Archie, I sent you an email on the 28th, not sure if you've seen it, but I'm copying on the chipboard. This will also help others out. Again, any questions, let me know.

Not knowing what exactly you and your wife like, I'm going to give you a general idea of areas that I always enjoyed while I visit. If there is anything specific you are looking for, let me know and I will gladly help you out. Let me know when you are going, maybe I might be there and I will take you guys out. My next trips are 01/18-01/21 also 01/31-02/04.

El San Juan hotel is centraly located on the Isla Verde strip. Very close to other hotels, casinos, beach. Everything is pretty much within walking distance overall. The japanese rest. at the hotel, Yamato is one of the best on the Island, the other, Wasabi is located in Condado Area. Having a rental car depends on wether you are planning on travelling outside the Isla Verde area. The Hotel is within 5 minutes from the airport, just so that you get an idea. This area is populated with many high rises, both for living, rentals and hotels. It is a very touristy area. My favorite restaurant is Bebo's on Loiza St. (15 minutes car ride). This is where I always go for good island cooking try the mofongo, is made from plantains and stuffed with meat, seafood, vegetables or plain. Service is a bit slow, afterall, this is ISLAND time, so relax, but the food is great and inexpensive. Aside from that, Isla Verde has a lot American brand name restaurant, Ruth Chris, Benigans, Chilis, Cherry Blossom, Mortons, Ponderosa, etc. also they have lots of local established restaurants, along with Spanish, Italian and Argentinian fare. The beach in this part of the Island is great, there is no need to go out of your way, besides, the pool at the hotel is awesome. It gets really packed on weekends.

Places to go:
Condado area, about 15 minutes from Isla Verde, the Diamond Casino and Ambassador Casino are there, along with the construction of the 2nd generation La Concha. Here you will find the highest concentration of Americans in the island. Lots of of high end fashion, designer stores, and fancy restaurants. Where the Dupont Plaza used to be, is now the Marriott. The Sunday brunch of the Caribe Hilton is highly rated.

Old San Juan, about 20 minutes from Isla Verde. no casinos there, but a lot of the old city, colonial spaniard style structures a lot of history. Must see El Morro, San Cristobal Fort, Hotel El Convento (oldest hotel in the island), the Cathedral (La Catedral), Castillo Ballaja (spelling?) some outlet shops, London Fog, Coach, Polo, etc. along with local artist stores lined up Cristo St. There is a cigar shop, Don Collins where I always buy some cigars while I'm there. This place also has the Fortaleza, the governors house. Tours need to be arranged in advance. At the end of Cristo is the Capilla de Cristo, and Pidgeons Park if you don't mind getting pooped by them. A good place to stop by for a local drink and food is El Patio De Sam, right in front of the Plaza. On the lower part of Old San Juan has the ports authority, where you can see cruise ships, Hard Rock Cafe and several island fare restaurants. There is a casino there by the port, the Wyndham, but it was recently bought by the Sheraton, not sure on its name know. Plan to spend a whole day sightseeing this area, as there is plenty of history, restaurant, bars, and small shops. Wear comfortable shoes. This is where I suggest you buy souveneirs.

Pinones, on the other side of Isla Verde is great for local cooking, lots of fried food, alcapurrias, bacalaos, tostones, fried fish. My favorite place here is Donde Olga Rest, close the entrance of the area. Beautiful deserted beaches in the area, but I suggest you do not go alone, better be with someone who knows the area, is not that the area is not safe, it is somewhat isolated, and there is very minimal cell phone signal, also public transportation is minimal.

These are other suggested things to see, but they are more of a day trip,
La Pargera, this is a fluorescent bay, southwest side of the island, need to go at night. a little over 1 hour drive
El Yunque, Fajardo. The largest tropical rainforest. Lots of beautiful cascades, flora and fauna. (45 minute drive)
Ponce, south side of the Island. This area has the oldest fire station, art museum and the indian ruins.

If you love golf, the best place in the Westin Rio Mar in Fajardo, but I suggest you check with the concierge at the hotel, as they may have packages available.

I will not recomment public tranportation (buses) as I'm not familiar with them, and they do not run 24hrs. Taxis are a hit or miss, I guess is the same everywhere you go in the world. You will not have a problem finding a taxi in Isla Verde, Condado, & Old San Juan, but I definitely recommend you have a number of a local company to carry with you, in case you need to call for one. The hotel can recommend several names of people that they work with. I always have a rental car when I go there, but its mostly beacuse its easier for me. If you are renting, they have all the major companies in the Island, I always use National, because they are inside the airport, along with Budget, Avis, Alamo and Hertz. If renting a car, I suggest you check with your auto insurance if they cover you for rentals outside US and bring a letter from your agent indicating that they do. Most auto insurance companies do, since PR is concidered part of the US. Reason for this, local auto rental companies will stick you with their own rental insurance ($19 a day minimum) unless you prove then that you can deny their insurance because you have your own coverage.

Best place for snorkeling or scuba diving is Fajardo, you can get packages at the hotel.

Another beautiful place to see is Culebra Island, northeast side of Island (30 minutes plane ride or 2 hour boat ride) this is more of a 1 day trip at least. Beautiful deserted beaches, it has been mentioned several times in the Travel Channel. Things are a bit rough, so don't expect 5 star service. I suggest to rent a scooter from J&M Rentals.

Other than this, just let me know when you are going, will like to meet you guys there.