Theatregirl

Hi - I am planning a trip to PR in February with my daughter. A good friend was there 18 years ago and said, basically, that San Juan was a dump. Dirty, loud..they left and went south but said the country was disappointing. A lot can change in 18 years but she still thinks the resort world has passed them by. Thoughts? Thank you.

girlonthego

We went to PR 20 years ago and then two years ago. I thought it was nicer 20 years ago.
It is not my favorite nor the prettiest island. San Juan is busy and has dumpy areas.
Now, the good. It has good dining,it is easy to get to and there are things there that you don't have around the corner, such as a rain forest.
I think you and your daughter will have a good time. Where are you staying?
We enjoyed our stay at the Caribe Hilton. It is a big complex off to itself with a private beach, but close enough to San Juan and the Condado.

Odin

My first visit to PR was 21 years ago when BA used to fly from the UK, stayed at the El San Juan Hotel which was fantastic. But outside the hotel was unpleasant and the excursion to El Yunque & Luquillo was disappointing.

Few years later, revisited and had same initial feelings as first visit. Although I don't mind giving it a 3rd try since it is many years since going and things might have changed, I don't think it likely to happen since direct flights from UK are no longer but it was a great place to change planes for going on to Anguilla or other nearby islands.

blamona

Silly question-

If you feel it could possibly not be up to par, why pick it in the first place?

There are plenty of other islands in the Caribbean that you could pick without a pre-biased opinion-

Please tell us what you're seeking for vacation, we'll make recomendations.

Theatregirl

Thanks. We are flying out of Boston for 5 days. Feb 20-25. Looking for somewhere to get to easily, 4 or 5 hours travel, with lots of activities. This is a 30th birthday celebration. Love the water, physical stuff, snorkeling, kayaking, history, culture etc. Not just laying on the beach. Looking for mid-winter warmth and sunshine. Looking to stay in a nice place, maybe with spa. I thought maybe we should do a flight plus hotel deal? Mid-price range. Thought PR would fit the bill any other ideas? Appreciate the help. Not an experienced traveler

girlonthego

Theatergirl:
Puerto Rico has lots to do and would be a direct flight. I wasn't crazy about PR, and for my first trip to the caribbean, I am not sure if I would recommend it. My favorite island is Bermuda for it's beauty and all around charm, good food, etc...But it is too cold in Feb!!

I would look at direct flights only because of your five day schedule.

Aruba has a great beach, nice waters,watersports, some nightlife with gambling, good dining,etc.. Hotels there: Marriott, Hyatt, Radisson.

Grand Cayman has great snorkeling, scuba diving, quieter nights, good food, and friendly people.

JeanH

I'd look at one of the hotels/resorts around Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It's a great town, beautiful beaches, good restaurants. Also interesting tours, Mayan ruins, fresh water cenotes.

Huge selection of hotels, from very fancy all-inclusives, expensive boutique places, to more moderate hotels right on the beach.

NM

We also fly out of Boston and there are limited non-stop flights other than PR. Aruba is not my fav island but there is a lot to do and it's a direct flight. Also understand there are non-stops to Cancun from Boston. SJ would not be my pick for a 5 day vacation destination. We love GC but it's a longer trip from Boston.

ejcrowe

If I were looking for what you are looking for, all in a 5-day stay, I'd book a flight to one of a few places. My first rec would actually be Puerto Rico. Book a flight into San Juan, then take a puddle jumper to Vieques. Spend 3 nights there exploring the empty beaches and seeing the bioluminescent bay--make that part of the trip all about the water. Then book a morning flight to San Juan again and stay in Old San Juan, specifically at the El Convento. It's full of charm, history, pleasant ameneties, and is in a great location. Make your last day/night all about the history, culture, gorgeous architecture, old forts, great restaurants that comprise Old San Juan. I like ending any trip to the Caribbean with a night in Old San Juan--it's still island living, but at a slightly faster pace. I find it's a great way to ease from a beach vacation back into the rhythm of "real life" at home.

You could also consider an island like St. Kitts, which, with the exception of its southern peninsula, is much less developed. It's lush and mountainous, with darker sand beaches, and it has a really great old fort to explore to get your history quotient. While I enjoyed my time there, it was not a favorite island for me, but there are tons of folks on this board who love it.

Antigua might also be a good choice. Development has really taken off there over the last five years, but there are some beautiful resorts and beaches to explore there, and there's also Nelson's Dockyard, an area in English Harbour, which has been restored to its former glory during Admiral Nelson's reign over the seas. 18th and 19th century buildings in a lovely setting, with some museums and shops.

Theatregirl

Thanks these are great suggestions and comments. Keep them coming. I can get a direct to Aruba. 4.5 hours so thats good. It does look wonderful. Also checked out Grand Bahamas. Also seems to fit the bill. Did I mention I'd like to avoid renting a car. My daughter has a killer commute everyday so I was trying to avoid spending lots of time in the car. That was one of m y initial attractions to PR. Not opposed to buses and of course lovely walks.

girlonthego

If you stay at the Hyatt, Marriott or Radisson in Aruba, you can walk to many restaurants. Watersports will be out your door. You can also easily get a cab. The island is small.

On PR, you would need to rent a car or take a tour to the rain forest, biolumescent tour, etc.. PR is large.
If you stay in the Condado, Isle Verde areas of PR, you can walk to different restaurants or short cab ride. You are also beachfront there.

Tuxedocat

We have friends who love Old San Juan. They tell us it is European in feeling with lots of old architecture dating back to the 15th century, and sophisticated hotels and restaurants. We're looking forward to the chance to check it out. Also, I thought there was a direct flight to St. Thomas from Boston. That would leave you the wide choices of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.