PR 2 night pre-cruise. Unique place to stay?

[Funcouple]

We're going to be staying in PR for two nights pre cruise and we're interested in something unique. We've already done the High Rise Hotel / Resort and casino, plus we've already done the "comfort inn" levels.

 

This time we want something less ordinary. Something more intimate with lots of hospitable culture -- a beach sounds nice but not necessary. A place to get a drink would be nice too. Ponce is too far away.

 

Any thoughts? Thanks!

[texancruzer]

Absolutely.....check out http://www.elconvento.com

We stayed 2 nights precruise prior to our 11/26 Serenade sailing.

 

This hotel was built in 1650's as a Carmelite convent and has a history all its own. It is located in the heart of Old San Juan (right across from the cathedral) near shopping, sites, restaurants, clubs etc..... we loved it.

It can be a little pricey since it is Puerto Ricos only 5 star hotel but if you look on the website there is a pre/post cruise special only available on the website which makes it a little better. They have a wonderful tapas bar and also a club (jazz) but once there everything is withing walking distance which saves on taxi costs. Also they have a complimentary wine/cheese get together every day @ 5:00. I cant wait to go back. We fell in love with old San Juan.

[cubsr#1]

we're staying at the el convento in Feb - is the Coach outlet store nearby?

[texancruzer]

Wasnt really looking for it but I think it was right down the street....anybody else out there remember exactly where it is ???? I remember walking by it so it cant be too far.

 

You will love the El Convento - look for the bats in the picoteo tree at dusk. It is a 354 yr old tree in the courtyard. The fruit is similiar to kiwi and the bats love it. Usually just one or two.

 

Also make sure you get to La Bombonera for breakfast. It is one block down and about 4-5 over. It is a 100 year old bakery/cafe and all the locals go there.... try a mallorca with a cup of coffee. They grow and roast their own. It is a little on the strong side but good. The front window will be full of fresh baked pastries.....ummmm I'm jealous. Thought about bringing a suitcase of em back....:)

[jo1168]

I would also agree the Hotel El Convento is the place to go. We have been there for lunch or drinks a few times but will be staying there for the first time in a few weeks. We have had friends that have stayed there and they were very happy. And I believe that the Coach store is very close...I remember going there the last time I was at El Convento. If you by chance have access to hi-def tv channels there is a show called Caribbean Escapes and one of them features Hotel El Convento.

[Funcouple]

How about some ideas of places OUTSIDE of the city -- perhaps something on the tropical side??

[cubsr#1]

Hey everyone - thanks for the quick response about the Coach store - looking to do some early Christmas shopping for my mom and daughter (oh, ok, maybe for me too)!

[jo1168]

I've not stayed outside the city but another place that I really like is the Caribe Hilton. Lots of restaurants, beautiful pool and a beach. We are staying there before our cruise (and El Convento after our cruise)

[alinehu]

EL*Conquistador*in*Fajardo, Copamarina in Guanica or Rincon beach are good choices,

[pholter]

How about the hottest boutique hotel around?? The Water Club Boutique Hotel in kinda hidden in Isla Verde and has beach view.... Really trendy, great food, roof top night club, pool, and sushi bar.

 

www.waterclub.com

[texancruzer]

The Water Club looks interesting - but only if I were travelling to New York or Chicago..... I can't help but wonder why go to San Juan, where the history and culture are knee deep and stay in a ultra modern hotel. Nice but out of place IMO.

[pholter]

I can see your point TC.... We explored quite a bit of OSJ and surrounding areas and found this to be a very unique experience for us. Kinda got the best of both worlds since SJ is also known for it's trendy nightlife in certain areas. Definitely not for everyone and I doubt if I could even afford to stay there, but I would stay there in a heartbeat after dining and hanging out there one night.

[Funcouple]

Anyone know much about Vieques? How about Rincos in the West? We only have 2 nights pre-cruise so we want to do things that are practical for the amount of time we have. Thanks.

[mlmoss]

Hello. I checked on the El Convento for our pre-cruise night and it's already booked! We really want to stay in OSJ. Any other suggestions?