Skyman65

We just got invited by a friend to spend a week with them on their sailboat in the Grenadines over New Years. The only flight I can get to CIW (Canouan) using AA miles requires that we overnight in SJU. We'd get in to SJU about 8PM and depart at 2:30 the next afternoon. So we'd have a little time in PR, but not much. I was looking at the Isla Verde ES because it is close to the airport, so it would be convenient to get to and back to the airport. And it's available for a PointSaver award at 18K. The only comment on this property I've found was this:

We're not looking at this as a destination, just a comforable place to overnight. Anybody else here have any comments on this property? Also, any suggestions on what to do with such a short stay there?

MisterNice

Any of the HH SJ props would be fine for such a short stay. The Caribe Hilton is by far the best. You will have little time to do/see anything except try a casino at night and the beach in the morning. Good luck.

MisterNice

Schutzee

I am sending my daughters and my ex to San Juan for Easter break on an award stay. They have stayed at the Caribe in the past and have not been very impressed. Is the ES nicer? The girls are 9 and 11, so pools are important.

BamaVol

Search function seems to be non-functional today? You're likely to be scolded anyway since there have been numerous threads. I haven't stayed at either but did reserach before a PR visit in June. IIRC, the San Juan ES is close to the airport and nothing special.

We stayed at the ES Dorado and were relatively pleased. It is a good 45-60 minutes from SJU so if they don't want to be that far out, you shouldn't consider it. The pool at the Dorado ES, if that's most important, is quite nice. It has 3 levels, a spa, plenty of lounge chairs, and a restaurant/bar right there. The beach is small and not great for swimming. The rooms were standard. Mine was noisy in the morning but I'm sure that construction will be finished by spring, if not already. As a Diamond, I was well taken care of. The managers reception gets you a couple hours of unlimited drinks for 2 hours every night. Dorado is a quiet place. We found a couple nice restaurants but not much else. A car is pretty much a necessity, although there is a concierge desk that arranges tours and such. We simply asked for directions at the desk and received 3x5 cards to guide us (although there were errors on a couple cards). Very friendly and helpful staff and be sure to use the HHonors check-in line (no status required) to save time.

dmacst

Definitely not. ES is dated, does have small basic pool, small casino, three blocks from the beach. If the Hilton brand is what you are looking at in San Juan Area the Caribe is the best choice. The ES pool is a basic rectangle pool. No comparison between the two in regards to pool, options, or size. I agree that the Caribe is not fantastic for kids, but if you are looking at San Juan area and using Hilton Brand award, stay at the Caribe.
At the Caribe they will have an option of pool or beach, beach has slide, water rental equipment, rafts, snorkle. Pool has air mattresses, basketball hoop. ES does not have any of these.
I've stayed at both in the last 3 months.

coachigdon

If they don't need to be in San Juan. The Embassy Suites in El Dorado seemed very family friendly. Nice pool and Ocean to swim in. There is golf right there as well. That being said, you need to drive to see anything outside of the area.

MisterNice

The ES and the CH are in 2 different service leagues and in 2 different locations. Its like comparing apples and oranges. I prefer the nice CH. My main dislikes for the ES is the constant 24/7 noise from the generators, the remoteness and the poor caliber of personnel. And dont as me about the crappy happy hour and the dozens of tikes picking pretzels etc off the floor and putting them back into the bowl etc.

MisterNice

Skyman65

Can anyone tell me if the SJU Embassy Suites (Isla Verde) offers a free airport shuttle? It doesn't say on the HH website.

If not, is it walkable from the airport (with luggage in tow)?

SMF Rider

I am a Diamond. I had the same experience. No upgrade. No Champagne. Minimialist lounge. Property was nice. "Diamond treatment" was non-existent.

baccarat_king

Very close to the airport... though, don't think one would walk due to the logistics of walking from the airport...

Cab should be $10 to $15... what I recall when I went from the airport to the Ritz Carlton... which is walking distance to this property.

Skyman65

Thanks.

Just curious. If the hotel is within walking distance of the airport, why would a cab cost $10-15? Are taxis in PR just expensive?

baccarat_king

That was by very broad estimate... I could actually be only $8... but, if I remember... and it was over a year ago, there is a fare sheet from the airport to hotels, which I "think" is a bit more than the regular meter around town rate.

I'll be at this property at the end of December, though, we are renting a car this time.

BTW, just checked and the Hilton/Embassy web site says $10 for a cab to the airport... so, I "assume" it is a Airport Minimum thing... as it is only 0.5 mile.

Skyman65

Thanks. We're checking in on the 27th. Wanna split a cab?

baccarat_king

Send me a PM... If I'm around I'll swing by and pick you up at the airport... we arrive on the 22nd.... will be in SJU for 8 days... I can suggest a number of good spots to go out, and restaurants in Old San Juan...

---- Michael

BamaVol

Based on my experiences driving in PR this summer, no price would be unreasonable if it allowed me to cower in the backseat with my eyes closed. (only a slight exaggeration)