Travelzoo Experience: Girls Getaway to Puerto Rico

One of the most coveted perks at Travelzoo is the Travelzoo Experience, in which Deal Experts and other employees take advantage of the same travel, entertainment and local deals we publish to our subscribers and report back on their experience.

It was a typical gray winter day in New York City when our colleagues at Fly.com found a $185 roundtrip nonstop airfare to San Juan, Puerto Rico from JFK. Enticed by the prospect of a little sun at the end of a long winter, I called some friends and by that night we were planning a Caribbean getaway.

After researching hotels, we decided to stay at La Concha, a Renaissance hotel, based on a recommendation from a friend. We were told it was a hip, modern hotel, and it lived up to that description. Based on our experience, it’s more for the younger crowd rather than families. I’ve already recommended it to two other Travelzoo colleagues since I’ve returned.

Unfortunately, our four-day weekend was unusually rainy for March (according to locals). Luckily, from casinos to nightlife to amazing restaurants, there was a lot to keep us busy indoors and out.

Some of the highlights of the trip were:

• During the periods of sunshine, we put in some time at the beach. The beach around our hotel was not very crowded and the water was beautiful -- both for the views and the swimming. The water was a lovely temp this time of year and the fairly large waves were a lot of fun.
• We toured Old San Juan one day. We mostly checked out shops, but also went to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a Spanish fort with incredible views. I’d highly recommend stopping here to snap some amazing photos.
• In Old San Juan, we tried the first pina colada ever made at Caribe Hilton. It was delicious, and I can see why they keep making them!
• We ate at a restaurant that a local turned us on to called Jose Enrique. It was one of the best meals I’ve had in a very long time. It was located in what looked like a house (with no sign) in a fun area called La Placita. There was a long wait for dinner, but around the restaurant you can grab a drink from one of the street vendors and enjoy the music playing in the streets.

So while the sun didn’t shine nonstop on our beach getaway, it was still nice escape with a few friends to enjoy the warm weather and great food in a new place.