OK, I want honest opintions. <BR> <BR>My fiance are getting married May 2001 and are planning a honeymoon to Puerto Rico. We purchased Fodor's Caribbean Guide and have done extensive research on most of the islands in the Caribbean. <BR> <BR>We chose Puerto Rico because of the beaches, rainforest,phosphorescent beach, nighlife, history, casinos, etc. Basically, it's everything we could ask for. We want to to be located in the heart of the action with a beachfront view. The other thing we want is romance, class, and elegance. We don't necessarily have a budget and will keep our minds open to suggestions. I have heard great things about the Marriott and wanted to know what everyone thought of it.

Carolyn, <BR> The Marriott is in the middle of the Condado area. It sits on one of the better stretches of beach in that area and is a very nice hotel. Rooms were pretty standard (nicely appointed, good size). I would recommend asking for a room in the cabana wing, which would give you views of both the pool and the ocean. The lobby area is pretty active and fun. The bar gets crowded, especially on the weekend, and there is live music and dancing. The casino is okay - pretty small - but has slots, video poker, several blackjack tabes, etc. Very nice pool area (nicely landscaped and direct access to the beach)- although, the one thing I didn't like is that the pools are not "swimmable" in that I think the deepest part is 3 feet. As far as restaurants - there is a good buffet breakfast in one of the restaurants with indoor or outdoor seating. Also, Tuscany is a very good Italian restaurant right in the hotel. There are many restaurants in the surrounding area (*I'd recommend Ajilli Mojilli (sp?) for tasty Puerto Rican fare - try the pumpkin fritters as an appetizer!). My only hesitation is that a couple of area hotels and the convention center are closed and boarded, with some construction (hopefully by May 2001 that will be complete - but you never know in the Caribbean). From the Marriott, you have easy access to Old San Juan either by bus or a short cab ride. <BR> If budget isn't necessarily a consideration, I suggest that you also check out El San Juan Resort and Casino and the Ritz Carlton, both in Isla Verde. Both are great properties (and the beach is better in Isla Verde). These properties are generally rated superior to the Marriott (I've stayed at all three and would place El San Juan first) but all are good choices. Feel free to e-mail me with any specific questions about Puerto Rico (it's my favorite place and I've been there several times). <BR>

Thanks Tom! <BR> <BR>That's all great information that I will take into consideration. If I need any additional help I will let you know. <BR> <BR>I addition, I will look into those two hotel, The Ritz and the El San Juan. <BR> <BR>You have been a great help.. <BR> <BR>Carolyn <BR> <BR>

Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. I'm sure you will love the Marriott. I have stayed there every July and November for two weeks at a time for the last 5 years. <BR>Its the employees which makes the hotel such a great place. You couldn't ask for a more friendly and dedicated staff. <BR>Definitly ask for a room in the Cabana side and request a top floor. <BR> <BR>For the best food on the island and the most romantic setting go to $$$$ Chef Marisol's in Old San Juan. $$$ Ramiro's near the Marriott is a can't miss also. <BR>Pizza at $ Danny's, just a block away is wonderful. $$Ajili Mojili -great for Puerto Rican Fare. $$$ IL PERUGINO, in Old San Juan, for Italian. <BR>A must in Old San Juan is Maria's - just a block Chef Marisol's, they have the best frozen drinks on the island. Every celebrity whose visited the island has been there - and she has the photos to prove it. <BR>Don't miss the Rain Forest, or rent a jeep and just explore the island. <BR> <BR>Have fun and enjoy. <BR>

David, <BR> <BR>In response to your previous post. My fiance and I are looking forward to our honeymoon in San Juan. We looked into the details at the Marriott and found out the pool is not all that great. The deepest part is only 3 feet. I am sure that the hotel is wonderful, but we have decided to stay at El San Juan. It's also one of the highly recommended. We <BR>have always had success at Marriott's and are even having our Wedding/Ceremony at Westfields, which is a Marriott. It's in Northern Virgina, outside of DC. <BR> <BR>As far as the restaurant tips, thanks for the advise. We will keep those in mind when we're looking for a nice place to have dinner. <BR> <BR>We hope that this makes for an interesting honeymoon. With all the history, shopping, gambling, hiking, etc., this should be a trip of a lifetime. If our luck stays with us like it did in Atlantic City last weekend, maybe we'll come home with money. <BR> <BR>Have a nice 4th of July everyone!!! <BR> <BR>Carolyn

We just returned from a short vacation at the Marriott in San Juan. We previously had stayed at the Ritz. The Marriott was great...wonderful service, good food...pools very shallow but the beach is right there for swimming. We had a room in the cabana wing with buffet breakfast included in our rate. We thought the Marriott as good or better than the Ritz. And we certainly liked the Condado area better than Isle Verde.