On our return trip, we have about a 5 hour layover in San Juan. Any suggestions for the best way to spend it? My only other experience of the airport in San Juan was a few years ago when I went on a cruise that departed from there. On our return our flight was delayed by several hours & we were stuck in that miserable airport the whole time. And as I recall, there was no air conditioning, or very little. Horrible way to end a wonderful vacation, so I'm hoping to avoid a repeat of that experience.

Hi Lori,take advantage of your 5 hours and go to
old San Juan. All you do is check your luggage
and go to the taxi stand tell them you want go
to Old San Juan not El San Juan,it is 15 min.
away and $15.00 each way. Old San Juan is very
beautiful with tight alleys,cobble stone streets,
lots of little shops,restaurants and you can walk most of it.Enjoy your trip. Jeff

If you need more beach time you can take a cab for 8 dollars to Isla Verde where you can rent beach chairs for three dollars or eat at one of the many beach bars. If you want to check carry on luggage there is a secure spot upstairs near the door opposite the American Airlines check in counter. It is only a couple of dollars per bag. If you do leave the airport be sure to remember that you will need to clear security upon return.

Lori - they have made mucho improvements at the airport in San Juan...including AC. As is often the case, there is still, after several years of remodeling, construction going on, but quite an improvement from years gone by (you should have seen it 20 years ago!!) 5 hrs is just a little shy for renting a car and too long to stay at the airport, so either of the above suggestions are good ((and doable). We prefer Isla Verde, but Old SJ is interesting and there are some fine dining opportunities before putting yourself back in American's hands.

dsao

This response is a little dated by now, but we just returned, reluctantly, from Bonaire, via San Juan. American Airlines, as usual, had flight delays that forced us to spend the night in San Juan, and the airline put us up in a place in Old San Juan that they said they wouldn't usually pick, but the town was packed for a 3 day weekend.
As it turned out, the place was fabulous. The owners are artist, and the place was full of their art. The place is 300 years old, overlooks the water and forts of Old San Juan. Fabulous gardens, walking distance to the plaza and restaurants. Tight shirted young men carrying exotic birds around. Very friendly, helpful people. Just unbelievable. We hated missing a day of diving, but just staying in this place was a miniadventure. Check it out if you ever get a chance. It's called the Gallery Inn. www.thegalleryinn.com You won't love it if you need a tv in your room, but we were gaga over it.