This week we have a super easy but wonderful getaway for you: San Juan, Puerto Rico.
While many people skip San Juan and head straight for a resort when they visit Puerto Rico, we urge you to consider the city your main destination, particularly if you've only got a few days to spare but want to go somewhere tropical, with a cultural edge not found stateside.
There's lots to see and do in this charming, beachside city, and most importantly, heading here from New York couldn't be more convenient or inexpensive. Flights (and we found tons of super cheap ones for as little as $232 - nonstop, roundtrip and including all taxes and fees!) clock in at just 3 hours and 58 minutes.
Once you arrive in San Juan, taxis are cheap - there's no need for you to rent a car in the city. And unlike the rest of Caribbean (save for the US Virgin Islands), there's obviously no passport control or customs to deal with once you've landed. Finally, in terms of planning your getaway, PR hotels are practically having fire sales - and as always, we've found some fantastic accommodations at cut-rate prices!
If you're looking for unique architecture, history, food and culture, San Juan really has it all (particularly Old San Juan, our favorite neighborhood). It also has lots to offer for outdoor enthusiasts: beautiful beaches, fantastic sailing, snorkeling and surfing. Best yet, the vibe in San Juan is decidedly laid back - there's no sense that you have to pack everything in on one trip! This is the perfect place to show up with zero plans.
Overall, San Juan truly makes for a perfect long weekend getaway. So keep reading for our thoughts on what to do, where to eat and how to have fun in San Juan!
xo,
your jauntsetter Editor, Dorothy
______________________________
Trip Details
When to Go
The weather in San Juan is wonderfully warm right now with highs in the mid-80's and lows in the mid-70's. Sounds just about right for us! So we say, head down as soon as you can. Otherwise, two words of caution: "Spring Break."
_________________________________
Length of Stay
As we mentioned, San Juan is a lovely long weekend getaway. While you could spend a week and be entertained in the city, even just three nights will do for a quick and affordable jaunt. Consider it.
_________________________________
Getting There
American, Continental and JetBlue all have direct flights to San Juan in the mid-$200's or below. The cheapest fares we found were for early March on JetBlue, for $232, using Kayak.com.
_________________________________
Getting Around
As mentioned, taxis are readily available from the airport and in San Juan, except after 10pm. Instead of trying to hail one from the street (which will make you look like an obvious tourist and potential pickpocket target) have a restaurant or bar call you a cab. Or simply walk to a nearby hotel and order one there.
_________________________________
Where to Stay
Our #1 Pick: The Andalucia Guest House
The Andalucia Guest House is not only our #1 Pick for a place to stay in San Juan, it's our budget pick as well! Room rates start at just $85/a night at this highly reviewed inn (check out its glowing TripAdvisor reviews here).
This hotel won't be serving you breakfast in bed or providing you with fluffy robes and slippers, but that doesn't mean it lacks amenities: it has free WiFi, a clean, inviting jacuzzi and super-friendly owners who won't mind helping you with restaurant or activity suggestions. If you're really on a budget, they'll even help you figure out the bus system, which is surprisingly easy to use when you're stationed at The Andalucia - lots of stops are nearby, and a free route even runs by the hotel. With that in mind, the location really is hard to beat: restaurants, a beautiful beach and lots of shops are within walking distance. Request your reservation here.
Our Midrange Pick + Splurge Pick: El Convento
Normally this former 16-century-convent-cum-hotel would be relegated to our "Splurge" category. After all, regular room rates are $270 and up, and easily reach the $500s during the high season (Christmas to New Year's). We think such fancy prices are unsurprising (and pretty much justified) because El Convento is considered San Juan's "Number 1" hotel by many, including notoriously fickle TripAdvisor reviewers. Like other luxury properties in San Juan, this accommodation pick has all the amenities (rooftop pool) and perks (complimentary evening wine receptions) you'd expect from a five-star hotel. What makes El Convento unique, however, is that it delivers them all with a healthy dose of character and lots of warmth.
So why are we including El Convento as our Midrange Pick as well as our Splurge Pick? Simply put, we found a deal so good, it drove El Convento's prices low enough to beat out the rates of our other Midrange choices. The best part yet? The special we're referring to is good till December of 2009!
These super discounted rates are oddly part of a package aimed at people who are about to depart on, or have just returned from, a cruise - though you don't need to be a cruise passenger* to book a room at just $179/night. The package rate includes two pina coladas (yay!), a tote bag (yay?) and a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room. There's a two night minimum - though more nights can easily be booked. [Ed note: this rate has sold out, and rates are now starting at $250/night for a Queen Deluxe - still a good rate.]
(*Whenever we think of cruises, we think of one of our favorite DFW pieces. It really left an indelible impression upon us when we read it; we'd never considered taking a cruise before, and we certainly haven't since!)
_________________________________
To Do
We'll have some more blog posts this week on what to do in San Juan, including where to dine, dance and drink! Make sure you also check out our tips on taking a sidetrip to Vieques - a must do if you have a few days, or even a week, to spare in Puerto Rico.
_________________________________
