1. At Wind Chimes Inn
Photo © Zain Deane
The name's a bit quirky, but in my opinion, this is the best bargain in San Juan. At Wind Chimes Inn is a beautiful converted Spanish Villa, and its white walls and terra cotta tiled roofs could easily belong in Marbella. Instead, it's tucked away in a quiet corner of Condado, just beyond some of the best shopping and dining that the neighborhood has to offer, and only a block or so away from Condado Beach. Add the friendly staff, basic but comfortable rooms, and the hotel's perks (pool with a natural rock waterfall, second floor deck and lounge, and a funky tiki boat bar), and it's easily worth the money, even during peak season.
Contact:
787-727-4153 or 800-WINDCHIMES
1750 McLeary Avenue, Condado, San Juan.
Check rates and book here.
2. Numero Uno Guesthouse
Photo © Zain Deane
Continuing with the quirky names, Numero Uno Guesthouse, or "Number One Guesthouse" might seem a bit presumptuous, but it's quite the opposite. This laid back place exemplifies the unpretentious nature of its neighborhood, Ocean Park. Hidden at the end of Santa Ana Street, it is literally on the beach, and it also boasts one of the best restaurants in the city in Pamela's.
The rooms all have mini bars, air conditioning, and some have beautiful ocean views, and the rate includes a continental breakfast that you can enjoy on the sand facing the water. Numero Uno is quite small, so make sure you book early if you want it.
Contact:
787-726-5010 or 866-726-5010
1 Santa Ana Street, Ocean Park, San Juan
Check rates and book here.
3. El Prado Rentals
Photo © Zain Deane
El Prado is an Ocean Park secret. Owner Monique Lacombe gives her guests a variety of options, from a furnished one-bedroom apartment with full kitchen to a lovely three-bedroom villa. Every property is a short walk from the Ocean Park beach, and all have free private parking space (a luxury in San Juan).
And then there's the service that Monique and her family provide. When you make a reservation, you get a map with driving directions to your apartment; a person at the door to welcome you, no matter what time you get there; fresh flowers in your room: and for late-night arrivals and honeymooners, a few items pre-stocked in the kitchen. The only catch? A three-night minimum stay.
Contact:
787-391-1976
4. Da House
The lodging companion to the Nuyorican Café, Da House continues the musical themes that inspire the rocking and rolling Café. Each floor at Da House is devoted to its own theme, and the hotel has a history of accommodating struggling artists (it used to be a seminary). That philosophy is still in place today; you won't pay a lot to stay here, and you'll be in a place with a bohemian, funky vibe right in Old San Juan. Sure, it's more rustic than the big-name hotels; that's its charm.
Contact:
787-366-5074
312 San Francisco Street in Old San Juan
5. Hotel Milano
Photo © Zain Deane
Subscribing to the "location, location, location!" adage of real estate, the main advantage of the Hotel Milano is the fact that it's right on Fortaleza Street, with some of Old San Juan's best restaurants and nightlife hotspots just steps away. The rooms are simple but cozy, and some have nice views. The staff is amiable and welcoming, and the hotel's rooftop restaurant - The Panorama Bar & Grill - offers solid local specialties with spectacular views of the city and the San Juan Bay.
Contact:
787-729-9050 or 877-729-9050
307 Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan
Check rates and book here.
