The Holiday Inn Express in the Condado area of San Juan is not cheap (San Juan is a very expensive city) but it offers great value. We stayed two nights in April before our Southern Caribbean cruise. Getting to San Juan from Western Canada is a trial, and your chances of making your ship on the same day are slim, but you would be cheating yourself to miss out on one of the most beautiful cities in the Western hemisphere, comparable to Quebec City. (both are walled with narrow, ancient streets)
I was a little afraid to book, having read some negative reviews on this site, however my fears were quickly dispelled. Most of the complaints were about the rooms being small for 4 people. Yes, I would hate to have 4 people in such a room, but that would apply most anywhere. The room is a tad small, but really OK for a couple. Our room was beautiful, with a partial ocean view. It had the finest bedding, mattress and pillows we have ever seen in any hotel, and a great shower.
The free Internet and continental breakfast were real plusses. We didn’t use it, but there was a nice outdoor pool. There was no restaurant, but there are several good restaurants close by and it is a safe neighbourhood. We dined at a rustic sea side restaurant with huge breakers crashing on the rocks just outside the open window.
It’s a short taxi ride to the old town and forts, the airport or the cruise docks.
The only downside was the paper thin walls. If you had loud neighbours it would not be good news.
I would definitely recommend it, and hope this is typical for the chain, because we are booked into another Holiday Inn Express in Glasgow this summer.

We stayed at this hotel for one night before our cruise. Hotel is in the Condado area. Not as busy as downtown. Beautiful beach and lots to see on a nice walk. A lot of construction going on in the area. Not noisy at night though. Cab ride from airport was approx. $20 for 3 people with 3 bags. Check in was quick and easy. Room was very nice, big enough for 3 people with 3 large bags for our cruise. Clean and comfortable. Beds were some of the most comfy we have ever slept on. Nice duvets etc. Upgraded toiletries. Pool and hot tub were clean, and not too cold. Elevators are a bit small. We did however fit 3 of us and our luggage on it. Continental breakfast was more than adequate. Cereal, juice, toast, bagels etc. Busy near closing time. Check was very quick and easy. There are a lot of cabs there ready to take you to the pier or downtown to shop or sightsee.


A great, non stressful way to start our cruise.

Walgreeens, Starbucks, etc all within a 10-15 minute walk.

Some one already mentioned basing your rating depending on what you paid and I think that is smart. All hotels seem over priced in San Juan. This one was far better for the same price we paid at the Howard Johnson where we also stayed.
Yes, the rooms are small, but since all of our time was out exporing and not in the room playing basketball, it was of adequate size with two double beds. It was very clean and comfortable. The location was great. The beach and restaurants were a block away as well as the upscale shops (including Gucci & Dior). The bus stop was one block away and for $0.75 you could ride anywhere including Old San Juan. The beds were very comfortable and the staff was pleasant. The free breakfast selections were far superior to another hotel. There were cereals, hot & cold. Toast, rolls and other breakfast breads. A variety of fruits and drinks, plus eggs and waffles. The staff will keep your bags after you checked out if you have time left to explore. So o.k. the elevator was very small. Did I need a bigger one?: No.

Any reviews should be based on the price you paid.
I think holiday inn express provide a good place for people who are looking for something around USD 130 per day(this is pretty low price in san juan).It has good location, one block from beach. Also it is near the old san juan. Guest room provides almost everthing for a modern 3 star hotel except that the room is little bit smaller. Parking is not easy but that is common in this region except you want to pay for that.
Any way I think it is better than those local hotels like el caria by the lagoon or coral princess inn.