San Juan port

[baby doll]

I went into the calendar and even though they haven't loaded anything for next year it shows this as all Carnival is going out of Pier #4 which is the one away from the Hotels. Great info and sights to visit. I thank you all for sharing. Great Mark Twain quote.

[swimref]

Stayed 3 nights before and 2 after our cruise in Feb-March 07 at the Hotel Milano. Neat old character hotel. It's not 5 star american standards but about half the price of El Convento. Rooms were comfy but older and elevator was creaky. Free continental breakfast on roof top. If you have a lap top you can access free internet up there. Sheraton has casino and is also in old San Juan. I think more expensive than Milano. I'd stay at the Milano again. Old San Juan is partying all night on weekends. Neat Place. Take ear plugs if you want to sleep through the partiers

[baby doll]

Thanks swimref the Milano was the one I was going to choose. I liked it was family owned and I don't mind old...we sort of go together with the creaking and all. I threw the ear plugs in cause I heard it was noisy. Can you walk to the Pier? I found out Carnival goes out of Pier #4. We are going to the Rum factory...any other must see's? When you went on the ship did you feel uncomfortable boarding a ship in another country that was made up mostly of Spanish speaking people? I don't mind, but kina worried if were at dinner we would be left out of the conversations if we don't speak fluid Spanish. Do they at least try and set you with some English speaking cruisers?

[Casanova frankenstein]

Originally posted by IslandCruz:
What is up with changing the name of the nice Hotel near the pier that used to be a Wyndham?

What is it now?
The one with the Casino.

How does the new Non-Smoking law in P.R. affect the casinos?

Well you cannot smoke on any casino, night club or any public place that is not an open one. fine comes from $50 to $250...I think is unfair but there is nothing we can do.

Also there is one question I like to ask
Why San Juan?
Is not the only place you can visit in PR, for all I know "el oeste" for example Aguadilla, Mayaguez and San German, has more beautiful places, better restaurants and Cheaper hotels...
If you come the day before why don't you try some of them and San Juan is just 2 hours from here, also we have more to offer.

[Chef Ken]

Casanova frankenstein,

The attractions of Mayaguez, San German, Ponce are unique from San Juan and there are some great places of interest and a few good restaurants. But for cruise passengers, SJU is much more convenient and in reality has much more to offer in terms of restaurants, theatre, culture and hotels.

I would not trade a parador in Maricao over a high-rise on the Condado but it is a matter of convenience. If people wanted an extended stay in PR I would also recommend getting out island.

[baby doll]

We just want to rest up from the flight and see old San Juan. San Juan is a port, and although maybe not much there is a place we haven't seen before. Thanks all you guys for your help

[baby doll]

By the way no one answered my question if it is walking distance from the Milano over to pier 4?

[goin' cruisin']

El Morro is a must see in San Juan. If you're a history buff,give yourself several hours for the fortress alone. Also, get a kite and fly it outside the fort; it's a great experience.

[Chef Ken]

Sorry baby doll! The hotel is straight north of the pier and within walking distance, maybe 3 or 4 blocks.

goin' crusin' is right about the kite flying and El Morro. The wind comes off the Atlantic there in a steady force. El Morro is 500 plus years old and an impressive fortress.

While walking in Old San Juan, take note of the blue-colored "bricks" that pave the streets beneath your feet. They are easily as old as the fort since they were used in the Spanish ships for ballast on their original voyages.

[baby doll]

wow thanks guys for the into, I sure will check out those blue bricks and the kite thing. You can buy a kite there I guess.??? El Morro is which one? I'm trying to find it on the map..Is that the one that has the walking road to it? I do love history. Thanks also for the distance question.