Hotels in Puerto Rico

[DWillowBay]

We will be doing a Southern Caribbean leaving from San Juan next fall. Just beginning to plan but....Can anyone suggest a hotel that allows for relatively quick access to the port (...and beaches would be a plus!) ? TIA

 

[soniam]

I think we stayed at the Sheraton. It’s right across the water from the port that our boat left from (Celebrity). There were some ships docked right outside our hotel.

 

[auntlynne]

Check out the Condado area. Lots of beachfront hotels. The port should be < 10-15 by car. (Either cruise port).

The Sheraton mentioned above ^ would be a great base for exploring Old San Juan - just step out the door and start walking; you are in Old San Juan. Unless you are mobility restricted, you could walk to the cruise port if utilizing the one on that side. But it does not have a convenient beach.

 

[DisneyConvert]

I think we stayed at the Sheraton. It’s right across the water from the port that our boat left from (Celebrity). There were some ships docked right outside our hotel.

The Sheraton was a good choice for us as DW is BonVoy++. Unfortunately, the Magic terminated our Nov cruise at the Pan American Cruise Terminal on the south side of the Caño ($25 taxi).

Agree wrto the advantages of the Sheraton. It is safe and the staff is great, although physically, it is a bit "tired" and needs a refresh (like much of P.R.). Or as my DW reminded me, "It's a 3* hotel, and we paid a 3* price."

There is a fantastic WalGreens next door and a great variety of restaurants on the Calle de Recinto Sur, 1/4 mile away.

 

[FightingIrishman]

We stayed two nights at the Hilton Caribe and on a separate trip two nights at the Marriott/Stellaris Casino both before southern Caribbean cruises. Both resorts are pricey but both have restaurants and beach access so they worked well for us with kids in single digits.

 

[Cruzin’Sisters]

We stayed two nights at the Hilton Caribe and on a separate trip two nights at the Marriott/Stellaris Casino both before southern Caribbean cruises. Both resorts are pricey but both have restaurants and beach access so they worked well for us with kids in single digits.

How far from the airport? You had to Uber there? And how far back to port?
TIA

 

[FightingIrishman]

Both of these resorts are between the airport and port. I think it is about a 20 minute ride from the airport to the port.

The Hilton Caribe is less than 10 minutes from the port. The Marriott is less than 15 minutes from the port.

We used a taxi from airport to resort and then resort to port, as we have a family of 7. A lot of taxis there are larger size vans.

 

[Cruzin’Sisters]

We will be doing a Southern Caribbean leaving from San Juan next fall. Just beginning to plan but....Can anyone suggest a hotel that allows for relatively quick access to the port (...and beaches would be a plus!) ? TIA

Following for 2024. Can you fill me in about airlines as well? Appreciate any info to get me planning.

Thanks!

 

[Cheburashka]

Has anyone stayed at Hotel Convento in Old San Juan?

 

[soniam]

Following for 2024. Can you fill me in about airlines as well? Appreciate any info to get me planning.

Thanks!

Just pick the airline with the best itinerary and price from you departure airport. I don't think it really matters otherwise. I think we flew American, but we live in Texas.

 

[OKW Lover]

San Juan isn't that big a place. I wouldn't put much emphasis on being close to the port or the airport. I doubt it would take more than 15 minutes to get to the port from any of the hotels in SJ.

 

[auntlynne]

Following for 2024. Can you fill me in about airlines as well? Appreciate any info to get me planning.

Thanks!

“Airlines that fly between Puerto Rico and the USA are American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United, Frontier, Spirit, and Sun Country Airlines” (source discoverpuertorico .com)

My airline advice is go with the one you trust. Or are willing to take the gamble for a cheap ride.

On our covid-cancelled cruise, we booked flights to Miami using a free-companion ticket on our carrier of choice. Then added a flight on American, Miami-San Juan. I wasn’t enthusiastic about American, but the price and schedule were good. All a moot point when you stay home. But I would make the same choice if price was right.

…It looks like Uber from the airport is now an option (used to be you needed a taxi).

(Did I basically mansplain what @soniam said? Whoops.)

 

[auntlynne]

Also check the Carolina area just north of the airport. Seems to be a resort area on a substantial beach. If you are More interested in beach than being really close to Old San Juan, this might be a better fit.

 

[Cruzin’Sisters]

“Airlines that fly between Puerto Rico and the USA are American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United, Frontier, Spirit, and Sun Country Airlines” (source discoverpuertorico .com)

My airline advice is go with the one you trust. Or are willing to take the gamble for a cheap ride.

On our covid-cancelled cruise, we booked flights to Miami using a free-companion ticket on our carrier of choice. Then added a flight on American, Miami-San Juan. I wasn’t enthusiastic about American, but the price and schedule were good. All a moot point when you stay home. But I would make the same choice if price was right.

…It looks like Uber from the airport is now an option (used to be you needed a taxi).

(Did I basically mansplain what @soniam said? Whoops.)

Appreciate your taking the time to offer assistance. I see great fares for Frontier and Spirit, but not comfortable taking the gamble. Of course, now Southwest is a gamble. 2024 is a long way off so I will keep tuned in to this blog.
Thanks again!

 

[Cheburashka]

Appreciate your taking the time to offer assistance. I see great fares for Frontier and Spirit, but not comfortable taking the gamble. Of course, now Southwest is a gamble. 2024 is a long way off so I will keep tuned in to this blog.
Thanks again!

You might want to try American. Miami is a common stop point between the mainland and San Juan, and it's an American hub.

 

[MeggyScumEsquire]

We've stayed at the Sheraton (not the old San Juan one), the intercontinental, and la terraza de San Juan, and while I'd stay at any of them again, la terrazza was the best! It is in a great location in old San Juan, rooms were clean, staff friendly!

 

[IcedCoffee52]

We've stayed at the Marriott Stellaris pre-cruise several times, and really enjoyed it. Good nearby restuarants, CVS and other stores for anything you forgot, nice beach, and great pools.

We also did a day pass at the Courtyard Isla Verde after our cruise once when we had a late flight. That seemed nice (although I didn't see the rooms). Pools were great and beach was nice.

 

[DisneyConvert]

Also check the Carolina area just north of the airport. Seems to be a resort area on a substantial beach. If you are More interested in beach than being really close to Old San Juan, this might be a better fit.

That is a LOVELY area if you want a beautiful beach. Pretty close to the airport and perhaps a $25 Lyft into Old San Juan (more to the El Morro Castle).