Fortel Hostel

I came across one issue: the wifi was unreliable and went out for a full day. As a remote worker, I had to find another place to get online for work. Also, make friends with the people across the street and have them take your picture on the balcony! Otherwise, this was a peaceful, clean hostel, not a party spot. The guests during my stay tended to be older, around 30-45, which suited me. Rooms were air conditioned and comfortable, with a cozy IKEA blanket, white cotton sheets, and a large white towel. They even had leftover shampoo and other toiletries from other guests, a nice touch. The three private bathrooms were down the hall, and I never had to wait. They’re full bathrooms, not stalls like at some hostels. Bring a thin 🔐 lock for your locker, since the lock holes don’t fit most standard locks.

Carlos, the manager, was incredibly kind and attentive, and the location made it easy to explore everything on foot. Hostel Fortel is right among the shops and restaurants in Old San Juan, so you really can’t beat the spot. Had a great stay, highly recommend!

In the middle of the night, a termite swarm overwhelmed my room. I felt something touch me while sleeping, jumped up, and turned on the light. There were millions of termites in my bags, on the beds, across the floor, and flying at me from every direction. When I opened the door, half of them poured into the hallway, taking over both spaces for quite a while. Once they finally cleared out, they left wings and dead insects everywhere. I contacted the hostel and heard nothing back. Three other guests said this happens regularly and that the owner blocks or ghosts people who complain or seek refunds. I have audio of them saying, in videos I took, that the owner told them, “That's your problem, not mine.” When I asked why they were still staying, they said they couldn’t afford to leave. Sadly, most guests don’t speak up. I’m willing to expose how the hostel takes advantage of guests and hides behind “kind” automated messages. I booked through Booking.com, and the hostel only responded after I opened an investigation there. They then gave a string of excuses suggesting I didn’t know about termites, tropical climates, or San Juan. I have extensive experience with all three and have never seen anything like this. They said they would issue a refund, but based on other reviews, I expect I’ll have to keep fighting to get it. And I will. This property needs new owners who care about the building and its guests. I don’t recommend staying here.

There was barely any air conditioning in the shared spaces, while my room got freezing cold at night and kept me from sleeping well. The location was terrible, too: the street was so narrow that most Uber drivers wouldn’t pick us up. A noisy bar downstairs and no sound insulation meant I could hear everything from the street and other rooms, with no privacy or peace at any hour. The shower only had cold water, so bathing comfortably was nearly impossible. The room wasn’t clean, and we weren’t allowed to use the laundry facilities or hang clothes in the room or on the windowsill. This was the worst hotel I’ve ever stayed in, and I absolutely wouldn’t recommend it. Terrible from start to finish.