San Juan with the Locals

Dancing and celebrating in the streets with local San Juaneros.

Quick Tips:

You may end up spending more than anticipated on food, so figure that into your budget, with some "wiggle room" so you don't end up short-changing yourself on anything!

Best Way To Get Around:

The best ways are by taxi and bus. The taxis are affordable-about from the airport to Condado, from Condado to Old San Juan, and from Condado to Santurce.

This hotel was very nice, and they are starting interior renovations (to the carpet and furniture) soon, so I think it will be even nicer!

The room was fairly typical, but included a mini-bar and walk-in closet. All rooms have a balcony, some facing the ocean, some the lagoon, and some the street. Even street-view rooms, though, have partial water views.

The hotel has a casino with blackjack, poker, slots, craps, roulette, and more. There are several restaurants, some overpriced, but very convenient.

The concierge is very accommodating and will hold your bags before and/or after check-in if you are still touring around after leaving (before checking in). Cabs are readily available at the front door. Also in front of the hotel is a bus stop, and for $0.25, you can go to Old San Juan (Bus B21) or Condado.

There are three pools-one is a lap pool (Lagoon Side), which is not that nice, but, on the ocean side, there is a saltwater pool, a regular pool (with small waterslide), and a hot tub. I believe these are open 24 hours a day because I used the hot tub in the middle of the night and nobody questioned me. Towels are available. There is also a small beach. It is not luxurious, but very suitable.

I would definitely recommend staying here. There are often price deals, the location is very convenient, and the amenities are of a good quality.

Barrachina's is a good place to go for local Puerto Rican fare. Also, it is the birthplace of the Pina Colada. With this in mind, there can be a lot of tourists there, especially during the day. Go for a later dinner, and you may well be one of only a few occupied tables. The entree was about $15 to $18 while a pina colada was about $6. And let me tell you, I don't like Pina Coladas, but I got one since this place is "famous"-it was WONDERFUL.

Try the Chicken Mofongo! And if you're lucky, Carlos will be your waiter!

If you want to hang with the locals in the street, this is the place to be. El Mercado de Santurce turns into an all-out street fest at night on the weekends. Bars lining the square flow into the street and two stages (one with Spanish Rock, one with salsa) play for the crowds. Some bars also have live music. San Juaneros of all ages dance and party in the streets. Beer flows. Menus are generally only in Spanish. There is free "entry."

If you are comfortable with the fact that you may stick out like a sore thumb (i.e. not being Puerto Rican), and you want to experience a local event, this is for you. Many people may want to talk to you and practice their English, see how your trip is going, and flirt. If you are uncomfortable with this and with all eyes being on you, this may not be an ideal destination for you.

Beer service can stop anywhere from 11pm till 2am, all depending on the crowd and the mood.

Coaches is pretty much filled with locals. One room has a big bar and live music (English and Spanish rock, at least on Friday nights), and the other has a few pool tables. The crowd is mostly 23 to 33 years old, and it does get crowded. It was definitely a good time, and the party goes late into the night (or should I say early morning).

Rumba is mostly locals. It's a relatively tiny bar with a small dance floor. A jukebox plays salsa, and dancing is impromptu and fun. Many dancers are quite good, but if you aren't, there is likely someone who will be willing to teach you.

This store offers a variety of Puerto Rican specialties -- masks, carvings, musical instruments, jewelry, etc. All is of high quality, and in my opinion, it is better and more fairly priced than that which is seen in Old San Juan.