Hi Everyone - My friend's father is cashing in some Mariott or Hilton points to get us a free room in Puerto Rico for a few nights in Feb.

Which hotel is the best place to stay in PR? Also, which hotel has the best stretch of beach? We will primarily be going down there to relax on the beach and in the pool so those are our top priorities. But we are also looking for convenience to inexpensive restaurants and some nightlife (but nothing too wild).

Any advice? Thanks so much!!

I will tell you what I know. The Caribe Hilton has a private beach. I believe it is a man-made beach on a lagoon. We haven't been in many years and we are going there this spring. The Hilton is a nice property but is off by itself. You can walk to the Condado. The Marriott is on the Condado and has a higher rating. I would think this would be more ideal for you as it it is on the beach on the Atlantic and you can easily walk to other hotels and restaurants. You must drive or take a cab into Old San Juan. I am not familiar with the Courtyard,but the full service Marriott has the highest diamond rating of the three from AAA.

We stayed at the Mariott a couple years ago and loved it. I'm a big beach person too and generally spend more time there than in the pool. The bar is a good scene late night, the rooms were clean, pool is very nice with a slide that I (as a 30 year old woman) loved. The beach was clean and very nice - not an enormous stretch of it but very beautiful. One thing that shocked me was how strong the waves were. No complaints however and maybe the rest of the island is the same but the waves were very strong.

There are also good dining options nearby and a CVS - which is always a good thing for those last minute items you always run out of.

If we returned to PR again (and I'm working on it) I wouldn't hesistate to stay here again.

Thanks for the feedback!!

Jodeenyc - which Mariott did you stay at? The one in Isla Verde or the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino? (I think the latter is in Condado). Thanks!!

I think she is referring to the full service Marriott on the Condado, NOT the Courtyard. Have fun!

Marriot Condado is the choiceInexpensive restaurants?

well--around san juan...cane be putrid or good depending on what you think inexpensive is?

Yes missed the part where you noted they are both Mariott's right?

Yes the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino is the one.

The Courtyard Marriott is in Isla Verde on a very nice stretch of beach. It is pretty new - it was a Crowne Plaza that had closed down several years ago and re-opened as a Courtyard pretty recently. The hotel itself is okay but nto as nice as the other two on your list. Also, it is right next to the airport runway, so you will hear the jets taking off and landing (as well as smell the jet fuel a little).

The Marriott is on a good stretch of beach in the Condado area and is a very nice hotel. However, you should call them because I believe that they were undergoing a pretty big renovation and I don't know if they are done with it. If the construction is done, this would be my top choice of the three you listed.

Caribe Hilton is also nice - it is between Condado and Old San Juan but really not within walking distance of either. You will have to take cabs to get to restaurants but the cab rides will be short and not too expensive ($10 approximately). It sits on a manmade beach that is in a protective cove - so no waves - it is very calm. If you are using points, I would suggest trying to get to the Executive level if possible - will ensure a better room and access to the executive lounge for breakfast and evening drinks and hors d'ouvres.