Jenifer

This will be our first time visiting Puerto Rico. We will be staying in the Ritz Carlton Hotel-San Juan the first of October 2001. Can anyone tell me what the weather will be like then? Also, what are some good places to go? Where can I see beautiful beaches and water? <BR>Many thanks.

Vic

I'm sure the Ritz Carlton is a very nice hotel. My only observation is that staying in San Juan for any length of time is not my idea of a Carribean vacation. While I am not an expert on San Juan, I have been there a number of times and as far as I can tell most of the resort hotels are right by the airport. It has a honky tonk feel to it -- sort of like the Lake of the Ozarks. San Juan has a big city feel --complete with incredible traffice jams. <BR> <BR>There are a lot of tourist attractions, such as Old San Juan, the University and the fortress, but they can be covered in one day. <BR> <BR>Puerto Rico has serene resort areas -- the Conquistador on the northern tip of the island is an example. There are a couple of Hyatts at Dorado Beach about an hours drive south of San Juan that are also nice. <BR> <BR>Anyone staying at a Ritz Carlton is probably not interested but there are a number of unpretensious inns doting the countryside. <BR> <BR>Puerto Rico is rich in its own culture which you can't say about most of the Carribean. For example, driving around the island you can sample indigious food from road side vendors. <BR> <BR>As islands go, it's large. There are lush forests, mountains, great beaches, lots of history. But in the final analysis, San Juan is a big city with lots of poverty and other big city ills.

Gail

Go see El Yunque(the rain forest). San Juan has great beaches. If you want to see a really beautiful beach, go to Loquillo Beach one day. It's a public beach--clear calm water--local food vendors.

ann.`

(Ritz Carlton in Puerto Rico. Haz an excelent French restaurant, piano bar with jazz and/or braziian, casino. Next to the beach. Lots of privacy and walking distance to other hotels with discotecs and night shows. Many VIP stay at the Ritz (Michael Jordan, Madona, etc.)Have fun. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Mariarosa

Hi Jennifer! If you want to experience a drop-dead gorgeous beach, take a day-trip to the island of Culebra. You will first need to drive east to Fajardo, which is about 1 hour from the Ritz Carlton. The ferry departs to Culebra from Fajardo at around 9:00 AM. It takes about 1 hour to reach Culebra and costs about $2.50. Once you reach Culebra, take a cab (a publico) to Flamenco beach. taxis are always waiting for the ferries. Bring a cooler with picnic stuff, as there isn't much in terms of facilities at Flamenco. The ferry back to Fajardo leaves at about 4:00 PM. It is a lovely day-trip. <BR> <BR>I also agree that a visit to El Yunque rainforest and a hike to the waterfall is neat, and Luquillo is another pretty beach.