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We will be in the Dorado area a few nights before our trip to Jost in a couple of weeks. We plan on visiting the Bacardi plant as well as old town, any other must do's? We have not been there in 20 years, other than the airport.

We stopped over on our way to STJ twice.

The first time we stayed in OSJ and did both forts, a free tour of the governess mansion and grounds and just walked around the old city. We stayed at the el Convento and I can't remember the streets we wandered at night, it was a lovely neighborhood.

I would recommend both forts, each has its own charms.

Second time we stayed out by el yunque at the wyndam. We hired a local guide for a day. It was definately worthwhile as we got 100x more out of our hikes than we would have on our own. If you are interested, I have his info at my office. We did the bio bay tour as well which sadly wasn't as wow as I expected it to be.

I remember we all enjoyed our meals in OSJ every night and it was a fun place to bar stroll.

We have spent many long weekends in OSJ over the years. I agree with all of Cleobeach's recommendations. There is much to do in OSJ. We found the Bacardi tour boring. You do not visit the real distillery. The tour is in a building with mock ups and scenes of what rum making is. The forts and the rainforest are the real deal! Enjoy your time in Puerto Rico, the people are very friendly.

I'll second the friendly people comment. We sailed USVI, SVI/eastern PR, BVI in the fall. Everyone in PR was friendly and happy. It was a great experience.

Cheers, RickG

I hesitate to comment because we didn't visit but two friends that did (one lives there 6mo of the year) shared similar thoughts about the Bacardi tour. One likened it to a corporate headquarters information center.

And I agree on the warmth of the people.

On our first morning, we were approached by a policeman in OSJ who just wanted to know if we needed any directions. We ended up talking to him for 20 minutes. He sent us to his favorite breakfast spot and turned us on to the tour of the governor's mansion.

At our hotel (both times) the employees were great sources of information on things to see and do. Not in the standard service industry way but in a way that they had pride about where they lived and wanted people to see the best it had to offer.

We are seriously considering another stop over in SJU for our next trip.

I also love Old San Juan (El Convento <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />), and think the Condado area is pretty great, too (especially Buddatai and Pinky's!)...But you mentioned being in Dorado.I'm not sure how far away that is?

We had a magical stay at the El Convento, we loved everything about it.

We were there with two other couples and we (hubby, son and I) got the top floor room with the HUGE patio with a dining table and loungers where we gathered each night.

We all loved the nightly manager's cocktail party, the pool area, the location, breakfast in the courtyard.

I almost hate to stay there again because it won't live up to the memories!

Don't miss the pork highway!!!!