Help with beach hotels in San Juan
 

Hi. My husband is going to Puerto Rico at the end of August for business and I am happily tagging along. We are trying to decide on hotels. The hotel needs to be around San Juan. We are without children and are looking for a romantic place (really, just not overrun with kids/families). However, I will be alone during the day at the hotel and plan on beaching it with a good book so the hotel needs to be on a beach. Also plan on going to a beautiful pool when I am done with the beach. Any suggestions? I have been debating between the Marriott or the Ritz Carlton. They are in different locations. Also thought the La Concha looked good. Thanks for all thoughts.

In all honesty, the beaches in San Juan are mediocre at best. Between the two hotels you mentioned, the Ritz might be the better choice, as the Marriott is older, and the beach by the Ritz is a little better. That said, you will have to deal with the airplane nose as the Ritz is near the flights' approach to SJU the airport.

Thanks.I have heard they aren't so hot. I actually have stayed at the Hilton and the beach there was OK. I guess I am looking for a more couples oriented place that has a relaxing beach and nice pool in an urban setting. Don't know if it is possible to find it in San Juan, but my husband and I are leaving the five kids behind so no matter what, it should be relaxing and romantic!

Having stayed at both, I would choose the Ritz Carlton. I didn't mind the airplanes landing at the airport -- you don't hear them from the rooms, and when you're on the beach, it's kind of cool to watch them.

As far as beaches go, I'd give a slight edge to the Ritz, but neither is spectacular. Both hotels are walking distance to restaurants and shops, and taxi distance to Old San Juan (Marriott is a bit closer). The common areas at the Ritz are far more elegant than the Marriott's, and the rooms are fresher and more luxurious.

Hello, Cronen

I may be late to the party, but I have stayed at the Marriott and toured La Concha. We are actually returning this December. I would not hesitate to recommend the Marriott. We had a corner room with balcony, the room was clean and nicely furnished, bright. The hotel is a bit older, but we had a great time in the casino and they have various theme nights with dancing that attract lots of locals, fun to watch. Pool is very nice, service a tad slow, beach, what can I say, not the prettiest but it's a beach! Best thing about ths hotel is the location, many great restos you can walk to, we loved that aspect of it. We had drinks and took a look at La Concha, a stone's throw away. More of a SoBe feel, gorgeous pool, same beach, great lobby bar, did not see the rooms, but was told the balcony rooms are held for Marriott platinum members, and up. Have a wonderful time. Gorgeous peole inside and out, we loved it there. You will feel welcome.

La Concha is pretty new - just opened a year or two ago. I am actually staying there next week for 3 days then 4 at the Ritz Carlton. I have also stayed at the Marriott, although that was several years ago. Are you using Marriott points? Is that why you are considering these three in particular?

Out of the three on your list, I would go with the Ritz Carlton. Very nice pool area (although there will be kids in the pool - there is not a separate adult pool), steps from pool to beach. The beach is decent. One drawback is that not many of the rooms have balconies. I would say probably less than 25% of the rooms have a balcony.

If you are not limited to Marriott properties, you should also look into El San Juan Hotel and Casino, which is right down the street from the Ritz Carlton.

I'll let you know how La Concha was when I get back.

I haven't stayed at El San Juan, only visited, but you should know that it has a very active party scene that goes into the early morning hours with lots of music, crowds, etc. If you like or don't mind that kind of stuff, great, but if not, you might prefer The Ritz Carlton.

El San Juan is a nice hotel, with a lovely night life. But Mariott is my favorite, I live in Puerto Rico and every time I want to escape we went to Mariott. Another nice romantic place is Horned Dorsett Primavera in Rincon, PR. If you have couple of days to spend, go to this couples retreat.

Another romantic place is El Conquistador, is in the east side of the island, 1 hour from San Juan, private beach island (the best in Puerto Rico) but food is expensive. The hotel had been acquired by Waldorf Astoria and renovated by 181 mm. This is my favorite, if you can stay at Las Casitas Villages, buttler service, all by request. This is divine !