I agree that it is more expensive, although when plugging in some dates in June, it wasn't twice as expensive. Just trying to give her another possible option. The OP hasn't really given us any type of budget for this trip. Have no idea what the Horned Dorset's policy is on children. I stand by my assertion that a Four Points or Marriott Courtyard, no matter that they are nicer than typical, is no comparison to a Ritz Carlton. I've been in the Courtyard Isla Verde beach and it is very acceptable but in a different class than the RC.

okay just to clarify, my budget had to be under $3,500 MAX! But i got so depressed over the comments that i switched locations....so it's bakc to Florida we go. Here's a thought...Ritz Carlton Gulf Coast?????

That's too bad but probably for the best because it didn't seem like Puerto Rico had what you were looking for this time around. Can't help you with the Gulf Coast of Florida. The only Ritz Carlton in Florida that I've stayed at was the one on Key Biscayne, which is very nice. You should be able to find some pretty decent deals for June. Good luck!

There is also a Ritz Carlton in Naples. Beautiful beach. Check it out.

Copamarine Hotel in Guanica on the Caribbean side of the island. Closest airport is Ponce, but if you fly into San Juan, take the toll road, Route 52, & you'll be there in about 2 hours. You are then near the Guanica Dry Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere site, and the Taino Ruins on Route 10 just north of Ponce. Ponce itself is gorgeous, with a world-class art museum - 15 minutes away. You could also visit a coffee plantation around Yauco and go to San German, which is a very special place w/ an old cathedral turned into a museum (only open Wed. through Sun.) as well as another cathedral off of its second town square.

If you don't mind driving, there is also the Areceibo Observatory run by Cornell Univ. - it was used in the films Goldfinger and Contact. Nearby, are the caves of Camuy. Then there are the beaches of Rincon, which also has a lot of good hotel options at reasonable prices.

I think you've been given bad advice by other posters to this site. Florida is boring at that time of year. FYI - I used to own a condo in S. FL. but then bought one in PR precisely bec. I wanted a year-round destination.

One more comment - the problem w/ El Conquistador is that it is a self-contained (over-manicured, IMHO) resort at the far eastern tip of the island. Once ensconced there, you're not likely to go off the resort premises...

<<I think you've been given bad advice by other posters to this site. >>

What bad advice was she given? Everyone who responded shared their experiences. It's good of you to mention a new possibility that no one else did but that doesn't make the information that was provided to her "bad."

Too bad you made your decision on only two very opinionated bloggers. Puerto Rico has to offer way too many wonders, other than just beaches and "Big Name" hotels with pricey offers and bad services. As cejnyc noted, there is a totally different PR to see if you just go a little further away from the ill- reputed hotels of San Juan and Isla Verde. The Copamarine Hotel is just one example of a good ,small hotel with very friendly personnel that give that little extra effort to make you feel at home. Their facilities are very kid-friendly. There is a complementaty small boat trip to "Gilligan's beach", an undeveloped small cay with white sand and pristine waters. There are also daily snorkeling and scuba trips to nearby reef areas. Oh, and by the way, the food is great !!! In the nearby town of Cabo Rojo(about 30 min trip by car)is the "Playa Sucia Beach";for me, the best(and YES!,unspoiled ) beach of all PR. So please, the next time you plan for a trip to a place you've never visited before, you just have to ask the locals; they always know better....Have a nice trip to Florida!

<<So please, the next time you plan for a trip to a place you've never visited before, you just have to ask the locals>>

Or a public relations person for the Copamarina. ; )

Sorry, Tom, no public relations person here, just a retired doctor living in Adjuntas, PR, a small town, about 13 miles to the north of Ponce, the second largest city of PR, which, by the way, has a Hilton hotel, with no beach, but with a great golf course. The hotel restaurant food is good,but a little pricey. Any way, there are very good restaurants in the area to choose from, specially in the "El Tuque" village(about 10 minutes from the hotel). Downtown Ponce offers some very good upscale restaurant, if you're into fine dining. You know what, after all, maybe I'm a public relations person, but not for the ritzy-bitsy, break your bank account- hotels that other people promote, but for the other side of Puerto Rico that few people know, and has so much to offer. But yes, you're right, no 5 star hotels in this area, so maybe you will never take the chance to come over here... but at least, you should give it a try. Have a very nice day, Tom.

There are no 5 star hotels anywhere in Puerto Rico. I don't "promote" any hotels or any particular part of Puerto Rico. I give people information on the hotels and the area that I know about. I'm glad you decided to post here. There isn't too much information out there about the Caribbean side of Puerto Rico. Maybe I will get out that way one of these times.

Actually, there are several 5-star hotels in Puerto Rico, but it didn't sound like that's what Travelbuff was looking for. I, too, have zero affiliation w/ the Copamarina & my condo is actually in the Condado area of San Juan. But when I have had friends stay in my apt. who want to see more of the island, I've suggested Copamarina - they go there & never leave, just keep extending their stay. I also go there sometimes - it's just a different kind of experience. In Rincon, there is the Horned Dorset - at one time, it was THE 5-star hotel of the entire Caribbean (not just PR). It's not quite as elegant as it once was, but still has that gorgeous tile work & still has a wonderful kitchen.

Pls start from the premise that PR is 2 islands - greater San Juan & everything else. If you only stay in San Juan, you're missing a lot. You can do every type of physical activity imaginable on PR other than snow ski (which you can do on Maui in Hawaii).

I hope travelbuff is still checking these posts.

I suppose I also ought to add that I am not of Puerto Rican ancestry at all - & only speak a few words of Spanish despite having visited PR pretty regularly since 1974. Having visited almost every Caribbean Island since the 1970s (I'm an avid SCUBA diver), I just find the range of activity and history options far more extensive on PR than any other Caribbean island (even thought there are several other islands with much better SCUBA diving). I'm never bored there - & the weather is wonderful (unless you get caught in a hurricane - Aug. & Sept. are the months to avoid if that is your concern). Ocean breezes keep it pleasant year-round, even in the summer.

Not to beat a dead horse but.. I guess it depends on who is rating the hotels. There are a number of 4 star hotels but even the best hotels in Puerto Rico don't seem to generally get a 5 star rating. I think travelbuff was looking for that type of hotel since she indicated that she wants a Ritz Carlton-type hotel.

There is a Ritz-Carlton in Isla Verde. It's quite popular.

I know. I've stayed there numerous times. Travelbuff did not want to stay there - but wanted something of that caliber.

Wow...ladies and gentlemen,
I am overwhelmed at the ruckus my bequest/search has caused this posting. This is one of the characteristics I adore most about Fodorites; their passion for travel always exceeds my expectations! You all never cease to amaze me with your knowledge and vigor for the places you love. Thanks so.much for all of your input. And gentlemen let's be fair and agree that; somehow, and in someway, in every corner of this big wide and amazing world lies some kind of beauty that is loved and cherished by someone!

Just want to hop onto this post...

We are looking to go to PR in February and have found many great villas in Palmas del Mar/Humacao. Anyone have any feedback about this property? I know that it is a gated, enormous community. I plan to take the family off property to explore the island and other restaurants.

Thanks!

Well I have never been to PR but rented a nice condo in Isla Verde right on the beach. We save money on taxes and hotel fees as well as being able to save money on eating out sometimes. Too bad Travelbuff changed there destination based on everyone elses opinion. It's always nice to experience places for yourself. One persons experience may not be anothers and I hear that PR is a beautiful island. I can't wait to get there.
Incase Travelbuff is interested I found a very nice condo for $800 for the week. It's actually located next to the Ritz Carlton sharing the same exact beach for way less. I found the website in the Fodor's Carribean travel book www.vrbo.com They have rentals available for just about anywhere you can think of including Florida. My husband and I are also in a budget and I don't want to spend more that $2500 between flight and hotel. As far as renting a car, you don't have to rent one for the entire time you are out there if you still want to visit PR. You can rent day by day or even for half the day if you want to explore outside San Juan. Wherever you end up I hope you have a blast!!!

We have rented a codo in the luquillo area just a half block from the beach. The beach was wonderful and we practically had it all to ourselves. We did rent a car and explored different areas of this beautiful island.