Double Tree by Hilton San Juan Feb/March 2013

[DontGetMeStarted]

Hi All

As part of our status run next year from HNL to SJU return we will be in San Juan for one night 26/2 and then 2 nights post cruise (ex FLL) 10 and 11th March. Having made gold with Hilton would like to use one of their properties and hopefully score an upgrade where possible. Does anyone have any experience of the above property...rates are around $177 per night plus 18% (advance saver booking) .....this does not include breakfast...so just wondering being gold status what I could expect if anything would you be offered breakfast or any other amenities....thanks any help appreciated.

 

[Fifa]

We stayed at the Double Tree in September for 2 nights.
As a Diamond I received the usual breakfast and internet (Gold would receive the same) but no upgrade . The rooms are quite modern but are small. Breakfast was very ordinary and I'm certainly glad I didn't pay for it!
Booking the MVP rate reduced the price by about 20% but be aware there is an additional 18% 'resort fee' added which is a rip off.
Just up the road a bit there is a stop for a public bus (no timetable) which takes you to Old San Juan - we had a great day wandering around the old town and the fort.

I think if I went back I would book the Conrad or Hilton at the beachside area of Condado which is close to lots of shops and restaurants.

Enjoy AA First - it's certainly a different experience

 

[dfcatch]

I agree the breakfast is not worth paying for but good enough as a diamond benefit. Got upgraded to a poolside patio room as well.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

thanks all...will check the rates at both those places, maybe a deal will come along in the meantime too

 

[turtlemichael]

Just checked in for 5 nights a few minutes ago. Will give you a view in a day or two.

 

[turtlemichael]

We have had three nights here of a five night stay. I'd give it a 7 out of 10. We were upgraded to a pool view room. The patio room below, which dfcatch scored, would have been nicer. The room itself is comfortable with a good bed and shower and enough room for us. The style is not luxurious and I'd describe it as upmarket motel. Breakfasts, as others have said, are uninspiring but free (excluding the tip) to HH status customers. Otherwise it is only $10++ but that is about what it is worth. Service is friendly and internet speeds are okay.

Major problem for us is location. It is about 10 minutes from the beach but the best part of the beach is a longish walk closer to downtown. There is a public bus which appears to run to no timetable (expect up to an hour between buses). It's only 0.75c into Old San Juan and a taxi is I think $17.00 plus tip. There is a limited range of restaurants within walking distance. I think for a shorter stay, where you want to do a bit of sightseeing but not be worried about long public transport waits, I'd stay closer in. The Hilton and the Conrad are closer to town but are probably still a taxi ride given the state of the bus service. There is also a bigger choice of bars and restaurants around them. If there is a next time for us I think we'd look at a downtown hotel.

Rates at Doubletree are "topped up" by an 18% resort fee for such things as pool towels, internet access etc. This isn't justified in my view.

We do love San Juan (the Old Town and forts are amazing) and think it is a great place for a few nights' break.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Thanks so much for the update, Had been looking forward to hearing all about it, this weekend will have another look at the areas as our time there is extremely limited. Enjoy the rest of vacation.

 

[turtlemichael]

Oh, since discovered a really good modern Art museum just 200 metres from the Doubletree. Well worth a visit, including the lovely scupture garden, if you are into that sort of thing. - inicio

Also, on the muaseum premises is the best restaurant for fine dining we came across, Laurel. LAUREL Kitchen | Art Bar