The Caribbean - PR - Last Minute Destination?

This couldn't be more last minute--sorry. I have an Airtran flight voucher that expires today, meaning I must book a single RT today to anywhere on its route map (pending availablity, of course.)

Is Puerto Rico a good destination for a 45 yo. single male who :confused:

-isn't a party/hanging out in bars type, particularly

-much prefers local culture, history, dining to most tourist traps.

-is fine/ sun and fun for a few hours--a trip!

-enjoys "alternative" culture, e.g., small theater productions, performances...

-prefers "local" experience during the day but sleeping in at least a moderate hotel

-is concerned about sanitation/food prep. Sure PR is part of US, but I've inferred the standard don't live up to the mainland.

-had 5 years of high school Spanish which, over time, leaves me with the same basic phrases as everyone with perhaps a touch more listening skills.

I know I've probably included less important info and left out more applicable, but time's a-runnin' down. Any hints/comments gratefully accepted. Thanks!

I love PR personally. There is a lot of culture, food, etc. Easy in/out at the airport. Have fun if you go.

There's a lot of genuine history in San Juan. The natural beauty of the island is delightful: beaches, rainforest, desert, caves, etc. The people are friendly and happy (ok, not all of them) and often quite attractive. The music is infectious. The food is delicious. I could think of worse places for a 45 year old single man to go.

Culture... there are several museums in the San Juan area

http://www.mapr.org/ Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
http://www.museoarteponce.org/ Museo de Arte de Ponce (has a satellite facility in Plaza Las Americas which is within the SJ city limits)
http://www.icp.gobierno.pr/myp/museos/m9.htm PR National Art Gallery

and other stuff...

http://www.cba.gobierno.pr/ Luis A Ferre Performing Arts Center
http://www.caribbeancinemas.com/movie_theaters.asp look up the Fine Arts Cafe... upscale arthouse movie theater that generally is playing one or two independent Spanish language films. Usually with English subtitles.

If you want to see something uniquely Puerto Rican, try and see a local baseball game.


Hotel. At least moderate.... hmm...

Sheraton Old San Juan. Yes it's in a touristy area... but it's chock full o' history. A bit cheaper, much more local, is Da House in the heart of Old San Juan.

http://www.dahousehotelpr.com/
http://www.sheratonoldsanjuan.com/

And with your statuses, there are 3 Marriott Properties (San Juan Marriott in Condado, Renaissance La Concha in Condado, and Courtyard by Marriott in Miramar) and two Hilton properties (the Caribe Hilton, which is a standard here, and the newly branded Conrad Condado Plaza).... these are all in touristy areas though.

and two Hilton properties (the Caribe Hilton, which is a standard here, and the newly branded Conrad Condado Plaza).... these are all in touristy areas though.

mkt, what do you mean by your description of Caribe Hilton? I am trying to decide between the two Hilton properties mentioned by you and would appreciate your insight. I read many negative reviews of Caribe Hilton, and Conrad seems to get more positive reviews.
Thanks.

mkt, thanks for the exhaustive recommendations!

In addition to Andriyko's confirmation about the Caribe, I've a question about the Sheraton San Juan if you're familiar with it. I've read that the renovation since switching from a Wyndham property is, um, "moderate" at best--a decent hotel but with aged, sometimes dirty rooms, slow elevators. Any insights?

Thanks!

mkt, what do you mean by your description of Caribe Hilton? I am trying to decide between the two Hilton properties mentioned by you and would appreciate your insight. I read many negative reviews of Caribe Hilton, and Conrad seems to get more positive reviews.
Thanks.

The Caribe Hilton was the first large US hotel here, and is a landmark. I suppose calling it a standard wasn't the best choice of word, but it's a hotel that is identified with Puerto Rico.

mkt, thanks for the exhaustive recommendations!

In addition to Andriyko's confirmation about the Caribe, I've a question about the Sheraton San Juan if you're familiar with it. I've read that the renovation since switching from a Wyndham property is, um, "moderate" at best--a decent hotel but with aged, sometimes dirty rooms, slow elevators. Any insights?

Thanks!
I've stayed there twice... both times in the same room. My room was a standard Sheraton room... nothing special about it. Nothing to complain about, but nothing to write home about.

Among other properties, we do put up our clients there, and we've had no complaints from them.

There was at one point a total @#$@#%@! (believe me... there isn't an expletitive that would adequately describe this piece of work) who worked the front desk, but I haven't seen her in months... so I'm praying she got canned.