Puerto Rico was AWESOME!
 

My husband and I just returned form an 8 night vacation in Puerto Rico. We had a fabulous time. We loved it there. We spent 4 nights at the Courtyard Marriott Isle Verde. This hotel had everything we needed and wanted. We chose and oceanfront room. The beach in front of the hotel was awesome. It was lined with baby palm trees and hammocks. The beach reminded me of Waikiki Beach with less hoopla. (I absolutely love Waikiki Beach.) The water was warm and the sand was soft. There was always a nice breeze. It was a safe swimming beach in my eyes although the hotel had the red flag out everyday we were there. I was never intimidated by the waves or the water. (If you know Hawaii beaches you know what I mean by that statement.) The hotel also had a great pool with warm water and a swim up bar. Love that idea!
The food at the hotel was excellent! Expensive but very good. Drinks were also pricey but hey it's the Caribbean.

I can't say enough about the staff. The were very friendly and welcoming. From the pool staff to management staff we were greeted with smiles and friendly talk.

The entertainment was a treat for us. We loved watching the Salsa dancing.

The hotel also has a casino. I don't play much but my husband loved it. I could take my time dressing for dinner and he would go play Black Jack. A perfect situation. He never waited on me and I never had to rush.

Puerto Rico is big and we didn't see much of it so we will have to return. Our main focus was relaxation. We did check out the rain forest and that was really enjoyable. We did drive to Rincon for a one night stay. We intended to stay 4 nights at Marriott and 4 nights in Rincon but when we stayed in Rincon we realized it wasn't what we were looking for. The Inn we had booked had no problem canceling our reservation for 3 nights. We honestly explained we weren't as comfortable as we had hoped to be. The Inn was beautiful and so was the beach it sat on but it just wasn't what we needed so we headed back to the Marriott. The drive to Rincon showed us how beautiful the island is. Much to explore.

Puerto Rico now holds a place dear in our hearts. We both feel it was one of the best vacations we have ever taken. We both love Hawaii but Puerto Rico is much closer for us being in NY. We know we will return!
Thanks for listening! Let me know if I can answer any questions.

Sounds like a great trip! I don't understand why more people don't travel to PR in and of itself instead of just using it in transit to another island. (Then again, I used to be one of those people until just a few years ago!)

Did you make it into Old San Juan? What did you do in El Yunque?

But, did you run into Ricky Martin?

Thank you for sharing your trip report! It's so nice to hear positive feedback about our beautiful island!

We love Puerto Rico and on the spur of the moment just booked a week (timeshare exchange) at the ESJ Towers on Isla Verde. Will be our 3rd trip. We seldom go back to the same place, preferring to visit places we have not been but we both voted for PR again. ( Even though we are broke and getting broker, old and getting older.) Husband says he likes PR because it is a "real place", not just made for the tourist trade.

Yes. We did drive into Old San Juan twice. It was hard to find parking though. Next time we know to leave the car at the hotel and take a cab. We got nice pictures of the fort and the side streets on Old San Juan. We had lunch at a restaurant that had a Puerto Rican menu and Mexican menu. We both chose a Mexican burrito that we both agreed was the best burrito we ever had! We had plenty of delicious Puerto Rican dishes at our hotel.

We did a 4 hour tour into El Yunque. It was such a lovely tour. We didn't get rained on and I was really expecting to. Our guide was very knowledgeable about history and plants, flowers and animals of Puerto Rico.

The beach at the hotel was so beautiful we couldn't believe it wasn't packed with people. It is hurricane season though and we loved having the beach to ourselves.

A wonderful island I look forward to seeing again someday. I know next time will be even better because we will be a little more familiar with it. Glad you enjoyed my report!

I didn't see Ricky Martin but I heard from a staff member that George Clooney was at La Concha. He was there filming a movie. Didn't see him either though.

I know what you mean about Puerto Rico feeling like a real place. I also sensed the Puerto Rican pride which also reminded me of Hawaii. These 2 very different places seem to have a lot in common.

Don't forget that there is a true connection between HI and PR.

There is a story told widely around Ponce, PR that there was (and still is) a thriving pineapple trade until the majority of the operations were moved in the late 1800s to HI when Spaniards introduced and began growing the fruit widely in HI.

http://news.google.com/archivesearch...e&ct=title


Maybe that's why it reminds you of HI!

Will be on the island next month. Have day trips planned. looking for casinos to chill in for the evenings. Staying at the Holiday Inn Express, Candado. Any suggestions for friendly atmosphere/chat? Also like to grab a late night bite to take back to the hotel before turning in. Will appreciate all comments.
Is any of this walkable? Will I need to cab all of it?
Do the casinos offer free drinks as in Las Vegas?
This is my first time at the place I have always wanted to see. Not a big budget person but, i save all year to enjoy myself. All comments welcomed.