Best Western Plus Condado Palm Inn & Suites

The off-white turnaround entrance along this busy one-way street is not going to provide as much wow factor as other nearby hotels, nor is the name: Most people (especially Americans) associate Best Western with budget highway lodging. Once inside though, expect to be surprised with an attractive open space and friendly staff for check-in. This is the brand's "PLUS" line of hotels, and it is more updated than the basic Best Westerns many expect.

Major renovations to the two towers that make up the hotel were completed in 2012, and the bright lobby has a number of seating areas including contemporary sofas, high-top communal tables, an open business center, and flat-screen TVs playing the news. Next to the front desk is a refrigerated vending area for sodas and water, and in the evenings, a lounge serves cocktails, as well as an extensive bottled beer list. Sports matches are played here, and guests should make sure to check-out the cool vintage posters. The breakfast area next to this space has plenty of seats to accommodate a busy morning rush, though most who are staying in the one-bedroom suites tend to take their food up to their rooms. If it's a nice weather day, guests are able to eat outside next to the pool at one of the tables with an umbrella.

During the day, the crowd mostly consists of families with young kids, and older couples on holiday. In the early morning and night, though, business travelers can be detected using the laundry facilities, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. For either type of traveler, this is a good place for extended stays given the homey vibe and amenities. We found the staff to be friendly and accommodating, and guests get to interact with them during the weekly manager's party.

San Juan is Puerto Rico's capital and largest city. The district of Condado is a safe and modern section of town that lies just east of Old San Juan along a long stretch of clean city beach. Getting here from the airport requires a quick 15-minute taxi ride. Many guests choose to rent a car for excursions, and a large parking lot can be found behind the property (daily rates are lowered for guests).

Condado is not only a tourist haven -- many of the city's hotels are located here -- but a major residential area for young urban professionals. There are plenty of familiar chain names nearby, but it is not hard to find authentic San Juan hot spots for restaurants and nightlife (where the locals go).

The property is not directly on the beach, like many of the hotels in this area, but guests are able to walk there easily in a couple of minutes. It is a public beach, so there is no part that cannot be used. Guests can also take a 15-minute taxi to Old San Juan to visit the historic village and fort. There is a Walgreens across the street for essentials and booze, and a health food store (a Whole Foods of sorts) down the street to stock the fridges. La Concha (a big hotel name in the area), a few blocks away, has great restaurants, trendy bars, and a casino open to the public.

There are 151 rooms total that take up the hotel's two narrow side-by-side towers. The South Tower holds the Standard Rooms (with a king or two queens), and the North Tower is a former apartment building that has been converted into one-bedroom suites. All rooms have similar decor: neutral carpeting; pale wood furnishings; and red, yellow and orange accents. Amenities include large closets, safes, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and two bottles of free water (daily). Bathrooms have decent counter space with one sink, a tub/shower combo, and toiletries by PAYA. Work desks have several outlets and ergonomic chairs; Wi-Fi is free throughout. There are six handicap-accessible rooms.

The North Tower holds 33 suites (three per floor) and these former apartments are large with enclosed kitchenettes that have counter space, sinks, dining sets, and full-size refrigerators. There is a pull-out sofa in each unit and a dining table with four chairs. All suites have bigger balconies than the South Tower's French balconies (most with a table and two chairs). Several suites offer partial or full ocean views mixed in with city landscape.

Free breakfast is served daily and contains both hot and cold items with scrambled eggs, sausage, tater tots, oatmeal, dry cereals, pastries, yogurt and fruit (bananas and apples). Juice, coffee and tea are self-serve, and coffee and water are available in dispensers round-the-clock next to the elevators. There are plenty of tables and chairs in this area -- called Palm Cafe -- and guests are also able to bring in food from outside for lunch and dinner. A vending area next to the front desk sells cold drinks or guests can head across the street to Walgreens for beer, wine and, and spirits to stock the kitchenettes. At night, the lounge across from the front desk called Coco's opens with a full bar. There are vintage posters from the Pan American games and TVs playing sports matches. Each week, a manager’s reception is held here, giving guests a chance to get mingle with each other.

Though the hotel is close to the beach, many choose to get their sun from the attractive outdoor rectangular pool which is surrounded by blue lounge chairs. Next to the adult pool is a kiddy pool for little ones to splash around in. There are some tables and chairs with umbrellas for dining here as well.

The lobby has several seating arrangements -- high-tops and lounge areas -- for using free Wi-Fi. If guests have left the laptop at home, they can use one of three desktop computers with free use of the printer/scanner. A meeting room is also available.

A nice fitness room with newer cardio and weight equipment is open 24 hours a day, as are the coin-operated laundry facilities. Parking is a cinch for those who rent a car, as there's an adjacent lot offering a special discounted rate for guests.