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Puerto Rico

The TVClubHouse: Archives: 2004 January - Arpil: Puerto Rico users admin

Author Message
Danzdol
Member

04-21-2001

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 8:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Ok, I need your help and input. I will be going to Puerto Rico in a couple of weeks to celebrate our 4 year wedding anniversary. We have made reservations at the Wyndham-El Conquistador Resort. We have an ocean view, balcony suite so it should be amazing.

I have researched and found that it is absolutely stunning and beautiful but that it is extremely expensive. I know everything , for the most part, in a resort setting (unless it's inclusive) is usually very expensive. The resort has a spa that advertises "complementary use by hotel guests" but when I called they said it is 25.00 for the use unless you have a treatment. I wrote them a small pre-visit complaint because one of the main reasons why we reserved there was for the use of the spa! Either way, I really want to have a nice experience so I am going to make sure I take things like this laid back...as much as I can anyway. It's in my nature to be informed so I will keep researching this trip....

Has anyone ever been there?

We are going Thursday night through Sunday afternoon. We are thinking of going to Old San Juan on one of the days. I also read about the rainforest EL YUNQUE.

I want to know suggestions, tips and hear about everyone's Puerto Rican experience........

Kaili
Member

08-31-2000

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 8:47 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I've never been there, but I can't wait to hear about it because I really want to go there! Aren't you excited? Sounds like fun!

Danzdol
Member

04-21-2001

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 9:34 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I am SUPER excited. I went for my honeymoon way back but I was in a cruise. It made a 4 hour stop at night which was not enough.

A loooong time ago I remember watching General Hospital and they filmed an episode there at the Conquistador and ever since I have always wanted to go. Sooo this is my own little fantasy that I hope to be able to live out!

Sbeachy
Member

07-27-2002

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 2:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I went to PR about 7 years ago. I was there for 2 weeks in July.(I just about DIED from the high heat and humidity!) I was traveling with a friend who was a native, best way to go some place you've never been before! We drove all around that island! I believe we toured the El Conquistador. The hotel was located on the northeast tip of the island, I believe near a town called Fajardo(sp). If this is where you are staying, be prepared to have your socks knocked off!!! It is absolutely gorgeous! The hotel sits on a bluff high over the ocean, with a tram to ride down to different levels, and to the beach as well IIRC. The hotel was very lush, and full of antiques in the public areas. We were going to eat in one of the restaurant's, but after a glance at the menu, ran for a local haunt!!! (Again, the pleasure of traveling with a local, not afraid to eat out!!) Anyway, I believe I saw a Ceasar Salad going for something like $25. I believe they have a world class golf course, and I was told that at one time Michael Jordan owned one of the Condo's on the resort. The road leading to the resort(or the one we took anyways) was along some of the most picture-perfect beaches!
I am so jealous of you getting to go in the Spring instead of the middle of summer like I did! The weather will probably be perfect this time of year! If you have time, don't forget to tour the Bacardi factory, the view of the city from there is great. Not to mention free samples(LOL).
We didn't tour the rain forest or go to see Oceiba(sp), but Old San Juan, and the Fort are beautiful. There some great gallery's and boutiques, great for window shopping. So be sure to do some walking.
I only spent about 4 days in San Juan, as that my friend's family lived on the southwest corner of the island, about 3-4 hour drive thru some beautiful mountains. Kinda freaked this flatlander out a little. My friend's family home was in Yauco, which is by Ponce. It was very interesting hearing the family history, and stay in a home that was over 100 years in the family. (with no AC)
Have a wonderful trip, and be sure to get red beans and rice with pork and plantinoes!!

Danzdol
Member

04-21-2001

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 2:57 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks! yes that is the one we are staying out. It says it's on a 300 foot cliff.

That is exactly what I have heard about the food there. Oh boy!

Do they really give you free samples at the factory? That's cool.

The resort is "supposed" to be favored by Jlo :-) and Mariah Carey :-((yuck) and apparently many stars. I feel lucky to have gotten a pretty good deal.

What is IIRC?
Were there other local places to go eat other then at the resort?

Fabnsab
Member

08-07-2000

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 8:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
We went last year. Our cruise ennded there and we stayed on for 3 more days. We stayed at the Wyndham Old San Juan right by the docks and it was beautiful. I hear wonderful things about your resort. It will be very expensive there. Most resorts are because they know exactly who they're catering to.

Venture out to Old San Juan and tour the forts. They have a trolly type bus that loops and takes you all around for free. The streets look just like Europe. There are great shops to go in and out of.

We ate at the Cafe Puerto Rico 3 times in three days, a typical family owned restaurant where you know Mama is cooking in the kitchen. The best rice and beans I ever had. It was super cheap too. You have to go to places like this for the deals because they also cater to locals.

We went to El Yunque Rainforest. It was nice but we could have done without. We're not hikers and we didnt realize that there was a superlong trek to get to this waterfall where you can swim a bit, then you have to get back to the bus(uphill) but you're all wet. Its not our thing but others enjoyed it.

Have a great time. It is truly beautiful and you feel like you're in another world. Take tons of pics!

Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 9:24 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
We stayed at the Conquistador almost 10 years ago. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! Their private beach island is gorgeous! Great golf too. You will just love it.
btw, most spas I have been to have that usage fee if you aren't having services done.

Danzdol
Member

04-21-2001

Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 8:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I know but their website says that is complementary and I called and they said that it's not so I sent them an email. We'll see what they respond.

Fab- where was the Cafe Puerto Rico, in Old SanJuan? I want to go there...

Fabnsab
Member

08-07-2000

Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 12:49 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh, gosh, Danzdol, I have no clue where it was. I think it was across the way from a large statue of someone important...lol...is that any help? Because it was a mom and pop place, they didnt have any souvenirs or anything for me to remember it by. PR is so tiny though so if you're in Old San Juan, someone will know where to find it. Sorry that I dont remember more.

Oh yeah, on the weekends theres a freestanding bar right by the visitor center that they open and you can just walk up and buy a drink. The weekends are one big party in OSJ.



Danzdol
Member

04-21-2001

Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 7:33 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
ok This Thursday is the day....any tips on travelling to Puerto Rico.......

Danzdol
Member

04-21-2001

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 3:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
FABANDSAB:

I went to the Cafe Puerto Rico!!!!!!!! It was on the last day. We came back from the resort to the airport and checked in our bags. WE then took a 10 minute cab to Old San Juan and went to the Morro castle. When we were starving, there it was. They opened right at noon and we were the first ones in. We had rice with gandules and pork seasoned with onions and sweet plantains DELICIOUS!

I took a pic in front of it to show ya! I just have not developed the pics. I thought it was funny that I actually found it by chance. It was meant to be! IT's accross a small park right by the Castillo San Cristobal.

Fabnsab
Member

08-07-2000

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 12:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
OMG, thats so cool! I am so glad you enjoyed it there. We took a pic in front of it too...lol. You were much luckier than us. Our first time there, we waited 20 minutes for a table.

How was the rest of your trip? Details, please!

Danzdol
Member

04-21-2001

Friday, April 16, 2004 - 1:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
It was really nice although the weather was not at it's greatest. We managed to get a tan.

I posted my complete review at:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147319-d148045-r1740961-Wyndham_El_Conquistador_Resort_Country_Club-Puerto_Rico.html

I will scan some of pics soon and post!

Deesandy
Member

08-12-2003

Monday, April 19, 2004 - 5:21 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I have been to Puerto Rico twice and I highly recommend it to anyone whom may be considering such a trip!