During my recent trip to Puerto Rico to visit family, I flew into San Juan because it was a lot cheaper and the schedules are better than flying into Ponce or Aguadilla. But since it’s further from where my family lives in Lajas, I decided to stay overnight in San Juan before heading on to the southwestern part of the island. I chose the Best Western Plus Condado Palm Inn & Suites because it offered the best price for a location I liked, in Condado near the beach (although it still wasn’t that cheap, since it’s hard to get a good price on a hotel in Puerto Rico in general). This is a review of my experience at the hotel.
THE STYLE: The Best Western Plus Condado Palm Inn & Suites is a relatively new name for a hotel that was once called the Dutch Inn. It has two towers that rise above the popular Condado neighborhood in San Juan. The hotel is one block from the beach (the north tower has better views of the ocean). The overall style is simple but contemporary, with an open lobby with bar, fish tank and dining area for the free breakfast.
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THE GUEST ROOMS: I stayed in room 910, which was a suite with a living room with kitchenette, separate bedroom, three closets, a dining table and a balcony that extended from the living room to the bedroom, with a great view of the city and the ocean (that’s what I liked best about the accommodations). The decor was simple but attractive.
HOTEL FEATURES: The free continental breakfast provides a good array of hot and cold food, including sausage, bacon, oatmeal, cereal, fruit and juices. The swimming pool is not huge but it’s nice, with a Jacuzzi and a seating area with tables that can also be used for breakfast. Access to the gym, which is small but decently equipped with multiple treamills, is free. The lobby bar, Coo’s Lounge, has tables and a bar, and was packed for happy hour. Parking, unfortunately, is not free — it costs $16 a day, but you can come and go as much as you want (it’s an outside parking lot behind the building).
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The hotel is across the street from a 24-hour Walgreen’s, which is convenient, one block from the beach and walking distance to a variety of restaurants, bars and shopping, so that you don’t need to get in the car too much if you’re looking for a relaxed Puerto Rico vacation experience that’s still in the city.
BEST FOR: The Best Western Plus Condado Palm Inn is good for budget-conscious travelers who still want to be within walking distance to the beach, restaurants and nightlife in San Juan’s Condado area.