Overview:
We arrived late on Friday into the sweltering heat of America's island. I for one, was eager to embrace the heat. One last time to wear last year's sandals! Our stay lasted just 4 nights and comprised mostly of food finds from yelp/chowhound, duty-free booze, beach sun bathing and some gambling.
Hotel:
We stayed at La Concha, a 50's style chic hotel that was mentioned in 2009 in Architectural Digest’s top ten Caribbean resorts. The on site amenities had a fashionista packed lobby bar, overpriced beach-side drinks and La Perla* (restaurant in the famous shell) which was as expected- very good, while $$$.
Food:
Yerba Buena- Food was good, outdoor seating and live jazz music.
La Casita Blanca- very authentic Puerto Rican food and neighborhood. Menu is in Spanish on a chalkboard and your meal comes with free, tasty app's!
Pikayo- Small and expensive plates, very much like any high-end restaurant in a big city. We sampled several apps and enjoyed the chef's creativity.... a highlight in our trip. $$$
Pamela's- Overpriced, but best atmosphere. Tables are literally on the beach.
La Bombera- Old San Juan. Best, authentic mallorcas breakfast. Over a 100 years old and one of the highlights of our trip.
Cafe Bebo- Average food and good prices, good cubano.
Raices- Old San Juan. Very touristy, but amazing monfongo (with skirt steak) and big beers in giant aluminum cups!
*La Perla- Good fish options here as well as Mon/Tues half off wine. In the shell of La Concha and had the most delicate, delicious sea bass with lobster risotto here.
Stuff:
Not a lot to do but relax and enjoy the beach. We did spend a half day walking Old San Juan which was nice to take in the history but a few hours max. Snorkeling for a few hours with Scuba Dogs was the biggest waste of time/money and we wished we would have taken the much talked about rain forest tour.
Tips:
- Ask cab drivers cost ahead of time, no meters equate to always changing rates.
- Book at the end of the rainy season, putting up with a few brief showers was well worth the hotel specials (one night free).
- Ask to be upgraded, we did and scored a suite with a view since it was still available at no extra cost.
- Buy duty-free booze at the airport and save some pennies.
- Bring something nice. SJ reminds me of Miami, people do love to dress up at night.
- Fly direct! One of the reasons we picked SJ was for the AA direct flight and the lack of customs/money exchange.
