Puerto Rico is alive with vestiges of the past – even though the island is a commonwealth of the U.S., it's hard not to think you've stepped into a Spanish colony when you arrive your hotel in San Juan. In fact, if it weren't for the American flag waving in the harbor, you might as well be in Spain. Music is everywhere – reggae is impossible to avoid, but salsa and various other Latin-flavored beats pulsate through the night, emanating from homes and clubs with equal feverish abandon. Puerto Rico tourism has also adopted a Cancun-like atmosphere, hoping to attract carefree teens on spring break; but the country, especially San Juan, is alive with the country's history. Few other places in the Caribbean have preserved the past as well – Puerto Rico history thrives in the carefully restored harbors and colonial architecture that remains from its days as a Spanish colony.

San Juan -  is nothing if not a polarizing city. One of the largest in the Caribbean, San Juan is an urban jungle. This is, of course, a problem for many travelers. Many visitors choose the Caribbean to get away. To disappear. And that is unlikely to happen in such a place as San Juan. Instead, the city has welcomed the crowds and aggrandized them as one of the main selling points of the Puerto Rico tourism industry – thousands and thousands of people certainly cannot be wrong. Regardless, many move immediately from the airport to the Puerto Rico hotels in more remote locations on the island. But those that ignore the capital city, and Old San Juan in particular, are missing out on one of the most fascinating locales in the sea. Though it has taken its rich Puerto Rico history and diluted it with Americana and the carefully insinuated designs of the Puerto Rico tourism industry, San Juan is still a wonder to behold

 
  It also has easy access to some of the best Puerto Rico beaches. Who needs anything else when you've got sun and sand and fruity rum drunks at hand? The city beaches of San Juan are an anomaly – the ones closest to the urban areas are often the best Puerto Rico beaches imaginable. City highrises almost melt into the warm summer sea. Executives on break, interns just off work and mid-level managers mix seamlessly with locals and tourists and there is always a beach side bar within walking distance.


Just as Puerto Rico has activities and attractions to appeal to just about everyone, it also offers a range of lodging to fit every taste and budget, from the very modest to the most luxurious. At the top of the list are the grand resorts sprinkled throughout the island, with gorgeous golf courses, elegant casinos, fabulous restaurants, and exciting nightlife. They are all situated on beautiful beaches, wonderful places to luxuriate in the sun. Most of the best-known hotel names are represented in Puerto Rico, including Best Western, Embassy Suites, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson, Ritz-Carlton, and LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels. Puerto Rico also has a great variety of moderately priced hotels, usually located a few blocks from the beach and often catering to business travelers.
Many travelers enjoy the personal touch and unique charm of the scores of small hotels and guesthouses that dot the island, and return year after year to their favorites. One of the most attractive options is the Parador. A parador is a small, privately owned hotel participating in a special government program that assures a certain level of quality. They are moderately priced, often located on historic plantations or in especially scenic settings, and feature authentic local food. At the other end of the scale are the intimate boutique hotels, both in San Juan and more secluded areas of Puerto Rico, that offer the utmost in luxury and personal service. 

Casinos & Nightlife - Caribbean Nightlife means Puerto Rico. Cool Casinos, nightclubs, restaurants & bars… Weather you prefer a nice, quietly cafe or a loud, crazy disco San Juan Metro is the place to be. Come and visit hot night clubs and discos at Isla Verde, moderns & chic Hotel lobbies at Condado, and if you want to hang out with the locals, La Placita, in Santurce, turns into an all-out street fest at night on the weekends. To experience partying in the tropics, try Piñones… It is the perfect combination of beach and hectic culture. But it's not just city nightlife. Many island towns have their own special flavor of fun. Boquerón, La Parguera (in Lajas), Mayaguez City and La Guancha's boardwalk in Ponce are locals and students best spots. Casinos are fascinating places to be. Even if you don't play, it's grand to visit and listen to the shouts and laughter of the players at the table games, hear the sounds of the slot machines, and feel the electricity in the air under the glittering lights.
 
  Players consistently rate Puerto Rico as the most enjoyable gaming destination in the Caribbean. Casinos are regulated carefully by the government and are only permitted in hotels. That means beautiful - and secure - locations, plenty of good food, delicious drinks, and wonderful entertainment, either in the casino or right next door. Almost a score of hotel and resort casinos are currently in operation, from Old San Juan, Condado, and Isla Verde in the metro area to Dorado, Fajardo, Humacao, Ponce, and Mayagüez out on the island. In addition to the classic games described in this section, such as Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack and Craps, many casinos offer Three Way Blackjack, Big Six Wheels and Pai Gow Poker, among other games. Just ask at the casino of your choice! All casinos feature state-of-the art slot machine technology, most are open until 4:00 AM or 6:00 AM, and a few are open 24 hours a day. You don't need to be a hotel guest to play; indeed, many locals and visitors make a day or evening of hopping from casino to casino. There was a time when you needed a jacket to enter, but today dress is casual during the day, and elegantly casual during the evenings - meaning no cut-offs, t-shirts or shorts. There are plenty of beautiful places to try your luck in Puerto Rico. You're sure to find just the right one for you!