The Caribbean - Puerto Rico Hotel Suggestions?

We tentatively have resis at the Embassy Suites San Juan (Dorado wasn't available). It's a great rate at $200/night with breakfast included and the reviews are really good. I'm sure we'll be happy there, but I was wondering if anyone had a better suggestion. FWIW - I'm Gold with both Hilton and Starwood.

We're traveling in July, Sunday check-in and Friday check-out. I would like to try to keep it under $300/night:


Only requirement is we need a suite with a door to the bedroom or 2 adjoining rooms (makes it easier to put down the baby)


On or very near to a beach (ideally calm water / bay - for the safety of the kids)


Ideally all inclusive (add $100 to budget for this)


Kid-friendly (organized activities, babysitting services, etc)


In-house casino would be nice


Thanks!

The Embassy Suites you have is pretty nice, although there are other spots that are better, IMHO.

Do a search of this forum; PR hotels have been discussed here at length.

The Embassy Suites you have is pretty nice, although there are other spots that are better, IMHO.

Do a search of this forum; PR hotels have been discussed here at length. I assure you I searched beforehand and agree PR is discussed frequently. But not with my criteria - at least not since 2004. Can you prove me wrong?

You done good and probably wont do much better. The hotel is better than most, a great beach is close by, casinos are close by and most hotels dont have any 2 room suites in your price range. Rent a car and take day trips around the island.

MisterNice

You done good and probably wont do much better. The hotel is better than most, a great beach is close by, casinos are close by and most hotels dont have any 2 room suites in your price range. Rent a car and take day trips around the island.

MisterNice
Thanks. I think you're right. I'm gonna keep an eye on the Embassy Suites Dorado for availability. It seems to get equally good reviews and is directly on the beach. Too bad I didn't qualify for the (targeted) double Hilton points promotion - that would have been icing on the cake.

Thanks. I think you're right. I'm gonna keep an eye on the Embassy Suites Dorado for availability. It seems to get equally good reviews and is directly on the beach. Too bad I didn't qualify for the (targeted) double Hilton points promotion - that would have been icing on the cake.

I have stayed at both the ES and you are at the better one and the nearby beach is far better. FWIW the Caribe Hilton continues to be my favorite HH hotel on PR. Unfortunately I would imagine the 2 room suites are pricey and its casino has been closed for ears.

MisterNice

remember the ES SJU is not on the beach- you have to walk and shlep all the kids stuff

the Caribe Hilton has a sheltered ocean lagoon PERFECT for kids

and if you or they need to run up to the room, no big deal

have you tried one of the villas at Caribe??

I don't know if Caribe offer all-inclusive, but the alacarte food is expensive and other than a crappy Subway sandwich store there are no walkable dining alternatives (other than the equally expensive Normandie)

at the ES SJU you have lots of walkable (local, inexpensive) dining alternatives- but its not really a "beach" resort

remember the ES SJU is not on the beach- you have to walk and shlep all the kids stuffI did read about this and was cynical of the "2 blocks to the beach". It is the biggest drawback I have. But reviews I've read said it was a very quick walk and nobody complained about it.

have you tried one of the villas at Caribe?? I did look at it and it was over $600/night for a non-studio!

Thanks for the reply.

I have status in both Hilton and Marriott. I would strongly recommend the Marriott (not the Courtyard) or the Condado Plaza. Of course, the Caribe Hilton is the place to be, if you can afford it, or you can use your points.

The ES in Dorado is nice, but it's away from everything. You won't be able to walk around the city (unless you drive 30 min each way). It's perfect if you like staying within a hotel.

Too many of you have suggested the Caribe Hilton to ignore, so I cancelled the ES resi and booked a room at the Caribe. It certainly is the perfect hotel for a family with kids. It qualified for the Double Points promotion too (ES didn't). I actually found a $200/night 1 bedroom, 2 bath suite, but it's in the old section of the Hilton (which has terrible reports). That's the original section of the hotel slated for an upgrade later this year. It doesn't include breakfast since it's not on the executive floor or in the new tower. We are "expecting the worse", but hoping for a clean room or an upgrade. I know my HH Gold won't upgrade a suite, so we'll just see what happens. The ES had a low occupancy, so we may have to go there if the Caribe room is too disgusting. I'll report back our experience.

Too many of you have suggested the Caribe Hilton to ignore, so I cancelled the ES resi and booked a room at the Caribe. It certainly is the perfect hotel for a family with kids. It qualified for the Double Points promotion too (ES didn't). I actually found a $200/night 1 bedroom, 2 bath suite, but it's in the old section of the Hilton (which has terrible reports). That's the original section of the hotel slated for an upgrade later this year. It doesn't include breakfast since it's not on the executive floor or in the new tower. We are "expecting the worse", but hoping for a clean room or an upgrade. I know my HH Gold won't upgrade a suite, so we'll just see what happens. The ES had a low occupancy, so we may have to go there if the Caribe room is too disgusting. I'll report back our experience.

Most HH Golds and Diamonds are upgraded to the newer tower unless you have a special type room not available there. You state you are a HH Gold so all of you will get breakfast in the exec lounge or the restaurant on the first floor. I think you made a nice choice. I hope you enjoy it.

MisterNice

I have stayed at the Caribe Hilton many times in the past few years. It seems a great place for kids and is indeed on a calm stretch of beach. I hope you enjoy it. In addition, the gym there is one of the best I've ever used at a hotel. I believe you're HHonors membership will allow you free access.