San Juan

[Bob]

Taking the Ocean Princess on 4/22. We were just notified of a fleight change out of San Juan for the return trip. We will need to stay in San Juan an extra night before starting home. Not bad .... really. Can anyone recommed a good hotel close to airport or within a short distance of it. Thanks for your help.

[norm]

Bob,

Given the location of the airport and the location of the pier, just about any hotel will be "en route." Your better option probably is to check for a hotel near the attractions that you would like to visit while you are there. For two people, you probably won't spend any more on taxis than you would on Princess's transfers.

A year ago, I got a good rate at the Radisson Ambassador Plaza Hotel and Casino. Unfortunately, when I checked it again this year, the room rates over $200 per night -- which seems to be typical anywhere in the city. If price is a consideration, you might want to shop around on line. If you booked through a local travel agency rather than an Internet travel agency, your travel agent might be able to assist you.

If it is not too late to book Princess's "Cruise Plus" hotel package (see page 59 of Princess's 2000-2001 Caribbean brochure) for your cruise, it might be a good option. These packages include all transfers (pier to hotel and hotel to airport) the prices are not quite as steep as they might appesr.

Norm.

We are sailing on the Ocean Princess, departing 3/18. We are booked at the Hampton Inn, about 2 miles from the airport the day before we sail. I have read extremely good comments about this hotel. Will let you know about our experience when we return. The price is $169 per night. We originally had reservations at the Comfort Inn Tanama Princess for $119 per night, but after seeing the brochure and reading some less than glowing comments about this property, we decided to cancel and go with Hampton Inn. IMHO, I am willing to pay more for a better property.

We had a pre-cruise stay at the Hampton Inn in February when we sailed on the Ocean Princess. It's very close to the airport but you can't hear the airplane traffic in your room. Very nice hotel, very clean, friendly staff, free continental breakfast. Our price was $169. Cab fare from the airport to the hotle was $3 per person. I'll stay there again.

Hello!
My teenage sons and myself took advantage of Princess's air deviation and flew in a day early. We arrived in Puerto Rico on a Saturday with Sunday's sailing of the Ocean princess. We choose the Caribe Hilton. My opinion of this hotel is nothing but the highest! We were in the garden district, with a balcony that had complete view of the ocean. It seemed the entire floor was dedicated to Ocean Princess passangers, as our only requirement was to have the bags outside the door at 10am. When coming back from a morning sunrise swim (yes, they have a beatiful beach too!), I smiled at all the Princess tagged luggage in the hallway. This hotel also has live music in the open bar area. I will admit the Sunday brunch was a bit pricey (around $20pp). The hotel also has a concierre, and we took advantage of his recommendation for places to eat and choose the Hard Rock Cafe in Old San Juan for Saturday evening's dinner (teenagers).
My suggestion: Stay here if you want continued ambiance, relaxation with music, and strolls around garden districts, sandy beaches, and a great view of the ocean. They also have an old fort next to the hotel (Fort Jeronimo). This place, couldn't have been better.