Ritz or Westin
 

My husband and I are going to PR in May for our anniversary,and were going to stay at the Paradisus, but we're hearing so many conflicting stories about what's open and what isn't,that we are going to try something else. we've stayed at the El san juan and enjoyed it, but want to try something different. Thinking of the Ritz or the Westin Rio Mar. Any suggestions? we love laying out in the sun, spa and great food. Don't want a place overrun with kids. Money not necessarily an object.Thank you!

If you stay at the Westin all your activities and meals would be confined to the hotel grounds unless you have a rental car. If you stay at the Ritz you have any number of restaurants and hotels you could walk to.

Depends on whether you want a city vacation or a resort vacation. The Ritz is in the city with access to everything that the city offers but it is definitely less of a getaway feel. How about Hyatt Dorado, it's a great resort about 40 minutes outside SJ.

Thank you both for your responses. We were thinking of the Hyatt Dorado, but were worried that we wouldn't have many choices of restuarants and things to do. Is the dorado wonderful?

If you want quiet and laid back the Dorado fits the bill. There are no restaurants, except at the hotel, that you can walk to. Without a rental car you go nowhere except by taxi or taking an excursion.

At the Dorado you have access to several restaurants -- an Asian one at the Hyatt Cerramar (part of the resort, they run trolleys back and forth), the golf club restaurant at Dorado; Su Casa, a wonderful restaurant in an old Hacienda and one other restaurant at Dorado. We've been there twice for a week each time and not been bored with the food. We love the entire resort.

Eileen has it right. They really are two very different experiences. I've stayed at the Ritz Carlton numerous times and I love it. The Club Level is great, if somewhat pricey. Restaurant selection will be better if you stay at the RC because there are so many options close by.

Are you looking for seclusion or excitement?

We love both. We've stayed at the el san juan and liked it and got to experience PR, so we think the Ritz will give us the same experience. We were looking for something a little different and the Paradisus seemed like the perfect choice, BUT who knows what is going on there. We love great food and great wine. I understand the 2 experiences between the Dorado and the Ritz would be different, but if you had to say which was more high end-- which made you feel more like a million dollars, which would you choose? also, where would you put the conquistador in this survey? I have read VERY mixed things and when we went there for a ride one day, I was not overly impressed. Thanks everyone!

The Ritz is definitely more "high-end" and, well, "Ritzy". Having said that, I'm not a big fan of San Juan. It's a big, urban city. Both the Westin and Hyatt are very much removed from the urban landscape. They are both quite nice resorts. All in all, I prefer the Hyatt - it has a nicer beach and I like the Dorado area more than Luquillo. Also, probably fewer kids.

The Ritz Carlton has a great spa, and ONE nice restaurant. I agree the club level room is the best choice. Very nice pool area, nice beach area, nice casino.
LOts and Lots of kids

We plan on staying at the Westin rio Mar for 5 nites next month with 3 kids (2 older teens) as we got a better rate than at other hotels (we need 2 rooms) and there seem to be more activities nearby (they are into hiking). I am a little concerned about nightlife. Any ideas. Thanks.

Just got back from a 4-day business meeting at the Paradisus Sol Melia. They have been open for four weeks now and although they are still completing some villas and landscaping I have to say that their number one plus was the service. Employees went out of their way to make us feel comfortable, even as they are ironing out some operational wrinkles. If you are still considering this property I suggest you try the royal service or the villas (if money is no object). The standard rooms beds where hard. The spa and gym are already fully functional and they will have their official full fledge opening in May. They have a total of seven restaurants, two of which require prior reservations. All the restaurants are included in their all-inclusive room price, as well as, the non-motorized beach activities. We saw one of the villas and they are very private and comfortable. Mini bar, room service and gratuities are part of the all inclusive package. Each villa had its own private pool and section of the beach. It was strange not to have to carry money around for drinks, etc. I would still recommend a rental car to drive to the outlets, Beltz, the rainforest and San Juan. If you still feel this might not be your best option, then I suggest you consider the Hyatt Dorado for that resort, relaxing feel.