Showing posts with label puerto rico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label puerto rico. Show all posts

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Atlantic Beach Hotel, Puerto Rico

I took a last minute mid-week getaway to Puerto Rico! I didn't want to spend too much money so I checked online for hotels with hotels.com, Hotwire, Expedia and Orbitz. I was looking for a beach front property close to the airport or Isla Verdes preferably with a pool for less than $100 bucks a night. Through Orbitz I ended up selecting Atlantic Beach Hotel in Condado for $79 per night. I'm my haste I did not realize they did not have a pool. I liked that they were 4.5 miles from the airport, it's only about a 15 minute ride. They do not offer transportation so the taxi was $20 bucks. I arrived at the hotel about 12 noon. Getting out of the taxi I felt this place could be a little sketchy a small cream colored building with the name written down the side with a few missing blue letters. It is located a the end of a small side street. 
Upon entering the hotel I really liked the Caribbean feel of an open lobby with a phenomenal view of the beach, sheer curtains blowing in the wind and plenty comfortable seating to just relax and take in the view. The room was not ready because check in was not until 4pm. The desk attendant was very resourceful and offered suggestions on places to get lunch while I waited for my room to be cleaned. He allow me to leave my luggage in the lobby. I used the bathroom in that area and got really scared about the possible condition of my room because that was smelly and not well kept.
I returned after lunch and relaxed on a comfy couch enjoying the lobby view. My room was ready about two hours before check in. They allowed me to go to my room early. They still use actual keys on key chains for the rooms. It was small, clean and very basic. There were two modern style twin beds with brown wooden frames and white linens. There was also a flat screen TV, a small white dresser and a black nightstand with a lamp between the beds. The bathroom was modern with a stone finished standing shower. Shampoo and body wash dispensers were provided in the shower. (Sorry I didn't get photos of the actual room.)  They had a very old elevator I tripped every time I got out because it didn't line up evenly with the floor. I took the stars a lot because I thought I might actually get trapped in that thing. It could definitely use some updating. There were many shops, restaurants and other hotels located nearby. The public bus came on the main road, you could get to  the airport or Old San Juan on the bus but there were plenty of taxi vans available as well. The location was very convenient and not far from Old San Juan.  I would recommend this place as a budget friendly location. Be prepared to pay extra fees,..There was a refundable $100 deposit and a $5 per person energy fee upon check in. They also charge $10 deposit for use of beach towels. The use of beach chairs is free but you gotta be out there early to snag you one!
The tides were too high for a swim and seaweed was close to the shore so the staff told us we could possibly swim at one of the nearby resorts. They are located a few steps from the Marriott and La Conchas two very large beautiful resorts. I think they should try to make some sort of deal with one of the larger resorts to allow guest to use their pools. They also have a bar but it is only open on weekends. I recommend this place for the budget traveler or backpacker that is not looking to spend a lot of money and doesn't need the frills! You can  check out their website for more photos and rates here! Save travels!!!

Monday, January 18, 2016

Restaurante Raices

I had a late lunch in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico at a very authentic place called Restaurante Raices! A facebook friend recommended this place and one of their house specialties was Munfungo. I had heard of this dish but never had it. My thoughts were, there couldn't have been a better time or place to try it! The staff was friendly and attentive! I loved there outfits!!! The women wore all white long flowing skit outfits and white caps that reminded me of a pillow case. place was cozy and quaint with fun funky decor. We found the silverware in a small metal bucket on the table. We drank out of metal mugs with the company's logo! I chose the munfungo with shimp. I switched to yellow plantains instead of the green ones, had to pay a little extra but worth it. The mufungo was served in a medium sized Pilon with a plantain chip sticking out the side! My mouth is still watering as I think about the flavors of sweet plantains mashed in garlic butter served with plump juicy shrimp! Foodgasm alert!!! I also tried the Chuleta Kan Kan, that was a huge porkchop served with rice. Both dishes very flavorful! I left too full for dessert!!! In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger..."I'll be back! They have three locations Old San Juan, Cagus, and Hato Rey... Check out the website for more info! http://restauranteraices.com/  

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Flying Jet Blue to Ponce!!!

I was on my way to Ponce, Puerto Rico. The only airline I could find headed to my destination was Jet Blue. Upon booking my ticket I found their website  easy to navigate. I checked in online and printed my boarding pass from home! I arrived at terminal 5 at JFK airport at about 10pm for a red eye that departed at 11:59pm. The security process was a breeze and I found the terminal easy to navigate.  They had touch screen directory's just pass security. The terminal was very clean, well lit and had a lot of shops and restaurants. I liked the employee uniforms, navy blue with a pop of orange. I passed many employees smiling as they made eye contact with me. They played good pop music, I heard Michael Jackson playing in the terminal! They had alot of tv's an a kiddie play station too! 

My flight departed about 15 minutes late. Mr. Friday, the gate agent made a couple announcements about the boarding being delayed. I was so tierd I'm not sure of the reason but we made it to Ponce on time. I remember his name because I though "Mr Friday is here helping me on Tuesday!" Yes, I admit I can  be a bit corny, LOL!!! The flight was approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. The flight crew was pleasant and attentive. After the drink service they offered free snacks and food for purchase. I was pretty stoked to see they serve Duncan Donuts coffee! The pamphlet in the seat back was very informative listing menu items and free movie selections. The announcements were made in both Spanish and English. I found that the flight attendants did a great job of coming back often to make sure everyones needs were met! Ponce has a very small airport with only three gates. It was very easy to navigate and find my party meeting me upon arrival! I truly enjoyed my first flight on Jetblue!!!