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Getting to Bonaire: Things to do during LONG San Juan layover?
Bonaire Talk: Getting to Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999-2005: Archives - 1999-06-02 to 2001-12-31: Things to do during LONG San Juan layover?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jenn Beach on Sunday, July 22, 2001 - 10:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Does anyone have suggestions about how to spend a long layover in San Juan? We'll be there for about six hours (if all goes well.) Any beaches, restaurants, sights, etc. near the airport? Thanks for any info. or ideas.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kerri Freeman on Monday, July 23, 2001 - 12:08 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jenn, look up Linda Richter's trip report via AA, I think. She went to a couple of places,a hotel in the 'Condado' section of PR. and to El Morro, one of the old forts in San Juan. There is another hotel area which is I think closer to the airport, where El San Juan Hotel (if it's still there) and some others are. used to be AA and other airlines owned some of the hotels, and passengers with long layovers frequently come into the hotels for a couple of hours, to swim, have lunch, (rent a cabana, for your stuff if you want). Lots of the hotels have casual afternoon meet 'n greet dances, too. And casual to fancy restaurants for dinner (since I don't know your timetable) I would pick up some travel lit for a tour idea if you think you'll be up to it...orchids in the rainforest, Old San Juan, Morro Castle.etc. Not sure if you can stop in at Congreios (sp) Yacht Club. Or sometimes you can just get one of the air-conditioned limos and a knowledgeable driver on the spot, and ask what he'd charge to drive you around for a couple of hours. Usually they'll stop for lunch (you buy). They used to have great Cuban sandwiches with island ham, cheese, sauce and stuff...absolutely delish. In any case, I have always found the Puerto Rican people to be among the most charming. And, I have always considered my time in San Juan, some of the best. Enjoy

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Taft on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 - 9:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We have had many long layovers in San Juan while heading to the Caribbean. First off, you can check your carryon luggage for about three dollars per bag. The office for this is a bit hidden -- it is on the upper level near the American Airlines ticket counters -- just ask for directions at AA customer service. If you go to one of thte ground transportation stands they will arrange for a short cab ride (about 8 dollars)to Isla Verde. It is a nice beach where you can rent lounge chairs, have lunch at one of the many restaurants on the beach, take a walk. Last April we had a nice lunch at the old El San Juan (maybe Wyndham now?) and used their restrooms to change into our bathing suits. You can also take a cab to Old San Juan which is very pretty for walking around and having a meal.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kerri Freeman on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 - 12:23 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for picking up my brain hiccups...the Wyndham is indeed the (to me) new name of Wyndham El San Juan.(Think crystal chandeliers, red velvet casinos. Four or 5 on-site restaurants). It's in the Isla Verde strip of hotels which are closer to the airport. The Condado section is closer to the docks. Cabs to Isla Verde are about $8 as you suggest and to the Condado area, maybe $12 or 15?. And you're certainly right to leave most baggage at the airport. Just a carryon, and you can change in the hotel rest rooms or rent a cabana on the beach for changing and lunch etc.Some folks even take a room for several hours so the kids can nap etc. JENN: PR is also the home of the piña colada and rum..maybe the distillers have a tour. And PR also breeds the beautifully gaited walking horse, the 'passa fino' (sp) might be you could visit a ranch. Anyway, have fun..oh..check out the PR websites, too for what's within your 6 hr window. They've got good mileage/timing estimates,etc.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jenn Beach on Thursday, July 26, 2001 - 9:28 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Kerri and Susan-

Thanks for the great info. on San Juan. Hopefully we won't be stuck there for longer than our six hour layover as some people seem to have been.

One week and one day until we leave! I can't wait!

 


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