Boasting one of the prettiest bays in the Caribbean, San Juan is the vibrant capital of Puerto Rico. It’s a historic city that beckons visitors with its warm weather and engaging culture. With beachside access and surrounded by plenty of bars and restaurants, the Marriott San Juan aims to provide the perfect base for visitors set on exploring the delights of San Juan. While there’s plenty to do nearby, couples and families will have a hard time leaving the various amenities the hotel has to offer.
Accommodation type: 4-star
No. of Rooms & Suites: 525
Pricing: starts at $198 for single rooms, at $368 for ocean-view double rooms, at $455 for suites, $637 for the Vice Presidential suite
High season: November to June
Nearest airport: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
Suitable for: couples, honeymooners, families, business travelers
Awards:
- Trip Advisor’s Quality Service Award, 2016
- World Travel Awards’ “Puerto Rico’s Leading Resort,” 2016
- Global Finance International’s “Best Hotel in Puerto Rico,” 2006
Accommodation
Built in 1963 by the Sheraton Hotel Company, the Marriott San Juan opened its doors after an extensive refurbishing in 1995. Its location is ideal, with stunning beachfront access and a convenient location near San Juan’s charming Old Town. In addition, the rooms offer cityscape, ocean or poolside views. They boast elegant Caribbean style with British colonial accents. Restful shades of blue and tan echo the warm sandy beaches and cool waters of the ocean.
Additionally, there are two swimming pools. The pool area features umbrellas, hot tubs, lounge chairs and a swim-up bar, but the water slide may just be the crowning highlight for the younger guests. Easy access to the beautifully maintained stretch of beach means guests can move from poolside lounging to basking on the sand. In addition to its other restaurants, the hotel also offers an on-site gelato shop for a delicious way to cool down on a warm day.
Facilities
- La Vista Latin Grill and Bar – with a mix of Puerto Rican and American cuisine, this restaurant serves up breakfast and dinner with an emphasis on fresh seafood. In addition, they have a decent selection of wines.
- Red Coral Lounge – serving up plenty of signature cocktails containing fresh fruit and famous island rum, this trendy bar also offers Japanese and Chinese dishes. Both the fresh seafood incorporated into sushi rolls and Singapore-style noodles are a highlight of the lounge.
- Ocean Club Spa – after-sun treatments are a specialty of this full-service spa. Enjoy relaxing massages or indulge in a body polish or facial.
- Ocean Club Wellness Center – free weights, cardio machines, tennis courts, a sauna, beach volleyball and more help to keep guests in top form. Additionally, there’s a game room that is perfect for little ones.
- Stellaris Casino – open 24 hours and taking bets as small as $.01, this 13,000-square-foot casino offers table games. Also, you can indulge in many other popular gaming machines.
Complimentary Activities
Guests get greeted with a complimentary cocktail upon arrival. In addition, towels and chairs by the pool and on the beach itself are complimentary. Also, Wi-Fi throughout the resort is also free.
Travel Options
Taxis in Puerto Rico are government-regulated and have a set fare to the Condado district where the Marriott San Juan is. In addition to the fare, passengers will pay a small fee for each bag they have with them. Tips will be extra.
Also, visitors who plan on renting a car will exit the airport on Avenida Aeropuerto and will need to get on PR-26/Expreso Román Baldorioty de Castro heading West. After four miles, take the Calle Marginal Exit. Immediately take a right onto Calle Villamil. There will be another immediate right onto Calle Wilson. Turn left onto Calle Caribe for 300 yards before making a left onto Avenida Ashford. The Marriott San Juan will be on the right.
Main Attractions Around Marriott San Juan
1. El Castillo de San Cristobal
This 500-year-old citadel occupies a dramatic location on a point of land jutting into the sea. First built by the Spanish to guard their new city of San Juan and its bay in the 1530s, the U.S. military occupied it for more than 60 years before returning it to the Puerto Ricans.
Today, it is a designated World Heritage site with architectural styles spanning its long history. Educational exhibits and amazing sea views are just some of the highlights of a visit. Also, there are plenty of ranger-guided tours of the defensive tunnels honeycombing the site.
2. Old San Juan
The charming Caribbean architecture and bright colors of San Juan’s Old Town make the area worth a visit just for the scenery. However, this part of the city also offers a wealth of culture as well. Stroll the cobblestone streets and stop by San Juan Cathedral to see the burial place of explorer Ponce de Leon.
The Ballaja Barracks has a collection of colorful Puerto Rican folk art to enjoy. There are also cafe-hopping tours that introduce visitors to the delicious cuisine that makes Puerto Rico famous in the Caribbean. In addition, there’s plenty of shopping for jewelry, art or clothing.
3. El Yunque National Forest
Thickly forested canopy, gushing waterfalls and fascinating species of birds, flowers, insects, and animals await visitors. This primordially beautiful stretch of a jungle is 29,000 acres in size. It includes green mountain peaks, steep ravines, and unique species. The excellent visitors’ center is the place to start for self-guided tours, or visitors can book a tour with a company in San Juan.
In addition, there are hiking trails through the park and places to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. Yokahu Tower has an observation deck perfect for snapping spectacular photos of the green expanse of jungle and the blue ocean. Even more, hiking La Mina trail holds the promise of swimming in the pool at the bottom of a waterfall.
Final Words
Ringed with golden sand and framed by the waters of both the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans, Puerto Rico is an enticing vacation destination. Snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, shopping, eating and exploring promise to fill each day of your stay in San Juan with adventure. If you have ever visited Puerto Rico and stayed at the Marriott San Juan tell us all about your trip in the comments below. Also, you can try the Four Seasons Nevis for a similar adventure in the Caribbean.