Topic Wiki

Info for the jewish traveler
http://www.chabadpr.com/


Hotels   (feel free to add suggestions)
   Before booking any hotel check the Chabad website they have very good rates for the popular hotels that are close to them

   Ritz Carlton

   http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SanJuan/Default.htm
        DDF'r Hotel Review
        http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=7995.msg462832#msg462832
   St. Regis
   http://www.stregisbahiabeach.com/
       DDF'r Hotel Review
       http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=7995.msg161581#msg161581
   El San Juan
   http://www.elsanjuanhotel.com/default-en.html
   Gran Melia
   http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/puerto-rico/coco-beach/gran-melia-puerto-rico-golf-resort/index.html
         DDF'r Hotel Review
         http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=7995.msg927319#msg927319


Preferred Car Rental
   http://www.chabadpr.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/2370163/jewish/Charlie-Car-Rental.htm


Kosher food
  Old San Juan
   Kosher in Paradise, Israeli style. With panini, falafel and more.  They can deliver to your hotel for a fee
   261 Fortaleza Street.
   787-244-3399
   Chabad (next to The Ritz and El San Juan)
   http://shop.chabadpr.com/   (please someone add info regarding this)


Things to do

   Bioluminescent Bay
   http://www.pureadventurepr.com/adventure_trips/bio_bay_lagoon_tour_excursion/
 
   El Yunque rainforest
   http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147324-d1448148-Reviews-The_El_Yunque_Rain_Forest-El_Yunque_National_Forest_Puerto_Rico.html

   ATV/Horseback Riding
   http://www.carabalirainforestpark.com/atv.php

   Casa Bacardi Distillery Tour- Rum Factory
   http://www.casabacardi.org/

   Explore Old San Juan-
   Castillo de San Cristobal- Old Forts in Old San Juan

   http://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm

   Vieques and Culebra
    2 small islands with fabulous beaches that, IMHO are more interesting than the main island. (and Vieques has its own biobay)

  Mini Boat Adventure
  http://www.kayakingpuertorico.com/pages/island_hop_snorkel.html


Trip Reports:

   http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=7995.msg651144#msg651144

   http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=7995.msg1063469#msg1063469

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=7995.msg2616327#msg2616327
« Last edited by yelped on August 02, 2022, 04:21:34 PM »

Author Topic: Puerto Rico Master Thread  (Read 234137 times)

Offline Aerial Dag

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 1046
  • Total likes: 78
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
  • Location: MS Desert
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #720 on: September 24, 2021, 02:35:43 PM »
Thanks

Does it feel like a luxury hotel or pretty basic?
Somewhere in between? Definitely not luxury like an Aman hotel, but I thought it was nicer than some other Caribbean large resorts I've stayed in.
I'm trying to remember some details and what I recall is that some water machines were out of order my entire stay and some areas had garbage that no one bothered to pick up. But they did make sure that landscaping was done well and rooms, pool were clean. The beach is mostly useless for swimming.

Offline nonstoptravel101

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jul 2021
  • Posts: 244
  • Total likes: 22
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
  • Programs: Hilton Diamond, National EE, Hertz PC, Marriott Gold
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #721 on: September 25, 2021, 09:17:25 PM »
Really appreciate this

Any other nice resorts in Puerto Rico? Swimming beach preferred

Offline Abey

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Sep 2017
  • Posts: 1006
  • Total likes: 193
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #722 on: September 26, 2021, 08:42:57 AM »
Anyone stay at Hyatt regency grand reserve? Looking to go December time with 3 month old
I was pretty disappointed with the hotel & beach was slimy and full of seaweed. Others that we spoke to did like it 🤣. Vs other hotels we’ve been to in the Caribbean it really didn’t hold up so i guess depends how much of a traveler you are

Online Darth1

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2017
  • Posts: 405
  • Total likes: 104
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #723 on: September 26, 2021, 02:24:08 PM »
Really appreciate this

Any other nice resorts in Puerto Rico? Swimming beach preferred
I was just at La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort.
Was very nice. Multiple pools including 2 infinity pools over the beach. Private beach for hotel which was empty in the morning...

Offline Divora M

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2018
  • Posts: 637
  • Total likes: 124
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #724 on: September 26, 2021, 05:59:06 PM »
Can anyone recommend where to go in El Yunque NP that is not a long hike to get to a waterfall? I heard there’s a place that has a natural water slide and a rope swing, has anyone been there?

Offline bamo

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Sep 2014
  • Posts: 220
  • Total likes: 15
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: United States
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #725 on: October 07, 2021, 01:40:13 PM »
Do I need to rent a car? still not sure where to stay? want luxury but also want close to minyan. Any suggestions?

Offline nonstoptravel101

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jul 2021
  • Posts: 244
  • Total likes: 22
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
  • Programs: Hilton Diamond, National EE, Hertz PC, Marriott Gold
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #726 on: October 11, 2021, 11:54:43 AM »
Anyone stay at the Caribe Hilton? Was it recently renovated?

Offline Lou Bob

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2010
  • Posts: 2036
  • Total likes: 153
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: Hidden City
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #727 on: October 11, 2021, 08:08:05 PM »
Anyone stay at the Caribe Hilton? Was it recently renovated?
stayed there a few months ago. Does not have a real beach. Didn't feel like it was recently renovated, but not outdated either.
Always use an Amex, you'll thank me one day.

Offline nonstoptravel101

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jul 2021
  • Posts: 244
  • Total likes: 22
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
  • Programs: Hilton Diamond, National EE, Hertz PC, Marriott Gold
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #728 on: October 11, 2021, 09:21:54 PM »
Thanks! What do you mean it didn't have a real beach?

Offline Lou Bob

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2010
  • Posts: 2036
  • Total likes: 153
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: Hidden City
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #729 on: October 12, 2021, 10:01:50 AM »
Thanks! What do you mean it didn't have a real beach?
here's a pic I took, see for yourself. This is the beach.


Always use an Amex, you'll thank me one day.

Offline nonstoptravel101

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jul 2021
  • Posts: 244
  • Total likes: 22
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
  • Programs: Hilton Diamond, National EE, Hertz PC, Marriott Gold
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #730 on: October 12, 2021, 11:52:39 AM »
Thanks. Trying to find a nice hotel with a beach in Puerto Rico, Hyatt or Hilton?

Offline zow

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 2943
  • Total likes: 135
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 11
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: LAX
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #731 on: October 13, 2021, 10:26:18 PM »
Thanks. Trying to find a nice hotel with a beach in Puerto Rico, Hyatt or Hilton?

We stayed at the Hyatt Grand Reserve in February. Had a great time. Beautiful pool and beach.

Rooms were average to above average -- certainly not luxury like a Park Hyatt or Waldorf.

For an upcoming trip, we are considering the Hyatt Residence Club Dorado Beach. It's the same points (15K/night) as Grand Reserve, but dollar price cost is much lower.  On the surface, it would suggest lower value per point, but we are interested in a "residence" kind of room, ideally with a kitchenette (didn't have them at Grand Reserve) and a place to eat meals (was kind of cramped on the balcony of Grand Reserve.)

Does anyone have experience at the Hyatt Residence Club Dorado Beach?

Offline Cw3323

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 372
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
  • Programs: UR, MR, UA, AA, JB, HH.
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #732 on: October 17, 2021, 12:11:38 AM »
What’s the current kosher food situation?
Dairy?
Meat?
Grocery?

Offline Lou Bob

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2010
  • Posts: 2036
  • Total likes: 153
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: Hidden City
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #733 on: October 17, 2021, 10:55:37 AM »
What’s the current kosher food situation?
Dairy?
Meat?
Grocery?
you can preorder falafel, personal pizza pie, or salad from chabad. No other restaurant options.
Walmart has a lot of kosher foods just like you can find in Walmart here.
Milk doesn't have a hechsher symbol on it, but we asked chabad and were told you can buy the "Suissa" brand.

You can get groceries from chabad.
https://kosherpr.ecwid.com/Our-Store-Meats-&-Groceries-c45180209
« Last Edit: October 17, 2021, 10:58:47 AM by Lou Bob »
Always use an Amex, you'll thank me one day.

Offline Divora M

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2018
  • Posts: 637
  • Total likes: 124
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #734 on: October 17, 2021, 11:06:59 PM »
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=126819.0

I wrote a TR in case it can help anyone with their planning.

Offline Cw3323

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 372
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
  • Programs: UR, MR, UA, AA, JB, HH.
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #735 on: October 17, 2021, 11:48:44 PM »

Offline shaulyaakov

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2781
  • Total likes: 326
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #736 on: November 21, 2021, 06:06:19 PM »
Does anyone know of a place to store luggage for a few hours in Old San Juan? Landing around 1:30p and might want to make a quick pass through on way to Hyatt in Rio Grande.

Offline Mordyk

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 4102
  • Total likes: 1015
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Some of this and some of that.
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #737 on: November 21, 2021, 07:04:45 PM »
Does anyone know of a place to store luggage for a few hours in Old San Juan? Landing around 1:30p and might want to make a quick pass through on way to Hyatt in Rio Grande.
There used to be a small kosher Cafe in old San Juan.  Maybe they would hold it.
#TYH

Offline shaulyaakov

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2781
  • Total likes: 326
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #738 on: November 22, 2021, 08:02:52 AM »
There used to be a small kosher Cafe in old San Juan.  Maybe they would hold it.
Do you know the name?

Offline Mordyk

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 4102
  • Total likes: 1015
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Some of this and some of that.
Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #739 on: November 22, 2021, 08:51:10 AM »
Do you know the name?
I tried searching but nothing came up.  They might be closed
#TYH