Tropical delights: a land of contrasts is a traveler's haven.From restaurants run out of family homes in Havana to the world-class resorts in Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (pwār`tō rē`kō), island (2005 est. pop. 3,917,000), 3,508 sq mi (9,086 sq km), West Indies, c.1,000 mi (1,610 km) SE of Miami, Fla. , and from the coffee haciendas in Costa Rica Costa Rica (kŏs`tə rē`kə), officially Republic of Costa Rica, republic (2005 est. pop. 4,016,000), 19,575 sq mi (50,700 sq km), Central America. to Panama's business district, Central America Central America, narrow, southernmost region (c.202,200 sq mi/523,698 sq km) of North America, linked to South America at Colombia. It separates the Caribbean from the Pacific. and the Caribbean offer contrasts like no other. Get to know the best business travel spots in eight capitals. GUATEMALA CITY Guatemala City City (pop., 1994: city, 823,301; 1999 est.: metro area, 3,119,000), capital of Guatemala. The largest city in Central America, it lies in the central highlands at an elevation of about 4,900 ft (1,490 m). BEST HOTEL In the heart of the capital's restaurant area, just 10 minutes from the Aurora International Airport and 45 minutes from the colonial city of Antigua is the Hotel Real InterContinental. Aside from the 239 luxury rooms, the hotel also has live jazz music in the lobby, a business center, a heliport heliport, airport designed exclusively for helicopter traffic. , gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and 16 meeting and banquet rooms with space for 1,600. Rates range from US$120 to $350. [502] 2379-4551. www.intercontinental.com HAVANA BEST HOTEL Opened in 1998, the magnificent, 409-room Melia Habana is in the residential Miramar area, just five minutes from the city's Palacio de Convenciones. 15 kilometers from the Jose Marti International Airport Prices start at US$160. [53] (7) 204-8500 BEST-KEPT SECRET Paladares are restaurants in family houses, some of which are illegal. One of the more popular ones is La Cocina de Lilliam. Business has brought operations to the level of a real restaurant, adding new plates to its existing menu all the time. The tuna or anchovy anchovy: see herring. anchovy Any of more than 100 species of schooling saltwater fishes (family Engraulidae) related to the herring. Anchovies are distinguished by a large mouth, almost always extending behind the eye, and by a pointed snout. bruschettas are exquisite. Escabeche Escabeche (of Spanish origin or from Persian sikbag; "acid food") refers to both a dish of poached or fried fish that is marinated in an acidic mixture before serving, and to the marinade itself. , a house specialty, is perfect. The chicken mousse Noun 1. chicken mousse - mousse made with chicken mousse - a light creamy dish made from fish or meat and set with gelatin is out of this world. [53] (7) 29-6514 PANAMA CITY Panama City, city (1990 pop. 34,378), seat of Bay co., NW Fla., on St. Andrews Bay; inc. 1909. A Gulf Coast resort with amusement parks and excellent fishing, it is also a port of entry. The city's industries produce paper, clothing, and chemicals. BEST HOTELS Strategically located in the financial and business center of Panama, the Bristol offers its visitors 56 rooms at rates from US$195 to $500. It's part of the global hotel chain, The Leading Hotels of the World. [507] 265-7844. www.thebristol.com. The Marriott is in the heart of the banking center, one of the world's most important, and 20 minutes from the Tocumen International Airport Tocumen International Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen) (IATA: PTY, ICAO: MPTO) is an international airport located 15 miles (24 km) from Panamá City, Panamá. . It has 296 rooms, including eight suites, an ample swimming pool, a complete gym and nine meeting rooms. Rates range from $160 and $325. [507] 210-9100. www.marriotthotels.com BEST SHOPPING Close to the Panama Canal Panama Canal, waterway across the Isthmus of Panama, connecting the Atlantic (by way of the Caribbean Sea) and Pacific oceans, built by the United States (1904–14) on territory leased from the republic of Panama. and more than a kilometer long, Los Pueblos Albrook offers visitors a wide range of activities, enough to fill a day. Aside from stores and warehouses of all types, the shopping center shopping center, a concentration of retail, service, and entertainment enterprises designed to serve the surrounding region. The modern shopping center differs from its antecedents—bazaars and marketplaces—in that the shops are usually amalgamated into has 11 movie screens, restaurants, bars and a supermarket. The Los Pueblos Juan Diaz-Tocumen shopping center was built on 22 hectares. East of the Panamanian capital Noun 1. Panamanian capital - the capital and largest city of Panama capital of Panama, Panama City Panama, Republic of Panama - a republic on the Isthmus of Panama; achieved independence from Colombia in 1903 , it's just eight minutes of the Tocumen International Airport. [507] 303-6256. wwww.grupolospueblos.com BEST NIGHTCLUB One of the most frequented nightclubs in the city is El Tablao, better-known as Montana, where the fun never ends since it is the only club in the capital open 24 hours. Capacity 250. [507] 224-3512 BEST RESTAURANT City Club Panama, on the 29th floor along the city's main drag, has one of Panama's most exclusive restaurants since only a member can invite you. The US$16 lunch buffet is very popular. The club has about 500 members. [507] 210-1366. www.cityclubpanama.com SAN JOSE San Jose, city, United States San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850. BEST HOTEL The Marriott is less than 10 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, near coffee plantations. Rooms include a safe-deposit box, mini-bar, high-speed Interact, air conditioning air conditioning, mechanical process for controlling the humidity, temperature, cleanliness, and circulation of air in buildings and rooms. Indoor air is conditioned and regulated to maintain the temperature-humidity ratio that is most comfortable and healthful. and cable television. Rates begin at US$145. [506] 298-0000. www.marriott.com BEST RESTAURANT Recognized as the best Italian restaurant in San Jose, La Piazzetta has more than 100 entrees from around the regions of Italy, as well as shellfish, French and Mediterranean dishes. The wine cellar has more than 200 labels. Lunch from US$5 to $25. [506] 222-7896 BEST TRAVEL AGENCIES Since 1984, Horizontes Nature Tours has been a pioneer in eco-tourism. Its "nature with style" packages take travelers to the country's natural wonders. [506] 222-2022. www.horizontes.com Viajes Ejecutivos Mundiales, known as Vemsa, has a decade of experience and has become one of Costa Rica's largest travel agents, with 30 tours of the country. [506] 257-5510. www.vemsa.co.cr BEST CAR RENTALS Avis has four offices in Costa Rica, in the Hotel Tryp Corobici (near downtown), at the Juan Santamaria Airport, in the Hotel Melia Cariari and in Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste province. Rates range from US$200 to $550 per week, [506] 293-2222. www.avis.co.cr. Budget has four offices in Costa Rica--on Paseo Colon downtown, Rio Segundo de Alajuela (two minutes from the airport), Jaco and Liberia. Rates range from $200 to $600 weekly. [506] 436-2022. www.budget.co.cr. Dollar has three offices, in the Juan Santamaria Airport, on Paseo Colon and in Liberia. $250 to $500 a week, [506] 443-2950. www.dollarcostarica.com BEST MEETING SPACES Ten minutes from the Juan Santamaria Airport and 15 minutes from downtown San Jose Downtown San Jose is the central business district of San Jose, California, United States. The area is generally located north of Interstate 280 and east of Guadalupe Parkway, which roughly parallels Guadalupe River. , the Hotel Herradura is Costa Rica's largest convention center and has 10 executive meeting rooms. [506] 239-0033. www.hotelherradura.com. On the Monte de la Cruz de la Cruz is a common surname in the Spanish language meaning 'of The Cross.'
The Radisson is known for being in the heart of San Jose where it has seven meeting rooms and a fully-equipped business center. [506] 257-3257. www.radisson.com BEST SHOPPING The Multiplaza shopping center is in Guachipelln de Escazu, on the Santa Ana Santa Ana, city, El Salvador Santa Ana (sän'tä ä`nä), city (1993 pop. 129,873), W El Salvador. It is the second largest city in the country and the commercial and processing center for a sugarcane, coffee, and cattle region. highway, near the Hotel Real InterContinental and the Centro Corporativo Plaza Noble. This big center has it all: a supermarket, department stores This is a list of department stores. In the case of department store groups the location of the flagship store is given. This list does not include large specialist stores, which sometimes resemble department stores. , theaters and restaurants, as well as parking for 1,600 cars. [506] 289-8984. www.multiplazamall.com BEST COFFEE "Straight from the plantation" is the slogan of Cafe Britt, the country's main roaster and exporter of gourmet coffee. A trip to the Britt Farm in the hills of Heredia would not be complete without a sip of the bean. [506] 260-2748. www.cafebritt.com. In the popular Escazu neighborhood on the city's western side, Il Panino pa·ni·no n. pl. pa·ni·ni An Italian sandwich made usually with vegetables, cheese, and grilled or cured meat. [Short for Italian panino (imbottito), stuffed bread, sandwich is an excellent spot for coffee and a snack, Specialties include Italian sandwiches, pastries and, of course, all kinds of coffee. There's a lunch menu that includes pastas and salads. Lunch runs from US$10 to $15. [506] 228-8606 BEST NIGHTCLUB Sambuka is in the Escazu neighborhood, offering Latin and techno music. Similar nightspots are a few steps away at the Trejos Montealegre shopping center. Another popular bar in eastern San Jose is the Jazz Cafe. Live music is offered nearly every night, plus a wide selection of appetizers, such as the exquisite cheese-and-wine fondue. [506] 253-8933. www.jazzcafecostarica.com BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is a luxury hotel with a marina and golf course, only two hours from San Jose. There's a casino, spa, tennis courts and fishing. [506] 630-9000. www.marriott.com. In the middle of Costa Rica's wild northern areas, the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort & Spa is near the Volcan Arenal National Park. Besides the well-known hot springs, the hotel has top-notch restaurants and a spa. [506] 256-1500. www.tabacon.com BEST-KEPT SECRET In a renovated mansion in historic Barrio bar·ri·o n. pl. bar·ri·os 1. An urban district or quarter in a Spanish-speaking country. 2. A chiefly Spanish-speaking community or neighborhood in a U.S. city. Amon, Bakea is known for its innovative entrees. Chef Camille Ratton-Perez uses training from France's Le Cordon Bleu For the Schnitzel variant, see . Le Cordon Bleu (French for "blue ribbon") is an international group of hospitality management and cooking schools teaching French cuisine. school to create dishes that combine French and Costa Rican cooking. Lunch ranges from US$10 to $20. [506] 248-0303 BEST GOLF The course at Cariari is 6,100 meters. Open since 1970, it hosted the 1981 International Tournament. [506] 293-3211. www.meliacariari.solmelia.com. Eighteen holes await at Valle del Sol, 15 minutes from San Jose. The greens fee greens fee n. The fee charged to play on a golf course. is US$75 for visitors. [506] 282-9222. www.vallesol.com BEST SPAS The Herradura Spa has a sauna, Jacuzzi and all types of massages. Exclusively for hotel guests. [506] 239-0033. www.hotelherradura.com. The luxurious spa at the Hotel Costa Rica Marriott has five professional therapists to provide massages and various skin and facial treatments. Open to the public. [506] 298-0000. www.marriott.com. Beautiful natural surroundings immerse the Iskandria Spa in the Tabac Tabac may refer to:
BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOOD Escazu is an area of 21 square kilometers and only eight kilometers from San Jose. The native word iztkatzu means "relaxation stone." SAN JUAN San Juan, city, Argentina San Juan (săn wän, Span. sän hwän), city (1991 pop. 353,476), capital of San Juan prov., W Argentina. It is a commercial and industrial center in an agricultural region. BEST HOTELS Business facilities at the Embassy Suites Hotel San Juan Hotel & Casino include a business center with free Internet access See how to access the Internet. and inexpensive wireless service. Rates start at US$170. [1] (787) 791-0505. www.embassysuites.hilton.com. Paradisus Puerto Rico Paradisus Puerto Rico is the first and only all-inclusive resort in Puerto Rico. The resort is located in the municipality of Río Grande, specifically in the Coco Beach area. is the first all-inclusive in Puerto Rico. It has six restaurants, spa, golf course and its own beach. Rates begin at US$300. [1] (787) 809-1770. www.paradisus-puerto-rico.com Centrally located in Condado 10 minutes from the financial district, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has two restaurants, called Tuscany and La Vista. Rates begin at US$339. [1] (787) 722-7000. www.mariott.com BEST RESTAURANT Ajili Mojili is the dean of Puerto Rican criollo Criollo native Spanish-American light horse or riding pony. Includes a number of ethnic varieties, e.g. Argentine Criollo. Any color, 13.3 to 15 hands high. Originated from a mixture of Arab, Barb and Andalusian. cuisine. In a mansion on the shores of Laguna del Condado, it brings to life an elegant atmosphere of an old hacienda. Entrees start at US$15, and the Sunday buffet is $24 per person. [1] (787) 725-9195. BEST CAR RENTAL In addition to its San Juan location, Avis has offices around the island in the Aguadilla, Ponce and Mayaguez airports. There's also a branch in Cerromar, the Hotel El Conquistador conquistador (kŏnkwĭs`tədôr, Span. kōng-kē'stäthôr`), military leader in the Spanish conquest of the New World in the 16th cent. , Manati, Condado and Westin Rio Mar. Rates begin at U8546. [1] (787) 253-5926. www.avis.com BEST MEETING SPACE In the heart of Old San Juan, the Hotel El Convento Hotel El Convento is a hotel in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. is known for its colonial ambiance am·bi·ance also am·bi·ence n. The special atmosphere or mood created by a particular environment: "The noir ambience is dominated by low-key lighting . . . . Its meeting rooms have all the latest technology, including audiovisual gear, Internet access, two-line phones with data ports. (787) 723-9020. www.elconvento.com BEST SHOPPING CENTER Plaza Las Americas is the Caribbean's largest shopping center, with 300 stores, among them Armani, Adrienne Vitadini, Betsy Johnson, Ann Taylor, White House-Black Market, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears. It also has 21 movie screens and 30 restaurants. It's five minutes from the airport and sea ports. [1] (787) 767-5202. www.plazalasamericas.net BEST COFFEE The selection of sandwiches at El Meson meson (mē`zŏn) [Gr.,=middle (i.e., middleweight)], class of elementary particles whose masses are generally between those of the lepton class of lighter particles and those of the baryon class of heavier particles. y Algo Mas is impressive. Open 24 hours, it's ideal for breakfast, lunch or a snack after a night on the town. Live music and valet parking. Items from US$5. [1] (787) 767-3721 BEST BAR In the tradition of Miami's Coconut Grove and Mexico's Cancun, San Juan now has a Senor Frog's. In Old San Juan, it has quickly established itself as the most popular bar and restaurant in the city. [1] (787) 977-4142. www.grupoandersons.com BEST CAN'T MISS Pinones is a tourism area on Isla Verde. You'll find shellfish stands along the roadsides, as well as excellent restaurants/ selling everything from the sea: lobster, shrimp, fish and more. BEST WEEKEND ESCAPES Dorado is one of the top tourism destinations in Puerto Rico and its known for its first-class resort facilities. The Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar and the Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort have beaches, golf, restaurants, pools, tennis courts and casinos. Palmas Palmas may refer to:
BEST GOLF Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club is considered one of the finest courses on the island. It has hosted the World Cup of Golf and Senior Tournament of Champions. Fabulous ocean views from the fairways. Greens fees are U8579. [1] (787) 796-8961. www.doradobeach.hyatt.com BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOODS Hato Rey has a little of everything: San Juan's financial district, residential areas of all classes, lots of restaurants, shopping centers, schools, universities and more. Santurce is San Juan's oldest suburb. Once a residential and business area, it's now known as an arts Mecca. On Avenida Ponce de Leon Ponce de Le·ón , Juan 1460-1521. Spanish explorer who sailed with Columbus on his second voyage (1493-1494) and discovered Florida (1513) while looking for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Noun 1. is the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferre, the recently remodeled Matienzo Theater and the Central High School of the Arts School of the Arts is the name of several schools (usually high schools) that are devoted to the fine arts, including:
SAN SALVADOR BEST HOTEL The Hotel Real InterContinental is in the center of the financial district and 30 minutes from the international airport. The hotel has eight floors with 228 air-conditioned rooms with cable television and high-speed Internet. The executive floors have 56 rooms. The lobby, bar and restaurant all have wireless Internet access. Have lunch or dinner in the El Escorial restaurant or in the Japanese Tanoshi restaurant, at US$25 per person. The business center has everything a business traveler could need. Rates begin at $109. [503] 211-3333. www.icsansalvador.gruporeal.com SANTO DOMINGO BEST RESTAURANT Founded in 1954, El Vesuvio is one of the island's most emblematic establishments. You can enjoy pasta, meats and shellfish, plus a wide selection of wines. Lunch or dinner range from US$75 and $85 per person. [1] (809) 221-1954. www.vesuvio.com BEST COFFEE In the Ciudad Colonial the Hotel Frances is part of the French chain Accor. The hotel, in a 16th century building, has a French gourmet restaurant: Le Patio. Coffee and a bite to eat ranges from US$15 to $25. [1] (809) 685-9331. www.accor-hotels.com BEST GOLF Los Marlins at the Metro Country Club hotel is famous for the tournaments it has hosted. In Juan Dolio, east of Santo Domingo, greens fees are US$59, including a cart. [1] (809) 526-3315. www.groupmetro.com. The Santo Domingo Country Club is on the island's periphery. The greens fee for the par-72 course is US$62. [1] (809) 530-6606 BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace has 300 rooms in various colonial-style buildings, five restaurants, three bars, a nightclub, a diving center and a spa. An all-inclusive resort, rates per person start at US$80. [1] (809) 686-5658. www.vivaresorts.com TEGUCIGALPA BEST HOTEL El Clarion is in the financial center of the Honduran capital, with 167 rooms, four suites, wireless Internet and a business center, fax and photocopy service. Rates start at US$89. [504] 232-1888. www.gruporeal.com BEST RESTAURANTS El Patio is one of Honduras' best restaurants, specializing in barbecue and traditional Honduran dishes. [504] 221-3842. La Hacienda is a favorite meeting place for locals and international visitors alike for its cozy atmosphere and firstrate service. Known for its meats and a selection of entrees a la carte. Price per person US$10. [504] 221-0897. BEST TRAVEL AGENCY In Tegucigalpa's financial district Alas has been in operation for 14 years. [504] 220-0179. www.agenciaalas.com BEST CAR RENTAL Home delivery and driver service make Hertz one of the best choices at the national level. In the capital and in San Pedro Sula San Pedro Sula (säm pā`thrō s  `lä), city (1997 est. pop. 417,000), capital of Cortés dept., NW Honduras. It is the second largest city in the country. , open 24 hours a day. [504] 238-1773. www.hertzhonduras.com BEST MEETING SPACE The modern infrastructure of the Hotel Honduras Maya, in the city's most exclusive residential area, is designed to attend to the needs of international visitors in an agreeable atmosphere. The hotel spa was also selected by LATIN TRADE readers as the best in the city. [504] 220-5000. www.hondurasmaya.hn BEST SHOPPING Multiplaza has become a major meeting point for both residents of the capital and tourists. Here you'll find stores like Carri6n, Payless Shoes and L'Atelier, as well as fast-food and international restaurants. The three-level, colonial-style mall has parking for 1,500 cars. [504] 231-2000. www.multiplaza.hn BEST COFFEE The Espresso Americano chain has been around for 68 years, with coffee stands in the Toncontin Airport, the Multiplaza Mall and in the Los Castafios shopping center, among others. [504] 231-0711 BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE Picturesque Santa Lucia, surrounded by forests, is a half-hour's drive from the city. Stop by casual dining spots like La Posada po·sa·da n. A Christmas festival originating in Latin America that dramatizes the search of Joseph and Mary for lodging. [American Spanish, from Spanish, lodging, from posar, de las Nubes for a taste of traditional Honduran foods. [504] 220-1601. www.letsgohonduras.com BEST NIGHTCLUB Famous for its musical variety, international drinks at the bar, shows and all-around nice atmosphere, Bamboo has become a fashionable nightspot in Honduras. In the former La Hacienda convention center in the Tegucigalpa restaurant area Bamboo can hold up to 600. BEST BUSINESS SERVICES Lithopress, a full-service printing center, has been around for 25 years. Personal attention, reasonable prices and delivery make it one of the best in the business. [504] 239-0143 BEST NEIGHBORHOOD Las Lomas is an exclusive capital neighborhood, surrounded by excellent eateries, banks and shopping; it's a can't-miss in Tegucigalpa. Just three minutes from the historic downtown area and close to the financial district, with a great view of the city. |
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