Isla Verde, "the green island"

An August 2001 trip to San Juan by Joe & Erica

Isla Verde, a district of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a tropical paradise!!! From amazing beaches to a luscious rain forest to a hot night life, you are guaranteed to find excitement here. If you listen at night, you will hear chirpping that you may think are birds. But it is actually the song of the Corque frog (I am not sure if I spelled that correctly). Instead of saying "ribbit ribbit", it sounds like they are chirping "corque, corque". It is quite a beautiful and peaceful sound.

  • 5 reviews
If you are enjoy nature, you must go to El Yunque Rain Forest. The mountainous view and the luscious green scenery will take your breath away. You can also go horseback riding along the beautiful beaches. There is also Old San Juan with the forts for all of you who are into the historic point of travel. There is also plenty of shopping to do there. Last but not least, there are plenty of clubs and casinos for all of you who enjoy an exciting nightlife.

Quick Tips:

If you want some casino fun, clubbing, a beautiful bar and an outrageous dinner, I suggest visiting El San Juan Hotel and Casino. It has it all!!!!

Best Way To Get Around:

Taxis and buses are your best way to get around. There is a bus in Isla Verde that goes straight into Old San Juan. I would go there by bus. However, all other travelling I did, I preferred taxi services.

Wyndham El San Juan Hotel and CasinoBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Wyndham - El San Juan Hotel & Casino"

This resort is completely amazing. You walk into a lobby with a HUGE crystal chandelier and a bar that is set in deep mahogony wood. It boasts of class and luxury. There are a lot of dress codes (pretty ritzy place), so be prepared. There are 8 restaurants, a few pools, a casino, a club, an exercise room, and the beach all on this resort (plus so much more). I went there in 1997 and 2001 on a company trip. We hopefully will go again. Many famous people go there as well since it is one classy place. There is also nightly live entertainment in the lobby bar and a cigar shop. Actually, there are quite a few shops in this hotel. So, if you enjoy the excitement of a bar, a casino, a club, great dining, all with a touch of class, this resort is perfect for you. If you ever go, you won't regret it. If you are staying in Puerto Rico at a less expensive resort, at least go visit. Have dinner, dance at the club, gamble a bit and enjoy a drink at the bar in the lobby as you listen to the live entertainment (which is also fantastic!). BY THE WAY, FOR THOSE WITH CHILDREN....THEY HAVE GREAT PROGRAMS FOR KIDS!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Joe & Erica on July 23, 2002

Wyndham El San Juan Hotel and Casino
6063 ISLA VERDE AVE San Juan, Puerto Rico
787-791-1000

La Piccola FontanaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This restaurant is in the El San Juan Hotel & Casino. The food is expensive but delicious. It is good for families or a romantic dinner. They have this water that is imported from Italy that flows down your throat like silk! The service is great, too. The waiters know not to be in your way, yet they also seem to be right there when they are needed. It is a small restaurant and has a classy atmosphere. It is located off of the main lobby of the hotel (where the main bar is). I went with my husband and one other couple. For the four of us, the meal was approximately $140.00 (without tip) but we also didn't have any alcoholic beverages. While we were there, another couple enjoyed a meal with their young daughter (around 6 years old). This restaurant is also peaceful. It is not an appropriate choice for a large party that would be getting too loud. If you are looking for a nice and relaxing, delicious meal, check out this restaurant for an enjoyable dining experience.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Joe & Erica on July 23, 2002

La Piccola Fontana
6063 Isla Verde Avenue Isla Verde, Puerto Rico 00902
+1 787 791 1000 x 12

This restaurant has the most amazing Chinese food that I have ever eaten in my life. I ate there twice this last time that I went and once when I went in 1997. Before you even get into the restaurant you walk through a little hallway that really looks like the "backstreets of Hong Kong". If you love Chinese food, you will want to eat there every night. If you don't love Chinese food, you will after eating here!!!! The meals are pricey, but it is a classy resort with top-quality restaurants in it. The size of the meals also comes into consideration. You may be paying for it, but you are getting your money's wortth of food. If you enjoy a bit of spice, try their Shredded Beef and Chicken Schezuan Style. It is out of this world. The walkway that is like actual streets of Hong Kong is amazing, but the inside of the actual restaurant is just like a normal restaurant (tables with cloth linens) and some fancy woodwork. Other than that, the actual inside of the restaurant isn't decorated to resemble Hong Kong. I do suggest this restaurant for larger parties (they can definitely accommodate for it) and they have great Saki(japanese rice wine). When I first went there, it was with a party of roughly 16 people and we had the time of our life!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Joe & Erica on July 23, 2002

Back Street Hong Kong
El San Juan Hotel & Casino San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902
+1 787 791 2035

RanchBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Ranch"

This restaurant is on the 1oth floor of the El San Juan Hotel & Casino. It is partially outdoors so you can watch the sunset while dining. Great western meals (awesome ribs and grilled corn on the cob). There is also a mechanical bull there to try out your skills!! It makes for a fun and exciting meal. This restaurant is perfect family atmosphere. It has the total western look and appeal. The prices are decent as well. You can also get a meal for less than the price indicated above (it will be cheaper if you ordered a burger). The $20-$30 range reflects a meal like I mentioned already (the ribs, corn on the cob, appetizers, etc.).
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Joe & Erica on July 24, 2002

Ranch
Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino Carolina, Puerto Rico 00902
+1 787 791 1000

About the Writer

Joe & Erica
Joe & Erica
Staten Island, New York

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