I arrived at around 11:30pm on a Wednesday (after calling to let them know I'd be running late after missing my flight) and was shown one of the small rooms with a "window"- but not the famous balcony room. It was extremely muggy that night so I asked for a room with A/C, which wasn't a problem. The next night he moved me to the balcony room on the first floor -which is a pretty nice room. The breeze is wonderful, esp since the room has no a/c, just a ceiling fan. Unfortunately someone else had booked that room for the next night, so I had to move again to the last room on the left on the first floor, which had two double beds and a window, which was also fine. My last night at Castro was spent in yet another room upstairs with the large balcony. This was the best, and I suspect, the biggest room at Castro. I did not experience any problems like bedbugs, although the bathrooms could definitely use some renovations-but what do you expect for 16-35/night? They do give towels so you don't need to bring your own, and also a roll of toilet paper to take to/from the bathroom if you need to go. Also, there are some "characters "hanging around who seem to live there on a semi-permanent basis. You cannot beat the location or price though, it is pretty much smack dab in the middle of Old San Jan and you can easily walk to El Morro, museums, shops, restaurant and the bus station to take you to other places in San Juan.

It was noisy on the Thursday and Saturday nights I stayed in the balcony rooms overlooking Cafe Guarinex...do not stay in those rooms if you're a light sleeper as even ear plugs won't help and music was going pretty late into the night. Luckily I love salsa and was able to fall asleep pretty easily regardless. I was traveling solo as a female and didn't run into any problems at the guest house or the surrounding areas.

The guy who manages the day to day does not speak English AT ALL...at least bring a dictionary if you don't speak any spanish.

These reviews are pretty accurate with the exception of the exposed wires in the bathrooms...not sure what thats about. I had the room with the double balcony facing the main road, made for lovely mornings, and excellent evening views. I spend very little time in my room when I travel, this place gave me everything I needed and a huge space to soak it all in.
The fact is Old San Juan is a party town and having a bar downstairs is pretty awesome if you are travelling alone or just hanging for one night or so.
Quique is sweet, sincere, and real Puerto Rican (just like me!). Great advice and enthusiasm.

Stayed in Puerto Rico en route to the Domincan Republic on both ends of our vacation. Booked 2 different hostels-both in Old San Juan. Castro's is located just above a nightclub that is open until 4am and you feel as though you are trying to sleep inside the night club. I would only recommend this place to young partygoers that plan to stay out most of the night because a good night's sleep is impossible. The bathroom is kinda scary (exposed wires, etc). Would suggest to stay around the corner at Fortaleza Guest House instead.

If you need a cheap place to stay in Old San Juan, this is a good option. Just make sure you get a balcony room - I don't think the other rooms have windows, but they do have AC. My friend and I stayed in a big, airy, basic, colonial style room with balcony on the 3rd fl. It was a very Caribbean feeling experience with the big wooden doors to the balcony open and the breeze blowing in off the water. We really liked it. The owner was an interesting quirky old guy who's cat came to visit us in the evening. It was nice. The communal bathrooms were less than nice. Not particularly dirty or anything, but the showers tended to back up if you spent more than 5 minutes in there. Great location. Would def. stay there again - just make sure to bring shower shoes.