Allie

Just wondering how the weather in Puerto Rico (particularly the San Juan and Isla Verde areas) is in July - is it uncomfortably hot and humid?<BR><BR>Also, has anyone been there around July 4th? Are there fun Independence Day celebrations?<BR><BR>Thanks for any advice.

rqf

Can answer the hot and humid question. Most certainly uncomfortably hot and humid. But there is always on off shore breeze so the beach isn't all that bad.

tom

I've been there once before over the July 4th holiday (and numerous times both before and after the holiday) and will be going again this year. It's hot and humid but almost always a nice breeze. The time that I was there over the 4th I stayed at the Condado Plaza and I could hear see the fireworks display from my room. My room was facing the lagoon (as opposed to the ocean). There was music in addition to the display. Other than that, I don't know if there are any Independence Day celebrations.<BR><BR>This year I'll be at the Wyndham El San Juan during the 4th. Can't wait. Have fun.

Allie

Thanks to rqf and Tom for your replies. I purchased airline tickets yesterday and am really excited for the trip! I've been doing a lot of hotel research and am leaning toward the Inter-continental - have either of you, or anyone else reading, had any experience with it? (I know that the Inter-continental has been covered in some detail on these boards, so I won't take it personally if no one replies). Thanks again.

tom

Allie,<BR> I stayed at the Intercontinental a few years back when it was the Sands. It was pretty nice at that time. Since then it's undergone quite an extensive renovation - significantly upgraded the lobby area and pool area. I'm not sure what they did to the rooms. When I was there, rooms were okay (small bathrooms). Although all or most rooms have balconies, you should be aware that they are very small - more for stepping out onto, not really for sitting. The location is good - right next door to the El San Juan which has a lot of nightlife. The Italian restaurant (can't recall the name right now) at the Intercontinental is quite good. The casino is pretty small and quiet. It's located on a good stretch of beach - my favorite in the San Juan area.

tom

I forgot to add - before you book the Intercontinental you might want to look into the Wyndham El San Juan - they're running a very good special right now - I think it is $187/night including buffet breakfast for two each day (the buffet breakfast is normally $20/person)

rqf

I stayed at the Intercontinental when it was the Grand before it became the Intercontinental. It was more than adequate. I was at the El San Juan in November. I walked by the Intercontinental (on the beach) everyday and it seemed to have a younger crowd. You might want to spend some evening time in the El San Juan lobby - a very popular place with lotsd going on. If you want to save some money on breakfasts check out Mi Casita across the street from the Intercontinental. It is near a Church's Chicken in the strip mall. Full breakfast is $3; full breakfast at the hotel is $16 and a continental breakfast is $11. Also try Mi Casita for local cuisine for lunch or dinner.

Maryrose

Hi,<BR><BR>I have also stayed at the Intercontinental in San Juan...Memorial Day Weekend last year. I had a very good experience. They were voted for best service in like '98...hence, the reason why I decided to stay there with my family. The service indeed is very good, nothing bad about the food, Ruth Chris Steak house is excellent, the pool was nice...for a hotel and for the price, I really liked Intercontinental. And that's a good statement considering I'm a really picky person and hate big hotels!<BR><BR>The only downside --- as with every big hotel --- it gets very crowded especially during the holidays.

Allie

Thanks again to all for the info. I'm really looking forward to the trip next week, but wanted to get some input -- right now I have standing reservations at both the Intercontinental and the El San Juan, and must cancel one by tomorrow to avoid penalties. The El San Juan is more expensive by only $20 a night (I found good Internet deals). However, I've heard that while the lobby and nightlife are amazing there, the rooms aren't quite up to snuff, so I'm wondering if I should just save the $20/day, stay at the Intercontinental, and just go next door at night. Anyone have comments on Intercontinental rooms vs. El San Juan rooms?<BR><BR>Last question -- if I'm staying in Isla Verde and want to rent a car for one day to take a trip to El Yunque, which is the most convenient and inexpensive rental car company to use? Is Payless close? Dollar Rent-A-Car? Target?<BR><BR>Thanks so much!

Kristin

Can't recommend a car rental agency as I live here. When you go to El Yunque, definitely check out the Mt. Britton trail. Much bang (gorgeous views in every direction) for the buck (about 20 minutes each way). La Mina Falls is nice too.