Visit The Coqui » Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Quarter

Coqui — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:25:01 +0000

The new Puerto Rico Quarter will be available at banks tomorrow, Monday March 30, 2009.

On Thursday April 2, United States Mint Director Ed Moy will be at the La Arcada in Paseo La Princesa, San Juan, to perform the official launch of the Puerto Rico Quarter. The new Governor, Luis Fortuno and his wife, First Lady Luce Vela Gutierrez will also be attending the ceremony, and children under 18 will receive a FREE Puerto Rico Quarter. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 11am.

As you can see from the image, the back of the new quarter features an historic sentry box and a hibiscus flower with the inscriptions, PUERTO RICO and Isla del Encanto. The sentry box and walls that are depicted on the quarter are probably one of the most recognized symbols of Puerto Rico and highlight the islands strength and rich heritage . The design was originally commissioned by the past Govenor Aníbal Acevedo-Vilá.

So, if you are in Old San Juan on Thursday April 2, head down to La Arcada in Paseo La Princesa at 11am and enjoy the celebration commemorating the launch of Puerto Rico’s very own quarter.

What: Puerto Rico Quarter
When: Official launch April 2, 2009 at 11am
Where: La Arcada in the Paseo La Princesa, Old San Juan

Image Resorce: US Mint

Local Culebra Resident Joins Bloggers to Launch TrainforHumanity.org Humanitarian Initiative

Coqui — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:05:01 +0000

A good friend of mine Mark Hayward who owns the Palmetto Guesthouse over on Culebra has got together with a few of his online friends with the vision to make a difference in the world. Together these bloggers have created and founded the non-profit Train for Humanity, which is an online humanitarian awareness and fundraising organization

The aim of Train for Humanity is ‘to utilize the web, social media, and blogging, in tandem with athletes in training, to support organizations that help prevent suffering and alleviate the pain of children, orphans, and refugees who have been displaced due to genocide or internal strife and war within their country.’

The 3 pilot project athletes are Mark Hayward, Dan Clements, and Leo Babauta. Each of them is hoping to raise awareness for the current crisis in Darfur and funds for the organization Darfur Peace and Development. All three are currently in training for endurance events ranging from marathons to triathlons and would love you to sponsor them.

Over the past five years, 200,000 civilians have died due to violence, malnutrition, and disease in Darfur and an additional 2.2 million people have been displaced. They want to do something about it.

This may be a small step in the big scheme of things, but without small steps, we would never have made it to where we are now.

We all can make a difference, if we just put our minds to it.

If you would like to learn more, visit the Train for Humanity website and please consider sponsoring one of them or spreading the word.

American Idol Auditions in Puerto Rico

Coqui — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:45:05 +0000

Do you believe you have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of; Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and the most recent idol David Cook?

Do you think that Simon, Randy and Paula will digg your style?

Will you be in Puerto Rico on August 2, 2008?

If you answered YES to these questions, then you should plan to be at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan on August 2, as American Idol will be holding auditions for season 8. This is the first time that American Idol auditions will take place in Puerto Rico and I can only imagine the craziness that will take place.

If you can’t attend the auditions, then like me you will have to wait until American Idol Season 8 startson Fox.

Pre & Post Puerto Rico Cruise Luggage Options

Coqui — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:51:21 +0000

UPDATE: The company AudiaGuia has stopped offereing luggage storage in Old San Juan

Puerto Rico has one of the busiest cruise ship schedules in the Caribbean. If you are one of the many that will be starting a cruise in Puerto Rico, the following might be helpful.

Pre Cruise

Most Puerto Rico cruises starting from San Juan will leave port late afternoon / early evening, with boarding starting around lunch time

What do we do with our luggage before we can board the cruise ship in San Juan?

There are a few options with regards to dealing with your luggage before you can board the cruise ship.

If you have arrived the day before, you might want to consider checking out of your hotel as late as possible. That way you can just relax around the hotel area (pool / beach) and take a taxi to the cruise ship closer to the boarding time. If the hotel checkout is too early, ask for a later checkout or ask the hotel to store your luggage until it is time for you to head to the cruise ship.

If you arrive early in San Juan on the day your cruise leaves (or you want to tour Old San Juan) you can store your luggage at either Barrachina Restaurant or Audio Guia. Both are close to the cruise line piers in Old San Juan. Audio Guia charges a storage fee and storage at the Barrachina Restaurant is free (but I am sure the owners will expect that you will at least buy something at the restaurant). With your luggage in storage you are free to see the attractions of Old San Juan.

Note: Some Puerto Rico cruises depart from the Pan American pier which is on the opposite side of San Juan bay. If this is the case for your cruise, then you will need to take a taxi from the storage location to the Pan American pier. The taxi will cost you around $10 plus $0.50 per piece of luggage, excluding hand luggage, and an additional charge of $1.00 per luggage, after three pieces

For anyone arriving on the same day as the cruise, the cruise line will have the option to take their transfer from the airport to the cruise pier. This is a service that you will have to pay for in advance.
Advantages: You should be able to check your luggage in when boarding the bus and should not need to re-check it when you arrive at the ship (confirm this with your cruise line)
Disadvantages: If you are traveling with others, the cruise line transfer will probably be more expensive than taking a local taxi. Also, you will need to wait at the airport until every passenger has boarded the bus.

Will we be able to leave the ship, once we have checked in?

Depending at one time your ship departs, you should be able to leave the ship to see some of the attractions of Old San Juan before your cruise departs. Once again, if your Caribbean cruise departs from the Pan Am pier, you will need to take a taxi in order to get to Old San Juan. Depending on how long you have before your cruise departs will determine how much of Old San Juan you will be able to see. Attractions worth considering are:
El Morro Fort
San Cristobel Fort
La Bombonera restaurant (if you are around for breakfast / brunch)
San Juan Cathedral
Governors Mansion and gardens
San Juan Gate and the Paeso La Princesa

Note: If you plan on boarding the cruise ship first before touring Old San Juan, plan to have a daypack (hand luggage) with a change of clothes. This way you will not need to wait for your main luggage, before heading into Old San Juan

Post Cruise

We have several hours to kill in San Juan at the end of our cruise. What can we do?

Again, the main issue that you will have is your luggage. Here are some suggestions:

If you plan on touring Old San Juan, then use one of the two storage facilities; Barrachina Restaurant or Audio Guia.

Check to see if your airline offers luggage check-in at the cruise ship piers. American Airlines offers this service for the Old San Juan piers, so it is worth checking with your airline. This option means that you can check-in your luggage before you leave the ship and forget about it until you arrive at your final destination.

Book one of the ‘end of cruise tours’ that the cruise line offers. These tours will usually be on a bus and will allow you to take your luggage with you. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the airport.

If none of the cruise line tours appeal to you, consider taking a private tour. Again you will be able to take your luggage with you and at the end of the tour get dropped off at the airport.

If you are feeling a little bit more adventurous, arrange a rental car and do a self tour. If you have the time, a trip to El Yunque rainforest is a good option. Just make sure that the car rental company will allow you to drop the car at the airport or will take you to the airport after dropping the car off.

If you would just like to relax by a pool or the beach. Check the various hotels in San Juan to see if they have any day passes or day rooms available. The Marriott has offered this in the past, so make a few phone calls (use the local San Juan number rather than the general 1-800 number).

If you are not leaving Puerto Rico after your cruise, contact your hotel (use the local number) and arrange for an early check-in or to store your luggage at the hotel until your room is ready.

If you have any other suggestions for pre & post luggage options, please add them in the comments.

Puerto Rico cruise resources:
Taxi prices around San Juan
Barrachina Restaurant for luggage storage (9am – 5pm) click on ‘free services’
Audio Guia for luggage storage – across from pier 4 (website unavailable at this time)
Puerto Rico travel map (zoom into Old San Juan for pier locations and attractions)

Photo sources: djonemore and fotodawg

Relevant Posts:
Restaurants around San Juan
Old San Juan Pre and Post cruise Ideas
Attractions – Alternative Ideas

Feria Porta Caribe 2008

Coqui — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:36:52 +0000

Photo by oquendo
This coming weekend, April 26 and 27, Ponce will be holding the annual Feria Porta Caribe, in association with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The fair will take place at the picturesque La Guancha boardwalk in Ponce, with entertainment for all the family.

During the two day festival, you will be able to sample the culture, history, food, music and arts of the region; and the best part it’s FREE.

On both Saturday and Sunday the festivities start at noon and continue through the afternoon into the evening. If you are planning on driving from San Juan, just take Highway 52 south. The drive to Ponce should take you about 90 minutes.

Saturday April 26, 2008
12:00pm Exhibitions in the Pavillions + Artists from local municipalities
3:00pm Planéalo
5:00pm Andrés Giménez – El Jibaro
7:30pm Andy Montañez y su Orquesta
10:00pm Joseph Fonseca

Sunday April 28, 2008
12:00pm Exhibitions in the Pavillions + Artists from local municipalities
2:00pm Orquesta la Clásica
4:00pm Julio César Sanabria and Grupo Caobaná
6:30pm Plena Libre
9:00pm Rafi Leavitt and Orquesta La Selecta

Local and International Art Feature in April

Coqui — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:25:15 +0000

There are two big events this month featuring local Puerto Rican Artisans and an International Art Exhibition.

XXII Puerto Rico Artisan’s Fair

April 19-20, the XXII Puerto Rico Artisan’s Fair will take place at the Luis Muñoz Rivera Park, San Juan. The event will be hosted by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and will feature around 120 local Puerto Rican artisans. As well as arts and crafts, the fair will also feature local musicians, local food and drinks and events for children.

The XXII Puerto Rico Artisan’s Fair will be open on both days from 10am-10pm. For more information call 787-721-2400

Circa 08, International Art Fair of Puerto Rico

Circa 08, International Art Fair, will take place at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan between April 11-14. This is the third year that the fair has been held here in Puerto Rico and is a great opportunity to see the work of local Puerto Rican artists, as well as work from the Caribbean region and international galleries.

This year’s event will see works from the following galleries:
356 (Puerto Rico), Air de Paris (Paris), Altamira (Gijón), Artspace Witzenhausen (Amsterdam), Blow de la Barra (London), Botello (Puerto Rico), Breenspace (Sydney), brot.undspiele (Berlin), Spencer Brownstone (New York), Adora Calvo (Salamanca), Casas Riegner (Bogota), Marta Cervera (Madrid), Contemporary Fine Arts (Berlin), Carmen Correa Contemporáneo (Puerto Rico), DEAN PROJECT (New York), Espacio Líquido (Gijón), Henrique Faria Fine Art (New York), Gavlak (West Palm Beach), Alfredo Ginocchio Arte Internacional (Mexico DF), Moti Hasson (New York), Hardcore Art Contemporany Space (Miami), Caprice Horn (Berlin), Jacob Karpio (San José, CR), Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts (Miami), Federico Luger (Milan), Katharine Mulherin Contemporary Art (Toronto), Museum 52 (London), Pan American Art Projects (Miami), Raquel Ponce (Madrid), Walter Otero (Puerto Rico), Point of View (New York), PM Gallery (Toronto), Fernando Pradilla (Madrid), Primer Piso (Puerto Rico), Lyle O. Reitzel (Santo Domingo), Samson Projects (Boston), Schübbe Project (Düsseldorf), Space Other (Boston), Hamish Morrison (Berlin), Spinello Gallery (Miami), Vane (UK), Voges + Partner (Frankfurt), Cr3ma (Puerto Rico), Storehouse Group (Puerto Rico).

And the following institutions:
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueñ, scuela de Artes Plásticas, AREA – Lugar de Proyectos, Caribbean University

Salitre Restaurant in Arecibo

Coqui — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:01:08 +0000

There is one thing that you will not be short of in Puerto Rico and that is great restaurant choices. If you happen to be in the Arecibo area, you should seriously consider the Salitre Restaurant. We gad the pleasure of dining here a few weeks back and highly recommend it.
Situated just east of the Arecibo Lighthouse Park and is easy distance for any one travelling to the Lighthouse, Arecibo Observatory or the Camuy Cave Park.

You can’t miss the restaurant as you drive along road 681, just look for the building with top section of a boat (sorry don’t know the technical term for this) over the entrance. The actual restaurant is located just feet from the Atlantic Ocean and offers both indoor (with air conditioning) or outdoor dining. The main dining room is large and decorated with a nautical theme, with an impressive panoramic window overlooking the patio area and the Atlantic Ocean. The patio area is covered and offers even better views of the Atlantic.

Located so close to the ocean, the main focus of the Salitre is of course local fresh produce and in particular; seafood. The menu is very extensive, with typical Puerto Rican appetizers and various seafood combinations. One of the specialties is the fried whole fish that comes in various sizes. If you are unsure about how big the fish will be, you can ask the staff and they will show you the various options. Don’t worry, if you are not a big seafood fan, as the menu also offers several meat and pasta dishes.

I personally tried the whole red snapper and have to say that it was one of the best seafood dishes that I have had in a long time. The seafood mofongo was also a big hit with our party.

The service was friendly and efficient, without feeling rushed.

If you are planning a daytrip to one the Arecibo area attractions; Arecibo Observatory, Lighthouse of Camuy Caves, the Salitre restaurant would be a great place to stop for lunch or dinner.

What: Salitre Restaurant
Where: Road 681, km. 3.8, Barrio Islote, Arecibo, PR
Website:Salitre

Surfing in Puerto Rico

Coqui — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:53:04 +0000

Photo by spacemonkey using CC. Note: this photo was not taken in PR
There are many areas around the coastline of Puerto Rico that are suitable for surfing; but where can you find the best surf?

One of the best if not the best area’s for surfing in Puerto Rico is Rincon, located on the west coast of the island. The beaches around Rincon are a magnet for experienced and not so experienced surfers, as well as pro surfers. So if you are planning on doing any serious surfing while on vacation in Puerto Rico; Rincon should be at the top of your list.
Rincon’s geography means that more than 50% of its coastline is ideal for surfers. Of all the beaches close to Rincon, the four most popular are: Domes, Maria’s, Tres Palmas and sandy Beach.

Domes Beach

Domes is located close to the Rincon Lighthouse, and the beach gets its name from the domed shaped nuclear power plant that is close to the beach. Don’t worry; the plant was never introduced into service.
Domes beach is one of the most popular for surfers (and competitions), because even when conditions are not the best; Domes serves up consistent waves. The waves break mainly to the right and when conditions are quiet, it’s a great spot for beginners.
Best waves – when wind is from the east
Maximum waves – 10ft

Maria’s Beach

Marias is located just south of Domes Beach and is another popular spot for surfers of all levels. With up to 5 breaks of various sizes and forms, Maria’s can become crowded, especially on a weekend.
Best Waves – when the wind is from the north east
Maximum waves – 15ft

Tres Palmas Beach

Tres Palmas is the place to go if you are searching for big waves. Waves of around 25ft draw the more experienced surfers to this beach. Don’t expect these large waves all the time; as they only occur 4 or 5 times during the year, when conditions are just right.

Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach is located on the northern coastline of Rincon Peninsula and is one of the few beaches in the area that has a left break. Here you will find fast powerful waves and is probably not the place to be if you are inexperienced.
Best waves – when the wind is from the south, southeast
Maximum waves – 10ft

Rincon is not the only place on the island for catching the surf. You should also consider the following areas (recommended experience level in brackets):
Aguadilla – Crash Boat (experienced) and Surfers Beach (average)
Isabella – Jobos (average) and Middles (experienced)
Arecibo – Hollows (average)
Manati – Los Tubos (novice)
San Juan – la Ocha (novice) and La Bomba (novice)
Carolina – Pine Grove (novice) and Caballos (average)
Loiza – Aviones (average) and Chatana (experienced)
Luquillo – La Pared (novice) and La Selva (average)
Fajardo – Race Track (average) and El Faro (average)
Humacao – Palmas Del Mar (novice)
Patillas – Inches (novice)

Note: you will experience the best surfing conditions between September and May around the northern parts of the island (including Rincon) and on the south side between May and October.

Mosquito Bay Named in Coastal Living Top 10 Coastal Wildlife Hot Spots

Coqui — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 11:39:53 +0000

Mosquito Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico has been named in Coastal Living’s list of Top 10 Coastal Wildlife Hot Spots. Not surprising as it is one of the best places to experience a bioluminescence bay. Mosquito Bay is one of the largest bio bays in the world, and the glow is caused by micro-organisms (dinoflagellates) which glow whenever the water is disturbed, leaving a trail of neon blue. The best time to see the bio bay is during a New to Waxing or Waning moon, when the night sky is dark due to little or no moonlight.

Remember to wear insect repellent, but make sure that it does NOT contain DEET as this is harmful to the organisms of the bio bay.

Mosquito Bay tours can be arranged through tour operators on Vieques. For more information check out:

Blue Caribe Kayaks
Island Adventures

You can see the full list of Coastal Wildlife Hot Spots at Coastal Living

Check Out a Casino in Puerto Rico

Coqui — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:46:15 +0000

Photo by Heo2035
Are you a serious casino player or just a casual gamer?
Which ever it is; Puerto Rico’s casino scene, will allow you to test your gambling skills. You will find casino’s located in most of the major hotels around the island with the majority located in the San Juan area. Most are open 24 hours a day and most offer bars, live music and plenty of action. At most casinos here in Puerto Rico, beach wear is not permitted, so leave those shorts in your room…

Here is a summary of the casino’s around the island (with the number of tables etc.):
Jump to: Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde, San Juan Airport, Rio Grande, Fajardo, Caguas, Humaco, Ponce, Mayagùez

Casinos in Old San Juan

Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel (ideal for those whose cruise is making a port of call)
Tel: 787-850-6000
Casino Space: 9,000 sq ft
Open: 8am – 2am
Black Jack: 6
Roulette: 2
Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
Progressive Black Jack: 1
Texas Holdem: 2
Three Card Poker: 1
Slot Machines: 410

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Casinos in the San Juan Metro Area – Condado

Radisson Ambassador Plaza Hotel
Tel: 787-721-7300
Casino Space: 14,000 sq ft
Open: 24hrs
Black Jack: 1
Roulette: 2
Caribbean Stud Poker: 2
Texas Holdem: 2
Three Card Poker: 1
Slot Machines: 500

Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino
Tel: 787-721-1000
Casino Space: 12,500 sq ft
Open: 24hrs
Black Jack: 8
Craps or Dice: 2
Roulette: 3
Mini Baccarat: 6
Texas Holdem: 2
Slot Machines: 438

San Juan Marriott Resort
Tel: 787-722-7000
Casino Space: 11,000 sq ft
Open: 24hrs
Black Jack: 11
Craps or Dice: 1
Roulette: 4
Mini Baccarat: 3
Caribbean Stud Poker: 2
Let It Ride: 1
Texas Holdem: 2
Three Card Poker: 2
Slot Machines: 451

Diamond Plaza Hotel and Casino
Tel: 787-721-0810
Casino Space: 5,200 sq ft
Open: 24hrs
Black Jack: 3
Craps or Dice: 1
Roulette: 1
Slot Machines: 207

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Casinos in the San Juan Metro Area – Isla Verde

Ritz Carlton San Juan Hotel
Tel: 787-722-7000
Casino Space: 17,500 sq ft
Open: 24hrs
Black Jack: 8
Craps or Dice: 2
Roulette: 3
Mini Baccarat: 2
Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
Let It Ride: 1
Texas Holdem: 8
Three Card Poker: 2
Slot Machines: 345

El San Juan Hotel and Casino
Tel: 787-791-1000
Casino Space: 13,000 sq ft
Open: 10am – 4am
Black Jack: 14
Craps or Dice: 2
Roulette: 5
Mini Baccarat: 1
Caribbean Stud Poker: 2
Poker: 3
Slot Machines: 340

Courtyard by Marriott
Tel: 787-791-0404
Casino Space: 11,500 sq ft
Open: 24hrs
Black Jack: 2
Craps or Dice: 1
Roulette: 2
Mini Baccarat: 2
Progressive Blackjack: 2
Three Card Poker: 2
Slot Machines: 414

Intercontinental San Juan
Tel: 787-791-6100
Casino Space: 10,000 sq ft
Open: 10am – 4am
Black Jack: 5
Craps or Dice: 1
Roulette: 2
Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
Texas Holdem: 6
Poker: 6
Three Card Poker: 2
Slot Machines: 299

Embassy Suites
Tel: 787-791-0505
Casino Space: 5,540 sq ft
Open: 11am – 4am
Black Jack: 6
Roulette: 3
Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
Let It Ride: 1
Three Card Poker: 1
Slot Machines: 300

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Casino at San Juan Airport

Best Western San Juan Airport Hotel (for those with a layover)
Tel: 787-625-1735
Casino Space: 4,642 sq ft
Open: 24hrs
Black Jack: 3
Roulette: 1
Texas Holdem: 1
Slot Machines: 172

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Casinos in Rio Grande

Gran Meliá Puerto Rico Resort and Villas
Tel: 787-657-1051
Casino Space: 7,500 sq ft
Open: 10am – 3am
Black Jack: 4
Roulette: 2
Caribbean Stud Poker: 2
Texas Holdem: 2
Poker: 2
Three Card Poker: 1
Slot Machines: 150

Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort
Tel: 787-888-6000
Casino Space: 5,540 sq ft
Open: 10am – 3am
Black Jack: 6
Roulette: 2
Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
Texas Holdem: 2
Three Card Poker: 1
Slot Machines: 180

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Casino in Fajardo

El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa
Tel: 787-863-1000
Casino Space: 9,500 sq ft
Open: 12pm – 3am
Black Jack: 7
Craps or Dice: 1
Roulette: 2
Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
Texas Holdem: 1
Slot Machines: 232

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Casino in Caguas

Casino Real (Four Points by Sheraton)
Tel: 787-653-1111
Casino Space: 13,000 sq ft
Open: 24hrs
Black Jack: 8
Craps or Dice: 1
Roulette: 2
Mini Baccarat: 8
Texas Holdem: 7
Slot Machines: 441

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Casino in Humaco

Casino Real (Four Points by Sheraton Palmas del Mar)
Tel: 787-850-6000
Casino Space: 7,000 sq ft
Open: 10am – 2am
Black Jack: 3
Roulette: 1
Texas Holdem: 1
Slot Machines: 200

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Casinos in Ponce

Holiday Inn and Tropical Center
Tel: 787-844-1200
Casino Space: 9,812 sq ft
Open: 12pm – 4am (slots 24hrs)
Black Jack: 4
Craps or Dice: 2
Roulette: 1
Let It Ride: 1
Texas Holdem: 2
Poker: 2
Triple Shot: 1
Slot Machines: 380

Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino
Tel: 787-259-7676
Casino Space: 7,000 sq ft
Open: 10am – 4am
Black Jack: 4
Craps or Dice: 2
Roulette: 2
Texas Holdem: 2
Slot Machines: 337

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Casinos in Mayagùez

Mayagùez Resort and Casino
Tel: 787-832-3030
Casino Space: 10,000 sq ft
Open: 24hrs
Black Jack: 3
Craps or Dice: 2
Roulette: 1
Mini Baccarat: 1
Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
Let It Ride: 1
Texas Holdem: 2
Slot Machines: 444

Holiday Inn and Tropical Center
Tel: 787-833-1100
Casino Space: 10,000 sq ft
Open: 12pm – 4am (slots 24hrs)
Black Jack: 3
Craps or Dice: 1
Roulette: 2
Mini Baccarat: 1
Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
Progressive Blackjack: 1
Texas Holdem: 2
Three Card Poker: 1
Triple Shot: 1
Slot Machines: 377

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