San Juan

Latin Trade, Feb, 2004

BEST HOTEL

Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. Travelers wanting sun and fun or a meeting room with an ocean view will have their needs met at the Marriott. Only five minutes from the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, the hotel sits in the lively but upscale Condado between San Juan's business district and its historic Old San Juan neighborhood. The complex features pools, a spa, a casino and six bars and restaurants. There are 10 meeting rooms, a large business center equipped with the latest technology and an on-site Hertz rental car agency. Rates for its 525 rooms, of which 38 offer special services and amenities tot business travelers, begin at US$305. 1309 Ashford Avenue. Phone: [1] (787) 722-7000. www.marriott.com

BEST BUSINESS RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH

Ajili-Mojili. Arrive hungry at this emporium of typical Puerto Rican cuisine, where owners Jose and Rafael Benitez love nothing more than to start you on a meal by tempting you with their crispy fritters--cod, pumpkin, and plantain, to name a few. Do leave space for the main course, and you can't go wrong with shrimp or lobster in a garlic sauce. Live music enlivens the atmosphere at a place loved by locals and tourists alike. Open for lunch and dinner every day. Reservations suggested. 1052 Ashford Ave, Condado. Phone: [1] (787) 725-9195.

BEST BUSINESS RESTAURANT FOR DINNER

Augusto's Cuisine. An elegant and prestigious European-cuisine restaurant in the 15-story Excelsior Hotel, Augusto's is sure to please, as is evident from the photos of celebrities and awards on its walls. Austrian-born chef and owner Augusto Schreiner uses continental techniques with only the freshest local and imported ingredients. You can't go wrong with French classics, such as pates and tournedos, or locally inspired combinations, such as creme brulee and coconut ice cream. Claudia Schreiner, Augusto's wife, oversees the dining room. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Reservations are essential. Hotel Excelsior. 801 Ponce de Leon Ave, Miramar. Phone: [1] (787) 725-7700. www.augustoscuisine.com

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL

Ritz-Carlton San Juan Hotel & Casino. Spread out over beachfront in Isla Verde, this hotel is centrally located, minutes from the international airport, the main business and financial district, and historic Old San Juan. It also houses the first casino in the Ritz-Carlton chain. It's close to the business district and it is a very comfortable hotel with great guest attention, a nice gym and good business center. 6961 Avenue of the Governors, Isla Verde. Phone: [1] (787) 253-1700. www.ritzcarlton.com

BEST BUSINESS RESTAURANT

La Chaumiere. The long menu at this French restaurant offers so many sauces for your fish or meat dish that you won't know which to choose. An intimate spot reminiscent of a Parisian cafe, La Chaumiere is great for a quiet business get-together after a long day of meetings. The menu features traditional French cuisine, including snails, onion soup, pate and an interesting veal dish with lobster and asparagus. 367 Calle Tetuan. Phone: [1] (787) 722-3330.

BEST ONLY-IN-THIS-CITY

Old San Juan. Take a leisurely stroll through this romantic and colorful district filled with museums, art galleries, stores, outlets, restaurants, bars and historic landmarks. There's something for every taste. Don't miss a visit to El Morro Fort, dating from the days of the Spanish conquistadors. Hotel concierges can put you in touch with organized tours, or you can pick up a map and do it yourself.