What to do in San Juan PR for 24/ Hotel Reco?

[Foggy_Goggles]

Yeh, I know. All I do is drop in and get travel info. Deal.

I have a 24hr layover in PR on my way back from BVI in mid-March. Have any of ya'll stayed in an affodable hotel in Old San Juan? I'm looking to be as far away from the resort/casino scene as possible. What ya got?

[Sutter]

The only place I've ever stayed in San Juan I would never recommend to anyone. However, the one thing you should do is go to El Yunque.

[CantDog]

Yeh, I know. All I do is drop in and get travel info. Deal.

I have a 24hr layover in PR on my way back from BVI in mid-March. Have any of ya'll stayed in an affodable hotel in Old San Juan? I'm looking to be as far away from the resort/casino scene as possible. What ya got?

Where in the BVIs are you going?

I'm jealous, can I come?

[snowsprite]

Old San Juan is amazing--I'm so jealous. We stayed in the Hilton Caribewhich is about a 5-10 minute drive. Also they have shuttles and cabs to Old San Juan.

Caribe is not that cheap if you book direct, but I got them via priceline for $70/night. You might try to pull up a deal for them on expedia/travelocity. We got a beautiful "garden suite" with sliding doors that opened up to a lush tropical garden that doubles as a bird reserve. We would open up the sliders and peacocks would stroll in to our room to say hi. The pool is very nice and it's the place where pina coladas were supposedly invented in the 50s. And go across the street to the little hole-in-the wall place to order very cheap and good breakfast and astounding medianoche sandwiches. Don't eat at the hotel...to expensive and stuff in Old San Juan is better.

I hope you stay there! And say hello to Mi Viejo San Juan.

Sprite

[Foggy_Goggles]

bump, as other suggestions?

[Tippster]

I stayed in the Marriott downtown. No big deal. Within easy walk of cool restaurants and that famous Titty Bar (Divas?)

here's a good place to look: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g1...co-Hotels.html

[MassLiberal]

My Mom grew up there, and most of her side of the family still lives there, so hopefully I can give you some good advice.

First - 24 hour layover? from what time to what time are you going to be there? I only ask because if you have a full day, my recommendations will be much different than if you are there from 12pm - 12 pm. As soon as you let me know this, I'll give you an itinerary that will guarantee happiness.

[Foggy_Goggles]

My Mom grew up there, and most of her side of the family still lives there, so hopefully I can give you some good advice.

First - 24 hour layover? from what time to what time are you going to be there? I only ask because if you have a full day, my recommendations will be much different than if you are there from 12pm - 12 pm. As soon as you let me know this, I'll give you an itinerary that will guarantee happiness.

fly in at noon, fly out at 3pm next day. I've foudn the Borinquin Beach Inn to be the best option so far w/in out budget (+/- $100).

[MassLiberal]

Cool, I've never heard of the hotel, but I bet that it is somewhere in Condado. Unfortunately, given that you are flying out so early the next day, there is no way you are going to get to El Yunque (the rainforest, pretty beautiful area) or Rincon (best surfing in the caribe) since both are a 2 hour plus ride from San Juan. And given the fact that the San Juan Airport is possibly the least efficient in the entire universe, you probably will not be situated in your hotel till 2 or 3pm on the day you fly in. So based on that, here are my recommendations.

Day one: Chill out in Condado- There are some beautiful beaches in this area, and even more beautiful women. Generally there are lots of little cabanas that sell froo froo drinks to the gringos, skip them and buy Presidentes or Medallas (local beers) for cheap from people on the beach. If you want to avoid the Tourists, you can go Isla Verde which is a little more local and has some waves sometimes. For dinner you can go pretty cheap in the open air restaurants in Condado (for more traditional food) or you can head up to Old San Juan for some pricier treats (let me know if you want recommendations on better restaurants in the area). Once night time rolls around, Head up to Calle San Sabastian, up near El Moro, an old Spanish fort which protected the Island from Pirates and the like. This street is lined with open air bars and can be a lot of fun. It is mostly locals, but some gringos make it up there too, just be careful playing pool, there are a lot of hustlers. Cafe Culebra (on the left hand side a block away from the ocean) has really cheap drinks and a decidedly latin feel, and is generally going off Wednesday-Sat. nights. There are also live salsa and Merengue bands all over the place. If you want cheap late night eats, there is a window on the street across from the church (San Sabastian) which sells the tastiest empanadas in the world, whatever you do, don't ask what is inside of them! just eat them and be happy.


The next day, I HIGHLY recommend that you go to La Bombanera, it's a dive breakfast place in Old San Juan which is awesome beyond words. Get a Mallorca con Mantequilla, cafe puya, and a special, and you will be happy. Mallorcas are a special sweet bread made exclusively in PR which are pretty amazing. if you are into galleries, there are a bunch in the area which have some pretty cool stuff. If not head back to the beach for some final rays before you head home. My only advice is to get to the airport pretty early. They really don't have the "get anything accomplished anytime soon" mindset.

Let me know if you have any questions, or if you are looking for something more different.

Also If you are a surfer, I'm sure I can get one of my friends to take you out for some good waves. But the ocean starts to get pretty iffy once you get into march. Oh that reminds me, when are you going to be there??

[snwbdrhoon]

hey can i get more info on Rincon????

places to stay
places to eat
etc.

thinking about heading down there in January with the boyz. thanks.

[train07]

hey can i get more info on Rincon????

places to stay
places to eat
etc.

thinking about heading down there in January with the boyz. thanks.

Don't remember what airline did this but they put us up in Old San Juan, after a mixup (on our way to VI's), and into the Hotel El Convento....talk about decadent....I highly recomend this place


hey snwbdrhoon..try googlehttp://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-487982-rincon_vacations-i;_ylt=AguspM9TatDadmH8W.Jf3JEPF2oL

[snwbdrhoon]

thanks but i wanted some info from peeps who have been there who also happen to surf or be active rather than randoms on Yahoo.