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Summer is just around the corner and I am sure you must be looking for different options to do. A Summer in the Caribbean does not sound like the most amazing idea because, it is sunny up north  and we should enjoy that as well, but, here is the amazing budget tip: Caribbean during summer is WAY cheaper than in Winter, and that is something you should consider when choosing a destination for vacations. This will have two parts, today I am focusing on my hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico.

I have written before two guides for other blogs on how to travel in Puerto Rico that you can find here and here. What can I say new about Puerto Rico this time? I will give you hints on hotels you should consider if you are looking forward to do something I have said in the aforementioned guides. These are hotels close to the landmarks you would like to see in the island, since as I have mentioned before, our public transportation is not something you should rely on.

As you might notice in the Thrifty Traveler Tips guide, I mentioned a few landmarks such as El Morro and San Cristobal forts, Bacardi Rum Factory, and some other things you might find in San Juan. If you are planning to experience San Juan, I will recommend these 3 hotels if you are looking for a Beach Resort experience:

Caribe Hilton

Angel Xavier Viera-Vargas – Flickr©

If you are looking forward to have an amazing beach resort experience in a hotel that is close to almost everywhere, Caribe Hilton is your option right next to Escambrón and Condado beach, this hotel offers a lot of amenities to those who stay. From here, you can walk to Old San Juan (not my best recommendation since it can be a little dangerous, but not impossible) and to Condado. The hotel is in a vibrant community where you can find restaurants such as Rosa Mexicano and Fogo de Chão and bars like Blue Martini.

If you are looking for a place next to the beach, but at the same time, not being too far from the sightseen, then this hotel is your option.

• Rates start on $$173 per night.

• Taxi to Old San Juan should not cost more than $10, and to the airport no more than $20.

Marriott Stellaris Resort

Leane Marle – Flickr©

Marriot Stellaris is right in the heart of the Condado Area. The beach is right behind it and it has different landmarks and fun places to visit walking distance. Condado has a really good restaurant scene that is one of the reasons I would recommend it. In a good day, you can walk from here to Old San Juan (not exactly recommended) or to the hip area in Calle Loiza, which also has a good local bar scene and different local restaurant and spots you might love to visit.

This hotel as well offer different amenities and is a common place for meeting and conventions.

• Rates start on $179 per night.

• Taxi to Old San Juan should cost you $10-$15, taxi to the airport about $15

El San Juan Resort

Oyster.com

This resort has a magic of its own and, from my position as a local, is one of my favorite spots in the city. On Friday nights it offers a variety of activities to do. You have there one of the most famous clubs in the city there called Brava, you can go and dine in casually in Brothers Jimmy BBQ or you just can enjoy the show by the band in the Lobby. That is exactly what I usually do.

So definitely, this is one of the hotels I would recommend the most.

• Rates start on $175 per night.

• Taxi to Old San Juan should cost $15-$20 and to the Airport $10.

Looking for more affordable options? There are a few Hostels, B&B and Guest Houses that you might find in San Juan. These are the ones we recommend:

The Palace Hostel

Booking.com

I must warn you that this hostel those not have the best location in the city, but the reviews of people who have stayed there seems to be good. Is not that far from Old San Juan but not the best area to walk around. If you are looking for a good place to stay but you have already figured out how you will move around the city, then this hostel might suite you.

•  Rates start on $15 per night.

• Taxis should charge you $15 from/to the airport and $10 to San Juan and Condado.

Island Time Hostel

This hostel is not too far from The Palace, so, I wouldn’t really recommend them location-wise. This hostel has mixed review and I had the chance to previously meet a few guests who have stayed here previously and they loved it. Is not that far from Condado Beach walking but once again, I wouldn’t encourage you to do that.

•  Rates start on $20 per night.

• Taxis should charge you $15 from/to the airport and $10 to San Juan and Condado.

Posada San Francisco

Booking.com

This is one of the best located hostels in Old San Juan. Right in the middle of the Old City, you are close to many restaurants, bars and amazing sightseens, so, you wouldn’t even need a huge budget to go to the Bacardi Rum Factory, since with only 50 cents for the ferry and $2 for the bus you will be there.
If you are looking for something to maximize your budget, this is the best choice. You will be close to most of the places you might enjoy, so you won’t have to save that much on transportation.

• Rates start on $25 per night.

• Taxis should charge you $20 from/to the airport, $10 to San Juan and $15 to Condado.

Base Hostel

Booking.com

This hostel is the perfect place, not to come in Summer but in January. Is located right in the heart of San Sebastian Street, the same location that host one of the biggest festival in town in January. In Summer, is still good because you are just a few blocks away from the forts and other major attractions in the Old City.

If you asked me, these last two hotels are my top choices.

If you don’t consider yourself a hotel/hostel person, Airbnb is always a great solution to find affordable lodging!

Don’t miss the second part of this next week, we’ll explore hotels outside San Juan.