Hotel Pension San Juan...Molcas Hotel...

Hey Playa Peeps...I'm new to the board and Playa...would like to know if any of you have stayed at either of these places? Just looking for a clean, cheap place with a balcony to people watch when we happen to be in the room. We'll be spending a few days in Coz, a few days in Playa and a few days in Isla Mujures so we're trying not to spend much on rooms. Can't wait to take the FAT CAT trip! Anyone else from the board going to be down around Aug. 9-12...would love to meet up for drinks.

[cuffedlinks]

Here are a few posts re: The Hotel Pension San Juan:

Hotel Pension San Juan Posts

I'm sure there are more - generally very good comments - great location and pricing...

[JimmyMN]

Hotel Molcas is on the square, down the hill from the bus station. Handy location to get to the ferry or to grab a bus to other parts but a lousy location for people watching.

Hotel San Juan Pension puts you about 3-4 short blocks north of the bus station on 5th Avenue , and is a great place to people watch from a balcony. It's in the block where 5th transitions from traditional Mexican shops to businesses that are more trendy. It's an exceptional value.

Another hotel worth checking out in that same block is Hotel El Sol del Caribe. It's across 5th from San Juan and a few doors down. Very few people know about this 3-story hotel with spacious rooms and large balconies. It's also great for people watching but the balconies are further from the street level than San Juan but from those on the third floor you have a nice view of the ocean. This hotel is clean and most of the rooms have kitchenettes equipped with mini fridges.


Jimmy

[Ginger]

The San Juan is a good deal, and also has a shared kitchen. There is a fridge, sink, stove, etc. that you can use inthe shared kitchen, which opens up to the nice shared balcony that overlooks 5th Ave as well, perfect for people watching. You can even go up on the roof, but take the advice I took from SarahB, don't go up after a few drinks, you may fall off! There's not much to hold you on.

[tommy]

It was!

Thanks Peeps for the replies...sounds like Molcas is not what we want. Just sent an email to El Sol del Caribe...website didn't give much in the way of prices but a 3rd floor balcony room facing the ocean sounds like a winner.

Ginger, are you saying there are no individual room balconies just a shared balcony for guests at San Juan?

Really need to hurry and make my mind up and get a room reserved but I'm still open for more suggestions!

Thanks again for your help!

[jaydoil]

We stay at San Juan when our condo is rented, and I am pretty sure there is just one second floor room with a private balcony.

[SarahB]

Bellydancer...I really like Pension San Juan. I know there is one room that has a (small) balcony overlooking 5th, but I think there are actually two. Those two fill up quickly, so email them to reserve as soon as you can if you decide on this hotel. You can always sit in the shared kitchen too, but it gets locked at night.

Hi Ginger! Glad you were careful on the roof! Even the stairs getting up there are scary!

Originally Posted by JimmyMN

Hotel Molcas is on the square, down the hill from the bus station. Handy location to get to the ferry or to grab a bus to other parts but a lousy location for people watching.

Hotel San Juan Pension puts you about 3-4 short blocks north of the bus station on 5th Avenue , and is a great place to people watch from a balcony. It's in the block where 5th transitions from traditional Mexican shops to businesses that are more trendy. It's an exceptional value.

Another hotel worth checking out in that same block is Hotel El Sol del Caribe. It's across 5th from San Juan and a few doors down. Very few people know about this 3-story hotel with spacious rooms and large balconies. It's also great for people watching but the balconies are further from the street level than San Juan but from those on the third floor you have a nice view of the ocean. This hotel is clean and most of the rooms have kitchenettes equipped with mini fridges.


Jimmy

Help Jimmy...do you know how to get in touch with El Sol del Caribe?...I sent an email and it was returned undeliverable...I tried this morning to call the number on the web site and got a recording saying the number was not good. If someone knows how to get in touch with them please let me know ASAP. I have to make a decision today on a room or my b/f is going to strangle me!!

[jperge]

Anyone know if there is alot of noise at Pension San Juan? I wonder because it is right on 5th..

Thanks!

[jaydoil]

Originally Posted by jperge

Anyone know if there is alot of noise at Pension San Juan? I wonder because it is right on 5th..

Thanks!

We have stayed there at least a dozen times, and never a problem with noise, other than the occasional band at Bourbon Street. However, we have not stayed in the rooms that face Fifth...

[SarahB]

Originally Posted by jperge

Anyone know if there is alot of noise at Pension San Juan? I wonder because it is right on 5th..

Thanks!

Nope, not that I can remember. It's not on a very busy, loud part of 5th at night and I've stayed on the street-side rooms. I really like that little hotel!