the bathroom (with a phone, which my husband found amusing). The customer service is incredible. You go down on their beachfront and they hand you a towel and set up your loungers. The pool area is beautiful. Kind of like a tropical garden. And the breakfast!! Best breakfast we ever had!! Anyway, I'm sure you can tell we really liked it. :p

[drakes2]

Does anyone know how many stars the Marriott Stellaris and Casino in OSJ would be. I'd like to bid on Priceline as it's going to cost us $360 + for one night pre cruise in January 2009 if I booked directly with the hotel. Also, what if you over bid for the hotel? Do they put you in a higher category?

I recommend you go to the ports of call thread for SJ. There is a great thread on hotels and what people are getting on Priceline. It helped me alot when I went there pre cruise a few months ago. I was rebelling against the high hotel rates that seem to stick us pre-cruise folks :( and just wanted something decent for 1 night without paying $200.00. We stayed in the Normandy, less than 10 min. from the port for less than 1/2 the price of our friends staying at the Sheaton OSJ. It was a 3 star for 149/nt with more charm and character than say a Holiday Inn. For 1 -2 nts I'd have no problem staying there again, but you do have to taxi to the port.

 

The one turn-off for me at the Sheraton OSJ was the major line for check in when we went to meet our friends there. Its a tiny lobby and there must have been 30 -40 people crammed in there waiting to check in. Not enough staff. Yikes:eek:

 

But if you use Priceline, you are charged immediately if your bid is accepted. But you bid on a category and neighborhood such as 3 stars, 4 stars, etc and then a specific area and you will get something within that category, or sometimes a higher star level. But check out that thread for lots of info.Enjoy your cruise.

[cubfan60004]

Thanks for the info - maybe next time.

 

Have you ever driven in SJ?

 

I always drive in SJU, go there every year. Sisters inlaws own property in Dorado. Never had a problem. But I will say to check your auto insurance. I know that State Farm does not cover you in Puerto Rico.

[cubfan60004]

Hands down, the Ritz Carlton. We took a 10 day Panama Canal cruise from San Juan to Acapulco in 1999 and stayed one night pre-cruise at the Ritz Carlton. Now mind you, we are definitely NOT wealthy people, but the $300 or so extra for this one night was heaven. This is a beautiful property with huge well-decorated rooms. Marble in the bathroom (with a phone, which my husband found amusing). The customer service is incredible. You go down on their beachfront and they hand you a towel and set up your loungers. The pool area is beautiful. Kind of like a tropical garden. And the breakfast!! Best breakfast we ever had!! Anyway, I'm sure you can tell we really liked it. :p

 

Agree completely and if you check the websites sometimes you can find it a little cheaper. We stayed there one night last year and paid 215.00 I also enjoy the EL San Juan. And they have an awesome mexican rooftop restaurant that makes the guac tableside. great views too.

[bhopal21]

I always drive in SJU, go there every year. Sisters inlaws own property in Dorado. Never had a problem. But I will say to check your auto insurance. I know that State Farm does not cover you in Puerto Rico.

 

I guess that I just don't have the stamina. We have only stayed in the Condado district and to me most of the streets there are like single lane alleys.;)

 

Mike:o

[Elizabeth K.]

Does anyone know how many stars the Marriott Stellaris and Casino in OSJ would be. I'd like to bid on Priceline as it's going to cost us $360 + for one night pre cruise in January 2009 if I booked directly with the hotel. Also, what if you over bid for the hotel? Do they put you in a higher category?

 

 

 

Again a good question for the ports of call board but from what I recall the Marriott is in the resort catagory. I'm going to find the link and try to post it here.

 

EK

[Elizabeth K.]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=412956

 

Try browsing through this thread. Its long, but you learn alot about Priceline and peoples experiences with SJ hotels. Good luck.