4/10 Poor
Vincent Jairus Howell
Dec 8, 2024
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Dear Expedia,
I am writing to express my profound dissatisfaction and frustration with the substandard quality of the room during my stay at El Colonial.
While the hotel’s location in the heart of Old San Juan was ideal and initially promising based on the photos and reviews shared on both your website and theirs, the room itself fell far short of expectations. The property’s central location and the added perks, such as complimentary drinks (including spirits, soda, wine, and champagne), were definite highlights. I also appreciated the safety measures in place for entering and exiting the property.
However, the condition of the room was deeply disappointing. It lacked basic amenities such as an iron and a microwave, which should be standard for a room at this price point and location. Additionally, the hotel policy charging $25 for any damage to linens felt unreasonable. The room’s design and upkeep also posed challenges. Leaving the window open led to condensation on the floors, making them slippery and uncomfortable to navigate. This forced me to rely on air conditioning at all times, which raised health concerns for me, especially in the days leading up to my cruise. I even had to take daily medication to avoid getting sick.
The room’s condition further detracted from my experience. The window gate overlooking Old San Juan was rusted and deteriorated, making it unsafe and unattractive. What should have been a highlight—a scenic view—was obstructed and unimpressive.
Vincent Jairus Howell
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024