Ciqala Luxury Suites

Ciqala's sienna orange and
beige exterior looks less like a hotel and more like an apartment building.
Guests can park in the attached, private garage next to the entrance outfitted
with security cameras, and then access the lobby through the back or front door,
where a buzzer system allows entry. A few steps lead to the front desk, where
one or two friendly staff members are available for check-in. Ciqala is not a typical hotel atmosphere -- there’s
no doorman or bellboy, for instance -- so it tends to attract less traditional
types. The space is geared toward couples, families, business
travelers, and groups who prefer the homey, apartment-like environment. Though the guest rooms are the
clear highlight here, there are also on-site opportunities to meet other
travelers. Two elevators provide access to rooms and the SP Lounge on the
eighth floor. This is the main common area with mixed seating areas, TVs, a
computer and printer, and a large gourmet kitchen. 

Ciqala is located on a main
street in San Juan’s Miramar district, a diverse, up-and-coming part of town
with mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. While not the most attractive area of
San Juan, history buffs will appreciate older homes in the process of
restoration. Nearby residential streets might be worth checking out during the
day, but after dark, guests will want to drive or take a taxi to get around the
city. (It takes about 10 minutes to get to Old San Juan or Condado, depending on traffic.) There’s a convenience store next door for basic
essentials while larger grocery stores are nearby via car. The local
airport -- Isla Grande -- is a short drive west, and it takes less than a
15-minute drive east to get to the international airport. Public city beaches
along the Atlantic can be reached by car or the free shuttle provided by
the hotel. 

There are eight floors of rooms/suites above the first floor of
this tidy building with water-saving and energy efficient systems.
Rooms come in several sizes and are contemporary with bright Ikea-style
furnishings and bold patterns. The smallest units are the Superior Rooms with queen
beds, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Deluxe Two-Bedroom Suites have king
beds in master rooms and queen beds in second rooms, while Studios and One- Bedrooms have pullout sofas in living rooms. Stainless steel kitchens for
Deluxe and Presidential units are equipped with full-sized refrigerators,
stove-tops, cookware, dishes, and wine glasses.All rooms have marble
bathrooms, eco-friendly toiletries, jetted tubs, rain showerheads, bathrobes,
working desks, memory foam mattresses, LCD TVs, and significant closet space.
Each fridge (or mini-fridge) is stocked with minibar items like snacks, wine,
beer, and sodas for reasonable prices. Rooms also come with coffeemakers and
free coffee. Keep in mind that balconies in front-facing units are not
usable due to safety concerns.

In 2014, the hotel completed
construction of a small rooftop infinity pool and deck overlooking the
city of San Juan. There are about a dozen lounge chairs on hand for sunbathing
and a bar area that serves drinks (beer, wine, and cocktails) and appetizers at
reasonable prices. Breakfast is made-to-order and served in the SP Lounge with
indoor and outdoor seating where guests can relax, print boarding passes, watch
TV, or simply socialize with friends, family, and other guests. Free cocktails
are served Monday through Thursday evenings, while tapas and snacks are served
twice weekly. An additional perk -- every guest is offered free a la carte
breakfast items daily. The menu typically includes egg dishes, waffles, and
pancakes as well as a few self-service continental items like yogurts, cereal, Hawaiian
rolls, juices, and coffee. In-Suite breakfast is available upon request. A
small fitness center can also be found on this floor with a few machines. Friendly staff are available
24/7 to help arrange tours, excursions, and bike rentals. Free transportation
to nearby beaches is provided at no extra charge. Parents with kids in
tow can borrow cribs and playpens; babysitting services can also be arranged.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property as well.