SJU overnight tips?
Sep 2, 2012, 9:39 pm
#46
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PHL / NYC / PSA-BLQ
Programs: AA PPRO, Marriott/Hilton Gold, AMX-Plat, Global Entry
Posts: 3,112
Sep 2, 2012, 9:58 pm
#47
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: "Baron of Bayside," Long Island, NY
Programs: DL-KRYPTONIUM, DL-PM, HHonors Gold, Priority Club Plat, Club Carlson Silver, Hyatt Plat.
Posts: 564
I have two SJU MRs scheduled in in September. The first is this weekend. Overnighting in SJU both trips (slightly extended stop +/- 18hrs each trip). Going to explore the city (first time going to SJU).
This weekend Fri 7th - Sun 9th
PHX>LAX>JFK>SJU>ATL>DTW>PHX
Arrive in SJU - Sat at 12:35pm
Depart - Sun at 9am
Staying at the Embassy Suites - hotel and Casino
Sept 29 - Oct 1
PHX>LAX>JFK>SJU>JFK>SLC>PHX
Similar arrival/departure
Staying at the DoubleTree
Anyone travelling tito SJU these days?
This weekend Fri 7th - Sun 9th
PHX>LAX>JFK>SJU>ATL>DTW>PHX
Arrive in SJU - Sat at 12:35pm
Depart - Sun at 9am
Staying at the Embassy Suites - hotel and Casino
Sept 29 - Oct 1
PHX>LAX>JFK>SJU>JFK>SLC>PHX
Similar arrival/departure
Staying at the DoubleTree
Anyone travelling tito SJU these days?
Sep 3, 2012, 8:00 am
#48
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PEK
Programs: Alas, the Gravy Train Hath Ended...just happy to be an OW Sapphire and a ST Ivory...whatever
Posts: 4,389
Sep 3, 2012, 10:38 am
#50
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: BOS/BTV
Programs: Delta Plat, former AA EXP, AS Gold, SPG Gold, IHG Plat.
Posts: 659
Some additional info on SJU area hotel, guest houses, & hostels: (scroll down thread to later posts for info)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...errerid=322167
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...errerid=322167
Sep 6, 2012, 12:25 am
#52
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: changes frequently: HNL, LAX, JFK
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K, OZ Dia, IC Royal Joke, SPG Plat, UA 3 million miler (to be an NRSA kid again...)
Posts: 31
If you're at a hotel, getting a cab won't be a problem. Ask the airport taxi stand for the number to dispatch if you want to play it safe. I overnighted in Viejo San Juan during one of my six SJU turns last month. Getting a cab back to SJU for my 0600 dept. was as simple as calling dispatch (15 mins later, cab was in front of my door.)
If staying on the island for more than a few hours, I highly recommend airbnb.com. You'll save a bundle over San Juan's unreasonably expensive hotels. Some cool rooms for rent in old SJ.
Last edited by fly_by_night; Sep 6, 2012 at 12:32 am
Sep 6, 2012, 6:38 am
#53
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PHL / NYC / PSA-BLQ
Programs: AA PPRO, Marriott/Hilton Gold, AMX-Plat, Global Entry
Posts: 3,112
No TSA PreCheck @ AA's entry point. SJU is a great place for Global Entry appointments, though. Just got back from LHR and used GE for the first time. If it wasn't for SJU, I'd still be waiting for my Global Entry appointment at LAX...
If you're at a hotel, getting a cab won't be a problem. Ask the airport taxi stand for the number to dispatch if you want to play it safe. I overnighted in Viejo San Juan during one of my six SJU turns last month. Getting a cab back to SJU for my 0600 dept. was as simple as calling dispatch (15 mins later, cab was in front of my door.)
If staying on the island for more than a few hours, I highly recommend airbnb.com. You'll save a bundle over San Juan's unreasonably expensive hotels. Some cool rooms for rent in old SJ.
If you're at a hotel, getting a cab won't be a problem. Ask the airport taxi stand for the number to dispatch if you want to play it safe. I overnighted in Viejo San Juan during one of my six SJU turns last month. Getting a cab back to SJU for my 0600 dept. was as simple as calling dispatch (15 mins later, cab was in front of my door.)
If staying on the island for more than a few hours, I highly recommend airbnb.com. You'll save a bundle over San Juan's unreasonably expensive hotels. Some cool rooms for rent in old SJ.
Sep 6, 2012, 2:28 pm
#54
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PEK
Programs: Alas, the Gravy Train Hath Ended...just happy to be an OW Sapphire and a ST Ivory...whatever
Posts: 4,389
^
Sep 9, 2012, 2:19 pm
#55
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: WN A+ & CP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond, HHonors Diamond, *wood Plat, National EE
Posts: 188
Just got back (well...am almost back)
Just now on my way back from my First MR to SJU. I was on the ground for 18 hours.
A couple of comments:
1) Taxi costs added up. To hotel: $13, To Old San Juan $20, Return to hotel from Old SJ $20, Return to the airport $13. - Taxi total $66. This would have been less...will be less on my next trip as I will not go to old SJ.
2) if I plan to explore on my next trip...I may use a Free Rental car day.
? How much is hotel parking/parking in general?
A note you may all appreciate. This trip was booked using a VDB credit...so $0 out of pocket on flights.
Original Booking:
PHX/LAX/JFK/SJU/ATL/DTW/PHX
On the way back (this morning). I SDC'd to an earlier run (same cities). Checked in and DTW/PHX was asking for Oversold Volunteers...signed up. Got to DTW and was selected as the Volunteer. Got upgraded, and $400.
Added an extra stop DTW/MSP/PHX.
Well worth the trip...looking forward to my next trip 9/29 - 10/1.
Thanks to everyone for the tips.
A couple of comments:
1) Taxi costs added up. To hotel: $13, To Old San Juan $20, Return to hotel from Old SJ $20, Return to the airport $13. - Taxi total $66. This would have been less...will be less on my next trip as I will not go to old SJ.
2) if I plan to explore on my next trip...I may use a Free Rental car day.
? How much is hotel parking/parking in general?
A note you may all appreciate. This trip was booked using a VDB credit...so $0 out of pocket on flights.
Original Booking:
PHX/LAX/JFK/SJU/ATL/DTW/PHX
On the way back (this morning). I SDC'd to an earlier run (same cities). Checked in and DTW/PHX was asking for Oversold Volunteers...signed up. Got to DTW and was selected as the Volunteer. Got upgraded, and $400.
Added an extra stop DTW/MSP/PHX.
Well worth the trip...looking forward to my next trip 9/29 - 10/1.
Thanks to everyone for the tips.
Sep 10, 2012, 12:54 pm
#56
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
As requested
There are some public parking (non hotel related) that could go 10-15 nightly.
In Old San Juan, there are a few public parking that are relatively inexpensive, Dona Fela, La Puntilla. A few hours there will be under $5
Sep 11, 2012, 4:18 am
#58
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tampa, Fl
Programs: Delta Diamond
Posts: 26
I'm at SJU right now awaiting my return flight. I got in around 11:30pm last night, took a $13 taxi to the El San Juan casino - it was dead, maybe 10 people playing games. Walked a couple blocks to Lupi's Mexican, they had a decent crowd I sat at the bar and watched MNF. When they closed at 1:30, I walked a few blocks down to the 101 bar. Entertaining crowd , I hung about for about 3 hours. Walked back towards the El San Juan to a 24/7 restaurant, I think it was called Don Juan. Had a nice tripleta sandwich, plugged in, and watched a movie on my tablet. Left for the airport at 5:30, got here at 5:35. FUn night. Thanks for the tips everyone.
Sep 11, 2012, 4:48 am
#60
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
This is exactly my routine when I visit SJU.
I'm at SJU right now awaiting my return flight. I got in around 11:30pm last night, took a $13 taxi to the El San Juan casino - it was dead, maybe 10 people playing games. Walked a couple blocks to Lupi's Mexican, they had a decent crowd I sat at the bar and watched MNF. When they closed at 1:30, I walked a few blocks down to the 101 bar. Entertaining crowd , I hung about for about 3 hours. Walked back towards the El San Juan to a 24/7 restaurant, I think it was called Don Juan. Had a nice tripleta sandwich, plugged in, and watched a movie on my tablet. Left for the airport at 5:30, got here at 5:35. FUn night. Thanks for the tips everyone.