KRisten

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to PR sometime late Dec early Jan. We are looking for places to stay. 1/2 of the trip we want to do the whole tourist thing, the other 1/2 we want seclusion. Any suggestions to great places not to expensive to stay???? THANKS!!

helen

Looks like that question above was answered in various different ways.

My husband and I are planning on going to Puerto Rico sometime next year, and all these responses were a big help in terms of what to do (stay OUT of San Juan) and what not to do (don't be an ugly American). If the initial poster won't say it, I will: THANKS FOR THE TIPS, GUYS!!!!

vicki dempsey

We've returned from our week in Puerto Rico, and we were overall very pleased. Our Condo on Isla Verde was quite nice overlooking a mile or so of very clean beach. At least in August it was not crowded at all--and was very pleasant to take morning or evening strolls in the surf.
We rented a car and took day trips. Avoid being on the highway in San Juan between 3 p.m. -7p.m.--the rush "hour"s very long. Finding a place to park in Old San Juan is a challenge...best to do it on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Our only disappointment was driving 1.5 hours to the Rio Camuy caves to find the workers on strike and the caves closed. I felt like we were in Italy.
You do need a basic understanding of Spanish. Many people did not speak English...and all the road signs are in Spanish. But everyone was very gracious if you tried.

Mindy Bilker

We found Puerto Rico interesting. My husband spent 6 weeks on the island, and found plenty to do. You can visit El Morro Castle, and Old San Juan, which we found clean. The only thing is the people tend to drive on the sidewalks, as the streets in Old San Juan are narrow.

We have been there for vacation, although the last time we took a cruise.

deadee

How easy is it to travel around the island by bus? Do you think we can see the whole island by bus? We are planning to stay at Fajardo, but a lady had told us that we had to rent a car to get around that area. Does anyone have suggestions about cheap transportation in PR.
P.S. Has anyone heard anything about the Wind Chimes Inn in San Juan?

Doug

I lived there for a year. There are many nice places to go. I have to agree though, Keep out of the city.

bofus walters

going to PR in the spring. would like to tour the island by motorcycle. know of any rentals available? thinking of staying west part of island (rincon?) any tips on accomadations,?

michael

We spent a week there a year ago and before going thought the same thing that the first writer did. Why do so few people talk about P.R. as a Caribbean destination? Our trip gave us some insight as to why. It is not a "typical" Caribbean vacation destination like most of the smaller islands. Puerto Rico is large, with superhighways, toll roads, industry, cities, etc. It also has a magnificent topography of mountains, villages, etc. When is came to beaches, we found it lacking. The west coast (Rincon) has some pretty beaches, but nothing dazzling. In fact, nowhere on the island were there drop-dead beaches. These are to be found on the islands of Vieques and Culebra off the east coast of P.R. which is where all pictures for the Puerto Rican tourist brochures are shot. Old San Juan is lovely if you are interested in architecture and history, and it has some cool bars as well. The coast down around Ponce is pretty, but candidly the island's beaches were often overrun with people (we were there at a holiday period). Traffic is also a problem -- more than once we were stuck in major traffic jams. One of the surprises of our trip was the food, which was often excellent. I did not know that Puerto Rico had a cuisine and further that it was so superb. It really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. If it is something akin to the Virgin Islands or other smaller islands, than Puerto Rico is not the right place (again excepting Vieques and Culebra). If you are more into culture, cuisine, history, and driving around looking at mountainous scenery, then this may be a good spot for you.

Sheila

Spent five days at the RioMar Resort (40 min east
of San Juan). It was glorious. Beautiful accommodations, incredible resturants, service was topnotch. We just were there for R & R but
did make it for a 1/2 tour of El Yunque..not to be
missed! Must admit hotel and food quite pricey but
worth it. It is worth the trip.

Maira

Dear Jeff: I am from Puerto Rico (PR) and whenever I visit with my American husband, I asked myself why would anybody want to spend more than 24 hours in the San Juan area. PR has 78 municipalities (towns), and most of then have an incredible wealth of history, sightseeing potential and great people!!. If you visit PR, stay one day in San Juan. Walk the Old San Juan section, visit El Morro Fortress, Casa Blanca (Ponce de Leon's House), the Governor's Mansion (La Fortaleza), and El Parque de Las Palomas (a central square with beatiful doves all over the place). You can walk to all this places in the Old San Juan area. Then rent a car, pack and go to Fajardo on the east side of the island (45 minutes away). Take a on-day trip to Vieques (Ferry ride from Las Croabas, Fajardo). Spectacular beaches!!!, visit El Yunque (the only tropical forest in the US). Pack and go to Ponce (beautiful examples of Colonial architecture and history). Take a one-day trip to the center of the island; the towns of Utuado and Adjuntas and larn about the indigenous history of the island (inhabited by the Taino Indians). Please e-mail me and I will give you names, phone numbers, other suggestions, etc...I could also give you my sister & husband phone number in case you need any assistance. She speaks very good English.
Give the real Puerto Rico a chance!!!

Jim Hargreaves

I'm going to PR in March. I would like to know the availablity & pricng of Dominican cigars.
Thanks jh

cori kyle

Hi. We will be visiting San Juan from our cruise ship in Nov.98. I just read your message about horseback riding in the rain forest. Have you done this before? I can book a tour with the cruise line to do this. Would you recommend?
C.

Debbie Hennessy

My family is taking a cruise in November 98. We are planning on staying two nights prior at the Hyatt Cerramar Beach. If you have visited this resort I would appreciate your feedback. My sons 13 and 17 would also like to visit the rain forest via horseback, has anyone out there tried this excursion? Please advise the safety of this trip.
Your thoughts are appreciated. Debbie

Jacob Klara

We are planning a trip to PR in April 98, we are staying at The Hyatt Cerramar but need one night in San Juan as we arrive too late for shuttles. Am looking at the Hampton Inn by the airport. Has anyone ever stayed there? We are taking our children, any ideas for good activities? Thanks !

Debra

I went to Puerto Rico for the first time (and alone) during Thanksgiving. It was all that I dreamed of and more. Having travelled to other Carribean islands PR was a welcome change. It has it's own history and culture and the convenience of being a U.S. commonwealth. So there is no currency exchange and driving is on the right-hand side of the road. I stayed at an inexpensive guesthouse in San Juan and rented a car and drove all over the island. The people were very friendly to me and most spoke some English, and those that didn't helped me struggle by with my high school level Spanish. I definitely recommend visiting Puerto Rico, but don't just stay in the tourist areas around the shipyards. In my opinion you never get to see the true beauty of any island by visiting for 8 hours off of a cruise ship. I'm planning on going back in late Fall againg, it's low season and the weather is absolutely marvelous.

M H S

P.R. is beautiful. The areas away from San Juan are better, although there is a lot to see in San Juan for a day or two. The north east tip of the island is where the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans meet, so the east is not to be missed. The rain forrest (El Yunque) is NE around Luquillo. The El Conquistador Hotel is around 15 min. from there, so if you want to get away from the tourists but still have the casino, snorkeling, sailing. fishing, etc. go there. Many good restaurants around there, too. Puerto Rican people are very friendly and a pleasure to meet. No money to exchange, no customs to hassle you. A good experience.

DEBBIE MARTIN

I am getting ready to go to San juan Puerto Rico. Is it worth it. My sister has wanted to go there but should we. She has a ticket from Pan Am and it is either San Juan or Miami and I have been there so much. Can someone give me a decent hotel or help me with any information. Is it safe there or should I worry. I myself haave't heard anything bad. Please reply as soon as possible.


Thank you so very much

DEBBIE MARTIN

I am getting ready to go to San juan Puerto Rico. Is it worth it. My sister has wanted to go there but should we. She has a ticket from Pan Am and it is either San Juan or Miami and I have been there so much. Can someone give me a decent hotel or help me with any information. Is it safe there or should I worry. I myself haave't heard anything bad. Please reply as soon as possible.


Thank you so very much

DEBBIE MARTIN

I am getting ready to go to San juan Puerto Rico. Is it worth it. My sister has wanted to go there but should we. She has a ticket from Pan Am and it is either San Juan or Miami and I have been there so much. Can someone give me a decent hotel or help me with any information. Is it safe there or should I worry. I myself haave't heard anything bad. Please reply as soon as possible.
Hi, I am looking forward to arriving in San Juan Puerto Rico the second week of March of 98. I have scrolled through all the questions and answers on the internet and I am more confused than when I first started. I am takaing my sister who has been very ill and now she is well enough to travel. I have noticed that some of the hotels are like $225 a night. I could never afford this. I would like a nice hotel with maybe breakfast included if not it is not a big deal. We will grab something. Some people say that the Old San Juan is trashy and boring and old looking. Is tyhis true? Where do you think we should stay? Please help, I really need it. Can you think of any restaurants that are reasonable to eat in in the area. Do I need to rent a car. I would also prefer to stay close to the beach if possible. I understand there is a ferry boat to go where? I speak enough Spanish to get by even though (yes) I am polish. I need to make the reservaTIONS AS SOON AS possible. We would probably be coming for 6 or 7 days. Please help us, we will really appreciate it. You have no idea how much 5his would help us.

Gracious

Thank you so very much

Tom Bartomeli

We are planning a family trip to the Westin this June. Can you tell me the following please: How was the golf course-greens fees? How available are the jet skis-water facilities? Which restaurants do you recommend, family vs. fancy-any hot bars(my kids questions) transportation recommendations. shopping, especially jewelry?

Thank You Tom