skivy

If you are staying in Isla Verde, I’d recommend the Intercontinental as an upgrade Resort. (See first picture) Right on the beach and terrific pool area. Across the street in a little shopping area is a mom and pop restaurant called Mi Casita. Ham and egg breakfast for $3.99. 

The beach area here is incredible. 

I have also stayed at the boutique hotel called the Water and Beach club. Lighting is all done in blue. 

Other options are the Hampden Inn, Embassy Suites just a few blocks from the beach. The newly reopened upgrade El San Juan is beautiful but a bit pricey. 

If you venture down to the other tourist area, Condado, there are a number of options. I have pictured La Concha Resort. An upscale resort in the beach. Great pool and courtyard facilities. The previous thread mentioned Comfort Inn. I have stayed there and they have the standard Comfort inn fare. They also have worked out a deal with the beach area at La Concha. There is also a Best Western and the Wave Hotel a couple blocks from the beach that have free breakfast. (The Wave Hotel has great views from atop of the Lagoon.) The Marriot Stellaris is another upgrade hotel in the area. A good place for breakfast if staying at the upscale hotels is called Pannes. Check them out on Yelp.

For lunch or dinner check out Kabanas. $5 1/2 pound burgers on Thursdays. 

Anyway, have a great time. 

You will love Old San Juan.

From the ship walk left until you reach the Paseo de la Princessa. There may be little kiosks open along the walkway that end at the Raices fountain. (A tribute to the people of Puerto Rico.) See below picture. 

Continue your walk along the wall. (La Muralla) Continue along the waterfront until you reach the big red gate. Enjoy the waterfront walk, statuary and unique trees. 

Go through the gate and up the hill. At the top of the hill is the San Juan Cathedral. The ceilings and walls are spectacular. 

Now you have two options. You can continue your upward walk past the El Convento hotel to the top of the hill. You will come across a unique Taino totem. A few more steps and you will see the incredible Fort, El Morro. A must see. Too the right is a cemetery with incredible sculptures. Kids should be flying kites in the huge field. 

You can then walk back the same way to the Cathedral. (Another option is the free green trolley which travels through Old San Juan.) If you walk down the blue cobblestone streets you will come to a street called Fortaleza. It is where the umbrellas are. It leads to the governors mansion. If you continue on the original street you will end up at Pigeon Park. 

There are a number of fun restaurants that I like. Punta de Vista atop Hotel Milano. Great lunch menu and 2 for 1 mojitos. Also if you like chocolate go to the Choco Bar on San Francisco. Good fun and an assortment of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks/desserts. 

Other fun shops, parks, fort and often street entertainment in the area. 

Enjoy!

I did a quick scan on Priceline and saw that the hotels and resorts are running very high for the 29th. But deals are to be found. Check out their express deals. I saw a 3 star hotel being listed in Condado for $94. (Probably the Best Western)

I’ve stayed there a couple times. Small pool but right near Ashford Avenue. For one night and not break the bank, I would recommend looking at this option for checking rates. I would make sure you stay at a 3 star or better place.

My favorite places are the Intercontinental and La Concha.

Depending on the number of days that you are staying, I would like you to consider looking at Rio Grande, Ponce and Rincon hotels. You will need to rent a car but all locations are within 2 hours of San Juan. Intercontinental

La Concha

Condado beach

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I really enjoyed my stay at the Marriott Stellaris resort. The courtyard and pool area is calming, relaxing and beautiful.

You can simply walk onto the beach and enjoy the silky sand from the courtyard.

I agree with the previous person to walk to Pinky’s across from La Concha for breakfast. Around the corner is Kabanas my lunch place for fish tacos.

75 cents will get you to Old San Juan via the bus. (Do not give dollars as they only use change. )

Have a great time.

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I like staying in both the Condado and Isla Verde areas of San Juan before and after a cruise.

Condado is closer to the ship areas and the home of La Concha resort which is a favorite. Located on the beach and in the tourist area. (Make sure to eat breakfast at the small restaurant called Pinkys across the street-Kabanas for lunch)

The Best Western, Wave Hotel and Comfort inn are more price conscious alternatives. All within a few blocks of the beach.

The best beach is in Isla Verde near the airport. I love ❤️ the Intercontinental resort/hotel. Pool area is an oasis. Then walk the beach of silky sands.

Economical alternatives are the Water and Beach club boutique hotel. Just beware of blue lighting used throughout instead of clear.

I also have enjoyed the Tryp hotel.

Any way, enjoy your hotel, the beaches, your cruise and spend at least one or two days in Old San Juan.

If you have time, go to San Juan at least one day if not 2 days before your cruise. There is just too much to see and do in Old San juan.

I love staying in Condado. La Concha is a favorite resort hotel. It’s upscale and on the beach. When budget conscious, I like the Best Western or Wave hotel both only a couple blocks from the beach .

The city bus takes you to Old San Juan for just $.75.

A great walk once you get to Old San Juan starts with a walkway called the Paseo de la Princessa. (From the bus station walk to waters edge and walk to the right)

Pick up a frozen fruit bar at Senor Paleta along the way.

There will be gardens and vendors along the walkway which ends at an incredible fountain/statue called Raices. As you are about 100 feet before the fountain, look above the stone fortress walls for a skinny yellow building. It was once just a skinny alleyway between two buildings, but someone turned it into a 6’ wide skinniest building in San Juan. You can’t miss it as it is bright yellow. As you get to the fountain you will see that the walkway follows the fortress walls. Follow it the equivalence of 3-4 blocks and you will come upon the big red gate of San Juan. If you go through the gate and up the hill you will arrive at the hotel called El Convento. A refurbished convent that now is an upscale hotel with a number of fun little restaurants. Also check out the church across the blue-gray cobblestone street. Great stained glass and final resting place of Juan Ponce De Leon.

(The blue cobblestones of the street were used as ballast on earlier ships. ) if you turn left at the top of the hill and continue, you will end up at the great Fort El Morro. A US National Park and a must see. Kites will be flying and a venture to the Magdalena cemetery has incredible statuary.

For lunch go to the restaurant ChocoBar in San Francisco.

Enjoy your stay and cruise.

I like La Concha in Condado. The Intercontinental in Isla Verde.

I have rebooked both this December as they both have great access to the beaches. I really like the pools, hot tubs and the grounds at the Intercontinental. I also like taking long walks on the beach.

I like the restaurants and easy access to Old San Juan from La Concha. ( I have even walked it. About a 4 mile walk but following the north shore some of the sights can’t be beat. )

Have a great time.

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Nice clean refreshing hotel on the beach.

Check out the park next to the hotel. Use the walkway pier to get some incredible sights and sounds. (If you can get past Ben and Jerry’s, I couldn’t)

Although small, Pinky’s restaurant across the street from the hotel has super breakfasts.

I have used Uber but you have to walk away from the hotel to be picked up.

There is a bus stop in front of the hotel that will take you to Old San Juan for $.75. The buses do not take dollars, change only.

Try Kabanas for lunch. Yummy fish tacos. Only a block away.

In Old San Juan, I love the Choco Bar restaurant in San Francisco. Check

Our Yelp.

Have a great time.

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My favorite ship is Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas. I have been in it the last 6 years. Love the Promenade.

El Morro is a must. So many levels and incredible Kodak moments. Also check out the cemetery.

Another favorite place is a walkway called the Paseo de la Princessa. Gardens, statues, local vendors all leading to a picturesque fountain called Raices. Have lunch or at least a chocolate fix at the Choco Bar restaurant in San Francisco St.

Google El Yunque and get the latest update on the rain forest at their website. There is only a small amount open. Trails still need to be cleared and the road sustained major mud slide damage.

I just took a catamaran ride in December and one of the crew members also has worked for Bio Bay companies. The bio bays also sustained damage to the plant life and organisms that give it the unique bioluminescence. Although they have started excursions, I was told they are only a fraction of what they were. Although slowly getting better, she said.

Have a super time.

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Stayed there Dec 19th. Nice rooms. Pool and hot tub both open. Walgreens across the street for any last minute needs. Walk down the street towards La Concha hotel, across the street from the La Concha is a small little restaurant called Pinky’s. Try it for breakfast. Especially loved the drunken pilot. I know the have a continental breakfast at the hotel, use it for juice and coffee.

Have fun

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Stayed in December both before and after the cruise at the following...

Wave Hotel (boutique hotel in Condado a few blocks from beach) pic

Condado Palm (Best Western Plus)

La Concha in Condado pic and The Intercontinental in Isla Verde. Pic

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Christmas Eve photo

Beach is busy and still gorgeous

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Your 3 hotels are in 3 different areas. Each has their own plusses and minuses.

The Hampton Inn is very close to the airport in Isla Verde. I love the beach at Isla Verde and a must visit if in that neighborhood.

The Double Tree is in Condado. A very touristy area. Also a very nice beach area. Along Ashford Avenue are a number of restaurants. My favorite little breakfast restaurant is Pinky’s. It is across from the hotel La Concha.

The Hyatt is really close to where the cruise ships dock. However it is quite a walk to the beaches. Also very few restaurants.

The bus is .75 and takes right into Old San Juan. (No dollar bills accepted. )

Have fun.

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A great walk that will include the San Juan red gate is to start by staying left after leaving your ship and following the water to a walkway called the Paseo de la Princessa. There will be gardens and vendors along the walkway which ends at an incredible fountain/statue called Raices. As you are about 100 feet before the fountain, look above the stone fortress walls for a skinny yellow building. It was once just a skinny alleyway between two buildings, but someone turned it into a 6’ wide skinniest building in San Juan. You can’t miss it as it is bright yellow. As you get to the fountain you will see that the walkway follows the fortress walls. Follow it the equivalence of 3-4 blocks and you will come upon the big red gate of San Juan. If you go through the gate and up the hill you will arrive at the hotel called El Convento. A refurbished convent that now is an upscale hotel with a number of fun little restaurants. Also check out the church across the blue-gray cobblestone street. (The blue cobblestones were used as ballast on earlier ships. ) if you turn left at the top of the hill and continue, you will end up at the great Fort El Morro.

Enjoy

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Does anyone know if they are doing the bio bay tours right now? Will be Dec 30-Jan 1

I took an excursion with East Island tours on the 22nd and one of the crew members said that Fajardo and Vieques bio bays have not recouped from the storm. She said that she did not know of any excursions at this time. It may take some time to get back to the great brilliance I remember. She didn’t know the status of the southern coast site near Lajas.

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Thank you so much for your report! You certainly got around and saw a lot. We will be there the night before our cruise in March and have reservations at El Convento. We were hoping to see the forts so I’m glad to hear they are open. We will probably walk around Old San Juan and admire the architecture.

 

Did you notice if the trolley was running? It would make things easier. We’re looking forward to our visit

 

 

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Sorry but the trolleys are not currently working. I can’t imagine it taking too much longer as there were 3 cruise ships in the other day and the streets were packed.

Have a great time.

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Come to San Juan and Puerto Rico and have a super time.

Have no fears as things are progressing incredibly and the people are so thankful for people visiting.

The Forts are up and running. They should never be missed. As impressive as they look outside, they are more impressive and picturesque inside. $7 entrance fee is good for BOTH forts for 2 days. The kite flying and incredible cemetery by El Morro add to the visit.

Eat at the ChocoBar. (And drink). If you are a chocolate fan, it simply is a must stop location.

If you are staying in Condado, try breakfast at Pinky’s across from La Concha resort/hotel. The drunken pilot was a clear winner for me.

If you are fortunate enough to stay at La Concha, the rooms are more than comfy.

If you are looking for lunch, just down the street is Kabanas. Don’t pass up on the Fish Tacos.

Also stayed at the Best Western Condado Palm and the Wave (boutique hotel). Both clean and comfortable. The Wave rooms are on the small side but the view of the lagoon and hot tubs rooftop make up for it.

A side note, they did not have elevators working yet but there are only 7 floors plus the rooftop. Front desk super hospitable. Call if this may be a concern or perhaps fixed.

Also spent 2 days at the Intercontinental in Isla Verde. If you want that Wow factor in a hotel/resort check this out. Pools, hot tubs and on the beach. Still doing small fixer upper projects but a perfect spot for beach lovers and near the airport.

We also ventured to the west side of the island and stayed at the Holiday Inn in Mayaguez. Very nice rooms and follow up on a temperamental air conditioner was quickly taken care of. Along with follow up by the front desk.

A little far away from the water so will probably will look at places in Rincon next time.

However, eat at González Sea Food Restaurant. We stumbled upon it and was so happy we did. They started us off with a fish and plantain soup. I know, weird combo but OMG so good. We had 4 different fish dishes and were all really happy. It explains all of the cars in the parking lot. To top it off was this perfect sunset

Speaking of Rincon, check out the Lighthouse and Sandy Beach area. Well worth visiting.

Ate at a small restaurant in the middle of town that was without electricity in the dining room and kitchen was run by a generator. They were so appreciative of us stopping by.

Also a must see when visiting the west side is visiting the lighthouse and incredible cliffs of Cabo Rojo. Breathtaking. The last 2 Miles are dirt roads but so worth it.

As far as our trip goes the biggest hiccup was 15-25% of traffic signals were not working. So you had to take extra care when approaching intersections. Drivers were extremely courteous about letting cars through or merging. More and more will be working soon as Electric Trucks are everywhere.

A small commentary. The biggest problem with electricity in the island is supplies. The workers we talked to said that if there were materials progress would have been and will be substantially better. There are plenty of workers and a special shout out to Con Edison as their trucks are all over.

I was thanked by so many shop owners and people all over the island for visiting. The cruise ships are back. The hotels are filled with many workers so supply is limited and a little overpriced. I see that changing so check the various travel sites as deals can be found.

Overall, don’t be afraid to come to San Juan and Puerto Rico.

Sorry this was a little long but hopefully it is helpful.

PS: The rainforest, El Yunque is not yet open for visitors and looks to be closed for a while.

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Walked by there yesterday, they were working on the patio area out by the beach. Staying there tomorrow. Great area. Check out a small restaurant across the street called Pinky’s for breakfast.

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To not visit the forts would be a missed opportunity. I especially like El Morro. Also walk down the Paseo de la Princessa. Gardens and statues line this walkway to the inlet and the spectacular bronze sculpture/fountain named Raices. Follow along the fortress walls called La Muralla to the San Juan gate. You will pass more sculptures and incredible trees. The San Juan gate is red and leads back into Old San Juan at the El Convento hotel. A number of good restaurants are around there. If you keep walking to the left it will lead to the green grassy fields which surround El Morro. Admittance is around $5. Views are priceless. You will also notice a super old cemetery that also should be viewed.

Enjoy and maybe I’ll see you there later this week.

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I love taking the bus. 75 cents. They don’t take dollar bills. Then walk down to the Paseo de la Princessa and follow it to the water and one of the most incredible fountains.

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This has been my favorite spot in the Caribbean to go snorkeling.