Looking at spending one night at the Normandie Hotel on our way to Vieques - anyone been there now that the renovations are complete? If so, let me know your thoughts. We're looking at this hotel because we want to be close to Old San Juan and it was recently recommended by Travel & Leisure. Last year, we spent a night at El Convento pre-cruise and loved it, but it is just too expensive this time around. We are not a fan of chain hotels, always opting to stay at the more intimate hotels with character or history.

Also, what is the N Spa like at the hotel? Could use a little pampering on our arrival, if it's worth it.

A few years ago I stayed one night before going on a cruise. Would do so again but would not go there for an extended stay - very poor beach, if you could call it that, and a small pool. I stayed there because the price was right.

kawillia, I was just at the Normandie for two nights from 1/13-1/15. You might want to do a search on my name and read my trip report. For the price and what we wanted (a quiet place to sleep at night after exploring old San Juan) it was just fine. The lobby is lovely and the rooms are quiet. There is almost no pool or beach. I didn't see the N Spa or any mention of it. In fact we went looking for the exercise room and couldn't find that either. So I'd say not to bother if you're hoping for a spa experience. But for a room for the night close to the city, it's just fine. You might also want to check out Hotel Milano. That got a good review from the New York Times and is in the old city. They were fully booked when we took our trip so I never got to check it out.

Where are you staying on Vieques?

Have fun.

Thanks for the feedback!

Mom929 - we'll be staying at the Bravo hotel in Vieques for a week. I've heard nothing but great things about the island and this hotel. Since we'll be on beaches everyday in Vieques, we're not interested in visiting the beaches of San Juan - we're really only interested in visiting Old San Juan (restaurants & fort) and El Yunque. The Normandie should fit the bill for the one night, being so close to OSJ and reasonably priced - although I'd love to stay to at the El Convento (my wallet won't let me). I did try the Hotel Milano, but it is booked up. I saw this hotel when I was there last year - nothing special upon appearances, but the location/price can't be beat. Actually think the Normandie will make for a more interesting stay, given it's history and new deco.
When you went to El Yunque, did you drive or go on a tour? We're thinking about driving from Fajardo to El Yunque on our last day, but I'm a bit nervous about being behind the wheel.

It sounds like the Normandie will be fine for you. Have a great time on Vieques. We didn't get there this trip, but I definitely want to go someday (maybe come back with the kids).

We rented a car and drove into El Yunque and it was just fine. But I should preface that by saying that we are New Yorkers and are used to city driving. Drivers in Puerto Rico can be aggressive. Lots of lane shifting without signalling etc. So only you can decide how comfortable you'd be with the driving. I personally prefered driving to El Yunque over being confined to a tour.