Puerto Rico Resort Guide 2021

Puerto Rico Resort Selections

August 2022

San Juan Puerto Rico's capital and center of history and culture.

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San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Location - Condado Beach, San Juan • San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is bright, modern, and inviting. The hotel attracts a broad range of guests, and the atmosphere is almost always busy, particularly around the beach and pool, which in addition to a fun waterslide, and interconnecting guest rooms make it a favorite of families.

• The resort offers direct access to Condado Beach, and the beaches of Isla Verde are a 12-minute drive away. It’s an attractive area with towering palm trees, glass-block pillars, and spouting fountains. Drinks flow freely at the swim-up bar, casino, and lobby lounge and for those looking for a party you can find one, but families will still feel comfortable here. The resort features 10,348 squarefeet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a grand ballroom and numerous smaller meeting rooms.

Marriott Stellaris Pool

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San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Condado Beach

Oceanside

Waterpark

Onsite Casino

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Summary San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino Condado Beach • • • • • • • • •

Pros Direct access to a scenic stretch of Condado Beach Central location in Condado, surrounded by shops and restaurants Beautiful pool complex with swim-up bar and waterslide Elegant guest rooms have mini-fridges and furnished balconies Five dining options, including an open-air bar with beach views Some upper-level rooms have sofa beds and separate living areas Spa with sauna and practical fitness center 13 event spaces -- the largest can accommodate 800 guests Free Wi-Fi throughout

The Marriott Stellaris is a great place to stay due to its proximity to the airport, attractions and city life. It’s central location also makes it a top choice among visitors, so when stepping into the lobby be prepared to encounter diverse fun-loving travelers enjoying poolside drinks or the lobby casino, and families with small children.

Cons • Extra resort fee not included in room rate • Pools can be overcrowded • Bathrooms can seem a bit small • Fee for valet and self-parking

It is in the heart of San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, the hotel is filled with energy. With its prime location, this hotel is not for the families who want to sit still, but those who want to explore and experience life in San Juan. None of this is a bad thing! But it’s important to remember this is a city hotel that happens to also be located on a beautiful beach.

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Fairmont El San Juan Location – Isla Verde, San Juan • A spectacular $60 million renovation in 2016 has brought a chic, contemporary coastal vibe to El San Juan, which has dazzled since its heyday. Three bars with excellent entertainment livens up the lobby at night, while El San Juan Beach Club (encompassing three pools and the beachside restaurant), is buzzing with activity come weekends.

• The property is quite spread out with Tower Rooms located in the main structure, above the lobby, and villas and suites set in two-story structures around tropical gardens. With long-standing features like the huge 300-year-old Banyan Tree and retro-domed Cana restaurant, plenty of original hallmarks live on in this glamorous mix of old and new.

Fairmont El San Juan Pool

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Fairmont El San Juan Isla Verde Beach

Luxury Cabanas

El San Juan Beach Club

Entertainment

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Summary Fairmont El San Juan Isla Verde

• • • • • • • • • •

Pros Chic contemporary interiors and grounds stepping onto Isla Verde Beach Beach is clean and uncrowded -- no fighting for deck chairs Four fabulous pools with daybeds, and cabanas with butler service available Ever-so-elegant Old-World lobby with three bars Huge, stylishly appointed rooms -- many with beach views Five top-notch restaurants, seven bars, and a nightclub Dazzling state-of-the-art fitness facility Great live nightly entertainment Luxurious spa offering a range of treatments Free Wi-Fi

With a rich history, the El San Juan Hotel blends modern tropical splendor with old-world elegance. Located on two miles of the Isla Verde Beach, the El San Juan Hotel is an oasis of 388 spacious guest rooms and suites, as well as pool and beachfront villas.

Cons • On-site dining can be expensive • Tower rooms lack balconies • Extra resort fee not included in room rate

On-site amenities include the Well & Being Spa and unique state-of-the-art, three-level Well & Being Fitness Center, four pool areas, and luxury cabanas. Signature restaurants include Caña by Juliana Gonzalez, Meat Market, and El Bistro, a boutique gourmet coffee shop.

Nights come alive within the hotel's iconic lobby of distinctive bars, lounges and entertainment that pays homage to the culture and sounds of Puerto Rico.

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Caguas Caguas the “Heart and Center” of Puerto Rico and City of the Turabo

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Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino Location – Caguas • 125 rooms (including 32 suites) are spacious, lightfilled, and comfortable, with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers and kitchenettes in Suite categories.

Set along a rugged rainforest expanse of river and lush nature showcase tropical views from many rooms. Highlights include a decent-sized pool with a waterslide, a modern fitness center, a casual but solid restaurant, and a lounge bar with live music (open on weekends).

Four Points by Sheraton Pool

• The entrance to the hotel lobby sits directly opposite the casino doors, marble floors are sparsely decorated with lounge settings and ornaments with a subtle marine theme with coastal-blue color scheme. The layout is open-plan and flows right into the casual on-site restaurant, “X.O. Le Bistro,” sitting at the rear with a grand piano and big glass windows showcasing the curvaceous pool area just outside, where palm trees add tropical flavor.

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Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino Caguas

Pool With Water Slide

Contemporary Rooms

Casino

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Summary Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino Caguas Pros • An on-site casino caters to gambling getaways • Property backs onto lush, river scene • Large kid-friendly pool with a fun waterslide and splash zone • Spacious, clean, comfortable rooms - many with views • Modern, decent-sized fitness center • Good (casual) restaurant serving all meals • Walking distance to a golf course • Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are available in Double, King, and Suite categories they’re all large with broad windows letting in plenty of light, and many frame lush river, or pool and palm tree views.

Their suites offer separate living/dining areas and kitchenettes. Bathrooms are consistent with the large layouts, offering generous granite vanities, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, bar soap, and wall-mounted pump dispensers containing other standard toiletries.

Cons • Not much to see or do nearby • No beaches in the area (given it’s inland) • On-site parking incurs hefty daily fees • Decor throughout is chain-hotel generic • Distance from airport – rental car required

Large-scale meetings and reception events facilities cater to corporate and social functions, with audio visual equipment and catering services on hand. La Terraza a lovely terrace, garden and fountain area located at the rear of the property, overlooks a lush river-rainforest landscape as a tranquil spot to unwind. Pasion Lounge, located in the casino, offers drinks, live music, and dancing on weekend evenings. The casino itself is a major draw for many guests, offering game tables and machines for travelers to try their luck.

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Aguadilla The new garden of the Atlantic Ocean.

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Villa Montana Beach Resort Location – Aguadilla • Villa Montana is an upscale, yet low key property on 35 beachfront acres in the northwest corner of Puerto Rico. Its 76 rooms and villas range from studio to three-bedroom layouts, with a coast-meetscountry house aesthetic, and attractive features such as flat-screen TVs, DVD players, comfortable beds, free Aveda products, large patios and kitchens in most categories.

Poolside Bliss Villa Montana Beach Resort

• It feels sophisticated without being pretentious, and the vibe is about as low key as it gets. The beauty of such sprawling grounds is the sense of space and privacy that comes with it. Lush green grounds offer plenty of surrounding nature with two outdoor pools, and a gorgeous secluded, private beach.

Grounds feel like a manicured ranch in Montana, while the Eclipse restaurant blends rustic farmhouse with industrial chic. The sense of seclusion and escape is ideal for couples, and weddings are common here, while the villas have major family appeal.

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Villa Montana Beach Resort Secluded Private Beach

Children’s Activities

Multiple Room Categories

Award Winning Eclipse Restaurant

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Summary Villa Montana Beach Resort Aguadilla • • • • • • • • • • •

Pros An upmarket retreat set on secluded private beach Unfolds amid expansive lush grounds designed for guest privacy Large self-contained rooms and villas with up to three bedrooms All units come with outdoor space, stylish interiors, and Aveda toiletries Home to award-winning fine-dining restaurant, Eclipse; an exceptional wine list on offer Two lovely outdoor pools with beautiful landscaping Free bikes and tennis, plus a great playground Spa treatments available and an on-site gym Free Wi-Fi throughout the property Pet-friendly Choice of event spaces catering to weddings and corporate functions

Available in a choice of categories that include Studio Rooms, One-Bedroom Suites, and Two- or Three-Bedroom Villas, all spread out across the property in one- or twostory, rendered dwellings with a plantation-like aesthetic.

The resort offers two pools, and the property unfolds along three miles of beachfront which is great for walking and can be fun for surfing when the conditions are right. Private beach picnics and beach bonfires with s’mores can be arranged.

Cons • No nearby nightlife (pro for some) • Gym is small • Many rooms are a five-minute walk to pools and beach • Distance from San Juan Airport • Transportation required – rental car

Guests can provide their grocery list in advance and requested items will be stocked in the room on arrival for a fee. Free parking is provided throughout the property, as is free Wi-Fi. A gamut of outdoor activities can be arranged with reception and include beach horseback riding, surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving (there are some popular dive sites nearby), deep sea fishing, whale watching (in season).

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Rincon A laid-back vibe, surf shops, and some of the Island's best sunsets.

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Villa Cofresi Location – Rincón • This family-operated 111-room hotel opened in 1965 sits inches from Rincon Beach on the west coast of Puerto Rico. The bar stays open until midnight daily so rooms located near it can expect to hear noise, especially during Karaoke Night (every Thursday), but there is a section of rooms farther away and in a quieter section.

Villa Cofresi Pool, Rincón

• The compact property has an outdoor pool next to the bar and beach. Kids stay entertained by playing video games in the arcade, or billiards or ping-pong, which are conveniently set up next to the bar and restaurant (and within eyesight). Up on the second floor is a separate deck area with tables and chairs, and it is not unusual to see a family of four playing a card game. Evenings start with sunset drink specials, and the best seats are the bar stools that face the ocean.

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Villa Cofresi Bohío Beach Bar

Desecheo Island Dive Trips

Beach Sun Deck

Incredible Sunsets

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Summary Villa Cofresi Rincón Beach • • • • • • • • • • •

Pros A family-owned hotel for over 50 years Most rooms are spacious, and prices are reasonable Nice (but narrow) beach area with good swimming conditions Fun outdoor bar atmosphere with specialty cocktails Popular restaurant with impressive seafood dishes Breakfast is included for most room types A kid-friendly outdoor pool that lights up at night Game room, ping-pong, and pool tables Water sports available for a fee Free parking and Wi-Fi Check-out time is not until noon

One of the standout aspects of the hotel is the restaurant and bar. La Ana de Cofresi is one of the first restaurants in Rincon and serves local specialties for dinner such as seafood (the whole Red Snapper is a specialty), Angus beef dishes, chorizo, and mofongo dishes. The lobby has an arcade room, and a ping-pong table is on the terrace.

Excursions can be arranged for scuba diving and sunset cruises. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available.

Cons • Room decor could use updating • The beach is a narrow section on this particular stretch of Rincon beach • Early sleepers near the bar might be bothered • The parking lot tends to fill up during peak times

Room categories: Efficiency, Standard, Standard with Kitchen, Deluxe, and Apartment (these latter units have • Distance from San Juan Airport two bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens). All rooms • Transportation required – rental car have AC units, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, tub/shower combos. Standard and Efficiency rooms do not have balconies, except for those on the first floor that lead out to the pool. All rooms except the Efficiency Rooms include breakfast.

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Rio Grande Secluded beaches, a legendary rainforest, museums, gardens, and island excursions.

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Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort Location – Rio Grande • The hotel’s 600 guest rooms are large and stylish, with some offering wrap-around balconies and separate living areas with sofa beds. The Rio Mar includes diverse dining choices and activity options that most guests would expect from a big resort, yet its atmosphere remains pleasantly low-key. The hotel features direct access to a stunning stretch of beach.

• The Rio Mar’s garden-filled grounds are a perfect match for the wonderful natural scenery that surrounds it, with the ocean and El Yunque National Park both visible from the property. The hotel’s casino and numerous bars seem to set the stage for partying, yet, for the most part, the Rio Mar doesn’t appear to attract partiers. The resort offers a huge array of on-site entertainment, but a car essential for guests who want to explore the island or dine outside of the resort.

Wyndham Rio Mar Pool

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Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Beach Resort

Expansive Resort

Two Large Pools

Wide Beach

Tiki Bar and Grill

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Summary Wyndham Grand Beach Resort Rio Mar Pros

• Classy rooms with narrow balconies, some with beach views • Two attractive outdoor pools with hot tubs, including one adults-only pool • Nine on-site restaurants offer cuisines ranging from Japanese to Italian • Some suites include separate living areas and multiple bathrooms • Lovely on-site spa and a no-frills fitness center • Flexible meeting and event space • On-site casino features slot machines and table games • Regular activity programs for both adults and kids • Free Wi-Fi throughout

The hotel offers two large, lagoon-shaped pools: an adults-only pool with a waterfall feature and some cabanas. The activity pool offers a waterslide, kids’ wading pool, and a volleyball net. The pools are surrounded by comfy blue lounge chairs and beach umbrellas, and each includes an adjacent, in-ground hot tub. The pool area opens up onto a wide stretch of serene golden-sand beach with loungers.

Cons • Limited dining options within walking distance • On-site restaurants are expensive • Many facilities (fitness center, pool) close early in the evening • Fee for self or valet parking

• Transportation required - rental car The Mandarin Spa offers a range of therapeutic treatments and beauty services, including massages, • Resort fee scrubs, facials, and nail and haircare. There are nine dining venues on-site, in addition to two bars. The lowerlevel Marbella is upscale, overlooking gardens and the ocean. Seabreeze and Tiki Hut Bar & Grill offer breezy, poolside dining. Recreation activities abound at the resort, and there's even a casino with table games, video poker, and slot machines.

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Property Comparison Location

Distance From San Juan Airport

Beach

Casino

Rooms with Kitchens

Number Of Rooms

San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

San Juan

15 minutes

Yes

Yes

No

525

Fairmont El San Juan

San Juan

10 minutes

Yes

No

No

388

Caguas

45 minutes

No

Yes

Yes

125

Aguadilla

1 hour 45 minutes

Yes

No

Yes

76

Rincon

2 hours 30 minutes

Yes

No

Yes

111

Rio Grande

1 hour

Yes

Yes

No

600

Resort

Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino Villa Montana Beach Resort Villa Cofresi Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

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THANK YOU!

Kelly Franklin Phone:

704-773-367 Email:

contactmagicbreezes@gmail.com

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport 27