debra

spending 6-7 nights in san juan during august...want to stay put in hotel & surrounding area...love beach, pool, upscale property with nice restaurants...been to el san juan many years ago..is that best? what about ritz? marriott? any others in san juan?

tom

From the description of what you're looking for I'd say that El San Juan is your best bet. Great pool area, best beach in the San Juan area, unbelievable lobby area and several very good restaurants including La Piccola Fontana, the Palm, Backstreet Hong Kong (plus a good rib joint and a Mexican restaurant). <BR><BR>Ritz-Carlton would also be a very good choice - better rooms than the El San Juan and a cool pool (although the El San Juan pool area is much more lush). Not as many restaurants as the El San Juan. Would recommend Ritz-Carlton over the El San Juan if you can stay at the Club level (which has five daily presentations of food and drink).<BR><BR>The Marriott is very nice but not in the same category as the two above.<BR>

frank

hearing good things about the new Water Club. Check it out

debra

thanks tom & frank..the water club looks a little too modern for my taste, so im leaning toward el san juan or ritz...any thoughts between these two? they are next door or very close, right?<BR><BR>i seem to recall that the esj had rooms with full size hut tubs? still the case?

Laura

Puerto Rico is extremely hot in August, I suggest you get a package that includes transfers to the luxury resort of Hyatt Dorado--their pool is huge and more of a fantasy pool. Gambling, tours to rainforests etc. are all available. We have been to Puerto Rico many times--this is one of the best. Also, El Conquistador has a lot of facilities and much to offer.

tom

I've never heard of the Water Club. Do you know where it's located or its website address?<BR><BR>Debra - I usually split my time between the Ritz Carlton and El San Juan because I like both of them so much but for different reasons. They are very close to each other - not right next door but only about a five minute walk away. Ritz is much quieter than the El San Juan, particularly on weekends when the El San Juan is packed.<BR><BR>I'm not sure about the rooms at the El San Juan with hot tubs as I've never stayed in one of those (unfortunately). I do know that a couple of years ago they tore down their ocean lanai rooms and built brand new ocean suites which look great (very expensive - I think about $400/night and up)

Ronnie

Haven't been there, but will check it out on my next visit to PR. I heard this guy raving about it lately. Here is the website.http://www.waterclubsanjuan.com/<BR>Ronnie

tom

Thanks Ronnie.

tom

I just took a look at the Water Club website and it looks pretty cool - but not enough info on the site. I'm going to San Juan in July and I think I'll go check it out.

a

The Water Club is listed in this month's Conde Naste Traveller (British Edition) as one of the "hot" new places to stay. It looks beautiful.

Susan

Someone mentioned the huge, fantasy pool @ Hyatt Dorado. I think you meant to say Hyatt Cerromar which is famous for its spectacular pool. Or perhaps HD has one that I have not heard about!