TDY Gouge - El Salvador

San Salvador

Marriott Courtyard San Salvador (Esquina Calle 2 y calle 3, phone: 503-2-2493000) is probably the best place to stay. Safe (armed guards patrolling the grounds), nearby shopping and food (La Gran Via is right next door, the Walmart is just beyond that, and another mall just past it). Lots of US fast food nearby. Good free breakfast (local fare), and discrete taxi service to Comalapa if needed. Rooms are standard Marriott, always top standard.

The Hotel Princess (503)298-4545 fax(503)298-4500 is a fantastic hotel with awesome service located in upscale "Zona Rosa". Great hotel bar - Churchill's. Nice pool, 24-hour room service or restaurant, spa on top floor with hot tub/ sauna/ dumb bells/ cybex machines/ and cheap massages! Lounge singer on Wed-Fri nights. About 45 minutes from San Sal Int. Airport. Transpo is coordinated with AMC station chief. Several good restaurants, bars, discos in the area. Also, supermarket right around the block. ATM nearby. Eat at Guadelahara rest./bar (food, drinks, dancing). ~ Though we didn't stay overnight, I was in San Sal in Feb 02, and would like to post the best/latest AMC Stn Mgr info, since our illustrious GIANT reports tend to be quite hit-or-miss in this region... AMC Stn Mgr is Mr Rafael Pena (assistant is Maria -- she's the one who met us, and was fantastic with her support and assistance!)... Work # is 503-262-4130, Home 503-339-9021, Fax 503-262-3727, Cell (Best!) 503-885-9315... email at avonca@navegante.com.sv .

Great hotel near Zona Rosa. Cigars sold in the bar and also in a cigar shop attached to the hotel- they are a little pricey, but they were worth it! Local beer, Pilsener, is very good. Nice pool area. Top three floors are the concierge floor with comp food and drinks. Sheraton Princess was a great hotel. Rafael Pena was an outstanding handler at the airport; trust his advice on filing, and on local customs. A couple of updates: A very nice hotel. Very easy to eat at/under the per diem without leaving the hotel. T-Mobile works there for about $1.99 per minute.

Comalapa

Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto El Salvador (503 2366 0000) is about your best choice in the area. Good security and nice rooms, bar and restaurant and a decent free breakfast. Nice pool with a hot tub, volleyball and basketball courts. Not much to do in the local area unless you hit the beach and go surfing, most travel to San Salvador (45 minutes if no accidents or delays) to go shopping or to hit the nightlife.