Gay Puerto Rico: Caribbean Holidays
sydney on Jun 25th 2009
Puerto Rico is known for being one of the gayest hotspots in the Caribbean. You can’t beat it if you’re looking for sun, sand and cheap relaxation. It’s easy to find inexpensive flights any time of the year. The shores of Puerto Rico are actually U.S. territories, making it much easier to travel to.
Old San Juan is a favourite stop for tourists. The town is charming, with Spanish style architecture and Castilian still the predominant language spoken. There are numerous sightseeing and shopping options in this old world town, so stock up on local crafts or souvenirs here.
Gay Puerto Rico
There’s an assortment of gay guesthouses, gay-owned restaurants, and gay bars, mostly located in the Condado and Santurce areas. Condado is often really crowded as it’s a major cruise ship port, but if you can handle the crowds, there are lots of great resorts, casinos and beaches to hang out on.
Two gay-popular beaches are also in Condado, one of the central gay Caribbean destinations. You’ll find gay women and men in front of the Atlantic Beach Hotel and sunning at the Ocean Park beach.
Tips: Take a taxi or the free tourist shuttle bus (runs every 20 minutes) to get around – narrow, cobblestone streets make driving and parking nearly impossible. Watch your belongings, as tourist crime is a problem here, just as it is pretty much everywhere. There is a special tourist police patrol that sticks to the touristy spots, so look for their light blue cars if you have a problem.
Gay Puerto Rico: Hotels:
El Convento
100 Cristo St, Old San Juan
$205+
This place is amazing, and a favourite spot for gay Puerto Rico travelers to bunk. It is a 17th century convent turned modern hotel, and features a gorgeous open air courtyard. The rooms are small, but the history and architecture more than make up for that.
Numero Uno Guesthouse
1 Santa Ana, Ocean Park
$80+
If you’re on a tighter budget the Numero Uno is ideal. It’s a 13 room guesthouse, previously a private beach house, and it’s charming and well kept. You’ll find a mix of gay and straight travelers.
The Marriott Condado
1309 Ashford Ave, Condado
$205+
If you want a tried and true mainstream option, the Marriott is always a safe bet. The hotel is right on the beach in the Condado, near the Atlantic Beach Hotel. The Marriott is really gay-popular and close to the gay nightlife spots as well.
Ritz-Carlton San Juan Hotel & Casino
6961 Avenue of the Governors, Isla Verde
$329+
This is a deluxe Island property, with a ton of amenities like a fantastic spa and health club, two lounges and three restaurants, and a casino. Service is impeccable.
Gay Puerto Rico: Eat & Drink
Amadeus
Calle San Sebastian 106, Old San Juan
If you want to try modern Caribbean food, this is the place. Warm and intimate, you can hide away in the back dining room.
The Parrot Club
363 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan
This place is very gay-friendly, and draws a crowd of gay and lesbian locals and tourists. They serve Nuevo Latino – authentic Caribbean food with a contemporary twist.
Restaurante Tantra
356 Fortaleza St, Old San Juan
If you’re in the mood for Indian, this elegant restaurant is highly recommended. Closed on Mondays.
Dragonfly
364 Fortaleza St, Old San Juan
Delicious Asian Latin fusion and dimsum.
Nightlife
Café Bohemia
100 Cristo Street, Old San Juan
Located at hotel El Convento, there is a weekly happy hour social for gay professionals, but of course gay tourists are welcome too.
CUPS
1708 Calle San Mateo, Santurce
Listen up ladies: this is the most popular women’s bar.
Junior’s Bar
613 Calle Condado, Santurce
Popular local spot, open 7 days a week. Junior’s VIP is just two doors down.
Krash Klub
1257 Ponce de Leon, Santurce
This is the main gay club in San Juan. Check out strippers, shows and featured performers every week.
Tia Maria’s Liquor Store
Jose de Diego Avenue 22, Santurce
This is actually a gay bar, and a good place to start out or enjoy a laid back game of pool.
Filed in Caribbean
