PUERTO RICO
Feb 27th, 2011, 05:30 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PUERTO RICO
Good Morning Fodorites! We are planning our first vacation for 2011 and have decided on PR. But as always, I rely on this websites do's and don'ts before I book anything! So here is what we need; a great hotel for a mid aged couple with a 7 yr old, a pristine beach, near something? Great service, not ridiculously over priced, and all purpose oasis for some much need R n R. Going in June. All suggestions n comments appreciated as we are 1st timers. Thank you all in advance for your kindness.
Feb 27th, 2011, 07:22 AM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i don't think you'll find that in Puerto Rico, unfortunately. the best beach area in San Juan is Isla Verde, so you might start there. The Courtyard in Isla Verde is quite nice, and still within taxi distance of Old San Juan. but there are other reasonable places in San Juan. but I don't particularly like the unprotected, Atlantic-facing beaches in San Juan. You will find more pristine beaches on Vieques and Culebra, but there are no hotels on the best beaches. You need to be willing to drive (and you really have to rent a car there). my experience is also that service in PR in genial but rarely truly good.
Mar 2nd, 2011, 06:32 PM
#4
The areas of the Condado and Isle Verde have many hotel options. I know the water/surf tends to be rough in the condado area. I am sure isle verde is the same.
We usually stay at the Caribe Hilton which is set off on it's own near the condado area. It is close enough by taxi to the condado and old san juan for good dining choices.
The Hilton's beach is private and the water is calmer as it has rocks breaking the water as it comes into the hotel beach. It is not pristine, but we like the fact that the hotel is set on it's own,but close to everything. It is a large hotel complex and has some nice pools, and activities for different age groups. We went for the first time to the Hilton in the 1980s and have been back several times since.
You can arrange day trips through the hotel or rent a car and head out of town to the rain forest or Lo Quillo beach. In Fajaro, you can catch a biolumescent tour.
On the Condado, the Marriott is a very nice hotel choice. In Isle Verde, the El San Juan looked nice, we only dined at both of these hotels, but the grounds and lobby areas are very nice.
I know there is also a Ritz in this area.
Now service on the island is okay. I find if you are nice, people are nice and friendly back. We had no problems. We went spring break about three years ago.
Food was pretty good everywhere we ate.
The island itself is not the prettiest island in the caribbean. There is poverty and crime. The water is also the dark blue because the resort areas face the atlantic rather than the caribbean sea. So, you don't have that light blue water.
All in all, it is usually easy to get to, reasonably priced, decent food and lay on the beach and relax vacation. There is also history in Old San Juan and some unusual sights like Lo Quillo beach (not spelling it right I know!). So go and enjoy!
We usually stay at the Caribe Hilton which is set off on it's own near the condado area. It is close enough by taxi to the condado and old san juan for good dining choices.
The Hilton's beach is private and the water is calmer as it has rocks breaking the water as it comes into the hotel beach. It is not pristine, but we like the fact that the hotel is set on it's own,but close to everything. It is a large hotel complex and has some nice pools, and activities for different age groups. We went for the first time to the Hilton in the 1980s and have been back several times since.
You can arrange day trips through the hotel or rent a car and head out of town to the rain forest or Lo Quillo beach. In Fajaro, you can catch a biolumescent tour.
On the Condado, the Marriott is a very nice hotel choice. In Isle Verde, the El San Juan looked nice, we only dined at both of these hotels, but the grounds and lobby areas are very nice.
I know there is also a Ritz in this area.
Now service on the island is okay. I find if you are nice, people are nice and friendly back. We had no problems. We went spring break about three years ago.
Food was pretty good everywhere we ate.
The island itself is not the prettiest island in the caribbean. There is poverty and crime. The water is also the dark blue because the resort areas face the atlantic rather than the caribbean sea. So, you don't have that light blue water.
All in all, it is usually easy to get to, reasonably priced, decent food and lay on the beach and relax vacation. There is also history in Old San Juan and some unusual sights like Lo Quillo beach (not spelling it right I know!). So go and enjoy!
Mar 3rd, 2011, 06:30 PM
#6
Thanks Tom. I have never been on the beach at isle verde. I have been at the hotel the el san juan, but only at night for dining and gambling.
You should weigh in on hotel choices because I know you have been to puerto rico many times and have stayed in many different of the more popular hotels.
You should weigh in on hotel choices because I know you have been to puerto rico many times and have stayed in many different of the more popular hotels.
Mar 4th, 2011, 05:52 AM
#7
Girlonthego - I'm not sure why the surf is calmer at Isla Verde - but it may be because the slope of the shoreline is pretty gradual. Anyway, I didn't weigh in with any hotel recommendations because I'm not sure if any hotels in the San Juan area would meet all of the criteria the OP listed (plus, I just recently provided comments on a couple of hotels in another thread and didn't want to sound like a broken record). I thought your description of the Caribe Hilton was good and also your mention of the Marriott. There is a newer Marriott hotel (Renaissance) that I would also suggest the OP look into. My concern is the part about a "pristine" beach. If that is really important, the OP is going to be disappointed with any hotel in San Juan. As to the criteria lists:
Pristine beach - no hotel in the San Juan area will have a pristine beach. Both Isla Verde and Condado are developed areas with hotels, condos lining the beach. The sand is brown and the water, while clear, is not Caribbean blue. The beaches are public and on the weekends can get crowded (not shoulder to shoulder people but also not isolated and serene).
Near something - not sure what the OP wants to be near (the rainforest, snorkeling, golf, shops, museums, etc) but Old San Juan is a quick taxi or bus ride from Condado and a little longer from Isla Verde. Also, there are a number of restaurants and some shops in the Condado area.
Great service - The hotel that comes the closest to "great service" is the Ritz Carlton in Isla Verde. But I've come to accept the fact that service is generally hit and miss in Puerto Rico.
Not ridiculously overpriced - that is relative. It all depends on what the OP considers overpriced. San Juan is not a particularly cheap destination (don't think Mexico prices).
travelbuff127 - I've been to the San Juan area of Puerto Rico many times and I'd be happy to provide more information if you have any particular questions.
Pristine beach - no hotel in the San Juan area will have a pristine beach. Both Isla Verde and Condado are developed areas with hotels, condos lining the beach. The sand is brown and the water, while clear, is not Caribbean blue. The beaches are public and on the weekends can get crowded (not shoulder to shoulder people but also not isolated and serene).
Near something - not sure what the OP wants to be near (the rainforest, snorkeling, golf, shops, museums, etc) but Old San Juan is a quick taxi or bus ride from Condado and a little longer from Isla Verde. Also, there are a number of restaurants and some shops in the Condado area.
Great service - The hotel that comes the closest to "great service" is the Ritz Carlton in Isla Verde. But I've come to accept the fact that service is generally hit and miss in Puerto Rico.
Not ridiculously overpriced - that is relative. It all depends on what the OP considers overpriced. San Juan is not a particularly cheap destination (don't think Mexico prices).
travelbuff127 - I've been to the San Juan area of Puerto Rico many times and I'd be happy to provide more information if you have any particular questions.
Mar 5th, 2011, 08:42 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
tom42...i am now depressed. it took forever for my husband and i to agree on a destination 9Since he is a man of many hang-ups and demands) and once I began my search, I am now faced with your knowledge...as dissapointing as it is. BUT I am so glad you are honest. Thank you...that is why I love this board and have come to hold it bible for my travels!
So i have a 7 yr old girl and a particular husband who is cheap. I really thought the El Conquistador would fit our needs but i don't want to have to rent a car nor be confined to the hotel because of saftey concerns. Please advise
So i have a 7 yr old girl and a particular husband who is cheap. I really thought the El Conquistador would fit our needs but i don't want to have to rent a car nor be confined to the hotel because of saftey concerns. Please advise
Mar 6th, 2011, 06:31 AM
#9
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You certainly do not have to rent a car if you stay in San Juan. In fact, I think you're far better off not renting one. And I would not be overly concerned about safety issues. Like any place, San Juan has crime, but it is early a problem for tourists.
I've often walked around Condado at night and not felt afraid. It's a bit harder to walk around Isla Verde, but it's not particularly unsafe.
I've often walked around Condado at night and not felt afraid. It's a bit harder to walk around Isla Verde, but it's not particularly unsafe.
Mar 7th, 2011, 05:46 AM
#10
tavelbuff127 - sorry, I didn't mean to depress you! Let me say that I love San Juan and it has a lot to offer. I just like to make sure people who have never been there understand what it is and what it isn't.
I don't think you would be confined to your hotel due to safety concerns at El Conquistador. However, it is an isolated resort that is about an hour from the San Juan area. There is nowhere to walk to from the resort. Depending on how much you want to do outside the resort, you might be able to get by doing a tour or two from the hotel and taxis to town (Fajardo, not Old San Juan) if you want to go out to dinner off site. I stayed at El Conquistador but it was quite a few years ago. I thought it was a pretty cool resort. The "beach" is a private island which you have to take a ferry from the resort to reach. The water was calm and clear - pretty good for snorkeling. Restaurants were expensive.
How long are you going for? If it is for a week or more, would you consider splitting your time between the San Juan area and some other area of Puerto Rico?
I don't think you would be confined to your hotel due to safety concerns at El Conquistador. However, it is an isolated resort that is about an hour from the San Juan area. There is nowhere to walk to from the resort. Depending on how much you want to do outside the resort, you might be able to get by doing a tour or two from the hotel and taxis to town (Fajardo, not Old San Juan) if you want to go out to dinner off site. I stayed at El Conquistador but it was quite a few years ago. I thought it was a pretty cool resort. The "beach" is a private island which you have to take a ferry from the resort to reach. The water was calm and clear - pretty good for snorkeling. Restaurants were expensive.
How long are you going for? If it is for a week or more, would you consider splitting your time between the San Juan area and some other area of Puerto Rico?
Mar 7th, 2011, 07:21 AM
#11
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you really would rather stay at El Conquistador rather than in San Juan itself, you can also get by with tours as long as you are prepared to eat most meals on-site. I've found that tours will get you most places you might want to go such as El Yunque or even the biobay at Vieques. You could also do a day-trip to either Culebra or Vieques by taking the public ferry from Fajardo, which is very close to the resort.
And you can certainly get into Old San Juan for a day without any problems at all (outside of Old San Juan, there aren't that many "sights" to see in San Juan). A free trolley or your own two feet will get you around nicely in Old San Juan.
In a week, I don't know that you'd want to do more than three off-site tours anyway.
The downside of El Conquistador is that without a car, it's just not feasible to eat at off-site restaurants unless you pay a huge premium for taxis. And El Conquistador does indeed charge for parking unless you rent from the on-site agency (and I can't remember what that is off-hand). If you really want to explore the island from a convenient base, Fajardo isn't the most convenient place in my opinion. If you want to relax and enjoy yourself, I think you'll do fine there.
And you can certainly get into Old San Juan for a day without any problems at all (outside of Old San Juan, there aren't that many "sights" to see in San Juan). A free trolley or your own two feet will get you around nicely in Old San Juan.
In a week, I don't know that you'd want to do more than three off-site tours anyway.
The downside of El Conquistador is that without a car, it's just not feasible to eat at off-site restaurants unless you pay a huge premium for taxis. And El Conquistador does indeed charge for parking unless you rent from the on-site agency (and I can't remember what that is off-hand). If you really want to explore the island from a convenient base, Fajardo isn't the most convenient place in my opinion. If you want to relax and enjoy yourself, I think you'll do fine there.
Mar 7th, 2011, 10:57 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Doug, thank you for relying. Her is my pickle; it must be puerto Rico, a all purpose resort, prefer beach on premise, 4 star accommodations, quiet location,I can rent a car if necessary, must be for a week, do not like all inclusives, can't do ritz Carlton but something like it would be good, prefer quiet beaches. Anything? Help!
Mar 7th, 2011, 04:21 PM
#14
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, travelbuff! I'm a local resident of Puerto Rico, so maybe I can help you a little in your choice decision. Checking at what you're looking for, maybe your best bet could be the western part of PR. There are some fairly good hotels to choose from(Mayaguez Resort & Casino comes to mind) and some of the most beautiful beaches of PR are in the western part of the island. Renting a car is a must, but if you establish your "base" in the city of Mayaguez, you can go to the most southwestern part of the island in about 20-30 minutes to the town of Cabo Rojo, where some of the best caribbean cuisine restaurants are located; to the northwestern in about 20 minutes, where the best "surfer beaches" of the caribbean are located. In between, there are a zoo, a water parks, parasailing, scuba diving, and other ammenities that you may be interested. Hope this info could be helpful to you. By the way, crime in the west is minimal!!
Mar 7th, 2011, 07:19 PM
#15
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have you considered renting a house or condo? We just rented a house in the Solimar community in Luquillo. Even if you find a decent hotel rate, the taxes...12%...and food prices at the hotel add up quickly. We did have to rent a car, but the drive was super easy and it gave us the flexibility to explore other beaches and the nerby rainforest. The beaches are really pretty and calmer than the San Juan area. There are plenty of restaurants ranging in price and also grocery stores to stock up on snacks and cook some your meals. A lot of the neighborhoods in this area seem a little run down, but it never appeared to be unsafe or felt threatened in any way.
Mar 8th, 2011, 07:38 AM
#17
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gosh, the Horned Dorset is way more expensive than any of these options.
You might try the Wyndham Rio Mar Resort, which is between San Juan and Fajardo on the north coast. It's slightly closer to San Juan, but you still have the problem with isolation.
There's a Four Points Sheraton in the ritzy Palmas del Mar development in Humacao. It has the atmosphere you are looking for, but it's also very isolated and food options are limited there.
There is no "quiet" beach in San Juan, I'm afraid. Even though the Isla Verde area is quite nice. But there are plenty of nice hotels in San Juan. I do like the Renaissance, but it's got a very small, public beach. As someone else posted, the Caribe Hilton has its own private (albeit man-made) beach, but it's still quite the party scene at times, so it's not the quiet atmosphere you seek.
I think you owe it to yourself to at least take a look at the W Vieques. It's not the island's best beach, but you can drive to others. But it's the only real resort on Vieques. There are plenty of very comfortable and charming smaller hotels, some fairly luxurious, as well as villa rentals, on the island. Culebra is even more laid back, with much more beautiful beaches but also much more modest accommodations.
You might try the Wyndham Rio Mar Resort, which is between San Juan and Fajardo on the north coast. It's slightly closer to San Juan, but you still have the problem with isolation.
There's a Four Points Sheraton in the ritzy Palmas del Mar development in Humacao. It has the atmosphere you are looking for, but it's also very isolated and food options are limited there.
There is no "quiet" beach in San Juan, I'm afraid. Even though the Isla Verde area is quite nice. But there are plenty of nice hotels in San Juan. I do like the Renaissance, but it's got a very small, public beach. As someone else posted, the Caribe Hilton has its own private (albeit man-made) beach, but it's still quite the party scene at times, so it's not the quiet atmosphere you seek.
I think you owe it to yourself to at least take a look at the W Vieques. It's not the island's best beach, but you can drive to others. But it's the only real resort on Vieques. There are plenty of very comfortable and charming smaller hotels, some fairly luxurious, as well as villa rentals, on the island. Culebra is even more laid back, with much more beautiful beaches but also much more modest accommodations.
Mar 8th, 2011, 08:47 AM
#19
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is not a typical Four Points Sheraton, just like the Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort is not a typical Courtyard. But it is another option.
The problem with Horned Dorset is that it's dramatically more expensive than a Ritz-Carlton ... probably twice the price. If that's what the OP wants, then I agree that it's a good recommendation (it's probably the best resort in all of Puerto Rico). But it's not remotely equivalent in terms of price.
The problem with Horned Dorset is that it's dramatically more expensive than a Ritz-Carlton ... probably twice the price. If that's what the OP wants, then I agree that it's a good recommendation (it's probably the best resort in all of Puerto Rico). But it's not remotely equivalent in terms of price.
