First time toPuerto Rico..suggestions?

getting away with friends for a few days to Puerto Rico..into the nightlife, beaches, sights and sounds of the beautiful island..first time for us all..suggestions for those who only have a few days there?

how many people? do you want to stay near SJU? are you renting a vehicle? are you hoping to dodge the cruise pax?
we'll all be happy to contribute 2 cents worth of advice...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (jpammit @ Jan 15 2008, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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getting away with friends for a few days to Puerto Rico..into the nightlife, beaches, sights and sounds of the beautiful island..first time for us all..suggestions for those who only have a few days there?[/b]

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I&#39;ve only been once but if I went again I would not stay in SJU like we did. It&#39;s expensive and not so nice. Check out the Fort and old areas of SJU but then venture out. Google "paradors". They are a system of local hotels kind of like B&Bs. They&#39;re more local and not like an american chain hotel. I think they&#39;re government sponsored.

Definitely hike in the rain forest. That was cool.

I&#39;d like to go over to Ponce. It&#39;s on the Caribbean side. SJU is Atlantic. If I couldn&#39;t make it all the way over to Ponce, I would check out ferry&#39;s over to Veiques or Culebra, smaller islands off the coast.

If you are choosing to stay near SJU/Old San Juan (with bus access) there are a few family-friendly small inns on the beach.
www.trespalmasinn.com nice place/people--they will address possible discount if not pre-cruise. across from water/beach with skinny road between--rooftop jacuzzis

I liked www.numero1guesthouse.com aka numero uno on the beach parador--a bit pricey sometimes...

If you&#39;re interested in cool place--Vieques is the hot island off to the east of PR--used to be primarily US Naval base( remember the news stories about "bombing" the beaches??) It has changed dramatically--still slightly remote, but that can be very good!!

I agree w/Chris about getting away form SJU unless you have short stay. Local buses are very friendly way to get around, too.

thanks for the time, 4-6 people, we&#39;ll probably be renting a car, we&#39;re open to ideas, just want to have a good time for my bday, checking out the sights and beaches during the day , dancing and drinks during the night..thanks

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR SUGGESTIONS! http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...#>/biggrin.gif

got back last week and had a blast! We stayed at ESJ Towers which is in San Juan, next to EL San Juan Hotel...if you&#39;re looking to cut costs this works best because the room had microwave, refrigerator, sink, etc...rooms are ok but since its next door , you still have easy access to El San Juan for the casino, nightlife etc...also, the hotel is right on the beach....we did the Bacardi Rum Factory, which is free and they also give you coupons for free drinks after the tour..also, El Yunque Rainforest is beautiful, next time I&#39;ll have to bring my swimsuit, and Old San Juan for alot of the historical sites and souvenir shopping..hope this helps for those interested in going.