Pros

  • A modern condo-style hotel in residential San Juan
  • Freebies include Wi-Fi, secure parking, and an a la carte breakfast served daily
  • Rooftop bar, terrace, and heated infinity pool
  • Lounge space with regular weekday events
  • Rooms/suites have stainless steel kitchenettes or full kitchens
  • Bathrobes, jetted tubs, and eco-friendly toiletries
  • Free in-room coffee and reasonable prices for minibar items
  • Washers and dryers in certain suites
  • Transportation provided to nearby beaches
  • Fitness room on-site
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Cons

  • Not directly on beach
  • Rooftop pool is small
  • Balconies in front-facing rooms are blocked off and not usable
  • Walking alone in neighborhood after dark not recommended
  • Fitness room is small
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Bottom Line

This contemporary, homey property in residential San Juan is ideal for travelers who don’t mind being removed from the touristy shoreline, though a free beach shuttle is provided. Spacious units range from Studios with kitchenettes to Three-Bedroom Suites with stainless steel kitchens, dining areas, and laundry facilities. In addition to the free breakfast served daily in the SP Lounge, the hotel has a rooftop bar and small infinity pool overlooking San Juan. Ikea-style decor is bright and airy, and business travelers will find plenty of space to pull out the laptop. Weekly food and drink events keep things sociable. 

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Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Ciqala Luxury Suites

Scene

Spacious common areas with regular (and often free) events for socializing 

Ciqala's sienna orange and beige exterior looks less like a hotel and more like an apartment building. Guests can park in the attached, private garage next to the entrance outfitted with security cameras, and then access the lobby through the back or front door, where a buzzer system allows entry. A few steps lead to the front desk, where one or two friendly staff members are available for check-in. Ciqala is not a typical hotel atmosphere -- there’s no doorman or bellboy, for instance -- so it tends to attract less traditional types. The space is geared toward couples, families, business travelers, and groups who prefer the homey, apartment-like environment. 

Though the guest rooms are the clear highlight here, there are also on-site opportunities to meet other travelers. Two elevators provide access to rooms and the SP Lounge on the eighth floor. This is the main common area with mixed seating areas, TVs, a computer and printer, and a large gourmet kitchen. 

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Location

A residential, inland neighborhood with garage parking; easy access to attractions

Ciqala is located on a main street in San Juan’s Miramar district, a diverse, up-and-coming part of town with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. While not the most attractive area of San Juan, history buffs will appreciate older homes in the process of restoration. Nearby residential streets might be worth checking out during the day, but after dark, guests will want to drive or take a taxi to get around the city. (It takes about 10 minutes to get to Old San Juan or Condado, depending on traffic.) There’s a convenience store next door for basic essentials while larger grocery stores are nearby via car. The local airport -- Isla Grande -- is a short drive west, and it takes less than a 15-minute drive east to get to the international airport. Public city beaches along the Atlantic can be reached by car or the free shuttle provided by the hotel. 

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Rooms

Contemporary, eco-conscious interiors equipped with modern kitchenettes or full-sized kitchens

There are eight floors of rooms/suites above the first floor of this tidy building with water-saving and energy efficient systems. Rooms come in several sizes and are contemporary with bright Ikea-style furnishings and bold patterns. The smallest units are the Superior Rooms with queen beds, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Deluxe Two-Bedroom Suites have king beds in master rooms and queen beds in second rooms, while Studios and One- Bedrooms have pullout sofas in living rooms. Stainless steel kitchens for Deluxe and Presidential units are equipped with full-sized refrigerators, stove-tops, cookware, dishes, and wine glasses.

All rooms have marble bathrooms, eco-friendly toiletries, jetted tubs, rain showerheads, bathrobes, working desks, memory foam mattresses, LCD TVs, and significant closet space. Each fridge (or mini-fridge) is stocked with minibar items like snacks, wine, beer, and sodas for reasonable prices. Rooms also come with coffeemakers and free coffee. Keep in mind that balconies in front-facing units are not usable due to safety concerns.

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Features

A spacious lounge and gourmet kitchen serving free breakfast and cocktails

In 2014, the hotel completed construction of a small rooftop infinity pool and deck overlooking the city of San Juan. There are about a dozen lounge chairs on hand for sunbathing and a bar area that serves drinks (beer, wine, and cocktails) and appetizers at reasonable prices. Breakfast is made-to-order and served in the SP Lounge with indoor and outdoor seating where guests can relax, print boarding passes, watch TV, or simply socialize with friends, family, and other guests. Free cocktails are served Monday through Thursday evenings, while tapas and snacks are served twice weekly. An additional perk -- every guest is offered free a la carte breakfast items daily. The menu typically includes egg dishes, waffles, and pancakes as well as a few self-service continental items like yogurts, cereal, Hawaiian rolls, juices, and coffee. In-Suite breakfast is available upon request. A small fitness center can also be found on this floor with a few machines.

Friendly staff are available 24/7 to help arrange tours, excursions, and bike rentals. Free transportation to nearby beaches is provided at no extra charge. Parents with kids in tow can borrow cribs and playpens; babysitting services can also be arranged. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property as well.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Ciqala Luxury Suites

Scene

Spacious common areas with regular (and often free) events for socializing 

Ciqala's sienna orange and beige exterior looks less like a hotel and more like an apartment building. Guests can park in the attached, private garage next to the entrance outfitted with security cameras, and then access the lobby through the back or front door, where a buzzer system allows entry. A few steps lead to the front desk, where one or two friendly staff members are available for check-in. Ciqala is not a typical hotel atmosphere -- there’s no doorman or bellboy, for instance -- so it tends to attract less traditional types. The space is geared toward couples, families, business travelers, and groups who prefer the homey, apartment-like environment. 

Though the guest rooms are the clear highlight here, there are also on-site opportunities to meet other travelers. Two elevators provide access to rooms and the SP Lounge on the eighth floor. This is the main common area with mixed seating areas, TVs, a computer and printer, and a large gourmet kitchen. 

See More Scene

Location

A residential, inland neighborhood with garage parking; easy access to attractions

Ciqala is located on a main street in San Juan’s Miramar district, a diverse, up-and-coming part of town with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. While not the most attractive area of San Juan, history buffs will appreciate older homes in the process of restoration. Nearby residential streets might be worth checking out during the day, but after dark, guests will want to drive or take a taxi to get around the city. (It takes about 10 minutes to get to Old San Juan or Condado, depending on traffic.) There’s a convenience store next door for basic essentials while larger grocery stores are nearby via car. The local airport -- Isla Grande -- is a short drive west, and it takes less than a 15-minute drive east to get to the international airport. Public city beaches along the Atlantic can be reached by car or the free shuttle provided by the hotel. 

See More Location

Rooms

Contemporary, eco-conscious interiors equipped with modern kitchenettes or full-sized kitchens

There are eight floors of rooms/suites above the first floor of this tidy building with water-saving and energy efficient systems. Rooms come in several sizes and are contemporary with bright Ikea-style furnishings and bold patterns. The smallest units are the Superior Rooms with queen beds, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Deluxe Two-Bedroom Suites have king beds in master rooms and queen beds in second rooms, while Studios and One- Bedrooms have pullout sofas in living rooms. Stainless steel kitchens for Deluxe and Presidential units are equipped with full-sized refrigerators, stove-tops, cookware, dishes, and wine glasses.

All rooms have marble bathrooms, eco-friendly toiletries, jetted tubs, rain showerheads, bathrobes, working desks, memory foam mattresses, LCD TVs, and significant closet space. Each fridge (or mini-fridge) is stocked with minibar items like snacks, wine, beer, and sodas for reasonable prices. Rooms also come with coffeemakers and free coffee. Keep in mind that balconies in front-facing units are not usable due to safety concerns.

See More Rooms

Features

A spacious lounge and gourmet kitchen serving free breakfast and cocktails

In 2014, the hotel completed construction of a small rooftop infinity pool and deck overlooking the city of San Juan. There are about a dozen lounge chairs on hand for sunbathing and a bar area that serves drinks (beer, wine, and cocktails) and appetizers at reasonable prices. Breakfast is made-to-order and served in the SP Lounge with indoor and outdoor seating where guests can relax, print boarding passes, watch TV, or simply socialize with friends, family, and other guests. Free cocktails are served Monday through Thursday evenings, while tapas and snacks are served twice weekly. An additional perk -- every guest is offered free a la carte breakfast items daily. The menu typically includes egg dishes, waffles, and pancakes as well as a few self-service continental items like yogurts, cereal, Hawaiian rolls, juices, and coffee. In-Suite breakfast is available upon request. A small fitness center can also be found on this floor with a few machines.

Friendly staff are available 24/7 to help arrange tours, excursions, and bike rentals. Free transportation to nearby beaches is provided at no extra charge. Parents with kids in tow can borrow cribs and playpens; babysitting services can also be arranged. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property as well.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Supervised Kids Activities

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.