http://www.galerias.com.sv/
www.cinepolis.com.sv/
I recent did a write up on MetroCentro and I figured since I was on the subject I might as well cover Galerias de Escalon and Cinepolis.
Located just off the Paseo Escalon which is a large route through San Salvador in Escalon. From the outside the general appearance is not that of a giant mall but it is. If you happen to feel uncomfortable in El Salvador, need a reminder of what city life is like, can't find that special piece of clothing or just want to spend a good weekend, I might recommend Galerias.
I usually take the standpoint El Salvador isn't a place for malls, you visit the country for beauty but with Galerias, I think its worth a serious visit.
Upon entering you will be directed through a well constructed 3 level underground parking system filled with guards blowing whistles to send you to where you need to go. I found this to be a very nice and effective setup. From the lower level you can already tell it is a place for the "middle-upper & upper class" Salvadorenos. My other half who is from El Salvador mentioned they felt slightly uncomfortable going to Galerias because they were not raised with money here and that is the respect its held to. If you are a foreigner you seem to instantly fit in. Unusual but none the less as an "Extranjero" I felt very at home at Escalon and my other half ended up feeling comfortable as well.
Once your inside you will see the truly beautiful design. The building is amazing, it features 3 levels with stores that make a circle around the outer edge of the structure. At one end you have "Simans" which is Sears. It is 3 levels. You will find everything Sears carries from Electronics, to clothes (same brands) right down to home decor. You will also find Sears pricing.
At the other end on the first 2 levels is the food court. On the very upper level you can find places such as Pizza Hut, Sbarro, iGO, China Wok, Papa Johns, McDonalds, Wendys, Etc. I was very surprised to find a Sbarro and more surprised to see they had all the same food and most of it tasted the same. The second level has some more cafes, fast, food and restaurants. Throughout the mall you can find small cafes, restaurants, cotton candy & popcorn. I was shocked to find a vendor selling real french crepes! (don't care for them but wow).
There is a great fish/aquarium store called "Aqua Fuana" which has turtles, rabits, hamsters and a ton of tropical and non tropical fish and fish tank supplies. They have some great pre-made fish tank kits with several fish for 50.00 and up.
World Games is also inside which is an arcade. They have some great machines including DDR, Confidential Mission, Time Crisis, etc. Instead of coins they use digital "cards" you swipe which you reload at the counter. Very cool and well taken care of arcade. I found the original Time Crisis non translated from Asia!
In the middle of the mall you see a "house" which is amazing, the top half is a store called "Portico" which reminds me Pier 1 (Thank god!) since there is no Pier 1 here. I finally found a bambu throw rug for 19 dollars. Any decoration based item you might need for the house you will find in Portico from Pillows/Cushions to throw rugs, table runners, oil/vinegar sets, wall art, general decor, etc.
For clothes there are a few big marks inside Escalon. There is a Nine West, Nautica and Adidas. All identical to the USA versions.
You can find a complete store list on the website.
On the very top level is Cinepolis which is a great movie theater. Great views of the city from the large glass windows. They have copiously scattered flat-screen tvs with previews and movie showtimes across the mall and inside the theater. It is very well taken care of a beautifully managed. There is a small cafe inside and the actual movie rooms are great. I went to see "Alicia en el pais de las maravillas" aka Alice in Wonderland. It was showing in 6 different rooms. 2 showings in 3D. One was in Spanish. One was in English with Spanish subs. The rest 2D with the same setup. Most movies play in both English and Spanish. If you don't speak one language, no worries you can still goto the movies! Price for a 3D show was 6.75. The actual theater was huge. Very modern very comfortable seats. Good temperature, huge screen, good sound. IMAX quality. In Full Disney 3D.
The entire mall was well managed with crews constantly cleaning and maintaining everything throughout the day, employees of stores well dressed and polite.
Below are some pictures.
