Help, I can't find a nice San Juan hotel under $200. I've looked at all the choices in this site, and it seems most are frumpy unless you pay a lot of money. Any gems or b&bs folks can share?

Try one of the following:

Embassy Suites
Comfort Inn
Courtyard by Marriott
Holiday Inn Express

Try Hotel Milano, we have stayed there twice. It is right in OSJ. You can walk to the forts, waterfront, restaurants, etc.
They have a roof top area where they serve a continental breakfast. Nice view.

Yes, definitely Hotel Milano, the location cannot be beat, right in Old San Juan. www.hotelmilanopr.com I have stayed there many times. It is not a luxury hotel, but it is nice and breakfast is included. The views from the rooftop restaurant are amazing.

Don't know when you are planning to go, but we will be there next Wed, 3/1. I will take a lot of pictures of the hotel and the room, if you'd like. We are back home on 3/4, so can email them to you on 3/5. Just email me to remind me to do so.

Kris

Oops, forgot to say, we will be at Hotel Milano. Duh to me! =)

thanks for all the help! No need for photos, but thanks for the offer. I finally managed to get something at milano.

feedback on milano. for those considering staying here, the location is perfect in the sofo neighborhood 1 block from the top bars and restaurants on fortalezza street. i got a last minute room here for $90 a night. No windows, decent bathroom, quiet. But I will not stay there again, as in the morning, there were bed bugs crawling on the sheets - disgusting...

You do realize that you will not be on a beach if you stay in Old San Juan? Not that I am advising against it - just want to make sure you are aware of that.

We stayed at Numero Uno bed and breakfast and loved it. It is right on the beach and Pamala's restaurant is there. We had an amazing dinner sitting on the beach. We had to take a bus to Old San Juan, but the beach was wonderful. Not sure where s bar with music would be, but I'm sure it is close. The people running the place are very friendly and helpful.