Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino [Master Thread]
Nov 22, 2009, 6:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 19
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino [Master Thread]
I didn't see a thread on this hotel yet so starting a new one. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that the hotel is very nice, and has a lovely pool area but the top floors aren't done so there is no lounge yet. I'm going to guess those floors have the suites as well since there weren't any on-line to book. Room is average size but has a nice big flat screen with the standard Sheraton stuff. Has a view of the pool, convention center, and cruise ships off in the distance.
Check in was a bit slow and they didn't offer us our platinum amenity when we checked in but figured we would just email customer service about that one. Despite tons of trips overseas this is the first time that has ever happened to us. However, everyone was very nice. Self parking is 16 a day, or 22 valet. Ended up parking on the street when we came back tonight since there are some spots along the street.
The casino seems ok, I'm not a gambler so only blew 7$ on the penny slots. It is smoke free just like the rest of the hotel. They said there are like 400 slot machines and I noticed a few card tables. It was pretty full of the older crowd.
They are also participating in the 500 points a night if you decline house keeping.
It's right across the street from the convention center. We rented a car and only plan to visit the old city one day so I think it is fine for that. Plus honestly based on what I read about the Sheraton in the old city I think I'd much rather stay here.
Oh and one giant plus... free wireless Internet in the room
Check in was a bit slow and they didn't offer us our platinum amenity when we checked in but figured we would just email customer service about that one. Despite tons of trips overseas this is the first time that has ever happened to us. However, everyone was very nice. Self parking is 16 a day, or 22 valet. Ended up parking on the street when we came back tonight since there are some spots along the street.
The casino seems ok, I'm not a gambler so only blew 7$ on the penny slots. It is smoke free just like the rest of the hotel. They said there are like 400 slot machines and I noticed a few card tables. It was pretty full of the older crowd.
They are also participating in the 500 points a night if you decline house keeping.
It's right across the street from the convention center. We rented a car and only plan to visit the old city one day so I think it is fine for that. Plus honestly based on what I read about the Sheraton in the old city I think I'd much rather stay here.
Oh and one giant plus... free wireless Internet in the room
Nov 23, 2009, 1:19 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SDQ/MIA
Programs: AA PLT, B6 Mosaic, Marriott Platinum, FPC/Accor Platinum, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,062
Heh, I just landed and was going to write a review as I stayed there Sat. night, but I guess I got beaten to it.
Not much to add to the above except that it really isn't near (read walking distance) from anywhere at all except the convention center itself. The Old San Juan Sheraton is. I stayed in both on this trip. The internet (wireless) was free in both of them. ^ The service was excellent at both as well. Old SJ is more run down, shows it's age clearly.
We were not offered an upgrade at the Sheraton Convention Center, and had to ask for it, we were bumped from Traditional to Superior. Not sure what the difference is. The casino was packed like I've never seen with little old ladies. No free slot machine spaces and they do have a lot of machines.
Lobby and lobby lounge are pleasant and modern, big screen on the wall with football games, nice bar and sitting area. Room service was a disaster taking more than an hour to get a (lousy) club sandwich at midnight. They comped it for the 'inconvenience'.
I'd definitely stay again once it's fully functional with suites and lounge.
I wouldn't give such a bad rap to the Old SJ property. Yes, a little aged, but great for walking around Old SJ. Not so convenient as the new one for driving but not a dealbreaker. We got a suite upgrade there.
Not much to add to the above except that it really isn't near (read walking distance) from anywhere at all except the convention center itself. The Old San Juan Sheraton is. I stayed in both on this trip. The internet (wireless) was free in both of them. ^ The service was excellent at both as well. Old SJ is more run down, shows it's age clearly.
We were not offered an upgrade at the Sheraton Convention Center, and had to ask for it, we were bumped from Traditional to Superior. Not sure what the difference is. The casino was packed like I've never seen with little old ladies. No free slot machine spaces and they do have a lot of machines.
Lobby and lobby lounge are pleasant and modern, big screen on the wall with football games, nice bar and sitting area. Room service was a disaster taking more than an hour to get a (lousy) club sandwich at midnight. They comped it for the 'inconvenience'.
I'd definitely stay again once it's fully functional with suites and lounge.
I wouldn't give such a bad rap to the Old SJ property. Yes, a little aged, but great for walking around Old SJ. Not so convenient as the new one for driving but not a dealbreaker. We got a suite upgrade there.
Nov 23, 2009, 1:24 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,229
Thanks for the reviews! Did either of you get a feeling on when the upper floors might open?
I'm staying there in a few weeks and was hoping for an upgrade. If they open those floors before they start taking reservations for suites, I might be in luck
I'm staying there in a few weeks and was hoping for an upgrade. If they open those floors before they start taking reservations for suites, I might be in luck
Nov 23, 2009, 2:02 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
I thought I'd just add a note to this thread for folks considering this property in the future for stays in the area. If you're not familiar with San Juan, you need to know that this hotel is in the shadows of the international airport and adjacent to the enormous convention center, but otherwise, it's not really near ANYTHING else!
Old San Juan and the Condado area are 10 minute cab rides away, which is not a big deal, but worth pointing out that this new Sheraton property is some distance from most everything (dining, entertainment, history, shopping, etc).
Just my $00.02.
With all of that said, however, I should say that the hotel looks great from the outside and, I've heard all of the interior is slated to be fully operational by 12/31/09. If I needed to be in the convention center area for a conference, I'd absolutely stay here -- it looks exceptionally nice.
Old San Juan and the Condado area are 10 minute cab rides away, which is not a big deal, but worth pointing out that this new Sheraton property is some distance from most everything (dining, entertainment, history, shopping, etc).
Just my $00.02.
With all of that said, however, I should say that the hotel looks great from the outside and, I've heard all of the interior is slated to be fully operational by 12/31/09. If I needed to be in the convention center area for a conference, I'd absolutely stay here -- it looks exceptionally nice.
Nov 23, 2009, 3:10 pm
#5
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF Lifetime SG, LH HON, OZ Lifetime Diamond +, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 14,375
So we have a nice hotel at a bad location and a not so nice hotel at a good location. Choices.....
Nov 23, 2009, 5:18 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SDQ/MIA
Programs: AA PLT, B6 Mosaic, Marriott Platinum, FPC/Accor Platinum, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,062
Well, let me add to this on the choices bit...
Unless you will only be visiting Old San Juan you will no doubt have a car (or need a taxi). In that case the convention center Sheraton is a much better place to be in terms of avoiding traffic into/out of Old San Juan and in terms of general access to everywhere else in PR as it's basically at the crossroads for all points east, west and south.
One caveat to this is if you return to the hotel from the south you better have a GPS or know San Juan well because the route to take (via Freeway) is very badly thought out by the planners of the convention center. You have to actually turn off the opposite direction and make a rather large loop back around through small side streets (at least, that's the best Hertz's "ever"lost™ could do).
Unless you will only be visiting Old San Juan you will no doubt have a car (or need a taxi). In that case the convention center Sheraton is a much better place to be in terms of avoiding traffic into/out of Old San Juan and in terms of general access to everywhere else in PR as it's basically at the crossroads for all points east, west and south.
One caveat to this is if you return to the hotel from the south you better have a GPS or know San Juan well because the route to take (via Freeway) is very badly thought out by the planners of the convention center. You have to actually turn off the opposite direction and make a rather large loop back around through small side streets (at least, that's the best Hertz's "ever"lost™
could do).
Nov 23, 2009, 5:24 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
Programs: United GS, Fairmont Platinum,SPG LTPlat, Hilton Diamond, MarriottGold..like the rest of the world
Posts: 4,401
Well, let me add to this on the choices bit...
Unless you will only be visiting Old San Juan you will no doubt have a car (or need a taxi). In that case the convention center Sheraton is a much better place to be in terms of avoiding traffic into/out of Old San Juan and in terms of general access to everywhere else in PR as it's basically at the crossroads for all points east, west and south.
Unless you will only be visiting Old San Juan you will no doubt have a car (or need a taxi). In that case the convention center Sheraton is a much better place to be in terms of avoiding traffic into/out of Old San Juan and in terms of general access to everywhere else in PR as it's basically at the crossroads for all points east, west and south.
If one is planning just a day or two in the area, I still strongly recommend either a hotel in Condado or in Old San Juan ... only because you'll be a stone's throw from great dining, shopping, and plenty of diversions.
Nov 24, 2009, 5:38 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 19
We were nosy and rode up to the 12th floor last night after swimming (note bar by pool not done or open, they were putting up TV and stuff last night while we were down there) and when the elevator opened the hall was full of boxes and no carpet down. You can hear drilling and stuff but not like there were no walls or anything crazy like that. Seems like 12/31/09 sbtinme mentioned is reasonable.
Nov 24, 2009, 8:22 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,229
rabbz, thanks for sneaking a look! I'll be there before the end of the year, but close enough that I'll stay optimistic
sbtinme, thanks for the location info. I wish I had read that before, as I'm just staying before heading out on a cruise and wont have a car. I knew it wasn't walking distance from old san juan but had the impression that the condado area shops/restaurants were in the very near vicinity. Oh well... I guess I will just be taking some cab rides, or enjoying the hotel's facilities if they are open at the time.
sbtinme, thanks for the location info. I wish I had read that before, as I'm just staying before heading out on a cruise and wont have a car. I knew it wasn't walking distance from old san juan but had the impression that the condado area shops/restaurants were in the very near vicinity. Oh well... I guess I will just be taking some cab rides, or enjoying the hotel's facilities if they are open at the time.
Dec 21, 2009, 4:10 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: South Bend, IN
Programs: AA EXP 3 MM; Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 18,562
Thanks for the info. Will be staying the night of 12/27. Our stet rate was too good to pass up (saved over $100 from the Old San Juan hotel) and I much prefer new and modern to older and run down, even if the location is not as good.
Dec 27, 2009, 7:52 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: DL PM, Starwood Plat, various others
Posts: 80
My review:
Checked in late on the 23rd. Asked about an upgrade, none available. Was told we had a bigger room...still not sure what that meant.
Mrs JF asked about the spa, told its not open yet. Asked about the club lounge, told its not open yet.
Next day we went down to the pool. Pool bar not yet open. Lunch meant tracking someone down and essentially getting room service.
Went to the front desk and spoke to Nicole who is a front of house manager. She could not have been nicer about making sure our impression of the hotel was changed. Upgraded us to a two room suite with a balcony which was pretty nice. Gave us full breakfast coupons for the rest of our stay. Choices is the only restaurant open so that is where breakfast is....make sure your food is hot when you get it as they have a very small heat lamp and my eggs were frozen one day (promptly replaced).
Next day the pool bar was open, lunch was served, and there were waitresses taking drink orders. I suggest the Chicken Panini which is pretty good.
Looks like they are putting a chinese food restaurant (China Club) in near the casino but its not open yet. The casino is the largest on the island but is really the same (maybe more locals) than the rest. Without a major restaurant I dont know that it will get people from other hotels.
If anyone has any individual questions, feel free to ask me
Checked in late on the 23rd. Asked about an upgrade, none available. Was told we had a bigger room...still not sure what that meant.
Mrs JF asked about the spa, told its not open yet. Asked about the club lounge, told its not open yet.
Next day we went down to the pool. Pool bar not yet open. Lunch meant tracking someone down and essentially getting room service.
Went to the front desk and spoke to Nicole who is a front of house manager. She could not have been nicer about making sure our impression of the hotel was changed. Upgraded us to a two room suite with a balcony which was pretty nice. Gave us full breakfast coupons for the rest of our stay. Choices is the only restaurant open so that is where breakfast is....make sure your food is hot when you get it as they have a very small heat lamp and my eggs were frozen one day (promptly replaced).
Next day the pool bar was open, lunch was served, and there were waitresses taking drink orders. I suggest the Chicken Panini which is pretty good.
Looks like they are putting a chinese food restaurant (China Club) in near the casino but its not open yet. The casino is the largest on the island but is really the same (maybe more locals) than the rest. Without a major restaurant I dont know that it will get people from other hotels.
If anyone has any individual questions, feel free to ask me
Dec 28, 2009, 7:30 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,229
I completed my one night stay about a week ago and wanted to leave a review:
The staff were extremely nice and did anything they could to help us. The check-in process did take a long time, but they were very thorough in ensuring that I received all my platinum benefits. I was given a card to choose my PLT amenity, which included a choice of the standard points, a $10 bar credit, a free movie and popcorn, and several other free drink type deals. I took the points as always.
I was also promised breakfast coupons for my entire family, but there seemed to be confusion about how to issue them, so I was told they would be brought to room my later on. When they did come, I was only given 1, but after telling them I was promised more, the rest were delivered. The odd thing about the breakfast coupon is it was only good for an "American Breakfast", which happened to be the most expensive item on the menu, but they would not allow any substitutions for cheaper menu items.
The room:
The suites and lounge weren't open yet, but I was promised that I had "the best room available". I didn't really believe her, but this turned out to be true as I had the highest floor open with a large covered balcony overlooking the pool terrace. The room also had a large (50" I believe) Sony Bravia LCD and a large ipod dock/stereo. I don't normally stay at Sheraton's but I did not find the bed nearly as nice as the Westin Heveanly bed, but it was fine. The room also had various odd and end furniture sitting around which made it feel more resort like then your typical hotel room.
Parking:
They offered self parking for $16/night and valet for $22/night. We did the self parking, but the current system is a huge pain. Every time you entered you had to get a new ticket, then before exiting you had to go to a window where you had to fill out your name and room #, then they would validate your ticket. This process not really explained to us either.
It also seems there was a billing error, but I am sure I will be able to resolve this with a quick call to the hotel.
Overall, I enjoyed the stay and would definitely recommend it ^. The problems I point out seem to be related to a new hotel still working out some kinks and were expected. The staff more then made up for any of these shortfalls.
The staff were extremely nice and did anything they could to help us. The check-in process did take a long time, but they were very thorough in ensuring that I received all my platinum benefits. I was given a card to choose my PLT amenity, which included a choice of the standard points, a $10 bar credit, a free movie and popcorn, and several other free drink type deals. I took the points as always.
I was also promised breakfast coupons for my entire family, but there seemed to be confusion about how to issue them, so I was told they would be brought to room my later on. When they did come, I was only given 1, but after telling them I was promised more, the rest were delivered. The odd thing about the breakfast coupon is it was only good for an "American Breakfast", which happened to be the most expensive item on the menu, but they would not allow any substitutions for cheaper menu items.
The room:
The suites and lounge weren't open yet, but I was promised that I had "the best room available". I didn't really believe her, but this turned out to be true as I had the highest floor open with a large covered balcony overlooking the pool terrace. The room also had a large (50" I believe) Sony Bravia LCD and a large ipod dock/stereo. I don't normally stay at Sheraton's but I did not find the bed nearly as nice as the Westin Heveanly bed, but it was fine. The room also had various odd and end furniture sitting around which made it feel more resort like then your typical hotel room.
Parking:
They offered self parking for $16/night and valet for $22/night. We did the self parking, but the current system is a huge pain. Every time you entered you had to get a new ticket, then before exiting you had to go to a window where you had to fill out your name and room #, then they would validate your ticket. This process not really explained to us either.
It also seems there was a billing error, but I am sure I will be able to resolve this with a quick call to the hotel.
Overall, I enjoyed the stay and would definitely recommend it ^. The problems I point out seem to be related to a new hotel still working out some kinks and were expected. The staff more then made up for any of these shortfalls.
Dec 28, 2009, 9:09 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: DL PM, Starwood Plat, various others
Posts: 80
Weird cause we had the same American Breakfast coupons and Mrs. JF had a bagel and fruit every morning and I had the breakfast sliders yesterday.
The strong point of this hotel was its staff, they really went above & beyond to make us happy. There are defintely kinks but give it time.
We were not offered a Platinum amenity. Checked in really late at night and wasnt sure the guy was 100% on the ball.
The strong point of this hotel was its staff, they really went above & beyond to make us happy. There are defintely kinks but give it time.
We were not offered a Platinum amenity. Checked in really late at night and wasnt sure the guy was 100% on the ball.