Soliciting Puerto Rico vacation advice

[DSJ]

We're thinking of going to Puerto Rico in a few weeks. Looking for general discussion and advice about the following:

1. Recommended hotels and resorts (beachfront) with emphasis on highest value, but not budget establishments.
2. Must-see sights
3. General advice about travel (flights, driving, etc)
4. Safety concerns (i.e. can we wear our Rolex without significant worry)

Thanks!

[ijen0311]

1. Ponce is beautiful - the Hilton is wonderful!
2. The Beach. Make sure you eat some mofongo while you are there.
3. Definitely rent a car!
4. The people were exceptionally friendly there. You can tell the really touch areas by look and I would just steer away from them.

[DoxaDavid]

Hi David,

I have been to PR a few times as I have family there. Was just there last spring. You can give me a ring and I can go into a little more detail with you but a few things that come to mind are:

-Yes, rent a car as PR has no mass transit to speak of.
-Rolex is fine to wear in resorts and out of cities. Don't wear them sight seeing and not in Old San Juan.

What type of vacation are you looking for? Price point?

One of the nicest resorts on the island is the El Conquistador on the east side of the island about 30+ minutes from San Juan. It is a 5 star with all the amenities. First class spa, great golf course, and they have their own private island to relax on just off the resort. Great beaches, scuba, snorkel, etc. They have horseback riding on the beach, all the power toys and kayaking. They also have tours for just about all activities including ATV's in the rainforest.

Not cheap. Last year rooms started around $300 a night. Food was great too with several nice restaurants on site as well as a casino.

Dorado has a few nice resorts as well on the north central coast. Great golf course, home of Chi Chi. Stayed at the Hyatt Dorado Beach. Another first class place. Has a neat lazy river as a pool and of course lots of beach.

Here is a good site to start your research at. http://www.meetpuertorico.com/index.asp

Some pics of the El Conquistador

[DoxaDavid]

A few more:

[DoxaDavid]

Here are a few pics of the Dorado Resort:

[DSJ]

Thanks David & Jennifer - any other advice is welcomed!

David, would you say it is more conspicuous to wear our watches in PR, than it is, in say, Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

[DoxaDavid]

Depends where you are in PR. Most places are safe but there are some bad parts like any area. All the resorts would be safe as most of the island is but there are some riskier places in San Juan I wouldn't wear one. I brought mine and had no issues everywhere I went. Just used a bit of caution and common sense.

[Ogie]

Originally Posted by DSJ

We're thinking of going to Puerto Rico in a few weeks. Looking for general discussion and advice about the following:

1. Recommended hotels and resorts (beachfront) with emphasis on highest value, but not budget establishments.
2. Must-see sights
3. General advice about travel (flights, driving, etc)
4. Safety concerns (i.e. can we wear our Rolex without significant worry)

Thanks!

I have stayed at the El Conquistador. Amazing place you will love it. I bit pricey but worth every penny. As for as wearing the ROLEX..I think its safe. Good Luck and let us know how u like ur trip. Very Nice Rain Forest.

[ratae1950]

Some places to see are Old San Juan, El Junque trpoical rain forest, La Parguera Phosphorescent Bay, Arecibo Radio Telescope. I have driven alot in PR and had no problems. The rural and mountainous areas are beautiful if you are looking for an 'authentic' experience. Driving short distances like in Europe takes more time than in the USA. In Old San Juan I have always felt safe--avoid La Perla.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by DoxaDavid

What type of vacation are you looking for? Price point?

Thank you all for the continued suggestions - David I never answered your question. Since my son is coming, and our budget's tight, we're looking at airfare and hotel for around the price of a used DJ! As such, it appears pricing at the lovely El Conquistador is out of reach.

[DoxaDavid]

Originally Posted by DSJ

Thank you all for the continued suggestions - David I never answered your question. Since my son is coming, and our budget's tight, we're looking at airfare and hotel for around the price of a used DJ! As such, it appears pricing at the lovely El Conquistador is out of reach.

I still would look into it. Travel industry is in BAD shape so perhaps you could get a deal. I'll fire a note off to my cousins and ask them about other options. They have a nice condo they never use by Dorado. I'll check and see if they would a)rent it and b) how much? When are you thinking about going?

[Idle Swede]

El Conquistador without a doubt.
Their Sunday brunch is the best on the island.
I've stayed there 4 times and wouldn't even consider any other place.
As far as pricey, don't rule them out just yet.
Check with American Airlines as they have complete packages.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by DSJ

We're thinking of going to Puerto Rico in a few weeks. Looking for general discussion and advice about the following:

1. Recommended hotels and resorts (beachfront) with emphasis on highest value, but not budget establishments.
2. Must-see sights
3. General advice about travel (flights, driving, etc)
4. Safety concerns (i.e. can we wear our Rolex without significant worry)

Thanks!

Being there for business every 3 months; my comments are:

1.- Caribe Hilton (Morton's is located inside the hotel ), El San Juan (just went trhough a major renovation; drop dead gorgeous lobby bar and one of the hottest spots during weekend nights) and the Ritz Carlton. I am not a fan of big resorts (many located east of San Juan but not my cup of tea). I always have Sunday Brunch at the Ritz; it is to die for!

2.- I agree with everyone here. Old San Juan. The forts. Fortaleza and Cristo streets (Polo, Coach and Burberry factory outlets plus a couple of high end watch dealers!), mofongo is a MUST. Try it at Mi Casita; it is a very small mom and pop restaurant where locals eat; close to El San Juan. Be hungry. Very hungry. Do not expect anything fancy at Mi Casita, but great service and food!

3.- I fly from Miami, Dallas or Houston; American has daily flights and it is the best way to get there. You can drive there; but I would suggest taxis. Old San Juan has limited parking, and taxi cabs are everywhere.

4.- Safety: As with any other city, trust your feelings. If you are at the forts and Old San Juan, you are ok. Let me re-phrase: I always wear my 2T Sub, never ever had a problem; just follow your gut feeling.

Enjoy!!!

[DSJ]

Thanks Gerardo. My wife decided to book the Gran Melia in El Dorado.

[vegaseddie]

I really like Puerto Rico. I went to a wedding at the Wyndham in Old San Juan back in 2002 and spent 4 days there. I think the hotel has been sold since. It was right on the water across from the cruise ship dock. Nice hotel, casino, resturants, and bars. Old San Juan is a lot of fun and the night life was excellent. I felt safe there and wore my Rolex as usual. I speak pretty good Spanish and that helped.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by vegaseddie

I really like Puerto Rico. I went to a wedding at the Wyndham in Old San Juan back in 2002 and spent 4 days there. I think the hotel has been sold since. It was right on the water across from the cruise ship dock. Nice hotel, casino, resturants, and bars. Old San Juan is a lot of fun and the night life was excellent. I felt safe there and wore my Rolex as usual. I speak pretty good Spanish and that helped.

Es mas facil cuando puedes hablar la lengua.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by DSJ

Es mas facil cuando puedes hablar la lengua.

Es verdad!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by kcmo

Es verdad!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by DSJ

Es mas facil cuando puedes hablar la lengua.