Bpesta

Hi - My husband & I are travelling to PR for five days at the end of February and are at a loss as to where to stay. San Juan doesn't really appeal to us (I've been there before) as it's more urban that we're seeking for this trip. We live in Chicago and are looking to "get away from it all" and hope to find a place that's relaxing with some fun things to do in the area. We're hoping for some place relatively laid back with a cool beach bar or something like that. We've considered Isabela, Luquillo and the Embassy Suites Dorado, but really unsure what to do. Thoughts? Really appreciate your opinions. Thanks in advance.

gail

My adult daughter and I are currently at the Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino Resort. Go here - it is amazing. 75 minutes or so from SJU airport. Completely contained resort with incredibly beautiful grounds. We had spent 4 nites in San Juan area and had intended to do some sightseeing around Ponce - but we are just going to soak up sun, eat, drink. Prices for drinks, food, activities are reasonable (we paid $4/drink for rum drinks at pool bar). There are several restaurants, including a good sushi one at golf club (we just had lunch there).

Nice pool, ocean with small waves, clean (but dark) sand. We have patio room where we can walk out and sit overlooking the ocean. All age people here as guests - and blessedly not over-run with small shrieking kids.

travelcon

San Juan is one of the most diverse destinations to visit as they have a rain forest for hiking, a fort to explore, a rum factory to taste at, and a bioluminescent bay to kayak on-only a few of these in the world. It is also a foodie's paradise!I have stayed at most of the properties in SJU and it depends on what you are looking for. As a fellow Chicagoan,I understand the need to get out of the cold. Where did you stay before?

Bpesta

Travelcon- I like San Juan, but was looking for something less city-like. Looking more to get away from it all ... Have stayed at the La Concha Renaissance Condado and at Caribe Hilton.

Gail - thanks for the reco. Hadn't considered Ponce. Will look into it.

OnTravel

Ponce Hilton is very nice, stayed there several times. Sancho's restaurant on the premises has marvelous sushi and a pearl shrimp that is to die for. Kayaks to navigate about the couple mangrove islands are available for a small fee. there is free mini golf, volleyball, badminton, tennis, and some other little games. The pools are superb, with some good food and drinks services. In terms of nearby beaches, they are decent, but not the white sand beaches and blue waters you'll find elsewhere. Playa Sucia (and the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse) are aprox an hour to the west and have stunning views, white sand, azure waters, and fabulous cliffs to hike.

You might check out Rincon for your stay as well. It's in the northwest part of Puerto Rico and is my favorite city for a lot of reasons. The beaches here are incredible!! Try Playa Escalera (Steps Beach) for fabulous snorkeling (I often swim with turtles to the left of the main beach entrance) and also long, beautiful walks. All the other beaches in this area are superb as well. Breakfast at the English Rose right across the road and up a steep hill from Steps Beach is absolutely fantastic, as well as the views! Lots of great restaurants in and around Rincon including Lucky 13 BBQ, Casa Verde, Das Alpen, and many more.

Lots of great accommodation around, from renting a house on the beach to hotels. English is very prevalent, esp in Rincon, so you'll have no troubles getting around if this is a concern.

Many family members have come to vacation with me in Rincon and they still rave about it! Check it out

Cheers!

Bpesta

Thanks everyone! I think we've decided on Rio Grande for it's proximity to the ferries at Fajardo, the kioskos in Luquillo and the rainforest.