glenngroves9
Google
I stayed at the Gallery Inn in Old San Juan for a 3-night dream after getting out of a nightmare at the Miami airport with the air traffic and flight cancellations on November 8. In all my 40+ years of travel this was one, if not THE most magical hotel travel experiences I’ve ever had. The complex of buildings is over 300 years old and is full of history, art, colorful parrots and other birds in an amazing architectural and garden setting. Each of the 22 rooms is different. Mind you, it may not be for everyone, and if you find your comfort at a modern resort or generic chain hotel like the Marriott, perhaps you should choose that option.||If your preference is with small boutique hotels with a lot of charm, character and interest, then stay at the Gallery Inn! As mentioned, it’s old and the water in my room on the top floor at the back of the hotel was sluggish. It was not a strong shower, and the water rose to warm. The toilet was slow flushing because the water pressure simply didn’t rise to that level. Yet, it all worked, was clean, and the bed very comfortable. It was quiet and I slept well on nice sheets, with fresh towels, original art in the room, and a fantastic large terrace that overlooked Old San Juan. The air conditioning was great, and I would get up and turn it off in the night to open the terrace doors and let the cool breeze in. I loved it, and the minor things were far outweighed by the beauty, magical atmosphere, and other amenities of the place and the people. ||The staff were professional, for the most part very friendly, and I felt welcomed and cared for. The Inn has a terrace bar overlooking the sea, a restaurant with good food, an amazing piano bar and salon with a gifted pianist playing every night. A shout out goes to musician extraordinaire Dave Hull, the staff, and everyone who made my stay memorable, including other talented performers, and interesting guests. I was glad to stay at my Galería “home” and wish I could have stayed longer. There is a lovely small pool in the front garden. It’s not for laps but for a cool soak, paddle, and perfect relax after a day in San Juan. The Gallery Inn is conveniently located to everything in Old San Juan with a 20-minute walk to a good beach (El Escambrón), restaurants, and nightlife if you choose to go out.||The owner and manager for 65 years, Jan D’Esopo, is charming and ageless. Much of the art and sculpture at the Gallery Inn is by her, and she is an integral supporter of the Steinway Society, hence the musical experience with connections to the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico.||If you are looking for a unique, enjoyable, relaxing, magical place, I highly recommend staying at the Gallery Inn! I will not stay anywhere else when visiting wonderful Puerto Rico and San Juan.