Some San Juan recommendations

Looking for transportation?

Try Junior Taxi at 787-550-6637. Very clean van-sized taxi. With reservation, he will meet you at the airport or pier. He is also available for day-long or multiple day trips anywhere on the island. All taxis fares to and from airport are fixed, but be aware that small additional fees are charged for baggage.

Bought too much in port?

Found a great Mail Boxes Etc. (soon to be renamed UPS Store) with English speaking staff right in Old San Juan at 202A Calle San Justa. They did nice job of packing up our purchases and shipping them.

Hotel suggestions?

The night before and after our cruise we stayed at the Sheraton (used to be Wyndham) Old San Juan Hotel. Location is ideal for exploring Old San Juan on foot as well as to some of the cruise piers. Unfortunately we learned at the last minute our Celebrity ship docked elsewhere so had to take short taxi ride. Hotel lobby is a bit noisy with a casino, bar/cafe, and disco, but rooms are quiet and heavenly, especially the beds. Some rooms have bay views. There is a rooftop pool (small) and hot tub with sunning area. We had originally booked through Wyndham and had gotten a fairly good price with their advance purchase webrate. Concierge level rooms include very nice breakfast buffet as well as evening wine and snack hour. Old San Juan is definitely deserving of a full day's exploration with the two old forts, some small museums, and wonderful shops. Plenty of fastfood and a Starbucks nearby for those feeling homesick.

We also spent two days at the Westin Rio Mar Resort near Luquillo and the El Yunque Rainforest, but only 30 minutes from the airport via their scheduled van. Think cruise ship on land--this place is quite large with every possible amenity. Beautiful mile-long beach with chairs and towels provided, two pools, fitness center and spa, tennis courts, golf courses, and several restaurants scattered throughout the resort that also includes villas. Concierge will arrange tours that depart from resort and there is an organized childrens' program center. Restaurants are pricey but food quality is very good and portions generous. Speciality restaurant, Paoli's, was excellent--the best spinach salad I've ever tasted. And the staff is very attentive. When problem developed on our non-smoking floor with young people smoking next door; we were immediately moved to a different floor and upgraded to an oceanview room. We got a very good rate on this hotel through the AAA website doing an advanced purchase (prepaid, no refunds for cancellations).

Hope these suggestions help.

Tamara Compton

Thanks for the info.