After reading previous reviews, having been in San Juan once before, we decided to book this hotel for our pre-cruise, one-night stay. Upon arrival, the front/lobby of the hotel is very welcoming. Rafael wasn't there, which I was kinda hoping, but that was OK. We were tired anyway, went up to our room. A very simplistic, 2-star at most room, with concrete/fake marble??? floors, very spartan. We thought, for the money, what can you expect, since other properties were upwards for $250. We did see a newish, from outside, Holiday Inn in the vicinity, which we'll look into next time. Everything else was OK. The mattress was pretty tough and hard, the shower was good, TV had tones of channels. Location wise, it is smack in the middle between the Airport and the cruise terminals, and a short walk to the main strip in San Juan, where all the chichi, expensive stores, like Gucci and the like are located. It's also very close to the beach, which in San Juan is public no matter where you go. Rafael, the next morning, was an excellent guide, directing us in all the right places. We would stay there again, but now we know what to expect.

This charming, European style, 2 star hotel is a delight. It is clean, in a great location (only $16 from the airport), and on a quiet street. It is only 1 block away from the wonderful shops and restaurants near Condado Beach. Our room (#302) had a nice balcony and a window in the bathroom. The management was very friendly and helpful.

Our only negative was a rule about not taking one's breakfast out of the breakfast room. This was inconvenient as we frequently have breakfast "on the go". El Canario would be smart to lift this silly restriction.

That aside, El Canario by the Lagoon is a real find in an exciting area of San Juan.

My wife, two kids and I, just spent two nights at the El Canario by the Lagoon. Like last year, everything was just fine. We got room 504 on the roof, which was very nice, since it had an extra sitting room with frig and table. The room was clean and everything worked.
Prices are up from $125 last year to $145 this year, plus taxes. It was also an additional $10 per child. We had a lap top we brought this year and the hotel has internet, but it didn't work well everywhere. I did fine that it alway worked well in the lobby. One big plus is the free breakfast the hotel offers, since eating in the area is rather expensive. FYI taxi service from the airport is still $15 plus a $.50 to a $1 per bag.

El Canario by the Lagoon
This hotel is well situated near the main tourist area of Condado Beach, San Juan. It seems to be a favourite with Cruise Ship passengers for a pre or post cruise stay. We stayed in the hotel after our cruise. The rooms are modest yet comfortable. The showers had lots of hot water. They each have a small balcony and a mini fridge. Breakfast is included and comes with a choice of pastries, bread, assorted cereals, fresh fruit and coffee all served in the main floor breakfast room. An ice machine and daily English Language San Juan newspapers were available. There was parking available for our rental car. Raphael, the front desk clerk was very helpful and was able to answer all of our questions including: Where to rent a car (Charlie Car rental is a few blocks away http://charliecarrentalpr.com/ and had the best rates); where the attractions are and nearby restaurants to dine at. The on-line web booking service worked well for us. www.canariohotels.com.