Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - need suggestions for San Juan/Puerto Rico

I traveled to Puerto Rico and stayed there for several days solo. I stayed in the Condado area in a charming little hotel called the Casa del Caribe. It had a locked gate, a wonderful little courtyard with a large parrot cave. I only paid about $55/night and had a nice room with air conditioning and ceiling fans, full cable. Breakfast of cereal, toast, juice, coffee included. The hotel is 1/2 a block of the main road that runs through Condado, the main turist area, and about 3 blocks from the beach. I was within walking distance to stores and restaurants. Warm and friendly staff, charming atmosphere. I took the bus to Old San Juan, and did most of my traveling by the city bus system - cheap, clean, and a great way to meet Puerto Rican people. I didn't care for the beach in San Juan. The water looked dirty. I don't like any beaches in urban setting - I don't go to them in the US. Don't wander the beaches at night if you go to the beach. Remeber you are in a Latin culture. I dressed conservatively and had no problems with unwanted advances. Smiles and winks, yes, but no degrading comments or cat calls. I have had friends who have gone to Puerto Rico who did not dress so conservatively and received cat calls on the street. Restaurants I visited tended to be expensive. Old San Juan is your best bet for night clubs. I didn't go to any bars, so I don't know how you will be responded to as a single woman. Although this is an American territory, the culture and values are Spanish machismo. Great art galleries in Old San Juan - the Haitian Art gallery has excellent work and there are two Puerto Rican craft shops near the Haitian gallery that have quality crafts. I bought a small paper mache "devil mask" made in Ponce. Best day trips - El Yunque. Best weekend trip - Vieques - but be aware that transportation will be expensive since you have no one to share taxis with. I don't know where the best daytime snorkeling is, but the best snorkeling experience was night snorkeling in a biolumescent bay on Vieques. The Puerto Rican tourist bur. does have some excellent tourist information, including a hotel guide. There is so much to do in Puerto Rico, just be cautious as a single woman and be aware that it will be expensive traveling alone.