Recommendations for San Juan hotel pre-cruise

[lovedisneycruise]

I will be cruising with my 20-something daughter on the southern Caribbean out of San Juan; we have never stayed in this area before.
I see that Disney recommends the Caribe Hilton or Marriott San Juan & Stellaris Casino to use with their transfers.

Has anyone stayed at either of these--any thoughts good or bad??
I have googled and researched reviews for resorts in the area until my eyes are watering. I am now coming to the Experts. I would prefer something nice (not necessarily 5-star) and not a romantic, honeymoon-destination type of resort. We are not casino people, so not sure that Marriott would be the one for us. I do, however, like that it's walking distance from a CVS; I was thinking of packing less products and shopping for personal items once we arrive there.

Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[bfamily5]

We are doing a cruise out of San Juan as well...can't wait!! We were looking for a clean, reputable hotel with a decent price. The price was the hard part - San Juan is very expensive! We ended up booking at the Best Western Condado Palm. It's 1 block from the beach and the CVS is across the street. The rate was $179/night

 

[bumbershoot]

Remember that your cruise will be leaving from a different area than where the day-visit ships dock (they are right in old san juan). Panamerican pier, I believe, is what it's called. That's important because if you stay over near where your ship will be, it'll be an expense to get to Old San Juan each time you want to go there or get back. If you stay in OSJ it'll be the one expense to get to the ship. (and the airport transportation as well)

Because it's gorgeous, I'm leaning towards the Hotel El Convento. Because of the breakfast and the cocktail hour I'm leaning towards the Embassy Suites near the Panamerican pier. Our cruise (on Royal) is 1.5 years away so I have time to dither about it.

 

[js]

We stayed a week post cruise on a RCCL sailing at the InterContinental. It was rigjt on the beach and in walking distance to some great food options.

Have fun!

 

[JOANNEL]

We stayed at the Hampton by the air port. It was great. A block from the beach- where they had chairs, umbrella's and ice water for guests. There was breakfast and happy hour included every day. The pool area and pool bar are a lot of fun too. It was about 20 dollar taxi ride to get to downtown San Juan.

 

[Ofinn]

We stayed at the Sheraton in Old San Juan. The hotel is very old, but the rooms were clean, beds comfortable, and they have a nice pool on the roof. It's probably not the nicest hotel in San Juan, but the location was excellent. The taxi ride to the port was around 25.00 dollars for the four of us. It was a little more from the airport maybe 30-35. I would stay there again because I loved old San Juan and everything is in walking distance from that hotel. The taxi cost was minimal. The hotel is right at the port where the Fantasy docks for the day, but the Magic docked at the other pier.

 

[bumbershoot]

Oh yeah the Sheraton is just right there in front of the day-visit ships.

Sounds like in a way it's a choice between paying for either breakfast or cab rides into town.

 

[SleepyDeb]

I booked 2 nights before the cruise at Hotel El Convento and one night after at Embassy Suites San Juan. I've never been to San Juan and a little nervous about booking hotels somewhat blind.

Looking for something very pretty and near tourist attractions for before and something clean and safe for after.

Any opinions on my choices?

 

[bumbershoot]

Given that we've been to SJ and those are the choices I'm deciding between, I think you've made some excellent choices.

 

[disneycruisegirl]

We stayed at the Marriott last year pre-Disney cruise and enjoyed the hotel. Nice beach, close walkable restaurants and we definitely hit up the CVS for last minute items. The casino does not intrude at all into the hotel atmosphere. In fact I booked the hotel again through Disney for pre-cruise stay in January

 

[Ofinn]

I booked 2 nights before the cruise at Hotel El Convento and one night after at Embassy Suites San Juan. I've never been to San Juan and a little nervous about booking hotels somewhat blind.

Looking for something very pretty and near tourist attractions for before and something clean and safe for after.

Any opinions on my choices?

Is that the convent that was turned into a hotel? If so it looked very nice... much nicer than the Sheraton. I couldn't get a good rate there. Not only are the hotels expensive, but so is food. The food is so good though you won't feel cheated. There is an Italian restaurant next to the Forts that's owned by a family from Tuscany. We all agree that it was the best Pizza we have ever eaten. I never thought I would go to San Juan and eat Pizza, but I'm glad I did. Not cheap Pizza though we probably spent 70.00 or so on lunch for the four of us. Have fun San Juan is great city.

 

[~Dani~]

I spent a week at El Convento, and it is wonderful. Lovely wine and cheese hour on the terrace and the staff are amazing. Right in the middle of the old town so walking distance to everywhere.

 

[Tiki God]

We stayed a week post cruise on a RCCL sailing at the InterContinental. It was rigjt on the beach and in walking distance to some great food options.

Have fun!

We also stayed at the InterContinental and it was wonderful.