I think it depends on what expectations you have. I paid the highest price and expexted at least a clean room for that. I was disgusted when I found insects and especially cockroaches in my room. It was dirty and don't let me even start to tell you about the bathrooms... I learned that I'll pay more the next time and can at least expext a clean room!

Went to Puerto Rico and was not sure where we were going to stay. Stopped and asked for a near by hostel, I got recommended to Fortaleza. Upon arrival, the manager of this hostel was super friendly. Luckly, they still had two beds open. It's a 3 story hostel, well themed throughout. Location was perfect to walk around in Old San Juan. I would surely stay here again if I come back to Puerto Rico.

* Small rooms with the basics, nothing fancy. Some rooms have AC ($65/night) and others don't ($40/night). I didn't find the AC necessary at all--but then it didn't get that hot while we were there (upper 70s, low 80s) and the fan served just fine.
* Friendly, family-run operation with no website or email.
* This is the kind of place you crash when you plan to be out and about most of the time and don't think of your accommodations as a luxury place to lounge in--in short, a low-budget hostel-like joint.
* Surprisingly quiet considering the location. The only noise was people slamming doors.

Important to know: the manager, Katrina (or Trina?) can often be found working the souvenir shop on the first floor of the building (in case someone doesn't answer the door when you ring). Another phone number they gave me was (787) 295-8500, at which I reached an English speaker (I tried my limited Spanish with Rael, but didn't get too far).

Since there was no phone number or internet address to make a reservation, we took a chance and had our cab take us directly to the guesthouse which is a narrow building with a nondescript black door in the middle of the block on Calle Fortaleza. We rang the doorbell and were admitted by a courteous fellow who spoke little English but was able to convey that the charge for an un-airconditioned room was $40/nite or $50/nite cash for air conditioned. My daughter and I opted for a room on the 3rd floor with street view and tiny balcony but no air and with a nice fan situated above the bed which kept us comfortable. The room was small and clean having room for a double bed, a chest of drawers, a place to hang clothes and a chair. The kitchen and bath on our floor were clean and adequate and there was a small tv and some visitor literature on the 2nd floor lobby area. There are wrought ironwork doors between floors and a nice handpainted mural between the entrance and 2nd floor lobby. The free WiFi came in handy for our laptop and security there seemed good. We had a key to our room and a separate key for the front door to the street. I will say that if you are overlooking the street, the partying sounds from the clubs and nightlife do go on till after 3am sometimes so if you don't sleep well with noise, bring earplugs. The location is wonderful for shopping and walking everywhere in Old Town. We didn't get a rental car till we moved on to another hotel out near Isla Verde where there is adequate street parking. Parking in Old SJ is nearly impossible. I give the place a thumbs up for inexpensive hostels!