gsilliman

We're looking at the Caribe Hilton and the Embassy suites Dorado del mar resort for a vacation with 2 small kids. Questions:

1. What's the beach like at these resorts?
2. The Hilton seems to be a pretty busy place -- or can it be big and relaxing at the same time, like HHV in Waikiki?
3. Is the Embadssy Suites in the middle of nowhere?

Any other comments appreciated.

Eugene

gsilliman -- I can't comment on the ES, but I think you and your kids will enjoy the Caribe Hilton. It has a private beach (I believe man-made) and a nice pool area. It is a busy place, but it's not overbearing. If you are Diamond (or just book an executive level room), their lounge is (or at least was last year) very good, open for breakfast and evening reception, with free drinks.

MRKEY

ES is near the SJU aiport (5 min drive by taxi). IMHO..it is an out of the way property. I enjoy the Caribe Hilton very much..and it probally is the best place for kids..great beach and excellent activites..& it is located in the Condado area..nice suites, good restaurants..killer pools and a casino. There is a foot bridge to take you to the towers section.. avoiding crossing the street.
The best part is the $0.25 bus ride to Old San Juan! Really a very good luxury hotel.

There are 2 ES's in SJU..the Dorado del Mar is at least a 20-30 min drive! Out of the way for most activities and sight seeing, but closer to EL Yunque..which is the only rainforest in the U.S. National Park system.
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MRKEY

[This message has been edited by MRKEY (edited 01-19-2002).]

outoftown

The Caribe Hilton is next to the only public beach in San Juan. Not much waterfront area and not much sand, since it is manmade. It was OK when my wife and I stayed there in Feb 2000. I would recommend if you are planning to go to El Yunque, wear your bathing suit under your hiking clothes, so you can take a dip in the waterfall at the top. Also check Laquillo Beach across the highway from El Yunque. Cheap rum drinks and lots of sand and calm ocean, since it's in a cove.

Sweet Willie

Excellent recommendation outoftown!!, but it is spelled LUQUILLO beach and it is not quite across from El Yunque. If driving from San Juan, Luquillo beach is just a short drive further on the highway from El Yunque. Don't miss the two tower lookouts on El Yunque, what a view!!

Back to topic. The ES is too close to the airport and lots of plane noise. Caribe Hilton will be great for your family, have stayed many times.

gsilliman

The ES I'm inquiring about is not the one in Isla Verde, next to the airport.

There is another in Dorado, apparently on its own beach, with a mix of suites and condos.

Anybody know anything about that one?

MisterNice

I have not been to the ES Dorado, but I am very familiar with the general area. The 2 Hyatt resorts are out there. I would say itsa really in the boonies. I would place my bet on the very nice classic Caribe Hilton. Great Hotel and great location. I have stayed in 80+% of the major San Juan hotels and really is difficult to do better than the Caribe Hilton, HH or no HH.

MisterNice

Sweet Willie

Agree to all MisterNice stated. If just hanging at the resort is your thing, then this ES may work out. But if you wish to dine/play/shop in San Juan at all I would not recommend it.

zipual

I was looking for a place to stay for just one night during trip to St. Lucia next year somewhere near the airport in SJU since our flight does not get in till late, and then we leave for SLU the next morning. Hampton Inn looks to be the closest, but when I price it out now, it is coming in at $225! I hate to spend that much for a HI, unless that is my only option. Any thoughts??

vindesante

Yes, that was my experience when we were flying home from ST. Lucia. Fairly convenient but also pretty pricey. I got a slightly better price with Orbitz for the San Juan Hilton $220 Plus you have to add $16 each way for taxi fare to your costs as well.

Eastbay1K

SJU is a very expensive city - its one place I often don't earn points in one of my regular programs because the prices are just so high. As nice as the Caribe Hilton is (I have stayed there 4 times or so), to go all that way (really its not that far) just to sleep, and back in the morn is a waste of cabfare. I would recommend that you book something and then check within the week or two prior to arrival for lower rates. The lowest rate I can ever recall spending in SJU was $139 for an internet special at the Radisson in Condado. I have paid $150 for a dump, too. I will stay at the Hilton for $200 or less when available, which is rarely.

MarshB

There are 3 Hilton options in San Juan.

The closest property is the Embassy Suites. The Hampton is very close to that. Both are a $6 cab ride each way. The Embassy runs about $20-40 more than the Hampton. The Caribe Hilton (my personal favoite San Juan hotel) is the nicest property, but as Eastbay1K said, it is farther and if you're going to turn right around, not worth the trip.

As far as rates go, I have booked the Hampton for about $170 and the Embassy for $190 during high season. The rates will begin to moderate based on availablilty about 6-8 weeks out right through departure, so keep your reservation and check back later this year.

Good luck.

Gaza

Like zipual I need to stay in SJU prior to flying to SLU. I've checked both the ES and HI and they are coming out at $239 and $169 respectively. I will not be arriving until 12:30 a.m. and will leave later that morning at 12:45 p.m. Is it really worth spending the extra $70 on the ES? I have never stayed in either a ES or HI. As a Diamond what can expect from these brands?

[This message has been edited by Gaza (edited 10-12-2002).]

MisterNice

I think both the ES and the Hampton Inn are noisy as they are directly below the major landing pattern. I far prefer the very nice Caribe Hilton where I stayed recently for $92/night. It is only 10 min further away by taxi and you will have no traffic hold-ups at your traveling hours.

The recently revamped Hotel Pierre (A Best Western) has a $75/night rate with free cont breakfast on page 14 of the Sept 26 2002 Caribbean Business. Also remember the Comfort Inn, the Marriott (sometimes $98) are within 15 min of the airport and quieter too. Forget paying $229/night for 12 hr.

MisterNice

kandid

Priceline should be able to get you a decent room for between $75-100. The hotels people have successfully gotten by bid have been located between the airport and old San Juan. If you are lucky, you may even get the Caribe Hilton.