cwojo99

We are adding two days onto our St. Thomas vacation...staying at the Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino!

Can anyone provide advice on the following?

1. Is this a good resort? We are big Marriott loyalists - just wondering if anyone has stayed here...

2. We were thinking about a tour of Old San Juan - does anyone recommed a tour company? Is one needed?

3 Any "must see's"? We will be doing a snorkeling tour and a sunset dinner sail while in St. Thomas...so looking for other ideas...

Thank you Fodorites! 8-)

schmerl

I wouldn't bother with a guide for Old San Juan Visit both the forts and walk around the wonderful cobblestone streets on your own.

coqui_07

You can do a DIY tour of Old san Juan - plenty to see:
2 forts (with great views)
small cathedral + other historic churches
Paseo la Princesa promenade, san juan gate
plenty of restaurants / bars
nice plazas

you could check out this DIY walk http://www.visit-the-coqui.com/2008/...n-juan-part-1/

other options:
Check out El YUnque rainforest
Luquillo Beach
Do a Bio Bay tour (evenings) if moon phase is good
If you are there on a weekend consider heading to Guavate for some Lechon http://www.visit-the-coqui.com/2008/...of-the-lechon/

hope that helps

doug_stallings

The Marriott is a pretty good hotel. The beach is OK, but none of the beaches in Condado is truly spectacular in my opinion. There's a lot of surf, and the water isn't very clear because you're facing the open Atlantic. I am not a fan of the lobby and casino ... too loud. But the hotel was renovated in the past few years. It does have a nice gym, and the location is very convenient. There's a Starbucks across the street and a nice ice cream shop nearby (which offers free Wi-Fi).

There's never a need for a guided tour in Old San Juan unless you want one. Just get a guidebook and walk around to see the sights you like, or take one of the free trolleys.

I second the recommendation for El Yunque. It's great and not far from San Juan. It's easy and probably cheaper to go on a guided tour, but you can easily rent a car and drive there yourself. The bio bay tour can be fun, but it's a long evening. It's now possible to go all the way to Vieques and not have to spend the night, but I'd probably opt for the one in Fajardo (only if there's no moon, however).

If you like great nightlife and good food, you'll love San Juan.

tom42

Are you using Marriott points? There is a Renaissance in the Condado area that you might want to look into in addition to the Marriott Stellaris.

cwojo99

Awesome information! thank you!