Casa Del Caribe Inn

Casa Del Caribe makes a promising first impression, with its quaint entrance and breezy grounds. Check-in takes place in an open-air reception area, where a small side table is topped with tourist brochures. There's also a small breakfast area that opens to a small patio, shaded by large trees overhead. Furniture throughout -- from the blue sofa to the wooden chairs -- has seen better days, and the tile floors could use a scrub. There isn't much of a social vibe here and the guesthouse was quiet during our visit, which is understandable given the absence of on-site amenities. Despite its less-than-trendy decor, this guesthouse can be a reasonably priced base for travelers looking to save money, especially given its super-trendy location in Condado -- so long as expectations are seriously managed, at least. Couples and small groups of friends make up the bulk of guests here.

Without a doubt the main selling point of this guesthouse is its location. Casa del Caribe is located on a small street off Avenida Ashford, Condado’s main thoroughfare. This is one of San Juan’s most exclusive neighborhoods. In almost any direction from the hotel there's an extensive choice of bars and shops, including luxury brands like Gucci. There are also organic food stalls and grocery stores within a five-minute walk, as well as some of the city's trendiest dining spots, like Budatai and Cocina Abierta -- the latter is right across the street. Beautiful Condado Beach is located about two blocks away, and is a popular spot for sunbathing and water sports. The hotel is less than a 15-minute walk away from Santurce's La Placita, which is home to a traditional market during the day, and a block party-like atmosphere at night (as well as some of San Juan's trendiest bars and restaurants). However, those hoping to see the charming cobblestone streets and bright colonial buildings of Old San Juan will need to hop in a taxi from here -- it's a 15-minute drive (and taxis can be quite pricey in the area). Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is also about 15 minutes away by car.

It's somewhat surprising that a guesthouse in such a trendy location has the unremarkable look that defines every corner of Casa Del Caribe. While guest rooms are borderline pleasant, the look is certainly dated and feels like a distinctly budget entry in the two-pearl category. Expect to see air-conditioning units mounted right in the wall and chipped paint and scuff around baseboards. Decor is a a mix of suburban home decor and tropical accents, with wicker and rattan bedroom sets, dark wood laminate floors, and a blend of shimmery and velvet fabrics that aren't exactly on trend. Colors skew dark as well, with olive green appearing next to dull teal, and wall art varies from Expressionist to Impressionist prints in cheap frames. Polka-dot patterned sofas and ottomans don't do much to freshen things up either. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi (which is spotty), and closets. Some rooms have kitchenettes with dining tables, ovens, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms here are pretty dismal. The one that we saw had a pedestal sink and no counter space plus a shower/tub combo (some rooms have walk-in showers). Overpainted tilework was seriously peeling, as was some of the grout. Additionally, some of the glazing in the bathtub's basin was severely chipped. It's also worth noting that some guests have reported traffic noise in street-facing rooms. 

The guesthouse is set amid small, but attractive, walled grounds with shady trees, potted plants, and a tiny pond. There are a few places to sit scattered throughout. A free continental breakfast of coffee, juice, and pastries is offered each morning -- the selection is sparse and doesn't garner much enthusiasm from guests. Breakfast is served in a pleasant open-air dining area with dining tables and a comfy sofa. Free Wi-Fi is available, although the signal is frequently only strong around the reception area, and doesn't reach some rooms. There’s no parking available on-site, and while there is abundant parking in the neighborhood, it's quite expensive.