plazalasamericas

An inside tour of Plaza Las Américas, the largest shopping center in Puerto
Rico and the Caribbean, would probably make visitors feel as though they were
walking through a small city, complete with its little “placitas” and fountains,
historical monuments and sculptures, artisan kiosks and coffee shops.

Some shopaholics might even daydream about being able to purchase a luxury
apartment in a building towering over this massive structure that, altogether,
encompasses 2.1 million squared feet of retail space.

But at least for now, and despite rumors that Empresas Fonalledas –Plaza Las
Américas’ owner and founding company—is planning on building an apartment
complex on the premises of this shopping megalopolis, there’s no such project
under way.

Still, there’s no denying that Plaza Las Américas inhabitants would lead rather
comfortable lives, knowing that everything they need is around them.

Even running errands at Plaza is made easy, since this huge mall houses 7
different banks, a post office, and a 12-story tower mostly occupied by
corporate, medical and law offices, as well as some federal agency offices and
the Empresas Fonalledas’ headquarters.

And then, of course, there are approximately 300 stores and 40 food joints
distributed throughout the four-story structure, as well as three buildings
outside the mall that include a Rooms To Go store, an OfficeMax, and the
largest Big K-Mart in the Caribbean..

“Tourists don’t necessarily come to Puerto Rico to go shopping,” says Lorraine
Vissepo, Director of Public Relations at Empresas Fonalledas. “But if they do,
Plaza is the ideal place because of the variety of international and national
stores that are concentrated there.”

For instance, Plaza Las Américas not only has the largest JC Penney store in
the world (a full four stories high), but it also boasts being home to the first
Macy’s store outside the continental U.S.

International stores like Zara are also a main attraction at the mall, drawing in
many locals as well as tourists.

But the two-story Borders Bookstore seems to be the hottest hangout spot in
the mall, particularly the café on the second floor overlooking the movie
theaters. Borders opens everyday until 11 p.m. except Sundays, when it
closes at 9 p.m.

As for entertainment, the movie theaters across from Borders are the most
frequented –if not the nicest-looking– on the island. Reminiscent of Old San
Juan, the concession stand area’s walls and ceilings are decorated to resemble
the quaint streets and buildings of Puerto Rico’s capital city.

Those going to dinner and a movie can pick and choose from a wide variety of
restaurants with food for every palate and a price range for every pocket.

And Plaza Las Américas recently added another hot entertainment spot for the
trendier crowd: Galaxy Lanes, a bowling alley consisting of 32 lanes, two
restaurants with full bars, an internet chat room, and two VIP rooms. This
ultramodern venue opens Sundays through Wednesdays until 1 a.m., and
remains open until 3 a.m. from Thursdays through Saturdays.

Plaza Las Américas opens Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Hours may vary for some stores, like
Borders, and for other venues, such as restaurants.

For more information, visit www.plazalasamericas.net or call (787) 767-5202.