Did You Know About this Coast Guard Lodging?

We've discovered some little-known lodging operated by the Coast Guard, located just outside San Juan, Puerto Rico. Enjoy the camaraderie and great $avings when you use military lodging!

Known as "la isla del encanto," or island of enchantment, this piece of the U.S. in the Caribbean 1000 miles off the coast of Florida presents a wonderful and varied travel experience that includes the historic 16th century city of Old San Juan; the white sand beaches and cool turquoise waters you've come to expect from this part of the world; the magnificent El Yunque rainforest; the iconic city defenses of El Morro and the Castle of San Cristobal; and all the amenities of a vibrant, hybrid Caribbean culture to savor and appreciate.

If you're seeking the pristine, you can venture into the island's unspoiled interior, or dive among the teeming reefs. If you're craving a faster scene, San Juan boasts the shopping, dining, and entertainment options of a modern metropolis, built up around its truly special colonial core.

So, if you have always wanted to visit the Cathedral de San Juan, built in 1592; Fort San Cristobal, which is one of the largest fortresses ever built in the western hemisphere; or the beautiful San Juan Bay, now is the time! If you make the trip, write to us and share your story with your fellow R&R Travel News® subscribers.

Name of installation: USCG Rio Bayamon Family Housing

Main Mailing Address: 500 Carr 177 Ste. 161, Bayamon, PR 00959

Telephone Number Information: 1-787-774-0298

Location of Installation: Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Hours of operations: 0900 to 1500.

Lodging Office: No central lodging office. Office is located at the Community Center. When you get to the entrance stop sign, continue forward until you reach the last building at your right side. The flag poles are in front of the building.

E-mail for reservations or information: Emma.R.Rodriguez@uscg.mil

Eligibility: Active Duty; Reserve/National Guard; Retirees; DOD Civilians

Nearest Major City: San Juan, PR

Distance and Direction from Installation: Leave housing, go across the bridge and turn left onto the freeway (177), you will pass the Shell station, Burger King, continue forward – you will go through two traffic lights. Stay in the right hand lane – go over the overpass and exit on to (20) going north – which is the first exit after the overpass. The road will curve around and put you on (20). Move over to the left and merge into the traffic. Stay on (20) until you merge into road (2) and continue forward until you get to Kennedy Expressway. After you cross the bridge, take the first exit on your right, then veer to the left toward San Juan. Continue forward until you merge onto Miramar Ave. Follow that road until you see a bridge. Cross under the bridge and continue until the traffic light. Pass the traffic light and take your right side lane and follow the road until you reach Old San Juan.

Nearest Major Installation: Fort Buchanan Army Base. Distance and directions from Installation: Approximately 10-15 minute drive depending on traffic. Directions: Leave housing, go across the bridge and turn left onto the freeway (177), you will pass the Shell station, Burger King, continue forward – you will go through two traffic lights. Stay in the right hand lane – go over the overpass and exit on to (20) going north – which is the first exit after the overpass. The road will curve around and put you on (20). Move over to the left and merge into the traffic. Stay on (20) until you find the Roosevelt Ave. exit, turn left at light, right on first street (Shirley's Pizza), another right at the end of the block, and then left onto the road at road divide to enter Ft. Buchanan. Make sure you have your military ID ready to show. Cellular phone use is not permitted while driving on the base.

Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, Master Card.

Guest House: There are three two-bedroom houses with rates from $75-$125 per night, three three-bedrooms houses with rates from $85-$135 per night and one four-bedroom house with rates from $110-$145 per night. Rates depend on whether it is low or high season.
Amenities: Fitness Room, Soft Drinks Machines, Snack Vending, Pool, Tennis Court, Basketball Court and Library with Internet access.

The houses are completely furnished including DVD/VCR, TV, cable, alarm clocks, washer/dryer. The kitchen has all the major appliances including microwave and dishwasher. Silverware, cookware and dining ware are included as are linens and towels. There are cots and cribs for an additional low fee.

Dining: Burger King is within walking distance. Within a short drive you can find Bonanza, McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Wendy's and Quiznos.