Leila

Can anyone recommend a lively hotel in San Juan, on the beach? Prefer all-inclusive, but not a must. It has to have a nice beach, and hopefully be close to nightlife. How is the nightlife in San Juan? Weather wise, whats the best time to go, spring? Any info greatly appreciated.

peg

Hi Leila -- If you definitely want to be IN San Juan, Isla Verde or Condado are only beachfront areas. Beach okay and better at Isla Verde but not remarkable (think Miami Beach and you've about got it). Isla is near the airport, but noise didn't bother us there (tho' it has annoyed some staying at the Ritz). Very active nightlife in SJ and in Isla Verde at El San Juan and also somewhat at SJ Grand--we stayed there and the bar bands went til after 3:00 a.m. I have no idea about all inclusives there. If you are willing to stay outside SJ, there are good choices. If you have time, highly recommend a few days outside SJ. PR is beautiful, but SJ isn't particularly so... big city, and not very "island-like" like the rest of the island. was there in Feb/March, feel free to write me directly for info.

peg

Hi Leila -- If you definitely want to be IN San Juan, Isla Verde or Condado are only beachfront areas. Beach okay and better at Isla Verde but not remarkable (think Miami Beach and you've about got it). Isla is near the airport, but noise didn't bother us there (tho' it has annoyed some staying at the Ritz). Very active nightlife in SJ and in Isla Verde at El San Juan and also somewhat at SJ Grand--we stayed there and the bar bands went til after 3:00 a.m. I have no idea about all inclusives there. If you are willing to stay outside SJ, there are good choices. If you have time, highly recommend a few days outside SJ. PR is beautiful, but SJ isn't particularly so... big city, and not very "island-like" like the rest of the island. was there in Feb/March, feel free to write me directly for info.

peg

Hi Leila -- If you definitely want to be IN San Juan, Isla Verde or Condado are only beachfront areas. Beach okay and better at Isla Verde but not remarkable (think Miami Beach and you've about got it). Isla is near the airport, but noise didn't bother us there (tho' it has annoyed some staying at the Ritz). Very active nightlife in SJ and in Isla Verde at El San Juan and also somewhat at SJ Grand--we stayed there and the bar bands went til after 3:00 a.m. I have no idea about all inclusives there. If you are willing to stay outside SJ, there are good choices. If you have time, highly recommend a few days outside SJ. PR is beautiful, but SJ isn't particularly so... big city, and not very "island-like" like the rest of the island. was there in Feb/March, feel free to write me directly for info.

Tom

Leila, <BR> The Condado and Isla Verde are the two beach resort areas in San Juan. I agree with the above poster that IsLa Verde has the better beach. Both areas have extensive nightlife. In Condado, the two top choices would be the Condado Plaza or the Marriott Stellaris. COndado Plaza is a very nice hotel, although the beach right in front is very small, crowded and not enjoyable. If you walked down a ways, the beach gets better. The Marriott has a nice stretch of beach right. I've stayed at both and would probably choose the Marriott. I'd say that the only real advantage of the Condado Plaza is the casino - one of the larger ones in Puerto Rico. <BR> <BR>In Isla Verde, there are several good hotels - depends on your price range. The El San Juan and Ritz Carlton are both excellent. The San Juan Grand is also very nice and somewhat less expensive. If you're looking for lively - the best bet is El San Juan. A lot going on there - between the huge lobby bar, free entertainment, disco and casino, you will find more than enough to keep you busy until the wee hours of the morning. <BR> Spring might be the best time to go weather-wise - but it is also one of the most expensive times (and Puerto Rico is not cheap to begin with). I prefer to go in the summer - low season, rates come down significantly. The weather is not that much different than in the Spring - a little hotter but there is usually a nice ocean breeze. You can expect late afternoon showers fairly frequently - but usually not an all day rain. <BR> Puerto Rico is not known for all inclusives. Even if it were, one of the benefits of staying in San Juan (which is a city after all) is the many restaurants from which to choose. <BR> Have fun. <BR>

Michelle

Leila - <BR> <BR>I lived in Puerto Rico for 2 years when I was on an international assignment for work. I highly recommend the Marriott Hotel in Condado. Condado is much safer and cleaner than Isla Verde. Also, close to great local restaurants (Must eat at Ajili Mojili for wonderful local cuisine). The Marriott has great restaurants, a wonderful pool and beach and even the locals go to enjoy the nighly bands in the lobby and the casino. In Isla Verde, the San Juan Hotel is a must. Great disco, the lobby is always a fancy party in itself. I prefer Condado, more civilized. Michelle

tom

<BR>I agree with Michelle that the Marriott is a very nice hotel. I have stayed there twice and enjoyed myself. I disagree with her description of Condado as being cleaner and safer than Isla Verde. I don't know when Michelle lived there (lucky her!) but on my last visit to P.R. this past summer, I founde Condado to be somewhat rundown. Two ocean front hotels (Condado Beach Hotel and La Concha) and the convention center that stands in between them were closed and boarded, creating quite an eyesore. There were also a few restaurants boarded (although Condado still has more non-hotel restaurants than Isla Verde). Also, I have never felt unsafe walking the main drag in Isla Verde. Both areas are city-like and require normal precautions. Given the state of Condado the last time I saw it, I would recommend Isla Verde. Whichever area you decide upon, you should be aware that neither is particularly scenic. Both are congested with a lot of cars and people. But if you are looking for a decent beach, great accomodations, restaurants and nightlife, then San Juan is an excellent choice.