San Juan, Puerto Rico
Oct 15, 2007, 8:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: MFE / SAT
Programs: UA Premier Silver, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 3,681
San Juan, Puerto Rico
I am thinking about taking the family to San Juan for spring break. Is this an ok time or is it going to be packed with tourists? I am debating between the Sheraton, Renaissance, and the Marriott Casino. Which one of these is in the best location/ nice? Also, I want to do alot of sightseeing while I am there, do you recommend renting a car or taking a taxi?
Oct 19, 2007, 2:31 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MIA/SJU/MCO
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Posts: 3,331
It's gonna be busy, there's no doubt about it, however it shouldn't get unbearable. That being said, the Sheraton in Old San Juan is in a great location on the edge of the Old City next to the Port of San Juan... I believe it's also the newest of the three hotels. I would avoid the Marriott due to all of the construction presently going on in the Condado area, and since there's quite a few stories about it being haunted.
As far as getting around... Taxis get expensive. In the old city there's a free trolley that runs around the city, and the busses can get you where you're going within the SJ Metro area. If you want to explore, get a car. Driving rules are the same as the US, just be extremely cautious as most drivers on the island... are... er... crazy. One thing though, expect confusion since we use metric distances on signs with MPH signs for fun
As far as getting around... Taxis get expensive. In the old city there's a free trolley that runs around the city, and the busses can get you where you're going within the SJ Metro area. If you want to explore, get a car. Driving rules are the same as the US, just be extremely cautious as most drivers on the island... are... er... crazy. One thing though, expect confusion since we use metric distances on signs with MPH signs for fun
Oct 20, 2007, 9:52 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Hubbardsville, NY
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Posts: 47
Condado
Stay at the Marriott in Condado, great place, good food, close to other things, right on the beach, really can't beat it, oh' decent casino also. 
Oct 20, 2007, 5:38 pm
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2007
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mkt thanks for all of your help. I have decided to rent a car, but do any of you all recommend driving around the island to explore and sight see or just stay in San Juan?
Oct 20, 2007, 5:44 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA
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Posts: 342
Oct 20, 2007, 7:45 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MIA/SJU/MCO
Programs: AA LT PLT; DL GLD, UA nothing, B6 Mosaic; Emerald Club Executive
Posts: 3,331
Personally, I would recommend going to El Yunque (the rainforest). It's about an hour east of San Juan and relatively easy to get to. Just don't speed on Rte 66 - You will get caught 
From Old San Juan you can take a quick (5-10 minute) and cheap (50 cents I think) ferry across the harbor to Cataño and the Bacardi distillery.
If you want to venture out of San Juan for longer than a few hours, Ponce is about 2 hours away on the south of the island and the history district is worth seeing. Also, you can drive to Fajardo and take the ferry to Culebra which is absolutely stunning.
From Old San Juan you can take a quick (5-10 minute) and cheap (50 cents I think) ferry across the harbor to Cataño and the Bacardi distillery.
If you want to venture out of San Juan for longer than a few hours, Ponce is about 2 hours away on the south of the island and the history district is worth seeing. Also, you can drive to Fajardo and take the ferry to Culebra which is absolutely stunning.
Oct 21, 2007, 3:18 pm
#11
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Join Date: Apr 2007
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mkt, I cannot thank you enough for all of your help. I looked at all of the hotels and the one that looks most promising is the La Concha Renaissance Resort. Am I wrong or is this hotel on the beach and a close drive to Old San Juan?
Oct 21, 2007, 5:53 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2005
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La Concha is right on the beach, but I went by there today and it's still under quite a bit of construction. Maybe it'll be done by spring break.
Oct 26, 2007, 4:56 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MIA/SJU/MCO
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Posts: 3,331
I lived in Condado for over 10 years and only one time did I ever need the police for anything. I'm sure there won't be any problems staying there.