Best Hotels In San Juan Before or After A Cruise
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San Juan, Puerto Rico, is one of the busiest Southern Caribbean Cruise Itineraries cruise ports. It is a good idea to fly in at least one day before your cruise departs just in case of flight delays.
If you can get more time off, I recommend spending a few days extra in San Juan before or after your cruise.
Regardless of your pre- and post-cruise plans, you should plan on staying somewhere convenient to the port the night before your cruise. Nobody wants extra stress the morning before vacation, so choose somewhere that makes getting on board easy.
Let’s have a look at the best hotels and where to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico before a cruise:
Don’t have time to read the whole article? 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
🏆 Best Hotel in Puerto Rico near Old San Juan Piers
Hotel El Convento is a 16th-century convent-turned-hotel. Experience the history of San Juan with all the modern amenities you need!
San Juan Cruise Ports
First, you need to know which cruise port your ship docks at. In San Juan, there are two piers used by cruise ships: Old San Juan and Panamerican Pier.
Pan American Pier
If you are sailing on Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, or Disney Cruise Line, your ship will dock at the Pan American Pier, and you will need to take a taxi to Old San Juan.
These cruise lines will use the Pan American Pier for cruises originating in San Juan. If you stop for the day, you will likely use Old San Juan Pier.
You must take a taxi between Pan American and Old San Juan.
Old San Juan Piers
Carnival uses the San Juan Piers for Caribbean cruises originating in San Juan and for Carnival ships stopping for the day. You will be at San Juan Pier #4 if you are sailing Carnival.
You will arrive at San Juan Pier #2 for a Royal Caribbean Sailing visiting for the day.
Other cruise lines ” in transit”, meaning stopping just for a day, will dock in Old San Juan at either Pier #1 or #6.
Docking here, you can get off the ship and walk directly into Old San Juan within just a few blocks.
Hotels Most Convenient to the Pan American Cruise Port
The Pan American cruise terminal is in Isla Grande near the Puerto Rico Convention Center. It is about a 10-minute taxi ride to Old San Juan.
There are a couple of hotels that I recommend that are near the Pan American Cruise Port.
1. Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
⭐️Rating: 8.4/10
Indulge in luxurious accommodations at this four-diamond hotel with awe-inspiring views of the Bay of San Juan.
With three delectable restaurants, 500 slots, and sixteen table games to play your hand at, as well as a spa for some much-needed relaxation – what more could you want?
Spend your stay in pure luxury. Modernized accommodations offer floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs for the ultimate entertainment experience, ergonomic desks to ensure a productive work atmosphere and signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds that guarantee an enjoyable night’s sleep.
This hotel offers everything you need for an ideal holiday, including a 24-hour fitness studio, complimentary wireless internet access in public areas, and laundry services.
On top of that, there is also round-the-clock security and babysitting facilities, making it perfect for cruising families!
➡️ Check Price and Availability of Sheraton Puerto Rico
2. Aloft San Juan
⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10
Aloft San Juan is the perfect hotel for cruisers looking for a luxurious and convenient pre-cruise experience.
Located just a 10-minute taxi ride from the Pan American Cruise Port, this boutique hotel offers modern accommodations with stylish rooms and suites featuring tall ceilings, plush platform beds, and 55-inch LCD TVs.
Relax in high-end spaces such as the W XYZ® bar, where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail. Alternatively, you can use the 24-hour grab-and-go pantry for snacks and refreshments whenever needed.
Enjoy complimentary hotel-wide Wi-Fi throughout Aloft San Juan and use their convenient amenities and accessible facilities.
Whether you’re looking for a short stay or an extended getaway, Aloft San Juan is the perfect place to rest your head before setting sail!
➡️ Check Price and Availability at Aloft San Juan
3. Hyatt House San Juan
⭐️ Rating:9/10
Hyatt House San Juan is the perfect hotel for cruisers looking for a luxurious and convenient pre-cruise experience.
Located just 10 minutes from the Pan American Cruise Port, this boutique hotel offers spacious accommodations with all the modern amenities you could ever hope for.
The rooms feature tall ceilings, plush platform beds, luxury linens, and 55-inch LCD TVs for the ultimate entertainment experience.
Enjoy complimentary hotel-wide Wi-Fi throughout Hyatt House San Juan and use their convenient amenities, such as the 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool area, and terrace.
Relax in one of their three onsite restaurants or enjoy a delicious cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Hyatt House San Juan is the perfect place to unwind before your cruise. Its 126 spacious rooms and modern suites feature home-like amenities, such as complimentary daily breakfast and a fully equipped kitchen—designed to help you make the most of your stay!
➡️ Check Price and Availability of Hyatt House
4. Hyatt Place San Juan
⭐️ Rating:8.8/10
Discover unparalleled convenience, luxury, and comfort at Hyatt Place San Juan – the perfect pre-cruise stay for cruisers! Just 10 minutes from the Pan American Cruise Port, this boutique hotel is a must-see for travelers.
Enjoy ample accommodations with tall ceilings and plush platform beds outfitted in luxury linens. These are conveniently paired with modern amenities such as 55″ LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi throughout the premises, and 24/7 fitness center access.
Relax in one of the on-site restaurants or enjoy a delicious cocktail at the rooftop bar. Plus, don’t forget about the complimentary daily breakfast and fully equipped kitchen—designed to help you make the most of your stay!
If you’re searching for a short or extended holiday, Hyatt Place San Juan is the perfect spot to stay and relax before your voyage!
➡️ Check Availability and Price of Hyatt Place San Juan
Hotels Most Convenient to Old San Juan Piers
5. Hotel el Convento
⭐️ Rating: 8.8/10
Located in the historic heart of Old San Juan, Hotel El Convento is an exquisite landmark treasure. This 16th-century convent has maintained its rich character while offering guests top-notch luxury, comfort, and service.
Hotel El Convento has been a proud member of Historic Hotels of America and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It has earned four diamonds from AAA each year since its opening.
Experience one-of-a-kind accommodations such as beautiful guest rooms, deluxe suites with balconies overlooking Old San Juan, panoramic rooftop terrace views, a swimming pool, a modern fitness center, and spa services.
The hotel also offers multiple dining options – from the casual Pool Grille to fine-dining at the Patio del Nispero.
Hotel El Convento is just 10 minutes from the Pan American Cruise Port and provides guests with an unforgettable experience for their pre-cruise stay!
➡️ Check Price and Availability of Hotel El Convento
6. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 7.6/10
Indulge in the lavishness of the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, settled near Isla Verde Beach. Make this remarkable spot your destination and turn your pre-cruise getaway into a truly memorable experience!
This hotel’s luxurious experience and classic Puerto Rican aesthetic create an unforgettable trip that you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Here, guests are welcomed with authentic hospitality and a unique lifestyle that can only be found there.
All guests are invited to indulge themselves with extravagant full-service spa treatments, enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center and shopping experiences in our retail shops or enjoy a wide range of entertainment activities including gaming action at Foxwoods El San Juan Casino.
Boasting 126 sizable rooms and modern suites with the comforts of home such as 55″ LCD TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi across the property and 24/7 access to a fitness center – your stay will be unparalleled.
➡️ Check Availability and Price at Fairmont El San Juan
7. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino
⭐️ Rating:8.4/10
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino is the perfect place for travelers to begin their voyage.
Located just steps away from Isla Verde Beach and the Pan American Cruise Port, this luxurious hotel offers guests various amenities to make their stay enjoyable and memorable.
Enjoy a luxurious stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino with spacious suites that are recently renovated, offering guests a separate bedroom, living room with a work desk and wet bar area, two complimentary drinks during our evening reception plus free Wi-Fi access for up to four devices daily.
Plus you will get made-to-order breakfast so that your mornings start perfectly!
Guests also have access to beach services with chairs, umbrellas & towels; pool toys & games; two bottled waters daily; a 50% discount for a second entree purchased at lunch & dinner, and 15% off massage services.
➡️ Check Prices and Availability Embassy Suites San Juan
Top Rated Transportation to San Juan Cruise Port
Shuttles- Booking a hotel with a shuttle option to the cruise port is an easy and economical way to get to your ship. There are, however, not a lot of hotels in the area that offer shuttles. Be sure and check to see if you need to reserve a spot on the shuttle.
There are quite a few private shuttle companies that offer either shared or private rides. These companies are safe, reliable and can be booked ahead of time.
✅ These are the most highly recommended Shuttles in San Juan
Taxis- Taxis rates in Puerto Rico come in two categories: Choose between touristic cabs, with their affordable rates based on the amount of luggage and destination; or opt for regular cabs that charge by the meter.
It’s considered polite to tip your driver 10-15%, and you may also be charged an extra fuel fee of $1.50 on top of the final cost.
Uber– Using a ride share is an option as well, and can be more affordable than taxis.
Walk- Booking a hotel within walking distance to your cruise terminal is a great way to see the city and save money! San Juan is very walkable, but keep this in mind as you pack for your cruise, if you will be dragging a ton of luggage around with you.
Transportation in San Juan from Cruise Port
Taxis are available when exiting the Pier. Make sure to inquire about taxi rates at the Ground Transportation booth located just outside the pier’s exit for your convenience.
Uber – Ubers are available to take you from the cruise port to the airport or hotel.
Shuttle Service—Shuttle services are available and affordable. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to get around. Several private shuttle companies offer shared or private rides.
Car Rental– If you plan on staying for a few days post-cruise, you may consider renting a car. While you won’t need a car to experience the best things to do in San Juan, you will want one if you plan to visit other island areas.
Hotels near San Juan Cruise Port FAQ’s
What is the closest airport to the San Juan Cruise Port?
The nearest airport to San Juan Cruise Port is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), located about 10 miles away.
How much does a taxi cost from the airport to the cruise port?
Taxis from the airport to the cruise port will typically cost $ 20-25 USD plus tip.
Do I need a passport to cruise to and from San Juan?
As Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, if you are a US Citizen, you dont not need a passport to visit San Juan, or if you are on a cruise that starts and leaves from there. However, a passport is recommended just in case you have an emergency and need to fly home.
Are there places to store my luggage before or after a cruise in San Juan?
When I need a place to store my luggage while I explore a new city, I use Vertoe. Its easy, safe, and affordable.
Search near your location using the address, dates, and times of your choice to find the perfect spot that meets all of your requirements.
Store your belongings at a Vertoe location and ensure their safety by utilizing specially coded tamper-proof seals.
Is there a beach close to the Cruise ports in San Juan?
There are a few beaches near the cruise ports in San Juan. They are Escambrón Beach (1 mile), Condado Beach (2 miles) and Ocean Park Beach (4.5 miles).
All are just a short drive away from the cruise port. You can also find plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars nearby for you to enjoy.
