Many visitors to Puerto Rico never venture beyond the capital city of San Juan. Although they miss the spectacular natural beauty and sleepy little towns found throughout the rest of the island, they can be forgiven. San Juan has enough attractions and activities to captivate anyone for many days and nights.

The question arises, where should one stay in this city? The answer depends on where your interests lie.

If you’re coming for the beaches (and beach parties), you definitely need to book a room at Hotel Row, the chain of glitzy beach resorts that stretches from the airport to the bridges connecting the mainland to the island of Old Man. San Juan. .

The beach strip is also the place to stay if you want to try your luck at the gaming tables, as this is where the main casinos are located. Condado is the most stunning neighborhood along the beach, but Isla Verde and Ocean Park also have a lot to offer.

If your taste is more towards historical sights, you should try to book a room in Old San Juan itself. There are some great hotels in the Old Town that are themselves historic gems, brimming with old world charm and atmosphere.

If you can’t find a suitable place in the old town itself, due to lack of budget or because everything is full, a great alternative is the Miramar neighborhood.

While not on the beach, Miramar is as close to Old San Juan as you can get without being in the old town. Hotels here are, on average, less expensive than those on the beach strip or in the old city proper. From Miramar you can take a convenient bus to the historic district for 75 cents.

Wherever you decide to stay in San Juan, you’ll enjoy your stay more if you try to speak some Spanish with the taxi drivers, hotel staff, and restaurant employees you meet. Although most of the locals who work in the service industry speak excellent English, making an effort to interact with them in Spanish will mark you as a gracious guest.