GretchenK

Looking to spend 3 days in Puerto Rico after two week cruise. Currently looking at Caribe Hilton, Condado Plaza Hotel, El Convento Hotel and the Westin Rio Mar....Any suggestions/recommendations/advice.....looking for convenience to attractions and a beautiful beach area. Thanks!

Rob

El Convento is in Old San Juan. It do\es not have a beach and is not near one. The Condado Plaza is next to a small public beach that is not very good. The Hilton has a man made beach that is okay. The Westin has the best beach of the hotels listed but it is not in San Juan, It is about 15 miles east of San Juan. It is convenient to the Rain Forest. You might check out the Ritz Carlton and the Wyndham El San Juan.

Victoria

We stood at the Westin in May. It is a beautiful property. However, here are some things to consider. The beach is very large and beautiful. The sand is a red clay in color. The water is brown and extremely rough. The pools are beautiful. The pools can become crowded from the locals, especially on the weekend. The weather in Puerto Rico can be rainy often. San Juan is very crowded. However it is closer to more things to do. The rainforest is beautiful. Honestly Puerto Rico does not have the best beaches either. You may want to consider the the Wyndham El Conquistador. A beautiful property. They have a private island to swim. However, you have to take a funnicular to get to it. The beach here is beautiful. Look into this hotel. There are 10 restaurants and a great spa. Good luck!!

tom42

What type of attractions do you want to be close to? I would look into both the Ritz Carlton and the Wyndham El San Juan. They are both in Isla Verde, which has the best beach area in San Juan. If you are looking for something more secluded, then Westin Rio Mar and Wyndham El Conquistador may be better suited.

scuba2work

Information on Puerto Rico:

There is something called the "rainy season" Which runs from April - November. Then we have dry months.

If you stay in San Juan, you will most likely find crowded beaches. Anywhere there is a high population you will find the beaches less desireable (this is caused by over-population, urban development, and pollution). The best beach in San Juan is Isla Verde beach. I have seen the water crystal clear and the sand is very white.

As far as the comment on that Puerto Rico does not have nice beaches is a little exaggerated. Victoria obviously has not left the confines of the tourist trap.

The best beaches in Puerto Rico are not located on the North Shore. They are located on the West, South and in the East. The island of Culebra has one of the best beaches in the U.S.

The Caribe Hilton was fun, been there on business. It has it's own lagoon area and it will be clean. The El San Juan (ESJ) is located on Isla Verde or any other hotel on the strip.

Good luck with your trip. You will have fun in Puerto Rico.

sparks

My vote is for the Wyndham El San Juan! We stayed there for a week & fell in love with it. The grounds are incredible & yet it is close to restaurants & shopping A bus stops right in front that takes you in to Old San Juan. It does not have a private island, that is a sister hotel called the Wyndham El Conquistador which is isolated & you would need a car to get anywhere.

remind

We had some great luck w/ a hotel not mentioned on this site. It was El Consulado in Condado near Ocean Park. The employees were wonderful and so helpful. The rooms were spacious and very clean. Bus is very close so you don't need to drive to Old San Juan. A very nice breakfast was included.

sgibson123

Check out the Gallery Inn in Old San Juan, I stayed for two nights in March and my wife and I fell in love with this place. Check it out at www.TheGalleryInn.com

Marianna

I can't offer any advice about hotels but it's too bad you only have three days, GretchenK. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island - it has much to offer beyond the San Juan area and the "confines of the tourist trap". We just returned from spending the holiday week in Ponce. This was our third year here and every time we go we find new places to explore. We drove to the west this trip and along the coast to Rincon - very lovely with beautiful beaches. Don't get me wrong, SJ and Old SJ are fun and interesting to see but there is more to PR than the high-rise hotel areas and crowded beaches. After your 3 day visit, I'm sure you will want to return someday and spend more time exploring the island.

Have a wonderful visit!