Lori O.
Yelp
This has become our home away from home when in San Juan. Our first stay, a year ago, impressed us so that we didn't have to think twice about where to book this time: Andalucía all the way. A homey, elegant, tasteful, immaculate place to stay, with staff and owners ready to bend over backwards to make your stay as great as possible.
You're a block from the beach. Ah, that lovely, blue-green water. You're also a block (in another direction) from Kasalta, a traditional Spanish bakery/café/mesón, with Spanish imports (cheese and ham, for example) and local favorites (coconut flan or guava pastries). Also, excellent, affordable eateries like La B de Burro are just across the street.
At Andalucía, every room is unique. Each has its own special style: some look more Asian-themed, while others have a more Middle Eastern vibe. From the outside, it doesn't look like much, but there is an oasis to be found inside and around the little courtyard area, with A/C and TV in every room, plus very effective fans. Microwave/fridge combos are pretty convenient, too.
Housekeeping is polite, quick, and professional.
What really is the icing on the cake at this place, though, are the people who work here. They will do anything in their power to advise you, to warn you, to help you... anything. There's an iMac in the lobby in case you didn't bring your own laptop for the free wi-fi. There's also a full table of lotions, sunblocks, tan creams, etc. for whatever beach stuff you forgot. They gladly provide you with towels, coolers, ice, sun chairs, and even an outdoor shower so you don't track sand all in your room.
The hot tub is centrally located and on from 5-9 (approximately) in the evenings. What a way to unwind! Also, there are several shelves of books and a selection of games to pass the time in your room in case you get rained in (which never happened to us).
The folks who work there are so knowledgeable about the area and so eager to help. I have to mention Javier by name: he mailed my postcards for me (taking care of the postage himself!), kept us abreast of political events on the island, and took care of us like family. Something went wrong with our room's water heater (not the tank kind, the kind that heats only what you use). No big deal! The "cold" water was a mere lukewarm and actually kind of welcome after a sweaty, sandy day. Even so, he checked with the owners (Esteban and Emeo, who, unfortunately for us, were off on vacation) and issued us a 10% discount after the fact. This is the kind of customer service that brings people back, and.. Oh, we WILL be back. ASAP, as a matter of fact.
Affordable, attractive and very clean rooms, helpful and friendly staff, and a great location. Practically perfect!