At Wind Chimes Inn is a restored Colonial Spanish Villa, a truly intimate Boutique Hotel just a short block from the nicest beach on the North Shore. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Puerto_Rico/atwindchimesinn/hotel/1293/28/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:44:39 EST This restored and renovated Spanish manor, 1 short block from the beach and 3 1/2 miles (5.6km) from the airport, is one of the best Boutique Hotels on the Condado. There's plenty of space on the deck and a covered lounge for relaxing, socializing, and eating a meal from their Boat Bar. Dozens of decorative wind chimes add melody to the daily breezes. The good-size rooms offer a choice of size and bed; all equipped with ceiling fans and air-conditioning, basic cable TV and telephones. Beds are comfortable and come in three sizes, ranging from full to king-size. Families like this place not only because of the accommodations and the affordable prices but because they can also prepare light meals here, cutting down on food costs. Pool ACTIVITIES: Descriptive Tour of Old San Juan A primer descriptive tour narration of Old San Juan is the fastest way to get acquainted with the fines and most exquisite example of neo-classic and military architecturally designed city in the new world. According to the people in the field of architecture, neither in Spain, nor in other Latin American country will you ever find a perfect line of continuity, architecturally speaking as you will find in Old San Juan. The city is surrounded, enfolded, enwrapped by its magnificent wall. Learn to identify such architectural landmarks with your guide as the Capitol building, La Casa de Espaņa, El Casino de Puerto Rico, Fort San Cristobal (bus stop), the first University of General Studies in the new world, the Oldest Catholic church still being used in the New World, the Palace of Santa Catalina. Engaged columns, rustication elements, house structures crowned with cornice, single, double, triple balconies, blue "adoquines" on the ground, and watch the people as they visit the new Pirates of the Caribbean in the jewelry shops. (When open, AS AN EXTRA, our bus will top at the Bacardi Rum Plant where you could take pictures of the city surrounded by wall while you enjoy 2 free drinks. Shoot pictures against the walls and conquer the city (Entrance fee to the fort not included) Botanical Garden Enjoy an intimate Garden in the middle of San Juan. Many residents consider the Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico as their private reserve, but it is open to the public. This lush 75 acre urban garden can fill you with hours of delight. Hundreds of species of tropical and subtropical vegetation line the paths, ponds and bridges of the Garden. One area boasts 30,000 orchids, another an exotic collection of Helliconias. A young palm garden gathers 125 species and the bamboo collection includes one variety that can grow 4 feet in one day. An aquatic garden is peppered with water lilies and Egyptian papyrus. Most people stroll at random for an hour or so among the main path that eventually leads to the orchids, or picnic under cinnamon or nutmeg trees and numerous exotic fruit trees. Serious naturalists should study the Herbarium (36,000 samples to dates) or the protected orchid collection. Finish with a visit to "Jardin Monet" with a display of terrestrial and aquatic flowering plants. Boat Bar (restaurant) Type: Hotel No. of Rooms: 22 Beach Location: Near Beach (Walking Distance) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Puerto_Rico/atwindchimesinn/hotel/1293/28/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:44:39 EST