As one of the oldest and most diverse cultures in the world, Puerto Rico is a vibrant, modern, bilingual, multicultural society that has been molded by Spanish, African, Indian and U.S. influences. With twenty-first century conveniences in an alluring 16th historical setting — both ultra-modern and exotic —Puerto Rico is truly the Island of Enchantment.

Spanish Heritage
Christopher Columbus arrived at Puerto Rico in 1493. He originally called the island San Juan Bautista, but thanks to the gold in the river, it was soon known as Puerto Rico, or "rich port;" and the capital city took the name San Juan. Soon, Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony on its way to becoming an important military outpost.

Puerto Rico began to produce cattle, sugar cane, coffee and tobacco, which led to the importation of slaves from Africa. As a result, Puerto Rican bloodlines and culture evolved through a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno and Carib Indian races that shared the island. Today, many Puerto Rican towns retain their Taíno names, such as Utuado, Mayagüez and Caguas.

Currency
The US Dollar is the Puerto Rico currency. There are no customs duties on articles bought in Puerto Rico and taken to the U.S. mainland. Major credit cards are accepted at most businesses, and ATMs connected to major US and international networks are easy to find.

Tipping is a must. The laws for drinking alcoholic beverages and gambling in Puerto Rico are for adults over 18 years of age.

While San Juan's entertainment options shouldn't be compared to Las Vegas or New York, there is still plenty to do here. Sanjuaneros, or the people of San Juan, are serious partygoers, and they know how to keep the party scene alive and well. Playing hard seems to be part of the island's culture.

Clubbing
Old San Juan is without a doubt the place for those who love classic and contemporary culture. There is art, music, and fine dining available at every turn in this historic pocket of the big city. San Juan offers an open invitation for the night owls who want to groove in hot clubs or, find fun at lively bars like Nono’s and Don Pablo's. The best place to have a festive cocktail is along San Sebastián and Cristo Streets.

Museums
If clubbing is not your thing, don't worry! There are plenty of museums and sights around the city to appeal to non-night owls. The Museo de Antropologia, Historia y Museo de Arte e Historia are great places to catch up on local history and lore. For art lovers, there are the Museo de Arte de Ponce and Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Puerto Rico.

Performing Arts
This district has limited upscale entertainment but is rather important because it houses the Luis A. Ferre Performing Arts Center. The center is considered the axis of the local theater scene with famous local and international performers visiting regularly. There are plenty of traditional bars lining Fernández Juncos Avenue for a pre-or post-theater treat.

Cinema
You can always catch up with the latest flicks at one of San Juan's many movie theaters. Movies can be seen at the Caribbean Cinema Plaza las Americas, Fine Arts Cinema or at the Metro.

Old San Juan
This walking tour highlights the most important sights in San Juan's Old City, including Fuerte San Felipe del Morro (El Morro Fortress),Cristo Street, San Juan Cathedral and La Muralla (city wall). Strap on your walking shoes and begin your tour at the Doña Fela parking lot on Recinto Sur Street.

When you reach the Fortaleza Street intersection, the Governor's mansion is located on the left. Its official name is the Palacio de Santa Catalina, but it is known popularly as La Fortaleza. As you continue north, the San Juan Cathedral is visible on your right, across from the Grand Hotel El Convento.

As your stroll continues, you'll pass Plaza San Jose which leads to the historic church of the same name. From this strategic vantage point, you will be able to spy Plaza del Quinto Centenario and El Morro on the horizon. Here the imposing six-level fort, El Morro will loom onto to the horizon. Now part of the San Juan National Historical site, it operates under the auspices of the National Park Service.

Tours are conducted via guides (free from 10 am - 4pm), or you may choose to conduct a self-guided exploration. Wander through its dungeons, lookouts, barracks and vaults. Don't miss a visit to the small museum for a history lesson dating back to the 1500s.

El Morro
Here the imposing six-level fort, will loom onto to the horizon. Now part of the San Juan National Historical site, it operates under the auspices of the National Park Service.

Tours are conducted via guides (free from 10 am – 4 pm), or you may choose to conduct a self-guided exploration. Wander through its dungeons, lookouts, barracks and vaults. Don't miss a visit to the small museum for a history lesson dating back to the 1500s. Old San Juan is small—a seven-square-block area of pastel-colored colonial buildings surrounded by a 140-foot wall built to fend off invaders.

From El Morro, go south via the trail off the Escuela de Artes Plásticas (Plastics Art School) and the Asilo de Beneficiencia (Home for the Indigent). After you pass the pink Casa Rosada you'll reach La Rogativa, which is a small plaza with a huge bronze sculpture depicting a religious procession. Note La Fortaleza's guarded patio.

Then continue your walk through the Puerta de San Juan (San Juan City Gate) into the promenade and you'll reach the beautiful avenue, Paseo de la Princesa. From here the view of the bay is simply breathtaking. Proceed east and you'll be back at the Banco Popular Building, ready to begin your next adventure.

San Juan's Plazas
One thing for sure is that there is no shortage of plazas in San Juan. Begin this tour at the Doña Fela parking lot on Recinto Sur Street in Old San Juan. Walk east along Recinto Sur Street, where you will approach the beautiful Tapia Theatre and if you need a distraction, take a short detour over to the Casino of Puerto Rico and imagine the main room full of Puerto Rico's high society in the 1900'.

Nature and Adventure
Puerto Rico is so diverse in many ways from the eco system  El Yunque National Rain Forest with over 240 different tree species and more than 25,000 acres of lush vegetation to the 11,000 acre Dry Forest located in the municipality of Guanica. There are only a few preserved bioluminescent bays in the world and you can find three of them in Puerto Rico located in la Parguera, Fajardo and Vieques. If you want to be transported to a hidden world, Puerto Rico has one of the largest cave systems in the world  Rio Camuy Cave Park located in Camuy.  Another of Puerto Rico's top attractions is the Bacardi Rum Factory, best known for producing the world finest rum.

You'll delight in Nouveau Latino cooking (traditional Puerto Rican creations updated with modern cooking techniques). From casual to haute cuisine, dining in Puerto Rico offers travelers a true international culinary experience.

Old San Juan
In Old San Juan, Puerto Rico's most historic wining and dining neighborhood, one can choose from Il Perugino (one of the best Italian eateries on the island),Bombonera (Caribbean traditional) or Siglo XX (Spanish tapas delights). Another fine Italian dining experience can be found at the quaint Ambrosía on Calle del Cristo. Discover fine-dining excellence at El Picoteo and Café del Níspero, both located in the Hotel El Convento.

If you favor American, Old San Juan has a Hard Rock Café but if you are a French gourmet you will feel right at home at Trois Cent Onze. Nouveau Latino cuisine can be experienced at its best at The Parrott Club. The Café Berlin is known for its vegetarian specialties. Also, La Mallorquina offers the best Puerto Rican cuisine in the old city. Grab a drink at the very popular Nono’s.

Isla Verde
The Isla Verde district is not to be overlooked when seeking restaurant alternatives. Some of Puerto Rico's top choices are tucked away inside Isla Verde's hotels. Some very excellent choices include the Oriental cuisine found in Momoyama and Yamato.

Love Italian? Try Ciao Mediterranean Restaurant and La Piccola Fontana. Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine can be sampled at our very own Salsa Restaurant, Metropol or Casa Dante. For cocktails with lots of atmosphere, try our lobby lounge Picante.

Condado
Condado is a real find for those who crave gourmet seafood. Some of the island's best restaurants are to be found in Condado. Prime examples include the award-winning Spanish eatery, Perla at La Concha Renaissance Resort. The very cosmopolitan Michaels at the Doubletree by Hilton, San Juan. Also included on Condado's recommended dining spots are Hermes and Pikayo ,featured in Conde Nást magazine.

Our Partners

Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association

Puerto Rico Convention Bureau

Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Getting There

By Air
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport ( SJU ) +1 787 791 4670
          » www.prpa.gobierno.pr/APMain.aspx

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is located approximately .5 miles from the hotel. The airport is a major interconnecting point to the Caribbean and provides service from airlines including:

Taxis are available at the Airport and average fares are around USD12 to Isla Verde, USD16 to Condado and USD18 to Old San Juan.

By Car
San Juan is accessed via major highways 2 and 3 from the east and west and 52 from the south.

Taxis are available throughout San Juan, mainly in Condado and Old San Juan, and are convenient particularly for those with limited knowledge of Spanish.

Major taxi companies in San Juan include:

Cooperative Major Taxi Cabs (+1 787 723 2460)
Metro-Taxi Cab (+1 787 725 2870)

Rental Car
Rental car companies located at Luis Munoz Marin Airport include: