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The wife and I are doing a 10 day charter next summer. We thought it would be fun to wind down for a few nights in Puerto Rico. Any ideas on a beach front resort, and be able to take in some local flavor? Thanks in advance for all your help. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

After moving our boat from St. Lucia to the BVI last October, we ended up spending two nights in PR. Only requirement I had was it had to be a place with a nice pool for our son and a Hilton brand hotel since I wanted to use points. So we ended up at the El Conquistador. It was quite the resort. A great place to relax. It had a great pool and even its own island accessible via their own ferry.

Only thing I'd say it wouldn't meet is the local flavor. But what was nice is that anything you'd want is right there at the resort. We only had 1 full day since we arrived in the evening and departed the next morning, but we took it all in and are looking to stay there again in the future.

For local flavor try the Gallery Inn in Old San Juan. Old world Puerto Rico walk to a different restaurant every night.

Hi. I moved this here, since the question was about Puerto Rico.

Not sure if you're looking for San Juan or someplace outside San Juan? Lots of great hotels in San Juan, like El Convento, but it's not beach front I don't think. Lots of hotels in El Condado also, as well as the El San Juan, the grand dame of San Juan. Outside San Juan itself, I'm not really familiar with any hotels at all.

We did two stop overs in PR so far and look forward to another. We really enjoyed it.

Trip #1 was a three-night stay at the El Convento in Old San Juan and it was fantastic. We walked to dinner every night and hit a few cafes for music.

Trip #2 was out by the rain forest. We stayed at a Wyndam right on the beach. It was nice enough, large resort with a casino. Lots of PR families were there and it made a good base to explore the rain forest and visit the bio bay. We hired a guide for the rain forest, which while wasn't necessary, greatly enhanced our experience.

Of the two, the stay in the old city was my favorite.

El Yunque is definitely worth the trip. We rented a car and drove ourselves. Hiked to a waterfall. Lovely.

El Moro Castle in Old San Juan is cool to visit.

We usually stay in San Juan either before or after our charters - and sometimes both. As far as beachfront in the San Juan area, Isla Verde has the best beach, but Condado has more to do and is still on a decent beach. Resorts we've stayed at and recommend include the El San Juan, San Juan Marriott, San Juan Ritz and La Casitas (located at the El Conquistador in Fajardo). The El San Juan has always been fun with a lot of action in the lobby, but the last time we stayed there was just after the remodel and it seemed to be missing that vibe. They closed the casino so it could be that without that draw the electricity in the rest of the resort disappeared as well. Or maybe just a fluke. The Ritz is always nice, but it is slightly more removed from the main Isla Vede strip and more low-key. That said, the Isla Verde strip is a bit more utilitarian and doesn't offer the options the Condado or Old San Juan do - but the Isla Verde resorts are nice.

We stayed at the Marriott last trip for our first time and loved it. It's located in the heart of Condado and is a very short taxi ride or a long (but doable) walk to Old San Juan. If you stay in Condado I would recommend taking a taxi to San Felipe and then walk back down through OSJ to Condado - you can always grab a taxi if you get tired. Plenty to do around the hotel as well and though it is on the beach, if you swim in the ocean you have to be a bit careful of the currents there. They also generally have good pricing on their rooms. We stayed in a corner suite with great ocean views for barely more than a standard city view room at the other resorts.

La Casitas/El Conquistador is a large resort located in Fajardo. Nice pools and a fun water park on resort grounds. However, it is not on a beach and their beach option is to take a ferry ride to their private island. We like it there, but as maytrix said, you won't get much of the local flavor.

If it is your first time spending time in Puerto Rico and you only are staying a few nights I would recommend something in the greater San Juan area. Chill at the hotel, explore Old San Juan and recuperate from your charter.

We stayed at La Concha Renaissance in San Juan a couple of years back. Very nice beachfront with several pools. A Marriott hotel I believe.

If you have just been to the VI, the beaches in PR will be a let down, IMHO. On the other hand, time spent at El Convento in Old San Juan will make you think you have been transported to the old world. They have a great small rooftop pool,happy hour every night, and are within walking distance of a large number of great restaurants and bars. Try 311!

SanJuan is always part of our BVI trips...agree with others: if beach is key Isla Verde area is good but if you want mix of beach and 'city' then go for Condado. Lots of boutique hotels ( Acacia,At Wind Chimes) or any of the standard chain options....Condado Palms (? Best western?) is not on the beach directly but looks good if 1 block from beach is ok. La Concha,Hilton have good location. Condado is nice mix of beach, city and access to old town.

We're staying at Tres Palmas in Ocean Park in November. Looks like a nice little B&B about a block from the beach.

Also close to Fajardo is the Wyndham Rio Mar. Nice beach, pool, and golf course,multiple restaurants on site. El Yunque is close by as well.

Ocean Park Beach is a nice area... Easy walk to Condado and new restaurant scene developing back on Calle Lozia. Hop bus to get to Old San Juan.

We loved everything about our stay. The happy hour exceeded our expectations many times over, many levels about the generic club level offerings I encounter when traveling for work.

We had a room with a huge terrace, it felt like our own little apartment in some European city.

We stayed at the above mentioned Rio Mar. I agree, the beaches don't compare to the VIs, I didn't even walk down to the beach. The rest of our group walked the beach but didn't get in the water

I totally agree with Nutmeg that the beaches in PR will be a let down after being in the VI's. The El Convento can't be beat for it's old world charm and convenience to all the sights and restaurants of Old San Juan.