Puerto Rico ~ Safe ?

[oceanmarina]

We were thinking of staying in Puerto Rico a few days pre-cruise. (We wanted a spot that's good for singles) Is it safe at night there to go to clubs? (I had heard there a lot of gang activity there & was nervous about that) Also, does anyone know of a nice hotel that's good for singles?
Thanks so much for any advice! ~ M ( ;

 

[lindalu62]

I have not been there, but just did some reading on it in Frommers travel guide. They do not recommend going onto the beaches at night, especially alone, muggings are common. There are no private beaches, so anyone can walk onto any hotels beach area, so keep that in mind!! As far as clubs, it did not address that as much as the beaches! I would stay alert, maybe think of it as similiar to New York or LA.

 

[Telegalc]

We have stayed in Old San Juan twice at the Wyndam . We are not single (married) but there is a casino in the loby and restaurant there etc. Plus we did walk around at night with no problem. We did stay alert though. The worst experience we had there was at the airport in 1999. They have since made it more secure. I had a bracelet stolen right off my arm. Like I said that was before the airport was updated. We have been in this airport three times and the first was the worst.....

 

[Nanatravel]

The most beautiful Spanish style hotel that I have ever stayed in is the Wyndham El San Juan on Isle Verde. As mentioned, don't "walk" around after dark, but the areas are relatively safe in daylight hours. No matter where you stay, make a trip to the Lobby Bar and Casino at this gorgeous resort. There is always a band or music with dancing going on in this huge lobby. It is a place to see and be seen. Evening dress is Dress Up too. Nice tropical shirts and slacks for guys is OK. For pre-cruise you may wish to bid on Priceline for the best value. Taxi's are fairly reasonable, too.
Bon Voyage

 

[JanGail]

It is my recollection from previous visits to San Juan that two places are the
hot spots for anyone looking for a good time: Old San Juan and the Condando
District- both are known for their nightlife and restaurants. I believe most of
the casino action and Las Vegas-type revues will be found in the Condado
District. Personally, I prefer being in the Old San Juan daytime and at night just
because of the old Spanish ambiance that is everywhere. Lots of great
restaurants, many with outdoor dining (great people-watching!) and bars, and
dance clubs. It is true that people tend to dress up at night- lots of "little black
dresses" among the women. Oddly, I can't remember what the men wore-
seems to me that many wore those Spanish style dress shirts- Panama shirts?
We stayed at the Wyndham Old San Juan which is right in front of the cruiseship
terminal and right in the midst of Old San Juan. I believe there are other
hotels nearby too.

JanGail

 

[cruiselover1123]

As LindaLu says, think of it as if you're in NY or LA.

If you go to the beach in the middle of the night or hang out in bad neighborhoods your not safe. If you stick to the hotel/tourist areas, casinos, restaurants, night clubs in Old San Juan, Isla Verde or el Condado you'll be safe. I also recommend that you visit the East side of the Island Fajardo, El Conquistador, Luquillo Beach, El Yunque(rain forest). THere's so much to do.

Don't be afraid, it's just like any other state in the US.

Puerto Rico is beautiful and if you have the chance to stay there for a few days do it!

 

[Lady Jag]

Been there, done that and I wouldn't do it ever again.

We stayed at a 5-star resort and it was more like a 3-star resort instead. Puerto Rico is still a developing country and it's not the nicest one around. It reminded us of Mexico (sorry to those that like Mexico). We didn't have hot water for 2 out of 4 days, the main restaurant at the resort had birds dive-bombing at our plates of food, sitting on the backs of chairs and walking all over the tables eating from plates that people had left behind. Yuck! The room floors were tile and never dried due to the humidity. We found trash swept under our beds. I had to re-clean our room more than twice. They have very different ideas of what is 'clean'.

My family stayed at the Wyndam Old San Juan and felt like they were imposing on the staff by staying there. The staff were downright rude a few times and it wasn't because of a language barrier. (My mom speaks fluent Spanish.) They said the hotel was 'adequate' for 1 night and nothing more.

I would only stay 1 night max. if I ever went there again and that's only because our flight would arrive very late at night.

 

[ljeanbrown]

If you are looking for a good spot for singles I recommend The Wyndam EL San Juan not to be confused with the one by the pier Wyndam Old San Juan. The EL San Juan is in Isle Verde section about 15 min. fron old San Juan and is a great place to stay. Everything you want is right there, several restuarants, casino, club etc. It is right on the beach and also has a couple of nice pools. Puerto Rico is beatiful in a historic kind of way. It is not all modern but that is why it is called OLD SAN JUAN. It is full of charm and history. The streets are narrow and made of cobblestone and it is on a hill so plan on wearing comfortable shoes if you go walking around in Old San Juan. It is a great place to visit and we have been there several times and plan on going several more. Have a great time.



Laurie :wave

PS.
We have stayed in differant parts of Puerto Rico including Isle Verde and have loved every minute of it and would not hesitate to recommend going there. But I would be careful venturing out at night THERE OR ANY PLACE YOU ARE NOT FAMILAR WITH.

 

[DJA]

The Wyndham Old San Juan (the one by the cruise port) is definitely a dump with poor service, and has been that way almost since it opened... which was not that long ago. If you want to have a fabulous time in San Juan, stay over on Condado at the San Juan Marriott. There's a big casino there and a lot of activity. You can walk up and down that strip or take a cab to find stuff to do and places to eat and shop day or night. There's even a big Walgreen's there in case you forget stuff before your cruise. Like others have said, it's like any urban city. There may be some crime but there is also a huge and very visible police presence around there, especially at night.

Head to Old San Juan during the day instead of at night. You can even walk there from Condado if you're an ambitious walker (really ambitious...). We've done this many times and stayed on both sides and have found this combination to be the best. The Marriott is a great hotel with a really nice beach. You will have a great time.