Budget Travel: San Juan, PR {Gadling}

Jan 15th 2009 6:40PM If you enjoy a more metropolitan atmosphere and can spend a bit more (though they often run phenomenal specials) I highly recommend Isla Verde's El San Juan hotel. It's an absolutely gorgeous old building restored with a distinct art-deco & post-modern flair. Gorgeous pools, awesome restaurants (including the Palm steakhouse), lovely beach, and upscale shopping. It also has a casino, very active nightlife populated by beautiful locals and tourists alike, and tennis court. A perfect escape from my midwinter doldrums and quaint rural existence...even when I travel there on business. Traditional, maybe not, but pretty darn close to paradise when it's 3 degrees back home!