Recent experiences with Puerto Rico hotels?

[Anonymous]

Looking at Wyndham, El Conquistador, and Marriott Stelaris. They all get very mixed reviews online.

[Anonymous]

We stayed at the Marriott at Thanksgiving. The staff was super nice but I think the property needs a refresh. I was a bit disappointed, but I loved the staff and the location was perfect. For example, the slide was being worked on but should be open now. One of the elevators was out of service. Our room floor was kinda beat up. No deal breakers but I thought it’d be a bit nicer.

[Anonymous]

What exactly are you looking for in terms of a hotel in Puerto Rico?

[Anonymous]

We liked the Wyndham. The conquistador is further out.

[Anonymous]

How is the cleanliness of hotels in PR, generally speaking? I find the cleanliness of a property to only be as good as the local talent pool. Rural American hotels, for instance, tend to be pretty filthy with hair in the bathrooms and bed, even at decent chains like Hampton Inn and Courtyards.

Does PR have that issue in the 3+ star hotels?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What exactly are you looking for in terms of a hotel in Puerto Rico?

All 3 hotels have reviews that say the property is nice but many reviews mention the rooms smell like mold and the service is iffy. It doesn't necessarily need a great beach bc based on reviews, we would probably go/drive to beaches with calmer waters. El Conquistador has the private island but some reviews say that the boat to the island is inconsistent. The hotel is also not near anything. Also thinking of maybe splitting stay bc something closer to San Juan and something further out like Wyndham.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We liked the Wyndham. The conquistador is further out.

How is the beach?

[Anonymous]

We were at the Conquistador and the Wyndham for Thanksgiving.

I’m actually not a fan of the beach/Island at the Conquistador. A lot of people rave about it but I remember it before the hurricane and there was so much more to do and the beach was nicer. It was kind of boring other than the people partying on the mega yachts which were fun to watch.

We had no problems getting the shuttle over there, but really only spent about an hour or two there each time we went. As it was a bit blah. The water park however is great. We spent most of our time there. The other pools are also nice.

We extended our stay until the Wed. after Thanksgiving and we basically had the entire resort it ourselves it was really peaceful and laid back after everyone left.

It is kind of removed from things but the resort itself is fun so other than dining there is no reason to leave if you don’t want to.

Although we have ventured out on other trips, just not really this time, mostly to the beaches in Cabo Rojo, which are nicer and to Culebra which are much nicer and to San Juan, and nearly restaurants etc. I enjoy driving around PR and exploring. Easy to get around and lots to see and do.

We also stay at the Wyndham once a year. It’s much smaller but in a good way. All of the beaches on the North Coast were closed due to rip currents over the holiday, so we didn’t do the beach at the Wyndham this time, but it is nice and easy because it’s about 20 yrds from the hotel pools. and tiki hut. And the waves are fun when they aren’t threatening to suck you out to sea. But even when it isn’t too rough it’s not great for kids.

We did go to Luquillo though and it was a rougher than usual but not scary rough like the Wyndham’s beach was this trip. It’s really close to the Wyndham and it’s pretty lively but in a good way. And great for kids as it’s often bath tub like in its calmness.

Both hotels are clean but we stayed in the marina area in one of the recently refurbished rooms and it was nice. I’ve read all of the negative reviews but I had no real problems other than awful coffee at the marina coffee shop.

We didn’t eat on-site so no restaurants this visit but in the past they were fine. I think the rooms have been updated at the Wyndham too. Although our room wasn’t serviced during our stay at the Conquistador, but extra towels, coffee, etc., were easy to obtain, just grabbed them off of the cart that never seemed to move from its spot in the corridor. The Wyndham had daily service, the room was cleaned to perfection, floors scrubbed, towels replaced, floor mopped down, every day, and they also have room service, with service until 11 I think which was a bonus. The food is also decent and fairly priced.

I like both hotels but they are different. The Conquistador was amazing before the hurricane. It was bustling,
people everywhere, tons to do, tons of high end shopping, crowded bars, and restaurants, live music venues, dancing etc. I don’t think it will ever be what it was but it is in a stunning location. So for me that’s why I keep going back. The views are amazing. Yes the service isn’t great, but I get it the place is huge and sprawling and I honestly don’t think they are making the money they were, no big conventions, so it’s leanly staffed.

Costco has great deals on both. I usually split the bookings for hotel, rental car and flight between Jet blue and Costco. Much cheaper than booking directly and avoids the awful resort fees which are steep at the Conquistador.

You can’t go wrong with either.

[Anonymous]

We just went to the Marriott Stellaris over the Christmas holiday break last year and really enjoyed it. The pool was awesome, our room was nice (albeit the bathroom was a bit dated but worked well) and service was great. We ate in the hotel each morning for breakfast because it was complimentary with our package. It was very good but if it wasn’t included there are many places close by that would be cheaper and likely just as good. I really love the location because it’s walkable to many restaurants and stores. The only reason we won’t return is it’s the second year we have done where the ocean is absolutely unsafe to swim in for kids. Red flag risk due to currents. But if you are more of a pool person nbd.

[Anonymous]

We loved the beach at Wyndham— for us the waves were just big enough to be fun but not so big as to be dangerous (but our kids are teens). We also had a fun day at Luquillo and enjoyed swimming in the river at El Yunque (just outside the park entrance so no tickets required).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were at the Conquistador and the Wyndham for Thanksgiving.

I’m actually not a fan of the beach/Island at the Conquistador. A lot of people rave about it but I remember it before the hurricane and there was so much more to do and the beach was nicer. It was kind of boring other than the people partying on the mega yachts which were fun to watch.

We had no problems getting the shuttle over there, but really only spent about an hour or two there each time we went. As it was a bit blah. The water park however is great. We spent most of our time there. The other pools are also nice.

We extended our stay until the Wed. after Thanksgiving and we basically had the entire resort it ourselves it was really peaceful and laid back after everyone left.

It is kind of removed from things but the resort itself is fun so other than dining there is no reason to leave if you don’t want to.

Although we have ventured out on other trips, just not really this time, mostly to the beaches in Cabo Rojo, which are nicer and to Culebra which are much nicer and to San Juan, and nearly restaurants etc. I enjoy driving around PR and exploring. Easy to get around and lots to see and do.

We also stay at the Wyndham once a year. It’s much smaller but in a good way. All of the beaches on the North Coast were closed due to rip currents over the holiday, so we didn’t do the beach at the Wyndham this time, but it is nice and easy because it’s about 20 yrds from the hotel pools. and tiki hut. And the waves are fun when they aren’t threatening to suck you out to sea. But even when it isn’t too rough it’s not great for kids.

We did go to Luquillo though and it was a rougher than usual but not scary rough like the Wyndham’s beach was this trip. It’s really close to the Wyndham and it’s pretty lively but in a good way. And great for kids as it’s often bath tub like in its calmness.

Both hotels are clean but we stayed in the marina area in one of the recently refurbished rooms and it was nice. I’ve read all of the negative reviews but I had no real problems other than awful coffee at the marina coffee shop.

We didn’t eat on-site so no restaurants this visit but in the past they were fine. I think the rooms have been updated at the Wyndham too. Although our room wasn’t serviced during our stay at the Conquistador, but extra towels, coffee, etc., were easy to obtain, just grabbed them off of the cart that never seemed to move from its spot in the corridor. The Wyndham had daily service, the room was cleaned to perfection, floors scrubbed, towels replaced, floor mopped down, every day, and they also have room service, with service until 11 I think which was a bonus. The food is also decent and fairly priced.

I like both hotels but they are different. The Conquistador was amazing before the hurricane. It was bustling,
people everywhere, tons to do, tons of high end shopping, crowded bars, and restaurants, live music venues, dancing etc. I don’t think it will ever be what it was but it is in a stunning location. So for me that’s why I keep going back. The views are amazing. Yes the service isn’t great, but I get it the place is huge and sprawling and I honestly don’t think they are making the money they were, no big conventions, so it’s leanly staffed.

Costco has great deals on both. I usually split the bookings for hotel, rental car and flight between Jet blue and Costco. Much cheaper than booking directly and avoids the awful resort fees which are steep at the Conquistador.

You can’t go wrong with either.

OP here. This is very helpful. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were at the Conquistador and the Wyndham for Thanksgiving.

I’m actually not a fan of the beach/Island at the Conquistador. A lot of people rave about it but I remember it before the hurricane and there was so much more to do and the beach was nicer. It was kind of boring other than the people partying on the mega yachts which were fun to watch.

We had no problems getting the shuttle over there, but really only spent about an hour or two there each time we went. As it was a bit blah. The water park however is great. We spent most of our time there. The other pools are also nice.

We extended our stay until the Wed. after Thanksgiving and we basically had the entire resort it ourselves it was really peaceful and laid back after everyone left.

It is kind of removed from things but the resort itself is fun so other than dining there is no reason to leave if you don’t want to.

Although we have ventured out on other trips, just not really this time, mostly to the beaches in Cabo Rojo, which are nicer and to Culebra which are much nicer and to San Juan, and nearly restaurants etc. I enjoy driving around PR and exploring. Easy to get around and lots to see and do.

We also stay at the Wyndham once a year. It’s much smaller but in a good way. All of the beaches on the North Coast were closed due to rip currents over the holiday, so we didn’t do the beach at the Wyndham this time, but it is nice and easy because it’s about 20 yrds from the hotel pools. and tiki hut. And the waves are fun when they aren’t threatening to suck you out to sea. But even when it isn’t too rough it’s not great for kids.

We did go to Luquillo though and it was a rougher than usual but not scary rough like the Wyndham’s beach was this trip. It’s really close to the Wyndham and it’s pretty lively but in a good way. And great for kids as it’s often bath tub like in its calmness.

Both hotels are clean but we stayed in the marina area in one of the recently refurbished rooms and it was nice. I’ve read all of the negative reviews but I had no real problems other than awful coffee at the marina coffee shop.

We didn’t eat on-site so no restaurants this visit but in the past they were fine. I think the rooms have been updated at the Wyndham too. Although our room wasn’t serviced during our stay at the Conquistador, but extra towels, coffee, etc., were easy to obtain, just grabbed them off of the cart that never seemed to move from its spot in the corridor. The Wyndham had daily service, the room was cleaned to perfection, floors scrubbed, towels replaced, floor mopped down, every day, and they also have room service, with service until 11 I think which was a bonus. The food is also decent and fairly priced.

I like both hotels but they are different. The Conquistador was amazing before the hurricane. It was bustling,
people everywhere, tons to do, tons of high end shopping, crowded bars, and restaurants, live music venues, dancing etc. I don’t think it will ever be what it was but it is in a stunning location. So for me that’s why I keep going back. The views are amazing. Yes the service isn’t great, but I get it the place is huge and sprawling and I honestly don’t think they are making the money they were, no big conventions, so it’s leanly staffed.

Costco has great deals on both. I usually split the bookings for hotel, rental car and flight between Jet blue and Costco. Much cheaper than booking directly and avoids the awful resort fees which are steep at the Conquistador.

You can’t go wrong with either.

What did you use to visit Culebra? A boat tour?

[Anonymous]

I’m leaving Puerto Rico today! I’ve been staying at the AC Marriott which is more of a boutique concept, but it’s been great and the location is incredible.

[Anonymous]

We just got back from a stay at el conquistador - no complaints! we would go back. We were there 5 days, did the private island twice and did the various pools the other days. We tried several of the restaurants as well. Always had really great service and the food was consistently decent everywhere - a lot of basics but decent. Our kids had a ball and the surroundings are really beautiful.

The cliff setup is a bit funky but we never waited more than 5 minutes for the funicular and we had no issues getting transported to the island either. But be aware that it’s a lot of walking and that the boat ride to the beach might not be ideal for older or less mobile people. Also, it gets windy in the evenings and most of the dining options are outdoors. Lastly, the private island had lots of bees so we had to keep food covered.

We had booked a marina double room at a pretty low rate so in that regard it was a pretty outstanding value to have amenities like the water park and each for the price we paid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We were at the Conquistador and the Wyndham for Thanksgiving.

I’m actually not a fan of the beach/Island at the Conquistador. A lot of people rave about it but I remember it before the hurricane and there was so much more to do and the beach was nicer. It was kind of boring other than the people partying on the mega yachts which were fun to watch.

We had no problems getting the shuttle over there, but really only spent about an hour or two there each time we went. As it was a bit blah. The water park however is great. We spent most of our time there. The other pools are also nice.

We extended our stay until the Wed. after Thanksgiving and we basically had the entire resort it ourselves it was really peaceful and laid back after everyone left.

It is kind of removed from things but the resort itself is fun so other than dining there is no reason to leave if you don’t want to.

Although we have ventured out on other trips, just not really this time, mostly to the beaches in Cabo Rojo, which are nicer and to Culebra which are much nicer and to San Juan, and nearly restaurants etc. I enjoy driving around PR and exploring. Easy to get around and lots to see and do.

We also stay at the Wyndham once a year. It’s much smaller but in a good way. All of the beaches on the North Coast were closed due to rip currents over the holiday, so we didn’t do the beach at the Wyndham this time, but it is nice and easy because it’s about 20 yrds from the hotel pools. and tiki hut. And the waves are fun when they aren’t threatening to suck you out to sea. But even when it isn’t too rough it’s not great for kids.

We did go to Luquillo though and it was a rougher than usual but not scary rough like the Wyndham’s beach was this trip. It’s really close to the Wyndham and it’s pretty lively but in a good way. And great for kids as it’s often bath tub like in its calmness.

Both hotels are clean but we stayed in the marina area in one of the recently refurbished rooms and it was nice. I’ve read all of the negative reviews but I had no real problems other than awful coffee at the marina coffee shop.

We didn’t eat on-site so no restaurants this visit but in the past they were fine. I think the rooms have been updated at the Wyndham too. Although our room wasn’t serviced during our stay at the Conquistador, but extra towels, coffee, etc., were easy to obtain, just grabbed them off of the cart that never seemed to move from its spot in the corridor. The Wyndham had daily service, the room was cleaned to perfection, floors scrubbed, towels replaced, floor mopped down, every day, and they also have room service, with service until 11 I think which was a bonus. The food is also decent and fairly priced.

I like both hotels but they are different. The Conquistador was amazing before the hurricane. It was bustling,
people everywhere, tons to do, tons of high end shopping, crowded bars, and restaurants, live music venues, dancing etc. I don’t think it will ever be what it was but it is in a stunning location. So for me that’s why I keep going back. The views are amazing. Yes the service isn’t great, but I get it the place is huge and sprawling and I honestly don’t think they are making the money they were, no big conventions, so it’s leanly staffed.

Costco has great deals on both. I usually split the bookings for hotel, rental car and flight between Jet blue and Costco. Much cheaper than booking directly and avoids the awful resort fees which are steep at the Conquistador.

You can’t go wrong with either.

What did you use to visit Culebra? A boat tour?

I’ve not yet done a boat tour to Culebra, but have taken the ferry. It’s super cheap, and once you are on board it’s a nice and comfortable ride over. But boarding is a hassle and you have to get there at least an hour before, If you don’t you might be denied boarding, even if you pre-booked, as they give boarding preference to residents, its also best to buy your tickets on-line in advance for the same reason, day of tickets may be available at the ferry station, but preference for those are given to PR residents.

But it is really the cheapest way to get there at a few dollars per ticket, extra fees to bring on your gear. You just have be really flexible and on-time and if do a day trip it is a bit exhausting.

Flights are quick and you can pick them up from Fajardo/Ceiba. If you don’t mind flying in a tin can for about 15 mins point to point then that’s the way to do it.