PLANNING ON GOING TO PUERTO RICO, THE EAST SIDE OF THE ISLAND. I'M CONCIDERING STAYING AT THE FAJARDO INN, IN FAJARDO CLOSE THE MARINA. MY ? IS - HAS ANY BODY STAYED THERE? ANY COMMENTS? I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD BY A NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO BE CAREFUL WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT. WE PLAN ON RENTING A CAR FOR THE WEEK. ANY COMMENTS? <BR> <BR>THANK YOU, <BR>BERNADETTE <BR>

I haven't heard much of the Fajardo Inn. But I've stayed in the Westin Rio Mar a couple of times, and in Conquistador(I think is now named Westin Conquistador), anyway the east side of Puerto Rico is the best on the island for beaches(also the west side of the island is great). <BR> <BR>About renting cars. I'm from Puerto Rico(Ponce, in the south, the second most important city), anyway I would reccomend you to rent the car after you get out the metropolitan area, which is always full of traffic, and people are really crazy up there when driving...

Hi Bernadette! Renting a car in Puerto Rico is the ONLY way to see the island. You will need to buy a good map (not the crappy one given by rental agencies). You can get one at any gas station or at a convenience store/drugstore, such as Walgreens. <BR> <BR>I don't know anything about the Fajardo Inn, except that it is in Fajardo. I recommend the following day-trips from that area: <BR> <BR>1) A visit to El Yunque rainforest (make sure you hike the "Big Tree Trail" that leads to the waterfall - very refreshing). <BR> <BR>2) A visit to Luquillo beach - (You can do this the same day that you visit El Yunque) <BR> <BR>3) Seven Seas beach in Fajardo - this beach can get a little isolated during weekdays. If I were traveling by myself I would make sure to go during the weekend, or check to make sure there are other people around. <BR> <BR>4) The Cabezas de San Juan reserve - I'm sure the people at the Fajardo Inn will help you make reservations for the Engligh-language tour. This is a beautiful reserve that shows different types of eco-systems, but you need to make advance reservations. <BR> <BR>5) A day-trip to Vieques. The ferry to Vieques ($2.00) is in Fajardo, very convenient. <BR> <BR>6) A day-trip to Culebra. The ferry to Culebra ($2.25) is in Fajardo, very convenient. <BR> <BR>7) There are snorkeling day-trips too on catamarans that depart from the Fajardo Marina. The cost around $70 with transportation from San Juan, but if you meet the cat, they are around $55. They include lunch, drinks, and stops at the beautiful snorkeling cays around Fajardo (such as Icacos). This is a fun and worthy day-trip. <BR> <BR>Regarding being careful, use your common sense. It's OK to leave clothing, beach towels, sunscreen, cooler, disposable camera at the beach while you go swimming, but I would not leave money or a nice camera unattended. If you feel funny being completely alone in a beach, drive over to a spot or another beach where they might be more people. I always do this, not only in Puerto Rico, but EVERYWHERE. If you have any specific questions, just ask!

Thank you both escarabajo30 & mariarosa. Your response is appreciated. <BR>I look forward to visiting the Island. <BR> <BR>Take care, <BR>Bernadette

Well, it all depends in your priorities and budget. If you want the hotel just to have a place to sleep and take a shower, Fajardo Inn is just fine. But if you're looking for a resort with good facilities like pools, beach, casinos etc, this is not the place to go. However it is clean and it is located on the center of Fajardo town and conveniently near the pier where the ferries for beautiful nearby islands of Vieques and Culebra (specially Culebra!) is located. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Culebra, The ferry ride (about 2 hours journey) costs only $2. Once there pick a transport on the pier that for $2 will take you to Flamenco Beach, in my opinion the best beach of Puerto Rico. If you are time conscious you can go by plane. The ticket fare from the Fajardo regional airport is $40 roundtrip. If you don't choose to stay in El Conquistador in Fajardo, at least you should visit it. It is a very beautiful hotel with a wonderful view. As to other sightseeing, the tips from Marirosa are OK. For me Luquillo beach is kind of overstated, but is nearby and you'll have a good time. Nearby are typical kiosks (around 60 in a straight line) that sells local fritters very tasteful. About driving, just take the normal precautions and be very alert to traffic, specially in the San Juan Metro Area. Enjoy your trip!!!