mldsc

My husband and I are heading to PR to celebrate our 10th anniversary and catch a few games in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off college basketball tourney. We currently have reservations to stay at La Concha Renaissance. I would love any suggestions for how to spend our four days there. We are definitely interested in relaxing on the beach, but also plan to do some sightseeing in the area.

My specific question is whether or not we should plan to rent a car. Is there adequate public transportation or would we be better off dealing with a rental car?

Thanks!

Sosa

You are going to stay in a great location, great hotel. The hotel is very trendy and very popular with the hip puertoricans Fridays and Saturdays.
Since I do not know the detail of your trip (days and times)this is what I would suggest, if you have time bewteen the games.
1st day/night Enjoy Condado and your hotel. Take a walk around Ashford ave. Going East to old San Juan (but do not cross the bridge), stoping at a bar and enjoy Medalla Beer. You now you got to end when you get to the Conrad Hotel. Go into the hotel take a look, then turn around and return to Ashford Ave going west. Go all the way down until you get to Condado "mini-restaurant row" stop for a drink/food in one of the restaurant. I recomend Yerba Buena restaurant for a drink (Food is OK)and then return back. By now you have seen most of Condado Turist area.
Day 2. Old Sanjuan. Take the bus (75 cents)or a Taxi $10.00 to Old San Juan Walk around/Shop for souvenirs/Visit the Fort"El Morro"/ Have Lunch at "Raices" Good tipical Puertorican Food, try the Stuff Mofongo. the restaurant is near the Cruise Ships Port. Go back to hotel enjoy the Pool.
Day 3. Get up early, go and pick up your rental car (Avis in Ave. Ashford or Charlie car rental). Make sure you have reservations in Condado area (not airport). Drive to El Yunque(About an hour drive)spend few hours there have late lunch at Los Kioskos the Luquillo Beach. Return your Car rental by 5:00 PM. Condado is difficult to find parking or is expensive.
4. Take the bus going in opposite direction from old SJ to Isla Verde, Enjoy Isla Verde Beach, return to pack.
### If you want good typical Food go to Bebos en La Calle Loiza in Santurce (take a cab from Hotel). If you like to mingle with Locals at night go to "La Placita" in Santurce. During the day is the Market Plaza at night becomes the place where the locals go for after work happy hour (go anytime after 6PM).
Again these are my suggestions in general, not knowing if you like the Party,Cultural, Sophisticated or the adventure scene. and not knowing how much spare time you are going to have. Also, not knowing where the games are I can't tell you if renting a car is better than taking a taxi or bus.
Hope this helps. Sosa

mldsc

Sosa,

Thanks for the great suggestions. I called the hotel to inquire about transportation options and was told that there is no bus service there and that taxi is our only option. But your post makes it sound like we could take the bus, so we will look into that option.

Thanks!

Sosa

Glad that I can help. YES there is a Bus. Just ask a local where can you take the "GUAGUA". One side side goes to old San Juan on the other side goes to Isla Verde. There are only two or three lines that runs tru Ashford avenue, just ask the driver. Good Luck, and please let me know how was your visit to Boriquen!

Jazzylee13

Hi Sosa,
I saw your previous recommendations for Puerto Rico in 3 days. I will be there for 5 days in Feb 2011. Will be celebrating my birthday on the 13th and Valentine's. What do you recommend I do for my birthday ? It's a Sunday. A co-worker recommended I go to the Pikayo Restaurant in the museum but they are closed on Sunday and Monday. Will only be there for 5 days but want to try to do the most things possible since it is my first time there. Please advise ?

Sosa

Hi Jazzley. The Pikayo Restaurant moved from the Museum it is now in the Condado Conrad Hotel. I'm prety sure is open every day for dinner. I have not try it yet, I heard mix reviews, never the less Wilo Bennet is a top Chef in PR and the restaurant looks really nice. I think on my next trip to PR(JAN)I'm goin to try it, so I can give you my opinion. The reason I have not go yet is because I went to his other restaurant "Varitas" and I was not impress. By the way the prices in Pikayo are over $30 for an entree. Not that that matter if it is really great food but since I was not impress with Varitas... Last year for my Birthday I went to Perla in La Concha Hotel the whole experience was 5*. We did the Chef tasting with wine Pairings for $95.00 pp, it was excellent. Five small plates each one with a different wine. It is a beautifull place perfect for a romantic evening. The service was excellent!
This will be my recomendation for restaurants but follow my previews advise for other things. If you tell me more about yourself (single,married,significant other, age +/-, do you like to dance, adventures, beaches, drinks & Party, clubs, late night bars, afterhours, you like gourmet food or local cuisine,wine, culture, museums, hanging out with locals, $ or $$$$ budget, where are you staying?) I can give you better suggestions. Hope you enjoy PR! Sosa

Sosa

MLDSC- How was your trip to PR?? Did you do any of my suggestions?? Please let me know, so I know for next time. Thanks!