Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

We only stayed a couple of nights in OSJ. My wife was looking for kind of authentic experiences. We stayed at a hotel called Da House. It is in the heart of OSJ right near one of the more popular salsa clubs.

It is very nice and cheap as hell...but also very barebones. They don't offer amenities like shampoo or hair dryers, and there is no elevator. Its kind of like a hippie hostel but it IS nice. The salsa club can get loud so pick your room accordingly. They also have a very nice rooftop with a jacuzzi and all that.

It wouldn't be for everyone. If you have the money, stay at El Convento, that's probably the nicest place in OSJ.

I was just there a week ago. I was on a Disney Cruise though. Historic points of interest were great. People in the area were very shady though. Its a city I would definitely not choose to drive in. The Sheraton seems to be in the middle of most things you would likely want to see.

El Convento is a great hotel in the heart of Old San Juan. It is pricey but staff is helpful and the hotel offers special rates that include walking tours of OSJ with admission to the old forts that are worth visiting. The Marmalade is a top rated restaurant in OSJ and definitely worth a visit. The Niche is another good restaurant and you should have a piña colada at Barrachina. Agree with others that the El Yunque rainforest should not be missed. And if time permits the bioluminescent bay on the island of Vieques is an unforgettable experience.