Lodging options of
dorms with bunk beds or private rooms
All rooms
have air-conditioning
Shared
kitchen with toaster oven, microwave, and refrigerator
Off-the-beaten
path location, near plenty of dining options
Common area
features a flat-screen TV plus DVDs and books
Pleasant
terrace with views over the surrounding residential area
Lockers
available (guests need to bring their own locks)
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free street
parking
No hot water
Cleanliness
-- particularly in the shared bathrooms -- needs improvement
No breakfast or property features
Beds have
only a flat sheet with no blanket or duvet
Extra charge for towels
The Palace Hostel is a two-pearl hotel located in a residential area of San Juan about a 20-minute walk from Condado Beach. The hostel’s nine private rooms and dorms are as basic as it gets, with beds, air-conditioning, and not much else. The atmosphere is welcoming enough and the shared kitchen and terrace are nice features for budget-conscious guests. However, extra perks that one might associate with hostels, such as organized social events and free breakfasts, are noticeably absent. And worse, there isn't any hot water. Budget travelers could consider comparing rates with Posada San Francisco, which is better-maintained and offers fantastic city views from its patio.
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.
Scene
Budget hostel with kooky wall murals and a gritty vibe
The Palace
Hostel has many scenes that guests are likely to expect from a typical
hostel: Utilitarian rooms, shared bathrooms, young staff ready to offer local recommendations,
and casual common areas filled with chatting backpackers. But beginning at its
gated, prison-cell-like entrance, there’s also something about the Palace
Hostel that’s a touch grittier than the average dorm.The hostel
is set in a century-old building and its interior walls are decorated with
vivid hand-painted murals that range from a topless woman emerging from a flower to a Dutchman holding a chicken. In a different context these features might add a
welcome touch of character to the space, but combined with the aging
facilities, they impart a slightly seedy halfway-house vibe.On our visit, a diverse range of guests was staying in the hostel, from young backpackers in their twenties to forty- or fiftysomethings. From the common area with its
single couch to the book exchange with a dozen or so worn-out paperbacks, the
attempts to create a fun atmosphere here feel somewhat half-hearted; however, the
hostel consistently receives positive reviews from guests who connect well with
other guests and staff, but based on looks alone, there are much better
options.
Location
Colorful setting in San Juan’s Miramar neighborhood, within walking distance of dining and entertainment options
The Palace Hostel is located on a quiet side street in Miramar,
surrounded by eclectic old buildings. It’s an ideal base for guests who prefer
to skip Puerto Rico’s buzzing beachfront party scene in favor of a more
low-key, less touristy setting. A number of restaurants, shops, and convenience stores are
found within a 10-minute walk. Condado Beach can be reached in a 20-minute
walk. The Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art is 10 minutes away on
foot. Old San Juan is around four miles away, and accessible by bus from the hostel. Luis
Muñoz International Airport can be reached in about 10 minutes by car.
Rooms
No-frills rooms feature single beds, double beds, or bunk beds, as well as air-conditioning
The Palace
Hostel offers private rooms with a double bed or two single beds, along with
two- and four-bed dorms with bunks. Most have brightly painted walls or
offbeat wall murals. Beds are fitted with a bottom sheet, as well as a single,
thin flat sheet as a cover. All rooms have clunky air-conditioning units with no
temperature control -- they can only be turned on or off. Some rooms have
closets, mirrors, side tables, or wall hooks, but these extras vary from room
to room.There’s one shared bathroom on each floor, along with an additional half bathroom with a toilet only on the second floor. All bathrooms are in rough shape, with dingy old tiles and rusty fixtures. One bathroom offers a shower/tub combo, while the other has a shower only. Neither had hot water during our visit. Towels are available to rent for an additional fee.
Features
Shared kitchen, common area with TV, and modest terrace
Features at The Palace Hostel are minimal. There’s a small shared kitchen with a hot plate, toaster
oven, and cookware and plates. The kitchen is tidy enough, and there’s a
shelf with a few communal items like cooking oils and salt that guests are free
to use. Most of the equipment looks pretty beat up, but everything is
functional. There’s also a full-size fridge just outside the kitchen. The lobby features a small dining table, a microwave, and a few board games. There are also lockers that guests can use if they bring
their own lock. A common area on the second floor includes a single futon
facing toward a flat-screen TV and DVD player. There’s a small selection of
DVDs, in addition to a little book exchange area. The common area opens up onto
a cute terrace overlooking the residential street below. Free Wi-Fi
is offered throughout. Staff are on hand 24 hours for security and to assist with recommendations and directions. Free parking is available on the street in front of the property.
