But I beg to differ. Both of these beachfront San Juan neighborhoods are festive and beach-oriented, just in different ways. So when it comes time to plan your Puerto Rico vacation, which should you go for: Isla Verde or Condado? Here are a few guidelines to help you decide (disclaimer: I used to own a condo in Condado, so while I’m logically partial toward that neighborhood, I’ve stayed at hotels in both places and can appreciate the allure of each).
Vacation Activities and Ambiance: Beach-related activities abound in both neighborhoods, but Isla Verde, being further from the city center and constructed later, has more of a suburban feel, with more emphasis on driving and less on walking (except when you’re on the beach, of course). Condado feels more like an upscale urban beach neighborhood, and walking is the fastest way to get around to the restaurants, chic bars and shopping. Most of the upscale restaurants in Isla Verde are inside the large hotels, while in Condado, local celebrity chefs are just as likely to set up shop in independent restaurants as they are inside the hotels.
Hotels in Isla Verde and Condado: There are a lot of amazing hotels in Puerto Rico, and both Isla Verde and Condado offer excellent Puerto Rico hotel options.
In Isla Verde, the hotels tend to be larger, with noteworthy choices including the following:
• The classically elegant The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan
• The well-appointed InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino
• The smaller, hip boutique hotel called San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel, which has an excellent contemporary restaurant called Zest
Top Puerto Rico hotel choices in Condado include:
• The Condado Plaza Hilton, which has an especially good beach for children
• The tropical modern La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, which has a very happening lobby bar that attracts locals and visitors alike
• The beautiful Olive Boutique Hotel, a small luxury hotel with great service and a gourmet restaurant
• The well-located San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
• The Condado Vanderbilt, which is set partly in a restored historic hotel built in 1919 by one of the famed Vanderbilts.)
So Which is Better for a Puerto Rico Vacation: Condado or Isla Verde?
To sum it up: both of these neighborhoods in the San Juan metropolitan areas are great for a Puerto Rico beach vacation. The best choice for you depends on your own personal preferences and what your idea of the perfect Caribbean vacation should be.
MORE TRAVEL NEWS & PUERTO RICO TRAVEL TIPS:
• Check out the Puerto Rico travel section on LatinFlyer.com