After they tore down our favourite place we had to find another. We have tried many other places in Playa, but for $49.00 this place is hard to beat. The rooms have a fridge and air conditioning and there is an upstairs deck that has a fully furnished kitchen. Not that we ever cook there but it is nice to have some plates and utensils in case we pick up a roasted chicken or pizza. Also there is a water cooler on every floor so you can refill your water bottle if need be. Also a coffee pot on the top deck for you coffee hounds.

We stayed at the Pension San Juan because I loved the looks of the outside of the hotel on previous trips. We had the front room on the 3rd floor with domed ceiling. The room was spacious with plenty of storage. We had a king sized bed, a fold down couch with drawers under it, a vanity, large closet with plenty of hangers and shelves, an in wall safe and small fridge. Everything was very clean and in good condition. It was great to sit on the blacony and watch people. The shared kitchen veranda was a nice addition with all the cookware and appliances you needed to make a snack or simple meal. The staff were helpful although there was a bit of language barrier as we speak very little spanish, but eventually we understood and found what we were looking for. The only negative was night noise. Our first three nights it was not a problem, but Saturday night even ear plugs did not help. Still I would return as it was a very nice hotel.

Pension San Juan is located right on Fifth Ave at steps away from the beach, restaurants, diving centers and shops.
The hotel is simple and functional. The rooms are clean, some like ours came with a nice private balcony from where we contemplated the pedestrian walk and beautiful starry nights. Our ample room had a big dome with a glass chandelier.
A roof terrace with a communal kitchen was very convenient as well.
We enjoyed our stay at Pension and will definitely stay there again next time going to Playa.

Overall, we had absolutely no major problem with our stay there. First major positive point is the price in regards to the location. 5th avenue, close to the bus station/a lot of conveniences/restaurants... well the 5th well known action :) For those who want a very quiet place though, this might not be the best spot as the 5th is very noisy, even during night time.

Service was great, the staff was very helpful and polite. The little terasse with the kitchen was very convenient and it gave us the opportunity to enjoy a drink so close to the 5th it gives you the feeling you are in any of the other bars on the street but right next to your room in your hotel. Our room was comfortable. Only negative point is probably the bathroom where we lacked some water pressure for the toilet... But the room in regards to the price we paid was very comfortable.

I would also like to underline the honnesty of the people working at the Pension. We had no problems regarding prices/fees. During our stay, we had an emergency and have been forced to leave our room before the established leaving date. Everything was already paid and the staff agreed to refund our nights there which was our own fault.

I strongly recommend Pension San Juan for a nice stay/trip in Playa!