La Mona Loiza

I’d absolutely stay here again. I wanted somewhere reasonably priced and more central than where I’d stayed on earlier trips to PR, and La Mona Loíza worked well. The apartment was simple, clean, and cute, with plenty of room for me in the one bedroom suite and its kitchenette. I could walk to condado, and Old San Juan and isla verde were under a 10 minute ride away. Calle Loíza has lots of places to eat, and there’s a 24 hour grocery store close to the complex. For the location and price, it’s hard to beat. The staff were helpful too. I arrived early, couldn’t check in yet, but they locked my bags in the office so I could go explore. The building’s main entrance needs a code, which made me feel secure. I’d read reviews from people who got locked out because they didn’t receive the code, and that happened to me too. Since I arrived in the morning, I called the office and they explained how to get in. Please call before arriving to coordinate entry and check-in, especially if you’ll get there late. The office closes at 10pm. Also, in my experience the water in PR never gets as hot as it does in the US, so that seemed normal.

The rooms are cramped and loud, with car and neighbor noise going on day and night. There’s no privacy since the window is also the door and people keep passing by. It also smells bad. This wasn’t as advertised, and you can find a better place for the same price. I’d avoid it.

It’s a really nice place with everything we needed. The atmosphere was super quiet and everyone was friendly. The beach is very close, and there’s a 24 hour supermarket nearby. If you rent a car, parking can be a little tricky, but we always managed to find a spot. Coming back next year.

The location was good, and the staff were quick to respond. Still, the photos left me with the wrong impression of the actual room. I paid for a studio but only got a microwave, no kitchenette.