Hi. My friend and I were considering going to San Juan early november. Is this a good choice for singles? (We thought early Nov. would be good since most kids are in school that time.) Is it safe to go to clubs at night there? (I heard they have gang problems there & i'm nervous about this.)
Also, what's a nice hotel that's good for singles?
Thanks for any advice!

It is generally safe but like any other city, there are areas to avoid. As a tourist there are no reasons why you would be in those areas anyway. I think San Juan is a great choice for singles. You'll want to stay in either the Condado or Isla Verde areas. I prefer Isla Verde - better beach and better hotels. El San Juan Resort is great for singles, depending on your budget. It is pretty expensive but has a lot of nightlife options right on premises. The Intercontinental, which is next door, may be more reasonably priced. There is also a new boutique hotel called the Water Club, also in Isla Verde. It is supposed to be pretty hip, although I haven't seen it yet. In Condado, the two best hotels are the Condado Plaza or the Marriott.

As far as non-hotel nightlife - there are several bars/clubs in Old San Juan. Find out where you want to go and take a taxi there. I wouldn't recommend wandering the streets there at night when you don't know where you're going.

i've been to san juan many times and never encountered a "gang" problem. wyndham el san juan is my favorite choice in terms of amenities and nightlife (the back pool is quite a scene during the day too). the lobby bar is happening every weekend and most people enjoy the club at the hotel but some nights it's too young a crowd (read: sweaty high school kids). in any case, you have nothing to lose as you get to skip the line and get in free as a hotel guest. another place to consider is the water club (decor worthy of ian schrager hotel, hot hot hot rooftop bar, and chic restaurant). the downside of this hotel is its practically nonexistent pool.
in either case, definitely don't stay in that area the whole time. you will want to wander old san juan a little bit (and hit some of the hot new restaurants there as well: aguaviva, dragonfly, to name a couple). and if you are there on a sunday, the 20 something san juan crowd hits Dunbars for live music and dancing. i always have a blast there.

hope this helps. let me know how your trip goes!

San Juan is GREAT for singles. It has gangs like New York has gangs and you wouldnt hesitate to go there. Right now San Juan is experiencing a boom in the nightlife and there are some really cool clubs and botique hotels to go to. So go and have fun!

By the way you should look into the Water Club hotel - very cool

fyi, there was a great article in the nytimes travel section back in april about san juan's buzzing scene. here's a link to a reprint:

http://www.puertorico-herald.org/iss...antSJ-en.shtml

I am A San Juan resident and I can assure you there are no gang problems here. There are, of course, places you should avoid, but the touristic areas are very safe. The nightlife is excellent, I dont know your ages, but for me as a college student there are some places that you shouldn't miss: Babylon (Wyndham SJ), Rio (just by the Mariott), Rebar (@ The Arena Pier 10), Sr. Frogg's (Old SJ), and if you're not that much into serious clubbing, there's The Water Club, I've seen people there from my age to 40's. As a hotel is an excellent choice is just right in front of the beach, and the restaurants and the lounges, is just the best. But if you're on a budget you might want to consider the "Canario Inn" Guest Houses at Condado, there are 3 of them some cheapper than others, but all lovely, and well located.

November is a good time, but there are many holidays during that month so there will be kids around at night, clubs will be crowded and since we can drink at 18, clubs are full Thursday-Sunday.
Good Luck!

You might wanna check this out:
http://www.waterclubsanjuan.com/

I second f_sevillana suggestions. The Water Club is a great place. If you decide to stay elsewhere, go to The Water Club for some drinks at both bars (the one at the top of the hotel and Liquid Lounge). Have fun!