Sunday, June 14, 2009

Puerto Rico


Facts of Puerto Rico:
Languages: Both English and Spanish are spoken
Capital: San Juan which is the main entry way for Puerto Rico, however I learned that there are actually 3 airports to can be used depending on the location of your hotel
Geography: 100 miles long and 35 miles wide... think of the shape of your car's rearview mirror...
Travel times: 2 1/2 hours from Miami 3 1/4 hours from Atlanta and New York, and 7 1/2 hours from Washington and Los Angeles (no direct flights from Los Angeles).
Climate: Even though it did rain frequently while I was there you have an average temperature of 83F (22.7C) in the winter and 85F (29.4C)
NO PASSPORT REQUIRED
My Review:
Okay now that I have gotten some of the important facts out of the way I will give my review of Puerto Rico. Let's start with the bad news first......... Whereas a lot of my clients prefer all-inclusive vacations, it is to my disappointment to have to tell you that there are no all inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico, San Juan, Ricon - no not a one, not even in the far away parts of the island – it has something to do with staffing and government laws. Another disappointment for those smokers out there is that all of Puerto Rico and San Juan is non-smoking in ALL enclosed areas - hotels will charge you a 250.00 penalty if housekeeping finds any sign of smoking in the rooms. So smoker's if you must and you have a balcony, just make sure the door leading to the balcony is closed very, very, tightly. Also remember to take all evidence with you...no ashes, no butts, no empty cigarette packs. Non-Smokers I know that you are cheering but us smoker's have rights too and I am here to give all important information to all of our valued clients, both non smoker's and smokers.
With that done I will continue on.......I love PUERTO RICO!!!!!! We did so much from touring the Bacardi Distillery (did you know that their mascot is a black bat) to the El Yunque Rain forest (don't get lost and yes it does rain) to the Rio Camuy Cave Park (yes there were bats there too) to the Bioluminescent Bay where microorganisms glow in the dark. There was so much to see and do. Did I mention the cobblestone streets in Old San Juan? - that's where you will find the port of San Juan offering sailings to the Caribbean, and duty free shopping for your favorite trinkets.
There is so much to tell that I really don't know where to start. Puerto Rico has a lot to offer. If you want to be ten minutes away from the airport you have to stay in Isla Verde at either the Intercontinental or even the Holiday Inn. I was completely charmed by the El San Juan hotel and casino. With breathtaking views all over, you will enjoy being in the mist of pure paradise. Lots of restaurants and nightlife to make one's soul happy, that's for sure. There was also a big Culinary Arts festival going on with all of the local restaurants - I tried to meet all of the chefs just to get some cooking tips I could bring back home.
I also went to the "other side" of Puerto Rico, south to Porta Caribe Ponce where you will find a "less busy" part, to Porta Del Sol - the Western region.
I stayed in Resorts and Hotels from the 6 apple ratings down to 2 apple ratings, and you know even the 2 apple rating were comfortable, depending on location.
All-in-all I am your Puerto Rico specialist - whatever questions that you may have, I am here. Even with the non-smoking policy and no all-inclusive resorts, I am sure that old or new, single or married with children, you too can have a ball in Puerto Rico, with all of its beauty and charms, history, and natural wonders.
Walk along the cobblestones of Old San Juan and re-live history, golf in the hills of Porta Del Sol, catch the waves on some of the best surfing beaches in the Caribbean or sit back and just relax.
Whatever and whenever Puerto Rico would be a good change from the ordinary.
-Sandra Weaver

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