San Juan, PR trip to plan. Any insights?

**fgg** · March 20th, 2011, 01:04 PM

i'm planning a family girls' trip for my cousin's 40th birthday and she chose puerto rico from the options i threw out.

the flight is easy and there seem to be a ton of nice hotels on hotels.com but i was hoping that anyone who'd been in the last few years could give me some suggestions on places to stay, restaurants, things to do, must sees, etc.

thanks for the help!

**LynnieD** · March 20th, 2011, 01:07 PM

I went when I was very young, and really liked it, though have no clue where we stayed. I'm sure you will have a great time regardless where you stay.

I know several people have stayed at the El Conquistador and loved it.

Have fun!

**sputnik** · March 20th, 2011, 01:09 PM

wasn't our alice there recently?

**AliceInWonderland** · March 22nd, 2011, 02:57 PM

the hilton caribe is awesome fgg! old san juan of course, walking throughout for all your dining is a great bet and souvenir shopping - also their nightlife doesn't really start till super late so don't be surprised if you dont see people out when you're walking around there and its dinner time or after even.

the casino at the el san juan on the condado of course, spend a fun night there, casino, live music, bar, restaurants, you can even stay at this hotel (although I haven't personally) and DO NOT stay at the Conrad Hilton on the condado, horrible place! just horrible

the weather is perfect for walking everywhere

beaches: i like luquillo beach a little, kind of overrated (and a bit far away actually) and los pinones but other than that I don't have any beach suggestions, I've heard awesome things about the island of vieques off the coast of PR but its a trek to get there too I guess - man I always hate driving in Latin places, you might just want to stay in and around San Juan

you will have an awesome time omg i'm so jealous!

**fgg** · March 22nd, 2011, 03:10 PM

thanks for the info alice! we aren't going until september but i'm a planner so i'm trying to get it all ready so the rest of my family can just book it and not have to go through any hassle.

**AliceInWonderland** · March 22nd, 2011, 03:13 PM

thats a great time to go to!

**witchcurlgirl** · March 22nd, 2011, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by AliceInWonderland

the casino at the el san juan on the condado of course, spend a fun night there, casino, live music, bar, restaurants, you can even stay at this hotel

vouch. the el san juan is a very nice place, and the ritz carlton next door is a ritz carlton, so you can't go wrong there. they're both in the Isla Verde section, which is a little away from old San Juan but it's a short taxi ride.

Old San Juan is sort of run down and crumbly, but that's sort of what the Carribean towns are like, so you have to just go with it. Great restaurants there.

i've also stayed at the El Conquistador which is in Fajardo, a beautiful part of the island - gorgeous beaches- about 1 1/2 hours away from san juan. It's a nice hotel, very old school resort, I went for a wedding. You can get the ferry to Vieques from Fajardo.

If you're into the outdoors go to El Yunque-the rain forest. It's pretty amazing. Rincon's beaches are great for surfing.

**fgg** · March 23rd, 2011, 11:00 AM

ok, i looked at Caribe Hilton San Juan and The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. are these the two you guys were referring to? the pics look good and the prices are reasonable.

what about El San Juan Hotel & Casino, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel?

thanks again for your help! i'm going to look into the rain forest thing too.

**AliceInWonderland** · March 23rd, 2011, 11:16 AM

I've only stayed at the Hilton Caribe and its awesome, the beach pool area are great, the rooms are nice, staff nice, the location is great imo b/c its so close to old san juan and the condado and there's a starbucks in the lobby! lol

**witchcurlgirl** · March 23rd, 2011, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by fgg

ok, i looked at Caribe Hilton San Juan and The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. are these the two you guys were referring to? the pics look good and the prices are reasonable.

what about El San Juan Hotel & Casino, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel?

Yes. That's the one I mentioned. It's a nice place.

I don't know about the Hilton firsthand.

**AliceInWonderland** · March 23rd, 2011, 04:25 PM

the El San Juan is beautiful!!! fun at night

**fgg** · March 23rd, 2011, 04:27 PM

i'm super excited now and one of my aunt's is like "isn't that hurricane season?" i want to plan it anyway but it is up to my cousin since it is her birthday trip.

**LynnieD** · March 23rd, 2011, 04:31 PM

^^Meh, don't worry about Hurricane's. If you went in July one could hit, so don't alter your plans because of that....

**AliceInWonderland** · March 23rd, 2011, 05:33 PM

yeah hurricane season is awesome; the weather is tropical - which lets face it you want on a vacation right and there are less crowds.

when I went to miami beach in late july vs. when I went in oct. it was way more awesome - hot everyday, sunny, gorgeous and party all night every night!

**fgg** · September 21st, 2011, 09:40 AM

leaving for PR tomorrow at the crack of dawn and i'm super excited! we just made loose plans to venture out to the rain forest, wander around town, hang out at the pool & beach and taste local food. and most importantly, drink.