We are considering staying overnight in San Juan rather than have an early start and long layover on the same day. Which reasonable cost hotel would allow us to leave our luggage somewhere secure after the normal check out time, so we can lounge around the pool, bar etc until time to go to the airport to get American to Bonaire in the evening? Any ideas? Thanks Carey

Hi Carey, you don't say where you are from. We have to take the redeye from LAX, and then the long layover in SJ. I get a taxi and go to the Hampton Inn for a pool burger, then to the Inter Continental for a massage, then back to the airport. My husband won't do the redeye anymore, and last time I was staying on Bon longer, so our travel there was booked separately, so he went the night before, stayed at the Hampton Inn, comes to the airport in the morning to pick me up, we go back to the hotel and lounge by the pool, etc. and check out around 3:30, then head to the airport. Soooo, the Hampton Inn will do a late checkout for you if you request it. Most of the other hotels probably do the same thing if you ask. Here is a good link with hotel links and other things! The last trip I stayed longer as well, so he flew to Miami, overnighted, then travelled on the next day. I think next time I'm going to take that extra vacation day and overnight, he arrives much happier and refreshed than I!

San Juan Airport and Island Travel Tips

Thanks for the info. I have contacted the comfort inn to ask about late checkout. Failing that I just may splurge and visit Hampton Inn for the night. We used to do the long day trip from Buffalo to San Juan but arrived so tired I felt this was the better way.

My husband and I stayed at the Best Western at the San Juan Airport last year for one night and will be doing the same this year in between flights. They will keep your bags for you for free after you check out while you are checking out Old San Juan etc... Despite being right at the airport our room was very cozy (simple but adequate for one night) and quiet! It was also nice after traveling all day to not have to take a taxi and find our hotel. It is just right there at the airport.

We checked out around 9am (I think check out time is 11am) and then took a cab into Old San Juan and looked around the forts and had lunch etc... back in plenty of time for our flight.

Jennifer

Stay at the Best Western. So hassle free. And then if you've got time go to Old Town. It's got some great restaurants and sights.

If I had to overnight in San Juan, I would pick Embassy Suites, great breakfast in the morning, massage by the pool and beach within walking distance. Not too pricey either. It is a 5 min. ride from the airport. I visited here lots of times with long layovers with AA and have been pleased with the staff and all that stuff.