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 234152 times)

Offline myb821

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #100 on: June 07, 2013, 11:27:03 AM »
Extended weekend (Thursday night to Monday night).
I meant how long ago were you there as in what year did you go.

Offline dhalpern1

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #101 on: June 07, 2013, 12:14:53 PM »
I meant how long ago were you there as in what year did you go.

Sorry i misread. I was there in Feb 2011 (Packers 31 Steelers 25).

Offline myb821

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #102 on: June 07, 2013, 01:47:13 PM »
Sorry i misread. I was there in Feb 2011 (Packers 31 Steelers 25).
lol . Thanks for the info. Anything that isa must do while I'm there?

Offline dhalpern1

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #103 on: June 07, 2013, 01:51:23 PM »
lol . Thanks for the info. Anything that isa must do while I'm there?

There are things that are nice to do there (rain forest, Bacardi Rum factory, Old San juan is nice with cobblestone streets).
IMO, the only must do is to relax (and find some of the nicer beaches).

Offline dvol

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #104 on: June 10, 2013, 12:26:56 PM »
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.

I've done the kayaking in the bioluminescent bay. I would definitely recommend it it was a lot of fun, never tried the motor boat so can't tell you about that one. Also did the El Yunque rainforest, explored Old San Juan and did some ATV'ing, all of which were great.

Offline MEIR613

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #105 on: June 11, 2013, 12:31:44 PM »
Anyone know any activities to do in PR that are infant friendly?

Offline yas

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #106 on: June 13, 2013, 03:02:21 PM »
Anyone know any activities to do in PR that are infant friendly?
I have not been there yet but I am going next week with a 4 month old, maybe someone who has been there can comment.
What I found so far: Old san Juan, the fort. The free tour of the Bacardy rum factory, Maybe a walk through the rain forest.
The Bio luminescent tour unfortunately will not be possible unless I can find a babysitter.
Then of course there is relaxing.

Offline MEIR613

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #107 on: June 13, 2013, 03:06:50 PM »
I have not been there yet but I am going next week with a 4 month old, maybe someone who has been there can comment.
What I found so far: Old san Juan, the fort. The free tour of the Bacardy rum factory, Maybe a walk through the rain forest.
The Bio luminescent tour unfortunately will not be possible unless I can find a babysitter.
Then of course there is relaxing.
Where are you staying?

Offline Marco Polo

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #108 on: June 13, 2013, 03:20:17 PM »
I have not been there yet but I am going next week with a 4 month old, maybe someone who has been there can comment.
What I found so far: Old san Juan, the fort. The free tour of the Bacardy rum factory, Maybe a walk through the rain forest.
The Bio luminescent tour unfortunately will not be possible unless I can find a babysitter.
Then of course there is relaxing.
You can walk around the old forts they have.
Quaerite et Invenietis.

Offline yas

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #109 on: June 13, 2013, 03:21:04 PM »
Where are you staying?
This is not final but these are my thoughts.
2 days at the W resort on vieques island.
2 Nights including Shabbos near the chabad house I am still undecided, I am considering El San Juan or Inter Continental, maybe the Ritz.
Then 2 nights at the Hyatt Hacienda Del Mar, It doesn't seem like the nicest rooms although they are big, but I have some free nights expiring soon.   

Offline myb821

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #110 on: June 13, 2013, 03:30:33 PM »
This is not final but these are my thoughts.
2 days at the W resort on vieques island.
2 Nights including Shabbos near the chabad house I am still undecided, I am considering El San Juan or Inter Continental, maybe the Ritz.
Then 2 nights at the Hyatt Hacienda Del Mar, It doesn't seem like the nicest rooms although they are big, but I have some free nights expiring soon.
I assume you know the chabad discount for hotels?

Offline yas

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #111 on: June 13, 2013, 03:38:33 PM »
I assume you know the chabad discount for hotels?
Yes

Offline yas

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #112 on: June 13, 2013, 04:26:15 PM »
Does anyone know if the rental company will allow you take a car on the ferry to vieques island?

Offline yas

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #113 on: June 13, 2013, 10:09:22 PM »
I think I found the answer to my own question.
Most car rentals will not allow you to take your car over to vieques but they have a place to park at the ferry terminal.

Offline alpicone

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #114 on: July 10, 2013, 06:31:42 PM »
This is not final but these are my thoughts.
2 days at the W resort on vieques island.
2 Nights including Shabbos near the chabad house I am still undecided, I am considering El San Juan or Inter Continental, maybe the Ritz.
Then 2 nights at the Hyatt Hacienda Del Mar, It doesn't seem like the nicest rooms although they are big, but I have some free nights expiring soon.

Where did you end up staying in PR for Shabbat? Planning on going for a long weekend and looking into the Ritz or El San Juan. Is the Ritz worth the extra $50 per night?

Offline yas

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #115 on: July 11, 2013, 08:49:12 AM »
Where did you end up staying in PR for Shabbat? Planning on going for a long weekend and looking into the Ritz or El San Juan. Is the Ritz worth the extra $50 per night?
I stayed at the Intercontinental because the Ritz and El San Juan was full when I tried making my reservation 6 days in advance.
The Ritz is the nicest from the 3 hotels. if you go to the El San Juan make sure to get one of the newly renovated rooms since not all the rooms are so nice from what I hear.

Offline DrDanny

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #116 on: July 11, 2013, 11:59:05 AM »
Where did you end up staying in PR for Shabbat? Planning on going for a long weekend and looking into the Ritz or El San Juan. Is the Ritz worth the extra $50 per night?
IIRC After taxes and fees it's more than a $50 diffirence

Offline yas

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #117 on: July 11, 2013, 02:40:12 PM »
IIRC After taxes and fees it's more than a $50 diffirence
Based on my experience you will pay about 25% in taxes and fees wherever you stay.

Offline alpicone

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #118 on: July 15, 2013, 01:34:08 PM »
I stayed at the Intercontinental because the Ritz and El San Juan was full when I tried making my reservation 6 days in advance.
The Ritz is the nicest from the 3 hotels. if you go to the El San Juan make sure to get one of the newly renovated rooms since not all the rooms are so nice from what I hear.

Which would you recommend if traveling with 2 kids ages 5 and 2?

Offline MEIR613

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Re: Puerto Rico Master Thread
« Reply #119 on: July 31, 2013, 10:27:07 AM »
Anyone going to be interested in a TR of the St Regis?

Please let me know.