Puerto Rico - Atlantic or Caribbean side best?
 

We are looking for the side that has calmer waters, and perhaps warmer. We mostly likely will wade but not scuba. Relax. Good food. 50-ish couple.

Which side would you recommend? Seems like most resorts are on the northern (Atlantic) side. Thank you.

We are planning a trip for November. I think we've about narrowed it down to the Marriott Stellaris Resort on Condado Beach. We are about the same age range. The beach there really isn't all that swimmable, but we are more interested in the pool and the fact there are many restaurants and bars to choose from that are within walking distance. The Condado area is also closer to get to San Juan.

The Isla Verde area seems to have the better beaches, but not as many dining options. I'm finding the food/drink prices in the resorts are beyond unbelievably expensive. So closer, better options outside the resorts are more important to us then a "good" beach. We plan on day trips to get in some good beach time/snorkeling.

I prefer the Rincon area which is also the 'surfing area'. That being said there are plenty of nice tranquil beaches away from the surfing spots. One of the best resorts on the island is also there - http://horneddorset.com/home.html

How far is the Rincon area from San Juan? Are there plenty of dining/bar choices to choose from? Is rental car a necessity for that area?

That hotel looks awesome, but the price is way above our budget. Have you stayed there?

I have just been on the property, I've not stayed there...yes, you definitely need a car...It might be 100 miles from San Juan to Rincon - I have never driven there directly but it is pretty quick once you get out of the city, that is the challenging part. There are all kinds of places to stay in Rincon - last time we stayed @ a place w/maybe 8-10 rooms. Ours was like a little apartment right on the beach w/a small kitchen & seperate Bedroom. I don't recall the name, I'll see if I can find it. The town itself is very americanized w/a nice grocery etc. But once you get off the beaten path there is also a very cool surfer vibe - Restaurants - http://home.coqui.net/calypso/index.htm - http://www.lazyparrot.com/dining/the...ot-restaurant/ If you want active, there was also always stuff going on @ Villa Cofresi (spelling may be incorrect) music, a vibrant bar scene, but the food was just OK.

Let me explain - when we have driven out there we have always stopped @ various places en route...Never just gottn in the car & driven straight through one way or the other...

http://www.coconutpalmsinn.com/ Here is one of the places I have stayed, you just don't want your room to abut the street as the door is (literally) right on the street...