You want to visit and stay in San Juan but are on a tight budget; but also want to stay at a place that is located in a reasonably safe area, is clean and is also reasonably priced: Andalusia Guest House is for you. We stayed at the guest house from January 13th to January 19th, 2012.
I can’t say enough good things of the friendly and courteous services that the owners, Esteban and Emeo, provided us during our six-days stay. Javier (we understand he works part-time) was also extremely helpful. Every question, every request or need we had was answered and/or provided graciously and without hesitation.
I guess that compared to expensive hotels nearby, the rooms in Andalusia Guest House are small but they are cozy and that compensates for the lack of room size. At first we were concerned but after the second day we did not even notice. One thing we noticed immediately at check-in was that the room and bathroom were very clean. Once a day, after an outing, the room was fixed and cleaned extremely well. Another couple we went with on this vacation had the same initial concern; but just as we, they felt exactly the same a day later. We would definitely come back.
Easily accessible and inside a two-minute walk from the guest house you find a wide beach. The beach is also good for swimming. Esteban and Emeo provide beach chairs and towels. The guest house has a charming patio with a Jacuzzi you can enjoy after you spend time at the beach; or it can be something to enjoy later in the evening. Buy a bottle of rum, and for a very reasonable price you can purchase soft drinks at the guest house and enjoy cheap Cuba Libre drinks – but don’t over do it (Coca Cola is best for Cuba Libres). Or you can purchase wine and cheese at the nearby Kasalta bakery and enjoy that as well. Some items sold in Kasalta can be a bit pricey; but everything they sell is good quality. Breakfast, lunch or dinner can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. Esteban and/or Emeo will give you suggestions for good places to eat in the area.
When you visit a place you are not familiar with you should always be careful and aware of your surroundings. As long as you don’t stray too far away from Ashford Avenue or McLeary Street, (within a few blocks McLeary Street becomes Ashford Avenue) you can take long evening walks and explore the expensive Hotels and Casinos located on Ashford Avenue.
Thank you, Esteban and Emeo, for helping us have a healthy, safe and inexpensive stay in San Juan.
