Ciqala Suites Hotel

The hotel is highly regarded for its rooftop restaurant and bar which offers panoramic city views, creating a memorable and vibrant atmosphere for guests. Other standout features include the spacious suites, the convenience of a complimentary in-room breakfast, and the consistently praised attentive staff. The generous room sizes and in-suite amenities like kitchenettes and laundry facilities make it an ideal choice for families seeking comfort during longer stays. Couples can enjoy the romantic ambiance of the rooftop and the hotel's central location, while sightseers and adventurers benefit from its proximity to key attractions and the staff's helpful local recommendations. To enhance your stay, be aware that the rooftop pool is quite small and integrated into the restaurant area, which can feel less private, and manage expectations regarding the breakfast's consistency.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's rooftop restaurant and bar, praising its stunning views and lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for dining and socializing. However, the rooftop pool receives mixed feedback; many note its small size and its location directly within the restaurant area, which can feel awkward for swimming. Some suites are well-equipped with a kitchenette and even a laundry room with a washer and dryer, which is highly valued by guests, especially those on longer stays or with families. The elevators are a recurring point of concern, often described as slow or noisy, with long wait times due to heavy traffic from the popular rooftop venue. While free parking is available, many guests find the spaces to be tight and limited. A 24-hour convenience store located right next door is frequently mentioned as a significant convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests commend the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are well-maintained and tidied daily by housekeeping. The spacious rooms and suite layouts, often featuring separate living areas, are consistently appreciated for providing ample space and comfort. The beds are generally described as comfortable with cozy covers, contributing to a restful stay. However, some guests have reported issues with worn mattress springs or thin sofa bed mattresses. Feedback on noise levels is mixed; while some find the hotel to be quiet, others experience disturbances from elevator noise, the rooftop restaurant above, or outside street noise and activity. Bathrooms are typically spacious, though some reviews mention issues with hot water availability or shower curtains that do not effectively contain water. In-room amenities like air conditioning are present, though some units are noted for being noisy or having limited control.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast, delivered directly to the room, is a highly discussed feature. Many guests appreciate the convenience and the variety of options, finding it to be a good start to their day. However, feedback on its quality and consistency is mixed; some describe it as salty, basic, or cold upon arrival, with occasional delays in delivery or missing items. Vegetarian options are noted as limited by some. The rooftop restaurant, often referred to as "Eter" in reviews, receives widespread praise for its delicious food, exquisite menu, and stunning city views, making it a highlight for many visitors. The bar on the rooftop is also commended for its top-notch cocktails. While the dining experience at the rooftop is generally positive, guests frequently mention that the prices are on the higher side.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy reach of numerous attractions and points of interest. Many popular spots are within walking distance, including a Walmart for convenience, La Placita for nightlife, and various coffee shops and restaurants. It is also conveniently located for a short Uber ride to Old San Juan, the T-Mobile District, and the Convention Center, as well as being a quick drive from the international airport. The surrounding neighborhood elicits mixed opinions; some guests find it to be quiet and safe, while others describe it as somewhat run-down or sketchy, with occasional loitering. Despite this, the hotel itself is generally perceived as secure. Free parking is provided, which is a valuable amenity, though the parking spaces are often described as tight.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, providing excellent local recommendations and accommodating requests. The check-in process is often described as smooth and efficient, with staff making guests feel welcome upon arrival. However, some guests have reported issues during check-in, including long waits or complications with bookings. Housekeeping is generally commended for keeping the rooms clean and well-maintained on a daily basis. The overall responsiveness of the staff to guest issues is a recurring positive theme, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. Their dedication to providing excellent service is a standout aspect of the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests frequently express frustration regarding the hotel's deposit and fee policies. Many report being charged a high, non-refundable service charge upon arrival, in addition to pre-paid amounts, and often experience delays or partial refunds of their security deposits. This leads some guests to feel that the hotel is not transparent about its full costs. A recurring complaint is that the hotel, despite its branding, does not meet the expectations of a 4-star property, with some guests describing it as more akin to a mid-range apartment hotel. Furthermore, several reviews mention the pervasive smell of marijuana smoke within the building, which can be unpleasant for non-smoking guests and suggests a lack of enforcement of non-smoking policies.