Puerto rico in July

Old May 22nd, 2001, 06:58 AM
  #1  
susie
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Puerto rico in July

Hi! I will be going to San Juan in July. I will be staying for 10 days. Does anyone know anything about the ESJ Hotel? Are there any festivals/events going on during July that I should know about? Thanks for any help!!!
 
Old May 22nd, 2001, 10:04 AM
  #2  
Olga
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Susie -
The ESJ hotel is very nice and is located in the area of the island called Isla Verde, it is very close to the airport, so you might experience some noise from the incoming and departing planes. The restaurants at the hotel are great, but a little expensive depending on what you order. The beach there is nice, but is not the best beach in P.R. You have plenty of time to explore the Island, so I would recommend you rent a car and get a good map. Don't miss the rain forest (El Yunque) and Old San Juan (great shopping and restaurants there). If you do decide to drive around I would suggest you visit Ponce (a beautiful city about 1 1/2 hours from San Juan) and visit the beaches around that area (Boqueron, close to Cabo Rojo, was one of my favorite beaches). Ideally you could visit a little island off the coast of Puerto Rico, called Culebra, but if this is your first trip it could be too much. Also, beware that July is VERY hot, so take appropriate sun and bug protection. Let me know if you have any other questions or would like to know any specifics.
 
Old May 23rd, 2001, 08:53 AM
  #3  
rqf
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Are you referring to the El San Juan hotel or the ESJ Tower? The only thing they have in common is they share the same beach. They are right next to each other. The El San Juan is a luxury resort; ESJ is a high rise "suite" hotel. It is not "luxury" but a good choice for the price. The other reply mentions the restaurants - they are located at the El San Juan.
 
Old May 24th, 2001, 05:49 AM
  #4  
susie
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Correction- ESJ Towers is the hotel. Thanks for your replies. They are helpful. If I do not rent a car would it be too difficult to travel outside of San Juan?
 
Old May 24th, 2001, 07:52 AM
  #5  
rqf
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No train system in PR. Bus service is available in the San Juan area and the buses serve Old San Juan, Santurce, Hato
Rey, Rio Piedras, Bayamon, Catano, Isla Verde and Carolina. There is a system of transportation called "Publicos". Mainly mini vans they go from town to town and the price is fixed dependent on length of trip. For more information on publicos check with the hotel. If you want to get out on the island the rental car is probably the way to go. There was a Puerto Rico Crafts Fair in OSJ last July - maybe it is being held again this year.
There are a number of Patron Saint festivals in July. The one closest to San Juan is in Loiza.
 
Old May 25th, 2001, 06:38 AM
  #6  
john
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GUys,
I'm going to ESJ towers as well next week. Thanks for the input and I'll be sure to let you know how it went. So would you recommend renting a car or just getting cabs everyhwere? also, what about the casinos there? lots of them I seee but any that would be recommended?
Thanks
 
Old May 25th, 2001, 08:39 AM
  #7  
Mariarosa
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Hi! For moving around San Juan (Old San Juan, Isla Verde and Condado) I think cabs are the best way to move around. They are not expensive and you don't have to worry about parking, etc. If you want to explore the rest of the island (and I think it's a great idea to get out San Juan, at least for a day), it is best to rent a car and buy a road map ($3 at gas stations, Walgreens, etc.).

I'm not much of a casino person, but my friend always recommends the one at the Wyndham El San Juan. She says it's the most classy and the one that she's had the best luck at!
 
Old May 25th, 2001, 09:47 AM
  #8  
rqf
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John: One of the most popular casinos in San Juan is the one in the El SAn Juan hotel. This hotel is next door to the ESJ Towers. For a restaurant featuring local cuisine try the Metropole. Exit hotel, make a left and walk about 1/4 of a mile.
As suggested in another reply use cabs or local transportation to get around. If you want to spend a day out on the island a rental may be the way to go. A cab ride to Condado is $12; to OSJ $16. There is bus transportation available. Not sure of fare but it is $1.50 or less. The Towers is in Isla Verde, five or so minutes from the airport.
 
Old May 25th, 2001, 11:16 AM
  #9  
john
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Thanks for all the input. We'll probably rent a car during the week at an off-airport location. I plan on exploring around PR for at least a day. ANy ideas on car rental besides the ones at the airport?
Thanks again.
 
Old May 25th, 2001, 09:05 PM
  #10  
Adrienne
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John,
We used Charlie Car Rentals last July and had a great experience with them. They are located 5 minutes from the airport, and they provide a free shuttle. They do have a rental desk at the airport. They are a local company, and I found their rates to be cheaper than the major rental companies. You can find them online @ www.charliecars.com
 

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