SJU Layover: Is the Ritz the best for beach access?
 

Hi everyone - I've searched through the forums and it seems like the Ritz is the nearest and best option for whiling away at the beach on a long layover at SJU... just a couple of questions: How far is the hotel from the airport? Is it right on the beach? Will they hold bags at the front desk? And, finally, do they rent out beach chairs/towels/etc?

While I don't actually have a long layover in SJU, I've heard that my AA connecting flight to St. Kitts tends to be delayed/ cancelled so I'm just exploring my options!

Thanks for your help!! -ronna

You should email the Ritz in regard to your questions. We've stayed there four or five times and I can't imagine they would hold bags for non-guests. And likewise, I think you have to be a hotel guest to use the beach chairs, towels, etc.

Ditto that, though they may allow you to pay for a day pass -- it's worth dropping a note. We had to show our room key to get a beach chair and towels -- this is included, I think, as part of your resort fee, which is 10% of the room rate (or $45 when we were there in spring 2006). But it sure is a nice spot to while away a few hours...

It's about a 7 minute taxi ride from the airport.

You might also check to see if the El San Juan and Intercontinental offer day passes. They are on the same stretch of beach in Isla Verde.

We always had to verify our identity at the Ritz for towels, chairs. Its not very easy to sneak into.
So you are just anticipating your flight being delayed or CXL is that correct? I would not worry about it too much. Plus if its just delayed you would not really leave the airport. If its CXL you would have to find somewhere to spend the night, so either option you probably do not need to find a place to spend a few hours... Have a great trip.

As others have pointed out, if you are just anticipating a delay in your flight to SKB you really can't leave the airport. It's not unusual for American Eagle flights (or any other local island hopper airline) to experience some delays for numerous reasons. These delays can last a few minutes or maybe as much as an hour or even longer. The trouble is you won't know how long the delay, if it happens, will be. I've had flights where I was told it would be about an hour and we left less than 15 minutes later. I've been on others just the opposite. Actually, the flights to SKB aren't delayed all that often and certainly not more often than flights to any other destination. If your connection time is under 4 hours you really won't have enough time to leave the airport. Pass the time with a good book.

a traveller is right this time...
dont risk the hasssle...
stay put...

Thanks for the responses, y'all!! I did contact all three hotels mentioned and, unfortunately, they don't offer a day pass for pool/beach access.

However, I've read that the public beach on the eastern stretch of Isla Verde close to the airport has lifeguards, changing rooms, etc., so as long as I pack a beach towel and am willing to drag my rollerboard, I guess it's my best option if my 1pm Am Eagle flight from SJU to SKB is cancelled and I have to take the 8pm flight instead.

Thanks again for your help! -ronna

Best wishes for an easy trip! I hope you don't have any delays. Save SJU for when you get to stay there! :)

I could be wrong but I have walked that stretch of Isla Verde beach numerous times and have never noticed lifeguards or changing rooms.