all inclusives in Puerto Rico? (no passport)

[hws05]

My sister wants to plan a trip, but has no passport and is on a budget. Are there any nice hotels in PR right on the beach? Possibly an all-inclusive one? Thanks!

[sarahsas]

There are no true all inclusives on the island at all. It's the kind of place to get out, try local cuisine, see the sites. Probably not the best if you just want a resort beach experience. I highly recommend Vieques but there are mostly small places there except the W ($$$$). We stayed at a place called Hacienda Tamarindo and it was fabulous!

[wineenthusiast]

I just came back from PR and stayed at the Gran Melia where we had upgraded to their Red Level, which included free breakfast daily and cocktails from like 5:30-8. They actually put us in the vacation villas which I preferred. If you have access to a time share, that would be a great option because then you get a kitchenette. Aside from that, the resort was very expensive for food and drinks but we mainly went out to local restaurants to eat. We also stocked our own beer, poured it in plastic cups and drank that while at the pool. It was pretty affordable but we did also rent a car. I think our total cost was around $1800 for flights, hotel, car, food & drinks for 6 nights.

Both the Condado & Isla Verde areas were really nice as well and I don't think you'd need a car in either if you didn't plan to explore the island. There was plenty of stuff walking distance to the hotels in those areas.

I do agree with sarahsas though, and its probably not the best beach resort island to go to. The beaches weren't all that great but I didn't mind that. I don't know anything about the US Virgin Islands but I think St Croix has some all inclusive resorts and I might be wrong but I don't think you need a passport.

[scout8]

I love PR, but they don't have the best beaches unless you go to Vieques or Culebra. Culebra is very budget friendly, but the inns are small. If she is ok with a smaller inn or b & b, then that would be a good option. I don't think there are any all inclusive resorts in PR.

[jmc325]

I second the Gran Melia, but Puerto Rico doesn't have any typical all-inclusive resorts. I love Rincon-has great beaches and the town itself has a great atmosphere. I personally don't think that you have to go to Culebra or Vieques to find a good beach. Sounds like a great place to have a sisters trip

[scout8]

Dec 14, 2013 14:48:47 GMT -5 jmc325 said:

I second the Gran Melia, but Puerto Rico doesn't have any typical all-inclusive resorts. I love Rincon-has great beaches and the town itself has a great atmosphere. I personally don't think that you have to go to Culebra or Vieques to find a good beach. Sounds like a great place to have a sisters trip

I should have specified that of the places I have been in PR, the best beaches were in Culebra. I am sure there are other good spots too. The ones in San Juan are not all that nice. I haven't been to Rincon, but would like to go sometime.

[orangeblossom]

I just came back from PR. We stayed at La Concha, which is right on the beach, but as others have pointed out, the beach is a bit rough. . We used points to book it , but I would have her look and see what deals she could find there.

There are lots of restaurants around there that are reasonably priced. Also, if she gets a suite, the rooms have a food size fridge and freezer, so she could get some basic foods. There's a Walgreens a few blocks down with a decent freezer section.

Have her check bookit.com or cheapcaribbean.com for specials.