Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino or El San Juan?
 

I am planning a weekend trip to Puerto Rico in October. I am debating between the El San Juan Hotel & Casino or the Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino. I’ve never been to Puerto Rico and I’m unfamiliar with the areas these hotels are in. Which has the better beaches? The better nightlife? Which is closer to more stuff? What are the different "feels"?

Anything to help make up my mind would help.

El San Juan (recently renovated) is in Isla Verde on the city's best beach. Condado Plaza (not as nice) is in Condado, a more central area that is (in my opinion) much more walkable.

Most nightlife is in big hotels (more dance clubs in Isla Verde or at the Water Club) or in Old San Juan. NOt walkable from either hotel. But restaurants in Condado are more walkable.

If you really want to stay in Condado, I'd recommend the Marriott or La Concha (the latter more expensive with more of an upscale, South Beach vibe). But taxis in San Juan are not terribly expensive, so I don't think it really matters where you stay. Unless you are going out of San Juan, do not rent a car (most hotels charge for parking).

Thanks a lot, Doug! I've heard that the gay area of San Juan is Condado. Is that true?

I'm afraid I don't know much about the gay scene in San Juan. There is at least one club in Old San Juan (at least there used to be).

Another club is in Santurce (need a taxi to get there).

But Atlantic Beach Hotel, which has a popular tea dance, is in Condado next to the Marriot, so if you want to go there, the Marriott or La Concha would be a better choice (Condado Plaza is far down at the other end of Condado and not really walkable to the Marriott). I'm not sure if they are an option for you.

Oh ... and the beach next to the Marriott is the traditionally gay section. No services, but you can rent chaises and umbrellas from a guy there for about $5 if you don't stay at the Marriott or La Concha.

Thanks for all the info. The El San Juan now seems like the best place.

I just got back from 4 nights at Condado Plaza and 4 nights at El San Juan (I go every summer). Seems like you made up your mind to stay at El San Juan over the Condado Plaza. While I like both, El San Juan wins out over Condado for beach, lobby and pool area. If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to help if I can.

Thanks. Yes, I am strongly leaning towards the El San Juan for all the reasons you supply and because it's the hotel that seems to have the most history. I know that it has been completely remodeled, but from what I've read it seems to have an old-school feel to it. (I read someone describe it as a "Rat Pack" feel, which is what I'm looking for - if Sinatra would stay there, what else can you ask for?)

Since I'm going to be there only for the weekend, I want a hotel that pretty much has everything right there. I don't know how far I'll be able to stray from the hotel. I would really like to go scuba diving, but I don't know if there is any scuba diving near San Juan.

I'm gay, so I was also interested in some gay-friendly areas nearby (the El San Juan advertizes in The Advocate) but I'm going with my best friend from college, who is straight, so I don't want to stay in a less-fun area just because it is more gay-friendly. I can always just take a cab to Condado.

It's a great place to go for a weekend. The rooms have been remodeled (except for the garden lanais and casitas, which I would avoid as they are getting very dated). The lobby bar has undergone some minor transformations but still retains its elegance. There is a very cool new restaurant that recently opened at the hotel called Kokos that I recommend.

While the Condado area has a larger gay presence, it's not like there are many specifically gay establishments. I have found all of the San Juan area to be generally gay friendly, so I am not sure if I would make it a point to go to Condado just for the gay scene. If you wanted to leave El San Juan for one evening, I would instead suggest checking out Old San Juan, where there are many good restaurants and bars/lounges.

Thanks!

I went to Puerto Rico in July 2008 and stayed at the Marriot on Condado Beach. My 1st time in PR. The Marriot was an exceptional hotel, the rooms, we had oceanfront, were fabulous, bathrooms like new, big, clean and all in all wonderful with wonderful facilities, music and everything overall. Well worth the money. I cannot speak for the other places you were looking at but this area was good and the beach was very nice - a bit rough when we were there. I did swim but I was not as adventurous in the water as I was elsewhere, like in Vieques which was quite calm and easy for snorkeling. Condado was good for body surfing or surfing in general. The pool at the Marriot was wonderful thought too. You can easily go back and forth. You cannot walk to old san juan from the marriot but the taxi was only $15. and there was a bus for .75 as well both avail right outside the hotel. We did have a car but parking in old san jaun was not easy - had to go in the garage and pay. Old San Juan was great for nightlife, eating, and fun in general whether it be day or night. If any of the other places are in old san juan or walking distance to that would be good. We traveled around the island quite a bit at 1st staying in Dorado at the beginning at a private Townhouse rental in Gables Breeze at 30 Palmetto Ct. BOY did we get taken on that. We were supposed to stay there all week but it was so bad with bugs and a horrible smell and mold and filth in general that we had to leave and the owner would not refund any portion of our money. In any case PR overall was an experience and I would go back however I would definately not go anywhere near those Townhomes again. Once in the Marriot and that area things were much easier. Traffic on the Island is HEAVY so if driving be prepared for that. Many Good places to eat in Old San Juan!! Shopping too. Much to do and see, we went in about 3 times. LOVED IT!