All in all, the location was excellent with the ocean no more than 10 yards from the hotel itself. The water was amazing allowing for swimming, and bogey boarding. The waves varied in size, and at times they were pretty big. The beach was great. Kids were building sand castles, while others were laying in the sun.

The hotel itself was very nice. Of course there was sand throughout the hotel being right on the beach, but the staff did a great job keeping the building looking nice and tidy. Rooms that we stayed in were your standard hotel rooms complete with fridge. We also had a small porch overlooking the ocean and the restaurant patio.

The bar in the Hosteria was a little pricey, but they made excellent pina coladas and other drinks. Also, the deserts were to good not to order them all (I recommend the sorbet).

The hotel was located in an area called Ocean Park (Kind of a gated community from the rest of San Juan) which is about a 10 minute taxi ride from the cafes, shops, attractions & fort in Old San Juan.

Be careful, though, I heard a story about a girl who was staying at the Hosteria while we were there:
She decided to take a late night swim, and left her purse on the beach which was picked up by a passer-by. Ocean Park has its own security, but I wouldn't recommend leaving valuables on the beach at night ANYTIME.

I had a great experience at the Hosteria Del Mar in San Juan, and I would recommend it to anyone. Great water, great location, great beach = Great Time!

We stayed at the Inn from April 30th to May 3rd 2008. It took forever to find the place. Once inside looked old and was greeted by a dirty carpet leading to our rooms, 106 & 103. Was told we had a ocean front room #106 and the door would open right on to the beach, however what they didn't say was the restaurant and bar had there tables right in front of those doors so everyone who "stopped by" the restaurant was sitting right outside our door until way past 11pm. We had no privacy at all !! The window in the bathroom did not close so you could hear all the talking and laughing in our room. We were interrupted by workmen who were repairing the phone in our room. Our free breakfast cost us $20.00 for coffee because we asked for seconds and were told they had to make it in the back? The free coffee ran out on the table in the restaurant as well as cups. The restaurant is very expensive to the point of being ridiculous for a Inn that has the appearance of looking old and worn. The service was so slow it took forever to get a cup of coffee in the morning. No electrical outlet in the bathroom, we had to unplug either the lamp by the bed or the lamp across the room to use the outlet for hairdryers or curling irons. Had to ask for the sheets to be changed on arrival because they had sand on them. While on the beach, several people came with their dogs who used the beach as a toilet for their dogs and then would kick sand over the mess their dog just made instead of picking it up. It seems like this is a everyday occurrence on the beach. Overall, way to expensive for what you got. Would not return.

Hosteria del Mar is beautifully situated on the beach and features a surf side indoor/outdoor restaurant that gets you about as close to the water as possible.

However, if you're at all discriminating, beware that the apartments will disappoint you. Old, tired, dirtyish and without any views. Perhaps the regular rooms are better, I don't know. Also, beware the rollaway beds -- my son slept on the floor rather than on the old rollaway which was worn out but for which we still were charged.

Lastly, cost is huge here. One night in our apartment plus one lunch and one dinner for five ran us $750 US. The "continental breakfast" is free, but is a joke. I had four rock hard green pear slices, dried out toast pieces and a small cake. My wife refused to eat her cake as there were clearly teeth marks in it. Ugh.

Bottom line -- unless you really value a beach location be careful about this one.

You must read the review 'awful' ? - It is absolutly correct !

We have been looking for a hotel in San Juan - for little money - near airport - at the beach. - And we got it !!
So for us Hosteria Del Mar was a good choise and we had two wonderful days.

You are looking for nice roms - good service - perfect entree - large bill ? - Take an other hotel !