While we featured this Trip Pick once before - a little more than a year ago - we're back again, encouraging you to check out one of our favorite easy getaways: San Juan, Puerto Rico.While sun-seekers often head to Miami when looking for a warmer destination in winter, we encourage you to consider San Juan as an alternative weekend getaway.
Not only does this beachside city have lots of sand and sun on offer, its also got loads of culture and character. Indeed, a trip to San Juan, with its colorful colonial architecture and Spanish-influence, feels like an international trip - no foreign currency or passports needed.
On that note, heading here from New York is easy and inexpensive. Flights (and we found tons of super cheap ones for as little as $256 - nonstop, roundtrip and including all taxes and fees!) clock in at just 3 hours and 58 minutes.
Once you arrive in San Juan, taxis are cheap - there's no need for you to rent a car in the city. And as always, we've found attractive accommodations for every budget. So if you're looking for a low-key, easy weekend escape from New York, consider San Juan. After hearing from so many happy readers who went based on our last Trip Pick, we know you won't regret it!
xo,
your jauntsetter team
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Trip Details
When to Go
The weather in San Juan is wonderfully warm right now with highs in the mid-80's and lows in the mid-70's. Sounds just about right for us! One note: Spring Breakers may be found at cheaper resorts and nightclubs; steer clear of anything "keg" or "shot" related, and you should be fine.
For bigger bargains and no college students, head on down in April, when the sun is out and hotel prices start dropping.
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Length of Stay
As we mentioned, San Juan is a lovely long weekend getaway. While you could spend a week and be entertained in the city, even just three nights will do for a quick and affordable jaunt. Consider it.
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Getting There
American, Continental and JetBlue all have direct flights to San Juan in the mid-$200's or below. The cheapest fares we found were for late March on Continental, for $256, using Kayak.com.
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Getting Around
As mentioned, taxis are readily available from the airport and in San Juan, except after 10pm. Instead of trying to hail one from the street (which will make you look like an obvious tourist and potential pickpocket target) have a restaurant or bar call you a cab. Or simply walk to a nearby hotel and order one there.
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Where to Stay
Our #1 (And Budget) Pick: The Andalucia Guest House
The Andalucia Guest House is not only our #1 Pick for a place to stay in San Juan, it's our budget pick as well! Room rates start at just $85/a night at this highly reviewed inn (check out its glowing TripAdvisor reviews here).
This hotel won't be serving you breakfast in bed or providing you with fluffy robes and slippers, but that doesn't mean it lacks amenities: it has free WiFi, a clean, inviting jacuzzi and super-friendly owners who won't mind helping you with restaurant or activity suggestions. If you're really on a budget, they'll even help you figure out the bus system, which is surprisingly easy to use when you're stationed at The Andalucia - lots of stops are nearby, and a free route even runs by the hotel. With that in mind, the location really is hard to beat: restaurants, a beautiful beach and lots of shops are within walking distance.
Finally, we've heard from multiple readers who have stayed at the Guest House and really enjoyed there time. Not to overhype it - again, this isn't a luxury property - but if you're looking for value, this is your best bet. Request your reservation here.
Our Midrange Pick: The Gallery Inn
Located in Old San Juan, this quirky inn has just 22 rooms, all of them uniquely decorated with art by one of the owners - and all with a TempurPedic bed (our favorite). And while the building is old and some of the facilities could use updating - expect slightly leaky faucets and creaky floors - the service and amenities of The Gallery make up for any lack of polish or panache. Mornings begin with fresh tropical fruits and a complimentary breakfast, and evenings offer an "owner's reception" with wine and music. At night, cool off on the roof overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, or take a rest in one of the inn's gardens. Whatever you do, make sure you talk to the staff or owner (Jan; an ex-New Yorker) of the hotel - you'll be sure to get lots of insider tips on how to enjoy San Juan best.
Colonial Rooms, with full beds for double occupancy, start at $170 during the week and $200 on the weekends. Make your reservation here.
Our Splurge Pick: El Convento
El Convento is considered San Juan's "Number 1" hotel by many, including notoriously fickle TripAdvisor reviewers. Like other luxury properties in San Juan, this accommodation pick has all the amenities (rooftop pool) and perks (complimentary evening wine receptions) you'd expect from a five-star hotel. What makes El Convento unique, however, is that it delivers them all with a healthy dose of character and lots of warmth.
Twin rooms start at $232 during the week, and go up to $295 on the weekend, with a two night minimum. Book your room here.
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To Do
We'll have some more blog posts this week on what to do in San Juan, including where to dine, dance and drink! Make sure you also check out our tips on taking a sidetrip to Vieques - a must do if you have a few days, or even a week, to spare in Puerto Rico.
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