Expert: Nancy Torres - 4/13/2005

Question
Hey Again Nancy,

I'm adding all of your recommendations to our trip agenda...
Beautiful!! Look forward to recieving your other email when
you get a chance...

Thanks!!!
Kim

Answer
Hola, Kim.
As promised, the information regarding car rental follows:
1. Hertz Car Rental, Old San Juan.  They are located at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel and Casino, just in front of the docks.  If you are a "walk-in" client, present charge is $47.99 for a Toyota Corolla.  Other charges for insurance are additional:  no-deductible insurance $19.99/day, and there are others as damage to a third car, personal property, etc.  If you have a credit card, as American Express Gold card, you can waive the insurance charges, as the card offers its own coverage.  For the best available rates, use the internet:  Hertz.com or Hertz.com.pr.  They also mentioned another one:  Hotwire.com.  I haven't yet checked those addresses, so I am forwarding them to you as I got the information from Hertz.  If you are a Hertz Gold Member, other benefits plus discounts may apply.  Contact telephones:  1.800.654.3131 or, at Old San Juan, 787.721.5100 and ask for Car Rental.  Working hours at Old San Juan:  7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Contact persons at Old San Juan:  Francisco Fuentes and Claritza Davis.  If you must deliver your car after working hours, a $18.00 charge for valet parking will apply.  
2.  L & M Car Rental, Ashford Avenue, Condado, Telephone 787.725.8307.  They can pick you up at the Milano Hotel for you to pick up the car.  For a Mitsubishi Lancer, charge would be $38.95.  Similar daily charges on insurance would apply ($19.95, with no deductible; $12.50 with a $400 deductible; personal insurance $3.00; Liability $7.50, etc.)
Working hours:  7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Contact:  Susana.
3.  Tropical Car Rental, Isla Verde, Telephones 787.791.2820, 787.791.2822.  Present rate for economical car:  $31.95, plus $2.00 license fee.  Insurance:  $10.95 ($600 deductible), $14.95 ($300 deductible).  They are available 24 hours. No pick up available. The charge for a taxi from Old San Juan to Isla Verde is $15 to $18, but you can also use the bus service from Old San Juan to get almost in front of Tropical Car Rental for 25 or 50 cents, and it is a 45 minute ride.  Then, for your departure, you deliver the car at the airport.  Contact:  Wanda González.

From the above, I prefer and use Tropical Car Rental, but I suggest you look for your best option.  You must check with Hertz via internet.  Also, do reconfirm daily charge and all others required charges before making reservations. Ask all your questions concerning working hours, shuttle service, etc.
An additional recommendation:  The municipal Tourism Company is located at Tetuán and San Justo Streets (near Café Manolín).  Working hours:  M-S 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  They have maps, brochures and offer information and guidance for tourists.  You can call them at 787.721.6363. Ask if they can mail you a "Qué Pasa", which is a very good local magazine for what to do in Puerto Rico; a map and some brochures on El Yunque.  If not, pick them up when you arrive to the island.  The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is located at Plaza Dársenas, which I already told you about.  They are openned on Sundays.
And, if I can help you more, I am just at the distance of a question to Allexperts.com.
Enjoy your stay.
Saludos,
Nancy
P.S. The small island with 2 buildings you are going to see from El Conquistador Hotel is the Isleta Marina Complex.  I am considering buying an apartment there.  That's the only complex of its kind in Puerto Rico.