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!!!

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/  

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!!!

My First Uber Ride!

It's about 3:20 am and I just completed my first Uber ride! I was wondering what all the hype was about because I have seen their advertisements on the sides of buses and have friends that request an Uber pickup after a late night outing in Manhattan. I never really asked questions about it because I don't frequently call a cab. I normally call a local car service to get to work in the wee hours of the morning when you are more likely to see sketchy people roaming in the streets. Unfortunately I've had a lot of disagreements with the local guys because they are rude when I call and normally cannot give me an ETA. Worst yet they beep the horn and wake up the neighbors. Then I get stressed about having enough cash on hand to pay my cab fare. So I had a great painless experience using Uber. I didn't have to talk to anyone, I knew the name of the person coming, type of car to look for, when they would arrive and how much I would pay. I fee the service is very personalized and safe. They were reasonable compared to taking a yellow cab. I liked being able to get in the care and say "Good Morning Malek, thanks for coming to get me so quickly."  Malek and I had a nice conversation in my 10 minute ride and I learned that anyone with a drivers license can become an Uber driver and make a nice income. The best part of this experience was I rode for FREE! I had a coupon for $20 off my first ride and my estimated fare was $15-$21 dollars. If I had paid, that ride would have cost me about $5 bucks more than the local guys but it was a lot less stress. I also received a coupon code to send my friends to get free or discounted rides! (Use my coupon code for your free ride today "angelaw2640ue") Sharing is caring!!!  When you download the app we both can earn free rides! Here I thought this was just another expensive black car cab service; boy was I wrong! So let me give you some general information on Uber.

It is a 6 year old international transportation company that started in San Francisco and has been spreading from city to city like wildfires. Uber allows the customer to request a taxi, private car or rideshare from their app which you can download on most smart phones. The app is free to and it will connect you to a driver in minutes based on your GPS location. 

You can use Uber in a few easy steps once you have downloaded the app. 

First you need to set up a payment method using your credit or debit card or google wallet. Uber runs a cashless operation. Your fare is automatically deducted once you reach your destination. I have read their policy is no tipping because you don't need cash to ride with Uber. 

Here are the steps when you are ready to request a ride...

1) login to the app

2) choose the type of service you need (i.e. uberpool, uberx, uberxl, uberblack, or suv, etc.)

3) tap to set pick up location (make sure your GPS is turned on) 

4) tap plus sign next to pick up location to enter destination (you may request fare estimate or use promo code at this time) 

5) tap request uber...(whatever type of vehicle you had previously selected) 

After step 5 you will see cars on the map on the screen closest to your location. Once an Uber driver accepts your request  you will receive the name and photo of your driver, make of car and an estimated time of arrival (ETA). Once you have been picked up you and the driver will get the same route so you may follow along from your phone. There is even an option to share your ETA with your friends and family.

Go ahead and download the app and make sure you use my coupon code angelaw2640ue for your 1st ride free! What do you have to lose? Nothing right? So what are you waiting for? #UBER

Swizzle Inn Bermuda

Besides the beautiful beaches and the friendly people Rum Swizzle, Bermuda's National Drink will keep you coming back to the island! Rum Swizzle is made from Bermuda's own Gosling's Black Seal and Gold Rum mixed with various fruit juices.  Click here to learn to make your own!
Today I stopped by The Swizzle Inn a very Historic Pub and Restaurant on the Island which opened their doors in 1932. The building was a homestead from the 1600's. It is located in Bailey's Bay at 3 Blue Hole Hill, about a stones toss from the Airport. They have a second location in Warwick the west end of the island. You can buy Swizzle by the cup, half a jug or full jug. They also carry  coke products and milkshakes. The menu is quite extensive so it was hard to decide what to eat. After a chat with our server Megan assuring me everything was excellent, I ended up choosing the Wahoo Burger, it's a Swizzle Inn original recipe!!! Wahoo is a type of fish found in Bermuda that I tend to refer to as Yahoo fish as my friends laugh at me for never saying it properly. The burger is made of fresh ground wahoo seasoned with cilantro, lime and ginger topped with lettuce and tomato, served with salad or fries. I chose seasoned fries.  Wahoo is a mild white fish.  I'd recommend it for someone who's not really into fish but would like to try something different. The food was delicious and  Megan was a great server! All the staff was friendly and welcoming! You are welcomed to leave your card on the pub walls. There are thousands of cards on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. They also have a gift shop called Swagger Out on the second floor where you may purchase souvenirs.
If your in Bermuda make sure to Swizzle Inn and
Swagger Out...that's their motto!!!