<BR>Hi, I know nothing about PR but have heard from several people how beautiful it is. If anyone who's been there can briefly post about the beaches, sights, food, and where to stay, I would appreciate it. Thanks !!

go to Cullebra

Look into Condado, Isla Verde, Dorado Beach areas for lodgings. Must visits are: the largest Rain Forest in the USA El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, El Morro Castle, Culebra Island, Museums Galleries & Cathedrals in Old San Juan. Great restaurants everywhere.

I you are looking to stay at a nice resort, stay at the Hyatt, El Dorado Beach. But I tell you the nicest beach in P.R is in Culebra's which is a little island on this coast. You will have to take a 45 minute ferry to get there from Puerto Rico, there is no nightlife in this island but it is a beatiful secluded place to go. They have nice Cabins in El Flamingo Beach with kitchen and bathroom to stay, they are pretty nice. If you want more of a nightlife, you have to stay in Condado, or San Juan wich has nice arquitecture and nice, hotels, but the beach is ok, not great. You would really more than a week to get to see and experience the nice places in PR. If you stay in San Juan, you won't really think much of P.R.

I loved the Ponce Museum Of Fine Arts. Ponce is a nice town to visit with great history. We stayed at the Ponce Hilton for 1 night during our travels throughout the island. We also stayed at numerous lovely Mountain Inns and Oceanview Bed & Breakfast around the island.

It's difficult to make recommendations without knowing what your interests are. For example,Claudia states that if you stay in San Juan you won't think much of Puerto Rico. I always stay in San Juan and I love it there - it has cool hotels, lots of restaurants, nightlife and casinos - that's what I like. But it is very bustling and has a definite city feel to it - so if you don't want that, you probably would be better off going to a different area.<BR><BR>

Let's put it this way:<BR><BR>ON LODGING<BR>If you are the type of traveller who likes world-class resorts without the cost of it, the best value in my opinion is the Intercontinental Hotel in Isla Verde, San Juan. But make sure at least to make a visit to El San Juan Hotel next door...that's worth just going to the bathroom. If you like an intimate guesthouse, the best place to stay is the Numero Uno Guesthouse in Ocean Park, San Juan. Small guesthouse right on a beautiful beach (white sand, UNCROWDED, lots of young people --- great if you are single, super clean turquoise water). This guesthouse also houses a highly-acclaimed restaurant called Pamela's. Excellent food, the whole place boasts excellent service and Ethan Allen-style chic furniture.<BR><BR>ON SIGHTSEEING<BR>If you like history, architecture and the nightlife, I recommend stay in San Juan. You can make day trips to El Yunque rainforest, the Rio Camuy Caves or even make day trips to the Cordillera mountains.<BR><BR>ON FOOD<BR>Our favorite place is Cafe Puerto Rico in Old San Juan. But if you really want authentic food, drive up to Guavate and try lechon at one of the lechonerias there.<BR><BR>ON BEACHES<BR>I have to agree with others that the offshore islands would have the best beaches in PR, but then again, if you like nightlife, those islands won't have them. In my opinion, Ocean Park in San Juan has the best beach on the mainland, in terms of overall convenience and easy access.<BR><BR>ON ADVENTURE<BR>If you are the type that would rather explore and find adventure rather than do the touristy stuff, go to Vieques or Culebra. Vieques has the glowing waters in the dark and great to kayak at night...really cool adventure! Culebra has snorkelling and the wildlife refuge. Both islands boast secluded and secret beaches that require you to rent a jeep and travel in the forests to get to the beaches. Both islands are also super safe.<BR><BR>Hope that helped you...

Don't know how long you wish to stay, if renting a car, etc? Day trips include; the Old City of San Juan, which you'll probably visit more than once for the museums and forts. Ponce, on the Caribbean side of the island has much to see. The Caves of Camuy in the a.m., combined with a visit to Arecibo Observatory, in the afternoon. El Yunque rainforest in the a.m., can be combined with an afternoon at nearby Luquillo Beach, etc. El Commandante racetrack, if so inclined, casinos at most hotels, lots of nightlife. Extended stay of 2 weeks or more, perhaps a condo studio rental instead of a hotel room, from San Juan Vacations, etc.