San Juan Puerto Rico

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

I would like to hear your experience and recommendations.

Safety, walkability, hotels, need a car

I have been to US Virgin Islands. We don't do water/beach activities but are more interested in sights, history. After reading about the history of Cuba and Haiti, the entire area has an interesting history.

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

We were there many years ago (1986) on a cruise. We picked up the ship in San Juan and they warned us not to go out alone especially at night. Some people ignored the warnings and got mugged. They drive like maniacs in cabs over there. Don't know if it's changed for the better or worse.

cjm61 · ‎09-07-2014

I first read your post @granddi and decided not to express my opinion. I had been there in the 80's, also on a cruise, and did not have a good experience. However, after reading @Meowingkitty response, I do have to agree.

We have a similar story regarding getting mugged.

With all that said, my niece lived there about 7 years ago for a year, her husband was in the Coast Guard. They loved it but remained in the safer parts and never ventured out.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

Haven't been there for several years but remember the Old Town San Juan (or what the exact name is) was very interesting along with the fort. We are not beach people and IMO, Puerto Rico is about the only island in the Caribbean we would have an interest in revisiting. Unfortunately, since Arecibo has closed, the incentive to return is not as great.

Did not rent a car; took tours. Stayed in Old Town one time (the Sheraton) and the Condado Beach area another.

As far as danger, we do not go out at night in any place we visit except for an early dinner. No place is "safe" anymore.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

My sister and I spent a day in San Juan before a cruise. We had a very congenial taxi driver take us from the airport to our hotel so we hired him to return the next morning and give us a tour of the city. Being a native and very knowledgeable, he did an excellent job. San Juan is a lot more interesting than I expected.

We walked to a restaurant for dinner that served authentic food and felt perfectly safe. We ate lunch at the interesting courtyard café where the Pina Colada was invented.

It was very hot (in February) and humid, most humid place I've ever been and I lived over 30 years in Houston. I think they have showers every day.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

OMG! This couldn't come at a better time. We decided on Puero Rico for our August vacation. We're getting together to make the reservation s today. Looking forward to the responses.

ciao_bella · ‎03-13-2010

My cousin retired and lived in Puerto Rico for about 10 years before returning to live in the states after hurricane Maria in 2017. When we visited we stayed at the Sheraton in Old San Juan. It's very conveniently located to all the things you would want to see or do. You can jump on a free tourist tram right in front of the Sheraton that takes you around the Fort and other sites. You can get on and off at the tourist areas as you want.

There are plenty of great places to walk to and grab something to eat like the island's famous 'mafongo', which by the way is delicous, to authentic Puerto Rican restaurants. A good restaurant in Old San Juan is 'Restaurante Raices'. Excellent food and just a quick few steps from the Sheraton. I wouldn't bother with a car, you don't need it. If you're not into the beaches, I would suggest staying in Old San Juan. There are side trips that you can register to take right from the hotel like the Rain Forest, etc.

We once stayed in New San Juan at a boutique hotel which was nice, but enjoyed Old San Juan so much better. We had to go by cab everyday from the beachy new San Juan to the interesting Old San Juan. There's so much more to see and do in Old San Juan. Enjoy and have a good time!

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OKPrincess · ‎03-10-2013

When we were there, it was 1975 to be exact and on a cruise.

The one thing that stands out to me is a lifeless body on the side of the road as our excursion group was headed to the rainforest. I believe it was a result of a traffic accident.

Just not use to seeing it 😱

We have made a decision to stay in the USA and explore the lower 48. So much to see and do.

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

@granddi wrote:
I would like to hear your experience and recommendations.
Safety, walkability, hotels, need a car

I have been to US Virgin Islands. We don't do water/beach activities but are more interested in sights, history. After reading about the history of Cuba and Haiti, the entire area has an interesting history.

@granddi Tourist areas are usually relatively safe in daylight and being careful not to explore alone.

When working at Delta Airlines in headquarters many years ago San Juan was one of our destinations. We were aware of the dangers and were careful when we traveled to Puerto Rico and St. Croix which we loved.

We rescue cats · ‎01-25-2023

It's been at least 6 years since we were there last but things were fine as long as one remembered that though one is on vacation and surrounded by paradise common sense needs to be top of mind. I would not walk in unfamiliar areas at night here at home and so I would avoid it on vacation as well. As much of the Caribbbean they face drug problems.

A wonderful hotel to visit is El Convento in Old San Juan, it was built in the 1600s as a convent and is now a great small luxury hotel with excellent dining.