La Terraza de San Juan

We found a lovely old San Juan building in a great spot, and the breakfast was very good. The staff were helpful, especially the two people at the breakfast terrace. Still, our superior suite was dark, had no TV or room safe, and the bed squeaked badly. The hotel needs visible maintenance in most areas. The bar opened only once during our three-day visit.

We had breakfast at this pretty rooftop spot, and the food was good. The menu sounded nice and promised farm-to-table, but the fresh eggs cost an extra $2. The coffee was poor, served in a paper cup with Cremona creamer, and there was no milk. Cappuccino, latte, and cortado weren't available even though they were on the menu, because “the machine is downstairs.” We waited an hour for breakfast despite there being only two other parties in the restaurant. Very disappointing.

The hotel has a charming feel from its several-hundred-year-old building, and the rooms were clean. The team members were kind and accommodating. There are historical sights within walking distance, though the hills are steep. The roof has beautiful views. Breakfast is a small free offering, and the coffee was the best I've ever had. The rate is much more reasonable than a name-brand hotel, leaving more money for other things.

The location is the one good thing here. The place is marketed as a boutique property, but it's old, poorly maintained, and generally unclean. Something was broken in every area we saw. There was no hot water in the showers, even after we asked maintenance repeatedly, so we couldn't get a decent shower. The room and bathroom were very dark, with lightbulbs missing, apparently taken out to save energy. The included continental breakfast was just scrambled eggs, toast, and juice. The rooms have AC, but the remote is kept at reception, so you have to ask there whenever you want to change the temperature. When I asked a staff member why they didn't buy extra remotes, he asked why I hadn't bought the place and fixed it myself. The staff weren't great either. I'd definitely stay somewhere else.