hotel
 

we have an overnite layover in san juan, can anyone recommend a hotel near the airport? thank you<BR>

What's your budget? The Isla Verde resort area is close to the airport. Some of the best hotels on the island are located there.

The hotels in the Isla Verde area, which is 5-10 minutes away from the airport include: Wyndham El San Juan, Ritz-Carlton, Intercontinental, Embassy Suites, El San Juan Towers (timeshares), Days Inn. There are other small hotels but I don't know the names of them. I've stayed at the Wyndham, the Ritz and the Intercontinental and any of them would be a good choice. The Embassy Suites is not on the beach, but since you're there only one night, that may not be important. The Days Inn is across from the Ritz-Carlton and the Wyndham.

thank you for all your information, my budget is $150.00- $200.00. can you recommend any good restaurants and who has the best casino? thank you

Kim,<BR><BR>Metropol is just up the street from all of the hotels (not a strenuous walk). Great cuban restaurant. <BR>El San Juan has great casino, plus having a drink in the lobby is an event not to miss.

There is a Hampton Inn in Isla Verde. The most popular casino is the one located in the El San Juan, across the street from the Hampton. The Metropol is a restaurant that is popular - a less than 10 minute walk from the Hampton. A popular restaurant that serves Puerto Rican food is La Casita. It is located in a strip mall across from the Intercontintal - it is a less than 10 minute walk from the Hampton.

Sorry about that - I meant the Hampton Inn, not the Days Inn. $150-200 may or may not get you a hotel room at the El San Juan or the Ritz-Carlton - a lot depends on when you're going. You should be able to book the Intercontinental within your price range. The best casino and lobby bar in the area is at the El San Juan. The Ritz-Carlton also has a good casino (the EL San Juan is very lively and crowded, especially on weekends, while the Ritz-Carlton is quieter).<BR><BR>The Intercontinental, El San Juan and Ritz are all in walking distance of each other.<BR><BR>AS far as restaurants - if you want casual and inexpensive, I'd go with Metropol. Really good Cuban/PR food (my favorite is the stuffed cornish hen.) La Casita, which was also mentioned, doesn't have much atmosphere for dinner (better for breakfast or lunch). If you want a more upscale experience, the El San Juan has some very good restaurants including the Palm, La Piccola Fontana, and Backstreet Hong Kong. <BR> <BR>Also, people tend to dress up at night in San Juan - you don't see too many shorts/sneakers. The lobby bar at the El San Juan does not permit shorts after a certain hour (I think 7:00).

I was able to book a club level room at the Ritz Carlton for $240 but this was during the fall season. Right now it will be much higher. For us it was really worth the $40 difference to upgrade to club accomodations as they serve complimentary breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d'ouevres, evening desserts, and beverages (including wine, champagne, cognac) in the club lounge. The food was excellent so we ate most of our meals there. The Ritz has a quiet, subdued casino. I walked through the El San Juan and it looked very interesting.

thank you all ! you are a great help. kim