susan

We've decided to stay an extra night in San Juan in the beginning of March after a cruise on the Norwegian Dream. I'm curious as to opinions of the following hotels,their prices and location, especially since we'll only be there one night and probably won't get a chance to take full advantage of the facilities. <BR>- Grand Beach Hotel <BR>- El San Juan <BR>- Old San Juan <BR>- Marriot Resort/Stellaris Casino <BR>- Radisson Ambassador Plaza <BR>- Radisson Normandie Hotel <BR>- Condado Plaza Hotel <BR>- Hilton Caribe (was considering but now unsure bc of the negative postings) <BR> <BR>Any help is greatly appreciated.

peg

Hi Susan -- just went through this myself; we're also in SJ early March. All of your choices are on the higher price list. First you need to decide: <BR>How much do you want to spend & how important is the beach? Since you list nice places, I'm going to assume price isn't the issue. If beach is important, the Old San Juan isn't a good choice. If you want to spend your time exploring Old San Juan anyway, it's well located for that. <BR> <BR>If beach is very important, my info says stay in Isla Verde which is near the airport, but has the nicer beach in SJ. This area includes San Juan Grand & El San Juan. If beach isn't that important, Condado has several nice places which you've listed. <BR> <BR>Lots on the web--try Hotelwiz.com, wheretostay.com, both have hotel info (including features, prices, visitor reviews, etc.), and you can check availability there too. Also Travelocity, Excite, etc. I was able to get a "good rate" (that's relative--$180/night + something like 22% tax...)at the Condado Plaza by calling them directly, but decided the beach was too important to us for our last night, so we're spending a little more for the SJ Grand in Isla Verde. I think I booked that through 1travel.com. Was not able to get this place by calling the hotel directly; and good chance the El San Juan or others on your list may have limited availability this late. As you can tell, I've done tons of research; if you'd like to email me directly, happy to tell you more. Someone who has been there might be more help... <BR>

Diane

I was at the Marriott for a week last year in January. Nice beach, lovely pool area, there is a great bar in the lobby, often live music for dancing, and the casino is worth visiting to drop $20 in the slots if you're so inclined. Plus you can get points for staying at a Marriott if you're in their program...

susan

Peg- <BR> Thanks for the input. I listed these hotels because these are the names that keep coming up. Of course, money is an issue and I would definitely prefer to pay as little as possible, but I have no idea where to go without sacrificing decent accommodations. Your insight and/or research is greatly appreciated. Also, since your stayting at the Grand, what is it running? Thanks.

peg

Hi again Susan -- I got $220 + tax (brings it up to about $260 or so) rate at the Grand on the internet, I think through 1travel.com... yes, it's a lot, but for our last night, after an entire week of running around on the cruise, we wanted to be on the beach and we wanted resort-type accommodations; you certainly can stay in SJ for a lot less. Write me directly with what you are looking for, and I can probably help further. Happy to help if I can. I'm about to cancel the $180 room at the Plaza... <BR>

karen

Hi Susan: We also took a cruise out of San Juan and although we did not stay over we did eat and use the casino at the Wyndham Old San Juan. The location is ideal if your going to be visiting the OlD San Juan area. To me its the most interesting area anyway. The restaurant and bar patio overlook the harbour its beautiful in the evening. It would be very convenient for you. On a previous visit we went to the strip by the conference centre and that was like being in any other big city. old San Juan is much nicer. Both forts are worth a look. As you are walking those narrow streets you can feel the history all around you. Have a great visit.Karen

Antonio

Hi Susan , i am from Puerto Rico . some of the hotels that you selected are nice and others no , anyway feel free to e-mail me about the things that you like to do, like go to beach , dance , etc . and then i can give to you some advice , have fun in San Juan .