Anybody been to Puerto Rico ?
Discussion
Just seen this so thought I would comment as I lived in BVI for 3 years and regularly visited, as its the primary AA hub for the region. I think its fair to say the locals aren't that keen on the mainlanders (from the USA) and vice versa, English is almost a second language and the place does have a very Spanish influence. I always found the locals very friendly and welcoming once they realised you were English and not American, think they have had too many Spring breakers in the past which has tainted their view a bit.
Its good value compared to most of the islands, but quite pricey compared to most parts of the US. It is certainly cheaper than most destinations in mainland Europe, although hotels can be expensive. I would recommend El Convento in old San Juan if you can afford it, lovely old hotel in the middle of town. BA fly direct now, so you don’t have to transit through mainland US if you don’t want to, if you have to go via the mainland AA are the best domestic carrier but it’s very much shades of grey and they aren’t close to BA or Virgin for quality of service.
You can do the usual beach type stuff and there are plenty of Casinos if that floats your boat. A lot of cruise ships visit during the season (ie now) and the town can get rather over-run with tourists at peak times, but you can zoom off to the rain forest, find a quiet beach or visit the ruins around the island as it has a quite lot of history.
Weirdly the biggest issue I have had with the place is the weather, as it rains a lot there, I think it has its own micro-climate which is compounded by the rain forest, its always warm but be prepared for rain at any time.
In my personal opinion it’s a far nicer place than St Thomas and it has good infrastructure for an island, but in all honesty there are other islands I would rather visit such as St Maarten or St Barts; and if your loaded check out Peter Island Resort for a truly luxurious escape and the closest you are likely to get to Necker as a mere mortal.
Its good value compared to most of the islands, but quite pricey compared to most parts of the US. It is certainly cheaper than most destinations in mainland Europe, although hotels can be expensive. I would recommend El Convento in old San Juan if you can afford it, lovely old hotel in the middle of town. BA fly direct now, so you don’t have to transit through mainland US if you don’t want to, if you have to go via the mainland AA are the best domestic carrier but it’s very much shades of grey and they aren’t close to BA or Virgin for quality of service.
You can do the usual beach type stuff and there are plenty of Casinos if that floats your boat. A lot of cruise ships visit during the season (ie now) and the town can get rather over-run with tourists at peak times, but you can zoom off to the rain forest, find a quiet beach or visit the ruins around the island as it has a quite lot of history.
Weirdly the biggest issue I have had with the place is the weather, as it rains a lot there, I think it has its own micro-climate which is compounded by the rain forest, its always warm but be prepared for rain at any time.
In my personal opinion it’s a far nicer place than St Thomas and it has good infrastructure for an island, but in all honesty there are other islands I would rather visit such as St Maarten or St Barts; and if your loaded check out Peter Island Resort for a truly luxurious escape and the closest you are likely to get to Necker as a mere mortal.
Driving in PR is terrifying too. Unfortunately, the Ricans bring their recklessness with them as they invade Central FL. Downright scary.
Last time I was in San Juan a guy decided that his rightful place in the traffic queue was ahead of me, so he casually drove onto the median, over a flower-bed and across a footpath full of school kids to get 20 feet closer to his destination - not an uncommon manoeuver.
Last time I was in San Juan a guy decided that his rightful place in the traffic queue was ahead of me, so he casually drove onto the median, over a flower-bed and across a footpath full of school kids to get 20 feet closer to his destination - not an uncommon manoeuver.
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