Liz

Well I didn't get very favorable opinions on my first pick of hotels to stay at in PR, the Caribe Hilton, so I would like any opinions out there on the San Juan Marriott. We are spending 3 days Christmas '99 prior to our Millenium Cruise and want a hotel near the action and on a decent beach. Want to get the "Latin" look and feel that Puerto Rico has to offer. Cost is not really a factor since everything for the Millenium is out of sight price wise and I have long ago accepted that. Just want to make sure we are picking the best property for the price we are paying. We are a family of 7 with two kids age 10 & 12 and 3 "adult" age kids. My concern about the Isla Verde area is that it is far from the attractions of San Juan and also it appears from what I have read that it is like any other big city "hotel row" so I might as well be in San Diego or some other city.

JJ

Don't know about the Marriott but we recently stayed in Isla Verde at the Ritz Carlton. The beach area isn't great but the pool is awesome. You're right about Isla Verde being away from the action, too.

Reinaldo

Hello Again:
The Marriot is very good hotel and has a good beach but a little ruf, beatiful pools and all. Is located in the Condado Area there is good action there and has other hotels close by. Fell free to e-mail me for any other info that you may need. I have work almost in all the hotels that have Casinos in PR.

Tom

Liz,
The Marriott is very nice. I have stayed there twice. However, I would highly recommend that you look into El San Juan Hotel and Casino in Isla Verde. It is by far the best hotel in San Juan (although the Ritz-Carlton is also very nice). Although there are several hotels in the area, you will not feel that you are in San Diego or any other city. El San Juan Hotel and Casino is the hub of upscale San Juan nightlife (not just tourists, the locals will far outnumber tourists) and also has very good restaurants, a beautiful pool area and very nice beach. You will definitely get a Latin feel at this hotel (and in the surrounding area). If money is not a concern, I would choose this hotel hands down over the Marriott.

Joe Raphael

Liz, your first choice was outstanding. Although over the last few years the Old Caribe Hilton was in disrepair, Hilton International closed it for a year and has totally redone the place, spending untold million$. It's the best location of any hotel in San Juan. I saw the plans and they are great.The Marriot is not in the same league, it's just an average place in a crowded area. I agree with some of the other people about the El San Juan, if you can get reservations. It's going to be a great place to be inside while the festivities are going on.Remember Puert Rico is more dressy than any other Caribbean Island.

Stewart Garcia

The Marriot Hotel is a good place for a family. It is a great place to people watch at night. They have music in the main lobby and dancing. You are also close to Old San Juan. 10 min in taxi. The beach is good also. In quire a bout a good place to watch fireworks or any othr show for new Year's eve. Like any big city, it willl be full of drunks, rowdy poeple and drunk drivers. Just be careful.