Tropical delights: a land of contrasts is a traveler's haven

Latin Trade, Feb, 2005

BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOOD

Escazu is an area of 21 square kilometers and only eight kilometers from San Jose. The native word iztkatzu means "relaxation stone."

SAN JUAN

BEST HOTELS

Business facilities at the Embassy Suites Hotel San Juan Hotel & Casino include a business center with free Internet access and inexpensive wireless service. Rates start at US$170. [1] (787) 791-0505. www.embassysuites.hilton.com.

Paradisus Puerto Rico is the first all-inclusive in Puerto Rico. It has six restaurants, spa, golf course and its own beach. Rates begin at US$300. [1] (787) 809-1770. www.paradisus-puerto-rico.com

Centrally located in Condado 10 minutes from the financial district, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has two restaurants, called Tuscany and La Vista. Rates begin at US$339. [1] (787) 722-7000. www.mariott.com

BEST RESTAURANT

Ajili Mojili is the dean of Puerto Rican criollo cuisine. In a mansion on the shores of Laguna del Condado, it brings to life an elegant atmosphere of an old hacienda. Entrees start at US$15, and the Sunday buffet is $24 per person. [1] (787) 725-9195.

BEST CAR RENTAL

In addition to its San Juan location, Avis has offices around the island in the Aguadilla, Ponce and Mayaguez airports. There's also a branch in Cerromar, the Hotel El Conquistador, Manati, Condado and Westin Rio Mar. Rates begin at U8546. [1] (787) 253-5926. www.avis.com

BEST MEETING SPACE

In the heart of Old San Juan, the Hotel El Convento is known for its colonial ambiance. Its meeting rooms have all the latest technology, including audiovisual gear, Internet access, two-line phones with data ports. (787) 723-9020. www.elconvento.com

BEST SHOPPING CENTER

Plaza Las Americas is the Caribbean's largest shopping center, with 300 stores, among them Armani, Adrienne Vitadini, Betsy Johnson, Ann Taylor, White House-Black Market, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears. It also has 21 movie screens and 30 restaurants. It's five minutes from the airport and sea ports. [1] (787) 767-5202. www.plazalasamericas.net

BEST COFFEE

The selection of sandwiches at El Meson y Algo Mas is impressive. Open 24 hours, it's ideal for breakfast, lunch or a snack after a night on the town. Live music and valet parking. Items from US$5. [1] (787) 767-3721

BEST BAR

In the tradition of Miami's Coconut Grove and Mexico's Cancun, San Juan now has a Senor Frog's. In Old San Juan, it has quickly established itself as the most popular bar and restaurant in the city. [1] (787) 977-4142. www.grupoandersons.com

BEST CAN'T MISS

Pinones is a tourism area on Isla Verde. You'll find shellfish stands along the roadsides, as well as excellent restaurants/ selling everything from the sea: lobster, shrimp, fish and more.

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPES

Dorado is one of the top tourism destinations in Puerto Rico and its known for its first-class resort facilities. The Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar and the Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort have beaches, golf, restaurants, pools, tennis courts and casinos. Palmas del Mar, in Humacao, is a weekend and seasonal retreat of homes and apartments with golf, beaches, tennis courts, equestrian facilities, restaurants and a marina. [1] (787) 852-8888. www.palmasdelmar.com