Nightlife

The point of the topical paradise is to help you relax and unwind and not jump up and disco. However, Puerto Rico does not seem to like playing by the rules and it is the party central of the entire Caribbean region.

Obviously, the capital is high on partying. San Juan has more clubs, bars and discos for the night-goers than perhaps the rest of the region combined. The best fact about Puerto Rico however, is that the night is alive not only for the party-animals but also for families, couples and friends groups out to get a drink. There are beach parties, with some awesome live music as well as lounge areas on the sands. There are beer taverns and bistro for those who like it quiet and nightclubs and dance bars for those who prefer a slightly higher tempo. For most families the board walks or nighttime boat rides are entertainment enough. There are also fine dining establishments that hold live jazz or piano shows to entertain guests.

Puerto Rico is also high on the gambling scene and its casinos have been consistent in entertaining the visitors for years. For the safety of visitors, the government limits operations of casinos within hotels only. Thus, even if you are not the risk-taking type, you can just sit around and enjoy watching people making and loosing fortunes. The casinos are open to outsiders as well as guests and usually allow people to enter till four in the morning. There are even establishments that run the entire day and all night for the convenience of those who do not know when to call it quits.

Regions to head for are:

? Santruce in San Juan for rocking nightclubs.

? Condola Isla for bars and taverns.

? Piņones for a party on the beach.

? La Quancha for boardwalk joys.

? Island of Vieques for jazz shows and a night swim in bioluminescent waters.

A. Favorite Spots

Asylum

Named aptly to appeal and entice the inquisitiveness of people, Asylum is a great place for youngsters, with loud music and an energetic atmosphere.

Location: 1420 Ponce de Leon Avenue,

Santurce

San Juan

Tel: (787) 723-3416

Blue Dolphin Bar

This in-hotel bar has a great ocean deck, which offers the most stunning views of the coast. There are live local calypso and reggae band playing every Thursday through Saturday. Each day, between four and six in the evening is the happy hour.

Location: Empress Oceanfront Hotel

Amapola Street

Isla Verde

San Juan

Tel: (787) 791-3083

Racks Billards Club Sports Bar

This is one of the best sports bars in the country, with a variety of sports being showcased each day. It is closed on Sundays and reservations are recommended.

Location: 167 S. Post

Mayaguez,

PR 00680

Tel: (787) 265-4726

Babylon

This is a place to enjoy fine dining experience with that special someone and to have a grand, almost royal treatment. Prices are worth the experience. Formal dressing and reservations are a must.

Location: Isla Verde Avenue,

Carolina

Tel: (787) 791-2781

Cafe Matisse

If you a fan of old-school music, this is the place to head for. There are regular live and recorded music performances of genres like rock and roll, jazz and the blues. For the literary, every Tuesday is poetry reading day.

Location: Ashford Avenue,

Condado.

San Juan

Tel: (787) 723-7910

Stargate

This is probably the best disco and nightclub in the whole of Puerto Rico with amazing head-banging music and a great crowd.

Location: Santurce

San Juan

Tel: (787) 725-4675

Best Western Mayaguez Casino

The casino of the Best Western Hotel Mayaguez is considered to be the best gabling experience by many.

Location: Route 2, Km. 152.5

Mayaguez

Tel: (787) 831-7575

Caribe Hilton Casino

This is another cool casino in the region.

Location: Near Fort San Jeronimo.

San Juan

Tel: (787) 721-0303

San Juan Chateau

This place has a great weekend bash, which is open to all people for a cover charge. Other nights it caters to a local crowd of executives as well as traveling businessmen.

Location: 9 Chardsn Avenue,

Hato Rey

San Juan

Tel: (787) 751-2000