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 234128 times)

Offline MEIR613

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #80 on: May 17, 2013, 01:56:05 PM »
I did not stay at the Sheraton but checked it out and found it old a run down. St. Regis is a great choice but if you want to be near chabbad I would highly recommend the Ritz, especially for only $189 a night.
Thanks for the info.

It doesn't seem that St. Regis is so far from Chabad by car.

I'm not going to be there for Shabbos so it should work. It seems that the Ritz has horrible reviews.

What's the story with a car there. I need one? Is there parking by the St. regis?

Offline judahk88

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #81 on: May 17, 2013, 01:58:54 PM »
Thanks for the info.

It doesn't seem that St. Regis is so far from Chabad by car.

I'm not going to be there for Shabbos so it should work. It seems that the Ritz has horrible reviews.

What's the story with a car there. I need one? Is there parking by the St. regis?
I stayed there and was really nice IMO.

Offline BrooklynCPA

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #82 on: May 17, 2013, 02:01:13 PM »
Thanks for the info.

It doesn't seem that St. Regis is so far from Chabad by car.

I'm not going to be there for Shabbos so it should work. It seems that the Ritz has horrible reviews.

What's the story with a car there. I need one? Is there parking by the St. regis?

I was never at the St. Regis but heard good things. If you stay at the Ritz you do not need a car as it is a 2 minute walk from Chabbad. I am sure that the St. Regis is a lot nicer but you will pay more than twice as much and need a car. I rented a car for one day when we toured the rain forest which was no more than a nice hike and wasn't impressed.

I would recommend this activity as it is the only tour that is unique to PR. (it is offered by other companies too)

http://www.pureadventurepr.com/adventure_trips/bio_bay_lagoon_tour_excursion/
« Last Edit: May 17, 2013, 02:10:14 PM by BrooklynCPA »

Offline Mikeoracle

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #83 on: May 17, 2013, 02:12:52 PM »
Thanks for the info.

It doesn't seem that St. Regis is so far from Chabad by car.

I'm not going to be there for Shabbos so it should work. It seems that the Ritz has horrible reviews.

What's the story with a car there. I need one? Is there parking by the St. regis?
We stayed in the SR and loved it. We didnt rent a car (based on advice from friends who stayed there before us). It is aprox 30-40 min drive from St Regis to Chabad, depending on time of day/traffic.
The SR charges daily parking.

Offline MEIR613

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #84 on: May 17, 2013, 02:42:57 PM »
I was never at the St. Regis but heard good things. If you stay at the Ritz you do not need a car as it is a 2 minute walk from Chabbad. I am sure that the St. Regis is a lot nicer but you will pay more than twice as much and need a car. I rented a car for one day when we toured the rain forest which was no more than a nice hike and wasn't impressed.

I would recommend this activity as it is the only tour that is unique to PR. (it is offered by other companies too)

http://www.pureadventurepr.com/adventure_trips/bio_bay_lagoon_tour_excursion/
I agree with you, but as i hold status with SPG and they are running some awesome promos that are stackable during my stay, it doesn't come out so much cheaper. Besides the fact that I just plan and relaxing at the hotel.

Offline Yordai Dooma

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #85 on: May 17, 2013, 04:58:53 PM »
I agree with you, but as i hold status with SPG and they are running some awesome promos that are stackable during my stay, it doesn't come out so much cheaper. Besides the fact that I just plan and relaxing at the hotel.

which promo is currently running aside from Double take (which i don't think i would classify as "awesome")

Offline MEIR613

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #86 on: May 17, 2013, 05:06:41 PM »
which promo is currently running aside from Double take (which i don't think i would classify as "awesome")
https://www.spgpromos.com/elitegift2013/?action=main.home

Offline Yordai Dooma

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #87 on: May 17, 2013, 06:09:02 PM »

Offline Yordai Dooma

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #88 on: May 19, 2013, 05:53:36 PM »
Anyone here ever stay at the El Conquistador? Trying to decide between that and the Ritz Carlton...they are the same price

Offline damaxer91

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #89 on: May 19, 2013, 09:31:15 PM »
The new Ritz Carlton Reserve at Doraldo Beach is supposed to be very nice

FYI, the St. Regis started charging to store and reheat Kosher food recently

Keep in mind that Puerto Rico is not that nice to begin with (compared with Florida and islands nearby) so you may end up disappointed if you are expecting something super exotic

Offline Yordai Dooma

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #90 on: May 19, 2013, 09:34:14 PM »
The new Ritz Carlton Reserve at Doraldo Beach is supposed to be very nice

FYI, the St. Regis started charging to store and reheat Kosher food recently

Keep in mind that Puerto Rico is not that nice to begin with (compared with Florida and islands nearby) so you may end up disappointed if you are expecting something super exotic
Thanks.
Its almost odd that a ritz carlton and waldorf astoria can each be had at $189/night

Offline damaxer91

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #91 on: May 19, 2013, 09:36:29 PM »
Thanks.
Its almost odd that a ritz carlton and waldorf astoria can each be had at $189/night

Ritz Carlton is very average according to my In-Laws (who are not very fussy). Not sure about the Waldorf

Never ever trust TripAdvisor for reviews of Luxury Hotels because for someone who normally stays at Motel Six, a honeymoon at the Ritz may seem like heaven. Its all about perspective

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #92 on: May 19, 2013, 10:27:40 PM »
Thanks.
Its almost odd that a ritz carlton and waldorf astoria can each be had at $189/night
It aint your average Ritz...

Offline myb821

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #93 on: May 19, 2013, 10:29:01 PM »

Offline shtickel

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #94 on: June 07, 2013, 07:34:22 AM »
Has anyone done the bio(luminescent) bay experience in/near Fajardo? Will be staying at the Ritz and wondering if it's worth the trip out there. Also, if so, would you recommend the kayak or motor boat experience?
Any other must-do activities in San Juan?
Thanks.

Offline dhalpern1

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #95 on: June 07, 2013, 10:17:10 AM »
anyone ever stay at la concha https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjubr-la-concha-renaissance-san-juan-resort/

Sorry- i know its a couple weeks after you asked but I just saw this. I really liked the hotel and it was a very pleasant experience. I didnt think that the beach next to it was very nice but the pool made up for it.

Offline myb821

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #96 on: June 07, 2013, 11:00:23 AM »
Sorry- i know its a couple weeks after you asked but I just saw this. I really liked the hotel and it was a very pleasant experience. I didnt think that the beach next to it was very nice but the pool made up for it.
Thanks! What made the beach not nice?

Offline dhalpern1

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #97 on: June 07, 2013, 11:03:55 AM »
Thanks! What made the beach not nice?

I didnt think it was so clean and the beach wasnt so large in that area.

I also stayed at the El Conquistador a bunch of years ago. They have a private beach which is great.

Offline myb821

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #98 on: June 07, 2013, 11:06:02 AM »
I didnt think it was so clean and the beach wasnt so large in that area.

I also stayed at the El Conquistador a bunch of years ago. They have a private beach which is great.
out of curiosity how long ago were you at la concha?

Offline dhalpern1

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #99 on: June 07, 2013, 11:06:54 AM »
out of curiosity how long ago were you at la concha?

Extended weekend (Thursday night to Monday night).