We stayed at El Portal ( now Quality Inn El Portal ) for just one night before our cruise. We had two rooms because there were five of us and both rooms were great. Yes, there were small, but they were very clean. The gentleman at the front desk gave us a suggestion for a great resturant for dinner, and the free continental breakfast on the roof was fine.

On a recent layover between NY and the Virgin Islands, my boyfriend and I needed a cheap (ish) place to stay for the night. We had low expectations but didn't want to spend much more than $100 for our holiday time stay. This hotel was perfect. A clean room, friendly staff, and great location gave us exactly the glimpse at San Juan we needed without breaking our bank before we got to our real vacation in the Virgin Islands. We would probably upgrade for a real vacation in PR, but for our purposes, El Portal was just fine.

We've stayed at El Portal twice, Feb & Apr 07, both 1 nite stays. Price with tax is around $95. Both times we've been in an end-of-aisle room - comfortable, clean, no plumbing problems but definitely in need for some updating. Staff have always been helpful and pleasant. Yes, continental breakfast is fair but that's what it is - a continental, not a buffet breakfast. Location is excellent - easy walk to Ashford Avenue and many dining choices. Taxi from airport runs around $20US, includes the tip. Would stay here again. Did stay at Coral Princess - much nicer, near El Portal but about $40-$50more - better breakfast and has a pool.

We read so many negative reviews about this hotel we were afraid to stay here. Because we would have lost our deposit we went. All the negative reviews were wrong. The room was clean, it did not smell. There was no problems with the plumbing, no slow draining shower, no odor when flushing the toilet. All the staff were friendly and very helpful. Breakfast on the terrace, a continental breakfast, assorted pastries, cereal, coffee and juice, was a good beginning to our day. In fact, when our flight was canceled we called them and went right back for another night. I would not hesitate to go back again. Close to the beach and a variety of good restaurants. We found it to be a convenient location.