Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At Wind Chimes Inn
INN $$
( 787-727-4153;
www.atwindchimesinn.com
; 53 Taft; r $80-155; )
Linked
to the nearby Acacia Seaside Inn, At Wind Chimes is modeled along the same lines: a
Spanish-style villa that mixes intimacy with low-key luxuries. It's a pleasant antidote to the
resort feel of Condado's other luxury piles. Prices drop in low season, making this even
more of a bargain.
ISLA VERDE
Ritz-Carlton
RESORT $$$
( 787-253-1700;
www.ritzcarlton.com
; 6961 Av Los Gobernadores; r $272-1809;
)
Ritz equals posh, so you'd better pack the trendy slacks and bring along
a platinum credit card before booking a night here. Decked out in expensive marble and
embellished with Alhambra-esque lions that line the path to the swimming pool, this is San
Juan at its swankiest and a favorite hangout of visiting celebrities. Rooms are plush, service
heavy on the 'yes sirs and madams' and the communal areas shimmer like winning entries
in an international design competition. Parceled inside this carefully manicured tropical
'paradise' are a resident spa, tennis courts, numerous eating facilities and yes, that obligat-
ory casino.
El San Juan Hotel & Casino
RESORT $$$
( 787-791-1000;
www.elsanjuanhotel.com
;
6063 Av Isla Verde; r $259-669;
)
Decked out in Gothic dark wood, starburst chandeliers and animal-print sofas,
the lobby of El San Juan is a theatrical backdrop for the veritable fashion parade of folks
prancing in for the legendary nightly entertainment. It's renowned for its flashy casino and
rollicking nightlife; if you want stylish rooms, unlimited water features, classy restaurants,
Starbucks coffee and a heaving nightlife all in one big happy package, this is the place for
you. All rooms have a full or partial ocean view.
Water & Beach Club
HOTEL $$$
( 787-728-3666;
www.waterbeachclubhotel.com
; 2 Calle Tartak; r $195-295, ste
$325-500; )
Breaking the resort ubiquity of Isla Verde, the Water & Beach
Club is - along with the Horned Dorset (
Click here
) in Rincón - Puerto Rico's most cel-
ebrated 'boutique' hotel. With a reception area straight out of
Architectural Digest
and el-
evators that sport glassed-in waterfalls, this is probably the closest San Juan comes to emu-
lating South Beach, Florida. The minimalist rooms are artfully designed and benefit from
