Dreams Hotel Puerto Rico

The entrance of the three-story Dream's Hotel is through a small doorway that might look a little iffy at first, not due to the hotel itself, but more due to the neighborhood street in this young, college part of town. The owner Elena is constantly making improvements to the building, like the addition of a lounge area with comfy furnishings, tables, and breakfast settings. Benches, potted plants, and navy blue welcome mats with the hotel's name lead to the tiny front desk area. Sometimes the front desk is empty and guests will need to pick up the phone to call for Elena or another member of her friendly but lean staff to check in, check out, or answer questions. Stairs are the only way to get up to the rooms, which are located on the second or third floors, separated by benches that have recycling bins and extra linens. During later hours, the scene is pretty calm on the property itself, but there are typically young people hitting the streets outside, especially on Thursdays, the big party night for the neighborhood when school is in session.

The hotel is technically part of the Rio Piedras neighborhood, just a hop, skip, and jump to the esteemed University of Puerto Rico. This area of San Juan may not be ideal for adults, but the college atmosphere does keep the prices down, especially compared to Condado and Old San Juan. Bookstores, budget restaurants, and bars are common in the neighborhood, and nightlife is consistent. The college party scene does quiet down between semesters and during summer break, but expect to wear earplugs on Thursdays when the neighborhood becomes one big party.

San Juan has several public beaches that can be accessed via public transportation like the bus or Tren Urbana rail system. Ask the hotel for specifics. They can arrange transportation to the airport, which is just 10 minutes northeast by car, or give directions for getting to the airport via bus. If street parking is not available, there are other options nearby for a low fee.

This is a small hotel and its rooms, housing one to four people, only take up two floors above the lobby. Prices stay low and the spaces include microwaves, mini-fridges, air-conditioning units, and dining tables. Bathrooms have walk-in showers, a bar of soap, and an eco-container of body wash. Some larger rooms have separate kitchenettes with a sink, countertop, and dining sets. Beds have duvet covers, but pillows are pretty flat. Mattresses may have a plastic covering under the sheets. The older rooms face the front, while the updated wing is in the rear with rooms that have fresher decor and less street noise.

Every room has a table and two chairs (either hi-top or low-top) but no desks. Those looking to get work done will need to use the dining table or head downstairs to the lobby.

The free continental breakfast is about as basic as it gets, but a welcome addition for those on the go -- especially considering the low cost of the rooms. The spread can change daily and usually consists of coffee, toast, crackers, and apples. This is set out on a table in the lobby area, which has oversized sofas for lounging or tables and chairs for eating takeout from other establishments. Guests may also be using this area to work, as free Wi-Fi is more reliable here than in the rooms. Recycling bins are offered on each floor for aluminum, plastic, cardboard, and paper.

Elena, the owner, and her right hand person Priscilla (and the rest of the small staff) are loaded with friendliness and personality. They will do what they can to help with transportation arrangements like car rentals, parking spots, taxi pickups, and local suggestions for food and drink.