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Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: finallyahoneymoon (---.hsd1.va.comcast.net)
Date:   03-17-08 10:14

Our flight reservations are made but the best we could do was getting into San Juan at 12:30 and leaving from Isla Grande at 4:30. Any recommendations on how to make the most of that time but still be relaxing? Any recommendations for a nice leisurely lunch and maybe a stroll through Old San Juan? Also how much before our flight should we arrive at Isla Grande?
Same story on the way back but think Breakfast! We will be in Isla Grande by 8 am and our flight doesn't head out until noon.
Thanks everyone!
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Will & Kelly (69.85.230.---)
Date:   03-17-08 10:23

We'll be doing the same thing a week from today...woo hoo! I'd love to hear some reponses/suggestions for a good lunch in olde san juan!
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Ty Watson (---.dsl.stlsmo.sbcglobal.net)
Date:   03-17-08 12:54

Take a cab to Old San Juan and at that point its either go check out the old fort, which is pretty cool...or go spend $1,000,000 and wander the shops and eateries. As far as specific ones to visit...i cant give an option but if I were to do it again I would go and visit the fort.
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   03-17-08 14:12

Parrot Club for lunch.

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=parrot+club+restaurant+san+juan&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

You should be at Isla Grande 45 minutes before the flight. It should only take 15-20 minutes by cab to get there from Old San Juan.

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   03-17-08 14:17

I second the Parrot Club. Not a budget meal, but worth the money.
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mort (---.tampabay.res.rr.com)
Date:   03-17-08 14:27

I'm not sure that leisurely is the right word. Looks like you'll only have 90 minutes in OSJ, more or less, before you have to turn around and get a cap back to the airport. And that's assuming that your plane to Puerto Rico lands on time, which is kind of hit or miss.

It would be wise to get to the Isla Grande airport an hour ahead. The local airlines are known to be a bit loose with the schedules sometimes.

The cab ride from SJU to OSJ is around 25-30 minutes, but the ride is shorter from OSJ to Isla Grande.

I agree with Ty about the fort, but given that you don't have much time and want to eat lunch, it's probably best to just stroll around the central area.
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.nycmny.east.verizon.net)
Date:   03-17-08 16:49

Is the Parrot Club worth it again? I was there about once a week when it opened and I lived in Old San Juan, around 10, 11 years ago, but then, on subsequent visits, it seemed to me that the quality dropped considerably.

I have not been in about 5 years, so things definitely will have changed. I assume, by Debbie and Doug's remarks, for the better. That's good to know.

Then again, I am a cranky NYer at heart, who 'has seen it all' ..

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.aurorasys.com)
Date:   03-17-08 18:00

I haven't been for at least 6 years. My favorites were Sunday brunch and Saturday night dinner with a Cuban jazz quintet serenading the dining room. That dinner was one of the most expensive I've ever had, but:

1) we went crazy on the wine list
2) it was worth it
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   03-17-08 18:15

We were there for lunch in January, 2006, and it was great. I didn't think it was that expensive, but then we just ate lunch and had a couple of beers.

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Vicki moore (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date:   03-18-08 00:08

Finallyahoneymoon, What will you do with your luggage while you stroll and eat in OSJ? Just a thought.

Vicki in Tennessee
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   03-18-08 08:13

We strolled through the streets with our luggage - all we had and all you need for Culebra is a carry-on.

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: finallyahoneymoon (---.hsd1.va.comcast.net)
Date:   03-18-08 08:37

I am attempting to pack light! (Per all of your suggestions! :) but my "leisurely stroll" in OSJ may have been a bit too optimistic. Okay here is my modified question - a good place to grab decent food (not too expensive!) somewhere between San Juan International and Isla Grande?
Thanks!!! :)
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   03-18-08 18:06

Metropol - http://www.metropolpr.com/

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date:   03-19-08 15:25

If Isla Verde is ok, and a burger or pub grub and a beer or cocktail is sought, The Playita on Calle Amapola has a nice outdoor bar and patio overlooking Isla Verde bay. I think every cab driver knows the Playita. It is 5 minutes from SJU.
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Tricia (65.173.18.---)
Date:   03-19-08 18:10

I love Metropol

There is no such thing as a bad vacation. Some are just better than others.
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Arroz (12.206.171.---)
Date:   03-19-08 19:32

Where is the Metropol? I couldn't find location on their web page.
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.sip.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   03-19-08 20:37

The Metropol location near the airport is literally right around the corner from the airport in Isla Verde on Route 187. If you put "Isla Verde, PR" into Google Maps, it puts you about dead on to where the restaurant is.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out there was one in Fajardo too. I haven't been there, but my parents happened upon it last March, and loved it.

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: John W. (---.biltmorecomm.com)
Date:   03-19-08 21:36

I often have a 4 hour layover and find I enough time to go to Old San Juan. If your flight gets in on time you can find yourself in Old San juan by 1:15.

You may try going to the El Convento Hotel for tapas in their outside dining room near the bar. They have good sangria and some nice menu items. You can leave your bags with concierge if you like and take some time to walk El Morro etc. Then pick up your bags and the doorman will call a cab fo you to get to Isla Grande airport (less than 10 minute ride). If you get to the Isla Grande by 3:45 you will find you have plenty of time to relax for your flight at 4:30. - little else to do there :)

You have many good options based on everyone's suggestions.

Good travels!
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.nycmny.east.verizon.net)
Date:   03-20-08 18:09

Very good advice John W.!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael
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Re: Time in San Juan
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Vicki moore (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date:   03-20-08 23:42

I have eaten at Metropol in both Isla Verde and Fajardo and thought the one in Isla Verde was much better.

Vicki in Tennessee
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