kristina_f

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice on hotels in Puerto Rico. I'm planning a family trip to celebrate my parents' 60th birthdays in early May (it will be my mom and dad, as well as my brother and me - both in our mid 20s). I was initially thinking we would stay at the Ritz Carlton, but as I read more about it, am getting concerned that there aren't many food/drink options in the area outside of the hotel. Is this true? Would we be better off staying at the Marriott Stellaris or La Concha? (I have Marriott rewards points so am leaning towards staying at a Marriott hotel.) Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

tom42

While it is true that dining in Isla Verde (where the Ritz Carlton is located) has in the past been more hotel based, that is changing a bit. There are some dining options available in the area that are not hotel based (that being said, the hotel dining options are quite good, if a little pricey). Right down the street from the Ritz Carlton (easy walking distance) is the Metropol, which is a Cuban/PR restaurant. There is also Platos, another PR food restaurant within walking distance. Lupis is a very casual Mexican place (owned by Ed Figueroa, ex Yankee pitcher). Also, Las Canarias is also a good casual breakfast or lunch place.

There are also a number of dining options at El San Juan Hotel, which is a 5 minute walk from the Ritz Carlton. El San Juan has Kokos (nuevo latino food), Meat Market Miami (really good steakhouse), Yamato (Japanese), La Piccola Fontana (Italian), a casual Pizza place, and an open air rooftop sports bar. Also, El San Juan has a very happening lobby scene, especially on weekends, complete with live bands and dancing.

KVR

We are planning my DH's 60th birthday in May also. We chose the Marriott Stellaris. Better location for dining and bar options and closer to San Juan.

From research, the Isla Verde area has the better beaches, but Coronado area has the better and some lesser expensive dining options. That was more of the priority to us.

tom42

The Marriott Stellaris is in Condado, not Coronado. Both Condado and Isla Verde are in San Juan. I believe you meant to refer to Old San Juan. It's true that Condado is closer to Old San Juan but you still need to take a taxi. It's probably an additional ten minutes from Isla Verde to Old San Juan than Condado to Old San Juan, which will of course mean a somewhat more expensive ride. If on a budget, you could also easily take a bus to Old San Juan from either Condado or Isla Verde (the bus stops in Isla Verde are on the same street that the hotels are on so it's very easy).

KVR

Darn auto correct on my phone.

tom42

KVR - I figured that's what it was but I didn't want the OP to get confused and end up booking a Marriott on Coronado Island in San Diego. ; )

eastenderusvi

What about El Convento? It is in the heart of foodie Old San Juan, with a ton of bars and restaurants around. And the roof top pool is wonderful!!

tom42

El Convento is good for a couple of nights but personally, I wouldn't stay there the entire time. But I guess if you are not interested in the beach, it would be a viable choice. Fyi - I stayed there for the first time last summer for two nights and I was a little disappointed.

Marija

What didn't you like about El Convento? We've booked for six nights.

tom42

There wasn't anything that I disliked about the hotel in particular. I guess I was just expecting a little more, particularly in terms of service. This is after all a hotel that boasts about its service. We arrived there around noon and the room wasn't ready. We were told it would be an hour and a half or so. Understandable since it was early for check in. We stored our luggage and went out for lunch and a walk around Old San Juan. The room still wasn't ready when we returned. In fact, it wasn't ready until 4:30. In the meantime, we were just hanging out in the lobby area. I checked with the front desk periodically. No one actually notified us when the room was ready - I just happened to go to the front desk one more time and she said "oh yes, it's ready." So that was annoying (especially since we were tired and grimy from traveling since 6:00 AM). The breakfast situation was also disappointing - they have a really nice courtyard where they serve breakfast but not much more than a handful of tables. They were all occupied when we came down for breakfast and people didn't look like they were leaving anytime soon. Not sure why so few tables since the courtyard could have easily fit several more tables. So instead of waiting, we ventured off to try to find breakfast in town.

That being said, it is a pretty cool hotel architecturally. The wine reception was nice. The room was nice. The french balcony doors opened to a view of the city and ocean in the distance. It was cool to be right in Old San Juan for a couple of days. But, for the money, I probably wouldn't stay there again. We stayed there the first two nights and then the next 7 at the Ritz Carlton. El Convento was a $100+/night more than the Ritz Carlton. For my money, I'd rather stay at the Ritz Carlton and take a taxi to Old San Juan when I want to visit. So I guess what I am saying is that although I did like El Convento, for me it wasn't worth the price that I paid to stay there.

(I did enjoy the resident kitty cat that was always hanging around in the lobby - actually, there are lots of stray cats roaming around Old San Juan).

Marija

Thanks, tom.

kristina_f

Thanks for the input! The beach is very important to us, so I don't think it makes sense to stay in Old San Juan. Tom - in your opinion, is the Ritz worth the extra $1500 over the Marriott Stellaris or La Concha for a 5 night stay?

tom42

kristina - Is that a total of $1500 for all four of you? Not $1500 each right? Also, are you comparing the same category of room at each hotel?

kristina_f

It is $1500 total, including using points (approx the same amount at each). At the Ritz, that would be for 2 city view rooms - at one of the others, it would be oceanview.

tom42

Based on that, if it was me, I would opt for La Concha or Marriott Stellaris. My first choice out of those two would be La Concha - it's a newer hotel and the pool area is better at La Concha than at Stellaris. La Concha draws a younger crowd and has a pretty lively bar scene (although maybe that isn't a positive for your parents).