Reviews for San Juan Vacation Rental - VRBO 311353 - 2 BR San Juan Area Apartment in Puerto Rico, High Terrace Penthouse Apartment

Best view in town

Guest Spike
Date of stay 01/23/13
Review Submitted 02/10/13

We spent 14 days in the penthouse apartment (2 couples )We were met by Maureen who lives downstairs. She was most helpful in showing us around the place and helping with the Wi-Fi connection.There was some issue with the cleanliness of the place but she contacted the owner right away and it was cleaned again adequately. The place does need some TLC: the second bedroom could use a new mattress and there was no hot water from the tap in the sink.the decor is very eclectic and quite interesting but there are so many nick-knacks covered in dust that it makes it difficult to appreciate the beauty of the place.We also had some issue with the electrical connection of the stove but the real estate agent was informed of this and will look into it.The floor is very uneven in many rooms and the brick landing for the terrace is wobbly needing some caution moving about. One can see the water from every room in the place and the view from the terrace makes up for all the other issues. There are 50 steps to the unit and Calle San Sabastian is at the top end of a hilly street. The stairs to the terrace are also very challenging so anyone with mobility problem would find this unit very difficult to access. It is a very great location in old San Juan with restaurants, pharmacy , grocery store, coffee shops and in the center of history. With some maintenance this would be a great place to stay.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Spanish Architecture

Guest BD
Date of stay 01/08/13
Review Submitted 01/29/13

This 3rd floor property has great potential. The roof top terrace has a fabulous view but it is cluttered and needs a good cleaning. The furniture there is nice and comfortable but the surrounding sink, plants and open area need some attention. The stairs to the roof are very steep and awkward making access difficult. The inside has beautiful spanish architecture, but every flat surface has numerous random nick-nack stuff sitting on it, the walls are covered with to much uncoordinated artwork. With the beautiful interior if they would get rid of 75% of the random clutter the architecture would really stand-out as it should. This is just my personal opinion but I think the over-whelming random clutter along with outdated and obscure wall art really detract from the inner beauty of the apartment. The views from the living room and master bedroom are wonderful, they provide a lovely view of the cruise ports and surrounding rooftop terraces. The city view from the living room and the cruise port and roof top view from the bedroom. The furniture throughout has a spanish flare and is comfortable although a bit outdated. We had a problem with almost no hot water and minimal water pressure, one call to the realtor and the water temperature was quickly addressed. But the water pressure was only fair. However, this maybe a compromise of staying in such a beautiful old city with limited infrastructure. The wi-fi was available and worked well. There is also a washer and dryer and they are both nice. We were met by the downstairs neighbor immediately upon our arrival and she welcomed us and showed us around. The building was safe with locking interior and exterior doors. The breeze through the apartment made it comfortable and enjoyable. The beds were very comfortable and had nice linen. I think with some de-cluttering, updating the kitchen utensils and a good cleaning of the roof-top this property would be almost perfect. All that being said I would recommend this property, good value for the money. The communication with the realtor was fast, easy and friendly. Close to everything and easy to get to. We had a great time and enjoyed our 5 day stay. We rented a car and every day finding a park spot was an adventure, but totally worth it. Just rent something small, the streets are very narrow and space is a premium and the parallel parking spots are very small.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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An Exceptional Stay for Exceptional Value

Guest rsb
Date of stay 01/02/13
Review Submitted 01/26/13

My husband and I stayed five nights at the High Terrace Apartment in January of 2013 as part of our honeymoon. We must say that the pictures do not do the apartment justice - it is spacious and unique with outstanding views and easy access to everything Old San Juan has to offer. San Sebastian is a lively, vibrant street. With just a short walk, you arrive at many restaurants and bars. We particularly enjoyed the roof terrace; where we breakfasted each morning, and the collection of art that graces the walls. We cooked several meals and found the kitchen to have all the basic items necessary. As an added bonus, the apartment is only a few blocks from a grocery store. We really enjoyed our stay and hope to be back!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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penthouse apartment

Guest Joy
Date of stay 12/16/12
Review Submitted 12/25/12

My stay was excellent. The location was just as described and near everything we wanted to do. Ogla was very helpful and communication with my travel was easy. I would reommend this rental to my friends.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.

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Mom and daughter getaway

Guest Adrienne
Date of stay 11/07/12
Review Submitted 11/23/12

This ranks up there in the tops of favorite places I have stayed. The apartment was absolutely beautiful! We felt at home the whole time. The rooftop terrace was absolute heaven, when the sun was out or when it was sprinkling, perfect! The ability to enjoy the hustle bustle of the old city then escape to the privacy and peace of our little haven above it all made our trip perfect. I was not able to get the wifi to connect with my computer, but honestly I think that was part blessing :-) Awakening to the colors of the sky through open doors in the bedroom and tropical breeze coming through is something I find myself craving even weeks after my trip. I would highly recommend this location for almost anyone. The only limitation would be the stairway up~if you are traveling with infants or senior citizens it might prove to be challenging for them. But, anyone else~take it! I am actually hoping to return next year.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: Thanks for your review and I am thrilled that you had such a wonderful stay at the apartment. I do want to provide important information concerning the guests comment that she was unable to get her computer to connect to the wi-fi. When the guest informed me of this problem I immediately called my wi-fi provider who sent a technician to check on the system. Upon evaluating the situation he found that the apartment's wi-fi system was working fine, but the guest's computer was not properly equipped to receive the remote signal. He did not have to do any repair to the system since it was working fine. Since the problem was due to the guest's computer not being able to pick up the signal... there was nothing further that could have been done except fix the guest's computer.

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Excellent choice

Guest Larry
Date of stay 07/09/12
Review Submitted 07/18/12

My stay in old San Juan was great thanks to everyone that assisted with my stay. The apartment was well furnished, great breeze flowed throughout the house, and the roof top deck was so beautiful. This is a must if you r staying in the area!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Eclectic in Old San Juan

Guest BlinkBlinkGone
Date of stay 07/03/12
Review Submitted 07/09/12

My family (2 teenage daughters, husband and self) called this apartment home for 3 days around the 4th of July holiday. We loved it! Since it is in Old San Juan, it is in an old building. Old buildings have quirks such as old plumbing and old windows with shutters. We found the apartment charming and loved the very quirkiness of it. As someone mentioned - we left in better physical shape than we arrived due to the 3 flights of stairs coming into the penthouse and the other set of stairs leading to the roof - which is where i spent most of my time. The town of Old San Juan reminds me of an old European version of San Francisco. Very comfortable furniture on the terrace as well as a roof, which came in handy when it rained. The 270 degree view is amazing. The beds were comfortable. The apartment was clean. Photos show exactly what to expect. Loved the manikins and art. The building is located perfectly in the right part of Old San Juan. We shopped at the grocery, 2 blocks away, every day and had choices of many local restaurants. We hope to go back soon.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Great Location!

Guest David
Date of stay 06/21/12
Review Submitted 06/27/12

We highly enjoyed our 3 night stay. Great Location in Old San Juan! The roof top terrace is amazing.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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On Bar Street with a Terrace!

Guest Miggy
Date of stay 05/02/12
Review Submitted 05/08/12

A lovely place, with extremely hospitable owners; real gem in the heart of the old city. Beautiful old-spanish style apartment with a third level terrace where one gets to enjoy the marvelous views of the city. Everything you could ask for and more. Thank you very much Barry, Olga, and Maureen!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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Lovely

Guest Nandi
Date of stay 04/21/12
Review Submitted 05/05/12

We really felt so lucky to have found this apartment. It's located smack in the middle of Old San Juan - walking distance to all kinds of good fun and interesting sights. The rooftop deck was amazing for suntanning and for having friends over for sundowner drinks overlooking the water and the city. They were great about accommodating our late arrival on a Saturday night. It was hot at night, but with the doors open and the fans there was a sufficient breeze to feel comfortable.

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Amazing apartment with roof terrace

Guest jules
Date of stay 04/21/12
Review Submitted 05/01/12

Our stay here was just wonderful. We were met by the owner when we arrived late at night and immediately fell in love with this beautiful apartment. It's huge, super clean, and there's always a nice breeze. There's a fully equipped kitchen and, best of all, a wonderful roof top with a great view to spend tropical nights (and days) on...the location is also excellent, as you're right in the middle of old San Juan.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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wow...what a place

Guest lalala
Date of stay 04/17/12
Review Submitted 05/07/12

we loved it here. our plane was two hours late yet Olga waited at the property to lead us to it and give us the run down on how things worked. above and beyond I thought, when I got close to it and couldn't find it she walked down several blocks to find me and lead me in. (then gave me her parking place). we loved the decor and found new things every time we looked around. it was centrally located for old San Juan. we found good food within walking distance and took the free trolley several times. the place was clean, well stocked, and the views were awesome. we would spend our evenings in the terrace discussing the days events and planning next days adventure. we had read all the reviews about the stairs and were still shocked when we saw them, but after a day or two we adjusted and the top made it worthwhile. we would definitely rent this unit again.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Penthouse apartment review

Guest John
Date of stay 03/29/12
Review Submitted 04/11/12

We stayed at the cozy apartment for 3 days prior to taking a cruise out of San Juan. We thoroughly enjoyed the place. The apartment was perfect with a fabulous view from the main bedroom and from the rooftop. The town of old San Juan was beautiful with some good restaraunts and nice shops. The owner was very helpful and even text us during the weekend to see if there was anything we needed. We loved the decore, it was so unique. We will highly recommend this to anyone else who is taking a cruise out of San Juan or just traveling to San Juan.

Recommended for: Girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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Best location in old San Juan!

Guest Andy
Date of stay 02/04/12
Review Submitted 02/13/12

The location could not be beat, and the apartment was lovely, eclectic, and comfortable. The street is quiet, but close to everything, and the views (from the bedroom and the roofdeck) are gorgeous. Sleeping with the wide open doors letting in the breeze and the view (no mosquitoes!) was magical, as was sipping great Puerto Rican coffee on the deck in the morning. We will be back! Thank you so much, Ogla, we look forward to seeing you again.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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What a great place to stay!!

Guest Barb
Date of stay 01/18/12
Review Submitted 01/31/12

My husband and I, and another couple stayed in the Penthouse Apartment Jan 18 - 21. We had such a great time!! The apartment was so wonderful! We spent as much time as possible on the rooftop enjoying the ocean breezes and the magnificent view! The owner was very helpful when we needed anything. Everything we wanted was within walking distance. Old San Juan is a very fun place to explore. And, with the walk uphill and the stairs, we definitely left the apartment in much better physical shape than when we came! The only thing I would recommend is a new bed in the second bedroom. I would definitely stay here again! Thanks Barry, Ogla and Maureen!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Relaxing, enjoyable stay

Guest Kathy M.
Date of stay 11/17/11
Review Submitted 11/29/11

Really enjoyed the apartment. It was conveniently located in Old San Juan to all the sites. The roof top patio was a pleasure to be able to sit there in the evening. Would definitely stay there again. There are 3 flights of stairs to climb to the apartment.

Recommended for: Age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

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Vacation

Guest Sonnie
Date of stay 04/07/11
Review Submitted 04/17/11

We had a wonderful time in Old San Juan. The apartment was charming and we enjoyed the eclectic art throughout the unit. The home was very warm and welcoming and the neighborhood was colorful. Waking up was a pleasure being able to gaze at the cruise ships from our bed in the master bedroom. The rooftop garden view was very enjoyable and relaxing. Because of the apartment being on the 3rd floor I would not recommend it for someone with health problems but we did get our exercise. We would definitely stay here again.

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Disappointed

Guest pjd
Date of stay 03/28/11
Review Submitted 03/15/12

View was amazing! Pictures were misleading! The apartment was only surface clean. The towels and bedding were worn out. Picture of kitchen didn't show the little white bugs that were over the counter tops daily, even after spraying. The deco was a bit strange as it was covered with icons of voo-doo to Christianity. There was a dressed blonde mannequin in the living room? What was that about other than creepy. You had to plug in a pump for water, which was understandably considering how .old the building was. The toliet leaked and toliet paper actually came up the shower drain while showering. Gross! When we were gone one evening we found the toliet seat up, which none of us did, all women, and a cell phone left in the hamock. Which was not there in the morning when I was in the hamock. So someone had obviously been in. Nothing was missing, but again creepy. The stairs to the terrace were very difficult to climb so don't even think about carrying anything but yourself up to the terrace. We did call about the toliet and not having hot water and a non-english speaking man did come. All he could say was "ok ok". We did call the office that handled the rental but of course they never called back. To many other choice of places to stay to have picked this one was a hugh disappointed for our experience in Old San Juan.

Owner response: Considering that our previous 10 reviews are all 5 stars with many of those renters vowing to return, and this one only 2 stars, I would like to take the opportunity to address the renter’s very palpable discontent. For me the pivotal complaint is that as the renter says, “toilet paper actually came up the shower drain while showering”. This indeed would be very disconcerting for anyone as it was for myself when I was called by the tenant! Contrary to the renters allegation that she called and no one answered, we obviously did, since we immediately sent a repair person, a “non-english speaking man” (fairly common in Puerto Rico) to investigate and fix the problem. He quickly found and fixed the problem… a severely plugged up toilette drainage pipe. As he reported back to us in Spanish, “He could not believe how much stuff had been flushed down the toilette.” Concerning the other issue of someone entering the apartment, this is true. We had an architect that needed to make some measurements. We sent an email several days before the appointed day as well as text messages. The renter latter was asked to leave the cell phone with another tenant in the building… so she knew there had not been an un-authorized intruder. Another complaint was little white bugs on the kitchen counters… these are what are locally called sugar ants… ubiquitous throughout Puerto Rico… If you leave food out on the counters, they will most likely show up… No food… No ants. Other comments of misrepresenting photos and “strange” deco are purely subjective and not supported by any of our other guests feedback or comments. To give a few: “There are so many eclectic and whimsical details that it is an adventure just discovering them”; “The description was very accurate, and the pictures do not give the full effects of the terrace view”; “This spacious, charming apartment is perfectly located and artistically decorated”; “The apartment [was] just what we were looking for. Close to everything, best view in the city, interesting decor. We loved it and would return.” In summary, I certainly understand in part the renters disappointing experience… particularly the backed up toilette that was fixed as quickly as possible. I also know that the vast majority of our guests as evidenced by their reviews have had very positive stays at our apartment. And I will continue to do my best for all our guests so they too can leave refreshed with many fond memories.

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THE NAME DESCRIBES THE APARTMENT

Guest RICH & LIZ
Date of stay 03/08/11
Review Submitted 04/03/11

FOR THOSE WHO WANT A PENTHOUSE VIEW, IN A GREAT LOCATION, THIS IS THE PLACE. WE, 4 ADULTS, SPENT HOURS LOUNGING UNDER THE SHADE CANOPY ON OUR ROOF PATIO WHILE ENJOYING LOOKING OUT OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ON ONE SIDE, AND SAN JUAN HARBOR ON THE OTHER. THE APARTMENT WAS VERY SPACIOUS, CLEAN AND DECORATED IN AN ARTSY SPANISH THEME. WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE ARE RESTAURANTS, A BAKERY, CAFES AS WELL AS ALL OF THE TOURIST AREAS OF OLD SAN JUAN. ALSO, AT TIMES WHEN WE DID NOT FEEL LIKE WALKING, THE FREE TROLLEY THAT CIRCLES THE TOURIST AREA WAS ONLY A BLOCK AWAY. THE OWNER WAS ONLY A CELL PHONE CALL AWAY, AND WAS VERY RESPONSIVE TO OUR INQUIRIES. AS YOU CAN TELL, WE LIKED THE PLACE. ONE CAVEAT,THE STAIRS TO THE PENTHOUSE ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR A PERSON WITH DISABILITIES.

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Mrs

Guest Suzanne
Date of stay 02/08/11
Review Submitted 04/16/11

My husband and I were here for a month in Feb/Mar. The weather was perfect, the city warm and friendly and the apartment just what we were looking for. Close to everything, best view in the city, interesting decor. We loved it and would return.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Stay in Old San Juan before a Cruise

Guest George
Date of stay 02/03/11
Review Submitted 02/25/11

We arrived Feb.3rd 2011 for three days and this apartment was everything and more for our group of four.The description was very accurate, and the pictures do not give the full effects of the terrace view of the habor and ocean.We loved the blend of unique art in the decor of the apartment.The apartment was very clean and maintained. Barry was very helpful with providing information on transportation, and location of a excellent golf course in the area.There were of attractions,supermarket,and restaurants within walking distance.The stairs were a challenge the first day with our luggage,but we got use to it after the first day. The most enjoyable benefit to this apartment is the roof top terrace and the mild breeze that came off the ocean.The view from this apartment was one we will always remember about San Juan. I would highly recommend this apartment for its location and view. We look forward to visiting Old San Juan again soon.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Live like the locals and enjoy Old San Juan

Guest Rex
Date of stay 01/14/11
Review Submitted 02/10/11

This spacious two bedroom, two bath apartment in Old San Juan is accurately depicted through the pictures, but there are so many eclectic and whimsical details that it is an adventure just discovering them, room by room. I mean, one wall has a spinet piano overseen by a life-sized blond female mannequin. This apartment is on about the highest point in Old San Juan. The 360 degree unobstructed views from the front and rear balconies, as well as the private rooftop patio are breathtaking. The large kitchen is well-equipped and great views, too. Owner Olga Silva has created a unique environment for guests. Anyone looking for an inviting, home-like environment and a comfortable place to collapse after a hard day of sightseeing this is it. However, if you are looking for a contemporary hotel environment, this is not for you. The apartment is in an old building (about 100 years old), on the third floor and there is no elevator. Since the owner was out of town, a young man met us when we arrived and carried our bags for us. We are in our late 70s and the stairs presented no problem. Our first day we discovered that the popular San Sebastian Festival was taking place right on our street. Noisy, festive, fun and we discovered many San Juan popular foods eating from scores of stands. After a week here, we plan a return visit for the San Sebastian Festival in January. Barry, with the management company for Ogla, was outstanding. He ordered cabs for us as needed and immediately arranged for repair of the free wifi system. We would definitely recommend this apartment to friends. Already have been raving about it. This apartment is in the perfect location for exploring all the nooks and crannies of Old San Juan on foot, including the vast El Morro Fort and The Castle. It's away from the touristy area and lots of restaurants are nearby. A market and pharmacy are about 4 blocks away.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

We had a Wonderful Time!

Guest LZ
Date of stay 11/28/10
Review Submitted 12/29/10

We spent 3 nights at this High Terrace Penthouse Apartment in Old San Juan during the Thanksgiving holiday. My family had a wonderful time here. The huge roof-top terrace and balcony have the most stunning views of the ocean, the city and the cobble stone streets down below. This spacious, charming apartment is perfectly located and artistically decorated. It’s very comfortable and enjoyable. My parents are retired art professors from Beijing, China, and every one of us in my family is an artist. We really enjoyed the culture, architectures and historic sites in Old San Juan. This apartment is exactly what we have expected. Thank you, Ogla and Berry for the joyful and memorable experience your unique place has offered us!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Close to Everything

Guest Jeffrey from B'more
Date of stay 11/03/10
Review Submitted 12/08/10

Upon arrival at the apartment, we were greeted by the owner and given the the grand tour, the photographs reflect the true rustic chic decor of the apartment. The terrace and balcony views were truly amazing. It was so relaxing to view the ocean from EVERYWHERE in the apartment. I found the daily outings to local spots and sightseeing quite easy from our location. The one drawback would be the steepness of the stairs leading to the terrace and the third story walk-up, but after the first day we adjusted. I can not speak highly enough about how kind and gracious the owner of the apartment was during our stay. I can not wait to return!

Recommended for: Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Vacation Rentals by Owner

High Terrace Penthouse Apartment [#311353] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (24)

Best view in town

Best view in town

Spanish Architecture

Spanish Architecture

An Exceptional Stay for Exceptional Value

An Exceptional Stay for Exceptional Value

penthouse apartment

penthouse apartment

Mom and daughter getaway

Mom and daughter getaway

Excellent choice

Excellent choice

Eclectic in Old San Juan

Eclectic in Old San Juan

Great Location!

Great Location!

On Bar Street with a Terrace!

On Bar Street with a Terrace!

Lovely

Lovely

Amazing apartment with roof terrace

Amazing apartment with roof terrace

wow...what a place

wow...what a place

Penthouse apartment review

Penthouse apartment review

Best location in old San Juan!

Best location in old San Juan!

What a great place to stay!!

What a great place to stay!!

Relaxing, enjoyable stay

Relaxing, enjoyable stay

Vacation

Vacation

Disappointed

Disappointed

THE NAME DESCRIBES THE APARTMENT

THE NAME DESCRIBES THE APARTMENT

Mrs

Mrs

Stay in Old San Juan before a Cruise

Stay in Old San Juan before a Cruise

Live like the locals and enjoy Old San Juan

Live like the locals and enjoy Old San Juan

We had a Wonderful Time!

We had a Wonderful Time!

Close to Everything

Close to Everything