Puerto Rico? (apartments, rentals, hotels)

[leavingcali]

Okay...in December I will turn 30 and hopefully, I will also be graduating with my MA. I did a big 30th birthday bash almost 3 years ago for my husband, and now it is my turn. I want tropical, beautiful, beachy wonderland. I want fun places to eat and drink, some partying, but not party central. I want some tourism, but not overly touristy like Los Cabos (Mexico) etc. My mom suggested Puerto Rico today. What do you think? Which areas in Puerto Rico would be best? I like to snorkel, eat, walk around, eat, drink, did I mention eat? I don't believe I have ever visited the Carribean Ocean, so I want to be somewhere in Puerto Rico that is on the Carribean side (I believe it is surrounded by the Atlantic and Carribean, right?).

What are your suggestions?

Many thanks!!

[roanoker 4]

I think you would like Puerto Rico. I visited there about 5 years ago and found it to be a nice alternative to the usual caribbean island experience. I stayed in the condado section of San Juan at the Condado Plaza Hotel, on the ocean. There is a long bridge that connects this section to Old San Juan with tons of nice restaurants(Rachel Ray loves this place), touristy sights, nightlife, casinos, etc. I think a lot of people avoid big cities like San Juan thinking its not tropical or relaxing, but I liked more excitement, restaurants than most caribbean islands offer. Puerto Rico is a poor island overall and other parts of the island looked rather shabby. I was surprised at how many italian restaurants were there!! Visit the rain forest in the middle of the island for spectacular views also. Have a great time!

[shannaCT]

Hi! Im an American who used to live in Puerto Rico with my (current) boyfriend of 12 years... I'm 29 also!

The West Coast (Caribbean Sea side) is very non-touristy, more 'Puerto Rican' in my opinion... People are so friendly and pretty laid-back!

We lived in Moca which is near the west coast. The most beautiful beach I was able to visit while living there was Crashboat beach in Aguadilla... not a town beach, a beach with parking, but no lifeguards and the such.. Its at the bottom of a cliffy area, and the water is perfectly clear and aqua... There's an American whose skin is so weathered by the sun that sells hats made out of palm leaves @ that beach...

Also in Aguadilla, down on the old Air Force base (also where the airport is for NW PR), is a golf course with little roads leading to beaches that no one seems to go to anymore- maybe a little rocky for swimming, but spectacular sights and beauty.

Boqueron Beach (a town beach) in the Cabo Rojo area has a great rep, but I havent visited.

Rincon has a great rep for surfing... I dont surf, so its a little rough for me. Some of its beaches are good for swimming.

You have the Mayaguez Hilton & Casino in Mayaguez (Mayaguez has the other airport for the Western part of PR), theres also another casino @ the Holiday Inn, I think? Theyre both located on the same major road...

I cant think of any party places that might cater to tourists and stuff, except for the few hotels... they have banquet halls and stuff that locals might use for stuff... The party thing might be more fun in San Juan, but I sooo highly recommend the west for at least a day or a few!!!!

Ive included some pics!

View from highway in Aguadilla


Isabela- on NW Atlantic coast- rougher water- nice sights tho


Isabela again


Taken on way down to Crashboat Beach, Aguadilla


Also taken on way down to Crashboat from road...


Crashboat from pier thingy where boats used to dock?


I obviously liked Crashboat, lol!


Again...


Other pics of the places I mentioned are readily available on the net- best of luck!

[leavingcali]

Thank you so much to both of you. The pics are beautiful!

[Coco55-22]

Originally Posted by leavingcali

Okay...in December I will turn 30 and hopefully, I will also be graduating with my MA. I did a big 30th birthday bash almost 3 years ago for my husband, and now it is my turn. I want tropical, beautiful, beachy wonderland. I want fun places to eat and drink, some partying, but not party central. I want some tourism, but not overly touristy like Los Cabos (Mexico) etc. My mom suggested Puerto Rico today. What do you think? Which areas in Puerto Rico would be best? I like to snorkel, eat, walk around, eat, drink, did I mention eat? I don't believe I have ever visited the Carribean Ocean, so I want to be somewhere in Puerto Rico that is on the Carribean side (I believe it is surrounded by the Atlantic and Carribean, right?).

What are your suggestions?

Many thanks!!

We will be passing through San Juan and have about a 5 hour layover. What would you suggest we do in that time. We've never been to San Juan.

[leavingcali]

Originally Posted by Coco55-22

We will be passing through San Juan and have about a 5 hour layover. What would you suggest we do in that time. We've never been to San Juan.

I've never been there either. I recommend sending a private message to ShannaCT--she used to live there.

[purtex]

Originally Posted by Coco55-22

We will be passing through San Juan and have about a 5 hour layover. What would you suggest we do in that time. We've never been to San Juan.

With a 5 hrs layover you also have to keep in mind having to go back through security at the airport, which they can be long. Definetely wear something comfortable (bathing suit and sandals) or a change of clothes in a backpack and take a cab to Isla Verde. It's a beach area right next to the airport. You can go for a swim or just walk on the beach. There's also many restaurants and shops along the strip.

[purtex]

Originally Posted by leavingcali

Okay...in December I will turn 30 and hopefully, I will also be graduating with my MA. I did a big 30th birthday bash almost 3 years ago for my husband, and now it is my turn. I want tropical, beautiful, beachy wonderland. I want fun places to eat and drink, some partying, but not party central. I want some tourism, but not overly touristy like Los Cabos (Mexico) etc. My mom suggested Puerto Rico today. What do you think? Which areas in Puerto Rico would be best? I like to snorkel, eat, walk around, eat, drink, did I mention eat? I don't believe I have ever visited the Carribean Ocean, so I want to be somewhere in Puerto Rico that is on the Carribean side (I believe it is surrounded by the Atlantic and Carribean, right?).

What are your suggestions?

Many thanks!!

Highly recommend Puerto Rico. There's a lot to do if you choose too or you can just relax by the beach. Check out vrbo.com for vacation rentals by owners, I think it's better than staying at a hotel. You could find apartments or beach homes that rent for about $150/day and sleep 6-8 people. That sounds like a party to me!! Enjoy...

[tooshort]

I also highly recommend Puerto Rico. We had a great time there. We stayed in Condado also and went to the Isla Verde beach which was calm, warm and relaxing. For excursions, we rented a car and toured the island ourselves...go to the rain forest as it is beautiful and a must see...bring your walking shoes though!

We also did a boat excursion of Culebra..which is the Spanish Virgin Islands...it was GORGEOUS! The most beautiful water I have ever seen in my life.

For night life, definitly visit Old San Juan. Good clubs and great restaurants!

You will enjoy it!

[Coco55-22]

Originally Posted by purtex

With a 5 hrs layover you also have to keep in mind having to go back through security at the airport, which they can be long. Definetely wear something comfortable (bathing suit and sandals) or a change of clothes in a backpack and take a cab to Isla Verde. It's a beach area right next to the airport. You can go for a swim or just walk on the beach. There's also many restaurants and shops along the strip.

Thank You so much! I have looked around the PR web sites, and Isla Verde looks like the place to be!