Fortaleza Guest House — Hotel in San Juan

When I saw this hostel was rated 8.8 stars, I assumed it would be pretty nice. In reality, I feel like it should be rated somewhere from 5-7 stars, so please be careful when deciding whether this stay is right for you. The first reason you might choose this hostel is the location, and I think that is the absolute best reason. This location is well situation to explore the surrounding history and restaurants. If I were solo traveling and through this area again, it is possible I would choose this hostel for the location.

Along with location, having a clean and comfortable room is very important to me, and I will say the beds & towels were clean and the room felt comfortable once the AC cooled the room. We could hear a lot of noise from the streets which bothered my travel companions more than it bothered me. I’ve stayed in much louder hostels. The room was tight for four people, and I wouldn’t want to stay in such a small space with three strangers, but it worked all right for us.

As for the whole building, it is old and in desperate need of some renovation. While it has the potential for rustic charm it just felt rundown to me. There were two showers and one toilet on our floor, but one of the showers looked so rough that we all avoided it. The other one felt clean, and I didn’t mind it. It bothered me a bit that the plumbing hadn’t been updated to allow for flushing the toilet. Having to put TP in the garbage bin is not an issue I expected to encounter in a US territory. What bothered me more was the electric situation. The shower water (single temperature) is heated by a single shower head heating unit that plugs into an outlet a few feet from the shower. Maybe that’s okay in principle, but I was disturbed to see the plug holes were partially melted out of the socket. Something isn’t right or safe with that wiring.

It was hot and none of the public areas were air conditioned, so there was no sense of potential to make new friends in this hostel. The other guests didn’t feel like travelers. The gentleman hosting seemed nice, but he spoke no English and it certainly didn’t feel like he was going to help with any community building. The sitting area on the second floor was positioned so that any conversations there would echo throughout the building. There’s another area on the roof that has potential to be a neat hangout and useful kitchen space, but it’s so broken and cluttered that it’s not appealing. When using that sink, the water pressure causes one handle to fly off completely unless you hold it in place to keep water going through the right channels.

Overall, this hostel was sufficient, but it is not one I ever want to stay in again. It was a terrible first hostel experience for my travel companions, and I’ve stayed in far nicer hostels for significantly less money. If you’re set on staying in the city for less than a hotel, then it might be the right place for you. It’s not conducive to the pleasant and comfortable social experience that draws me to...

Stayed here for 5 nights, 6 days. It was great! The location is great as you are in the middle of old San Juan so you are very close (walking distance) to everything. They have a laundry room (simply ask for coins and they will give them to you for free), a kitchen with two smaller burners, a refrigerator and sink as well as some plates, pans, utensils for all to use. There was also a brita water filter in the fridge which I appreciated. My room was perfectly fine. Since I just need a place to sleep rather than a place to lounge all day it worked out. There is a fan attached the wall that you can angle toward you and increase the speed. I do wish that there was a way to open a window or door without giving complete access and view to others (the balcony is connected to the main hallway). So, I couldn’t really get fresh air in there which made the room hotter than outside often. If you are able to manage some humidity in your room for a week then you’ll be fine. However if that’s a problem for you then I would recommend looking into booking a room with a/c. I’m sure they cost more but I think a/c in a place like this makes such a difference. Otherwise, the bed was fine and springy. They supplied me with white sheets (no comforter, which is fine considering the temperature anyway) and two pillows. No tv at least in my room. I think this room was a great value and served its purpose. The staff were very kind as well. My one tip is that (especially if you were on the 2nd floor like me) when you are going to and from the shower that you have clothes you wouldn’t mind the staff, guests, or just others seeing because the 2nd floor has some foot traffic at times. Nothing bad I just felt awkward. Also I’m seeing some comments about payment and although their booking says cash only, when I arrived I was asked if I wanted to pay with cash or card so maybe call and double check. I used cash though. They will also ask for a 10 dollar refundable deposit for the keys. Overall it was a quiet place and solid room and I would stay there again. I paid around 70 dollars a night for a single room with no a/c or tv. ** also pretty clean! I didn’t see any bugs here which is no small feat for an island residence. At times the kitchen could be cleaner but...

It’s not The Ritz, it’s not The Plaza Hotel , it’s a bare bones but clean hostel and the bathrooms need repainting but it is super safe, quiet, well run by the nicest (and one of the most talented) artists in town and his exceedingly kind Uncle. The Uncle stays on-premise 24/7 so no need to worry about ANY shenanigans here.

You will ascend a large set of stairs upon entry so, pack light! You’ll be staying in the middle of Viejo San Juan on the exact same street as Governor Pierluisi!

There are restaurants, shops and a SuperMax supermarket nearby! Need to join a group of others to head to El Yunque? No problem, just go to the Concierge Desk at the Sheraton Old San Juan and it can be arranged! Uber it to one of the Caribbean Cinemas movie cinemas in town (there are two in nearby Miramar).

Have a great breakfast or lunch at Café Manolin! Wake up EARLY on Saturdays and bring cash for the 8AM - 12PM VSJ Farmer’s Market across from the entrance to El Morro. Spring for one of the private air-conditioned rooms, though it never gets hot within it White Fortress-like walls.

Dress up and see a concert, ANY concert at El Coliseo, it’s sooo much fun!!! Soon you’ll feel like a local, and you’ll be able to return to Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 over and over again because of this safe affordable under the radar place!

Tell Richard I say hi!!! And ask him about his art for sale, he’s got carved masks, Taino-inspired baseball caps, carved wooden art and is the kind of person that makes everyone feel...