San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel

This boutique hotel was converted from condos in about 2001. It was a featured in Architectural Digest in 2002 and Conde' Nast Traveler a couple of times for Top 10 hot hotels in the world.

Located on Isla Verde (near the airport).

I used priceline.com to book the hotel and this 3 1/2 star hotel is the one I bought; $85/night, which is a great rate. An $11.40 "resort" fee was added on upon arrival, but was worth it since they took such great care of me there.

With only 84 units this was a gem of a hotel. Though it sounds now that it has changed quite a bit since opening I loved this place and found it quiet, relaxing, and a wonderful tropical hideaway. At one time it had a dance club on the main floor and a great sushi restaurant; neither exist anymore. The hotel today does still offer Tangerine, it's Tapas menu and is now located on the main floor. Free continental breakfast is served daily for guest from 7am to 11.

The hotel is white on the outside and is famous for the blue glowing windows at night. Blue neon lights bathe each room in an etherial light.

Also, WET is the name of the upstairs bar. It, too, is very quiet except from 5-6pm daily where guests are treated to a free happy hour.

William, the valet parking attendant/doorman is a sweetheart and a wealth of information to help you find whatever you need around town. Virna, who is in charge of their Desires Club, makes sure guests have maps, restaurant names in Old San Juan, and will give you shortcuts to getting around town. She helped make my stay a welcoming one; I left feeling as though I had known her for years.

Just a few steps out of the lobby the white sandy beaches are before you with the bluest water I have seen in a while.

***Tips:
Taxi's to Old San Juan run about $20 each way. Either #1) haggle with the driver (as none of them use their meters) or #2) take either bus A5 or C53 into town for 75 cents. The trip takes about 20 minutes by bus and it is a comfy ride while seeing more of the city. Buses are safe and run until 8pm. There are bus stops on the street right in back of the hotel (front of hotel faces the beach).

To save on your bar tab, meet at 5pm at the top floor bar every day for happy hour. Drinks are free, as much as you can hold. Drinks are strong and delicious (I had mojitos). After happy hour walk about 300 feet down the block to Third Base or one of the other local cantinas facing the beach. Cheap, safe, and fun. Or, go to the supermarket or minimart just about 1 block from the hotel and buy your own libation. They can be brought into the hotel without a problem.

Old San Juan: Parking is a nightmare here and can get expensive. Once you take a bus into the city take the Free Trolleys all over town. There are 3 routes which will cover any touristy location you are interested in. Maps for the routes are located at the tourism building near the port.

Bring earplugs on your trip. Room air conditioners work very very hard here and sometimes they are particularly noticable when it is extra hot outside. Earplugs will prevent your sleep from interruption when the unit turns off and on and the water from condensation gurgles through the unit.

The Water Club is pet friendly, so be sure to ask for a non-pet room if you have allergies. I found each of the rooms I visited (a small hotel allows travelers to meet others and creates friendships) were clean and none had any sign of pet hair or smell in them.