mrsp1030

Couples only getaway...husband is platinum....which do you like better? Also, if La Concha, anyone recommend a spa for services or would be better off to cab to Marriott or Ritz for the spa. Thanks.

tys90

I can't compare the two but I can give you my opinion on La Concha. We stayed there last October for our honeymoon and got upgraded to a suite as a Gold. The room was great, the view was okay, they called it a partial ocean view but it wasn't much. If you could get a full ocean view suite it would be excellent. I believe the suite tower is quite new.

We enjoyed the beach right in front of La Concha but some days were rough, no charges for chairs or service or anything. The beach at the Ritz is nicer and the water is a lot calmer, we went there one morning. Overall, I think the location of La Concha is better. Closer to Old San Juan (still a cab ride) but many things to walk to nearby. The lounge is very basic at La Concha, okay breakfast and some desserts at night with soft drinks available throughout the day. The concierge was good at La Concha.

We were on points and the points savings was significant staying at La Concha compared to the Ritz, however, it's gone up 2 (!!) categories since we booked so I'm not sure that would be true anymore.

CALMSP

I'd personally pick the Ritz.

My wife and I just finished our honeymoon and stayed here for the final 2.5 days before heading home (first part at Scrub Island).

The lobby / pool area is a great place, and the lounge is one of the better ones I have ever been to. If you do not get an ocean view, it can be depressing. The other side of the building (city view) has some unsightly views, but not horrid.

Outside of the lobby / pool / casino area, I was not that impressed with the hotel. Even though I pre-arranged, had an upgraded room (Platinum) upon check-in, we were put in a room that had 2 beds that were barely Full Size. Not something that I was happy about, particularly on my honeymoon! I called downstairs and said, well, you did get an ocean view. Oh well.

The "mandatory" resort fee is a joke. The front desk lady said the resort fee covers front desk agents, internet, phone calls and towels in my room. Had not heard that one before!!

At the end of the day, I think it all boils down to what you are looking for, activities or relaxation.

nccarguy

I would normally always take a Ritz over a Ren with the exception of San Juan. The Ritz is really over priced, service is borderline terrible and it is a cab ride to anywhere.

I have gotten a great upgrade everytime I have stayed at La Concha. you will get lounge access as a Platinum and it is not bad as far as lounges go. Look for packages, usually can find a decent rate. La Concha is in a great neighborhood with a lot to see by foot. The cocktail lounge is very popular at night. 3 pools on premises with a lot of activity on the beach.

sleasure

I stayed at the La Concha in January. Even though I'm platinum premier, didn't get a room upgrade. Wasn't really a big deal though, the room was reasonable enough. CL was above average, IMO. The reason that I picked LaConcha was that the reservations agent when I called to book advised me that all the resort fees could be waived at LaConcha - so that sealed the deal for me. Hopefully you can get the same deal if you are so inclined.

One other note about the beach... The afternoon sun all along Condado is terrible. The building block the light as soon as mid-afternoon rolls around. Get your beach time in early.

Enjoy PR - leave San Juan, get a car, and check out the island. Really a great place with lots of fun activities.

paleales

As others have stated there are some differences between both properties. If you are looking for entertainment La Concha is the best bet as you can walk to many restaurants and you don't have to leave the lobby for one of the better night life in condado. The Ritz is a nice property but as NCcarguy stated its a Ritz in name only as the service is subpar especially for what you would expect under the Ritz flag. Should you find your way into Old San Juan check out a bar called El Baty is across the street from El Convento (great hotel BTW). El Baty is an outstanding dive bar and its a dump inside but has great charm if that's possible.

Chewie

Have you considered the Marriott up the street from la concha (stellaris)? I've stayed at every Marriott (and the R-C) in P.R. (Except the CY miramar) many, many times and I would take the Marriott hands down, every time. I just like the lounge and lobby bar a lot better (more low key that la concha, which is more of a upscale European vibe).

If you had to pick la concha vs RC only, then take RC purely for luxury. La concha is in condado which has some great restaurants and a few upscale shopping stores. RC is in isla verde which has a lt more casinos and night life. Both are a 5 min taxi ride to old San Juan.

And I second El Batey. Cheapest medalla in old San Juan.

jr1202sr

I would suggest La Concha simply b/c there are so many good places to eat around there. Take one night and go to the Ritz and have drinks or eat at BLT or play in their casino.

VikingEric13

Hi all, sorry to dredge this back up, but wanted to see if anything had changed with the recommendation being to stay at the La Concha. I'm headed down a few days before a cruise in late November and wanted to pick the right hotel.

Safti

Do you know why they waived the resort fees?

YoungBubbie

We stayed in January and enjoyed it. Got upgraded to a suite. Big change is there is no more lounge. We did receive a 20 or 30% discount in the restaurant.

sleasure

It was just a courtesy. I will add that the fees have not been waived on more recent trips to PR, so I have been avoiding Marriott properties in the Caribbean in general. Florida properties are now getting in on the act, too.