Flews

Unfortunately, service issues are par for the course in PR, no matter how nice the property. This is one of the reasons I tend to bypass the higher end properties in PR, and a few other places in the Caribbean for that matter (with a few notable exceptions). After half a dozen stays at the old Westin Rio Mar, I finally learned my lesson and began staying at the more modest properties, which tend to have a better chance of meeting my more modest expectations.

My conclusion is it's simply a different way of life down there than in some other parts of the world. Service is friendly & nice, but slow & sloppy relative to the higher dollars paid.

Cheers,

CNWO4LIFE

Thanks. I have been wanting to stay there, so if I do, I will keep my expectations lowered.

mikeef

Due to the storm, they ran out of grapes, and the iguanas were your afternoon snack.

I know that this won't help you, but when we went, the kids' center was one of the highlights of our trip. They were great with our toddlers and had everything from a playground to balloon animals. Couldn't say enough good things about it.

That was our experience. Everyone was extraordinarily nice and apologetic when things went wrong, but there was some sloppy service. If/when you go, just remember that you are on vacation.

Mike

toddreg

What is the best way to get from the airport to St Regis? How long of a drive is it?

JFKSFOLAX_friend

Hasn't that already been covered in this thread (many times)?

WScottsdaleInsider

I would rent a car and drive. Its about 30-45 minutes. Was there this summer came in late and night and we rented a car and drove. Much more reasonable than taking the hotel's transportation which is $160 or $180 each way...

mikeef

I'd agree with renting the car, and I hate renting cars. Just make sure to follow the directions in this thread, since it gets complicated.

Mike

GloverParker

+1 -- my rental car for five days was about $135 (Hertz, with event CPC) and it was great to be able to get off "campus" and do the rainforest, kiosks, etc. Also, I second the reminder about the directions . . .it's the turnoff from 3 that can really throw you.

As an aside, got stuck for 90 minutes in traffic on rt 3 due to a road-wide breathalizer stop at 11pm. Folks at the hotel mentioned that this is a regular occurance on weekend nights so beware -- I recommend considering alternate routes if you're coming in on a later flight on a Fri/Sat night.

toddreg

Can someone make a standard room recommendation as to location or room number. Don't want to be to far away from stuff and I presume some locations within the resort are better than others.

Is there a refrig in room?

toddreg

Looks like the best dive sites are a long way away from the St Regis. Does anyone have a reference for one that is more easily accessable from the St Regis.

JFKSFOLAX_friend

LOL. As I intimated above, have you read the thread first?

You first asked about the driving directions/ways to get to resort above. I would say posts regarding this topic are probably about 15% of the thread posts, no?

Haven't these additional questions also been addressed?

Very

toddreg

I have now read the entire thread and do not recall this specific question being addressed as to which building is preferred from a convenience and noise standpoint. You had a valid point on the directions question but are being a little harsh on this one.

Would it not have been easier for you to post an answer rather than a scolding. You apparently are a Bahia resident expert so I would be very open to any pointers etc. you have that would make our first trip there more enjoyable.

Thanks

moulder3

I stayed in building 7, which is a bit of a walk to the main building, but it had a somewhat secluded feel to it and was close to the beach. Buildings in-between were further removed from the water (with much less of a view). Building 7 is also a very close (via a walk on the beach) to the pool. So as long as you're not traveling to the main lodge (or to your rental car) too often, I'd highly recommend it.

As for a frig in the room, I had a suite, so I can't comment on standard rooms...but there was a Sub Zero mini-frig in my room. It had items in it for sale, but there was enough room for me to add some booze & soda. A quick call to the hotel should clear up this question, though.

If you want more info on my trip there, here's my trip report

Sweet Willie

If diving is the primary goal of your trip, I highly recommend staying on the SW or W side of the island (Horned Dorsett www.horneddorset.com in Rincon or Copamarina www.copamarina.com in Guanica).

The diving I did on the SW & W side of the island was wonderful. On my first visit to PR I had thought about diving on the N/NE side of the island but every person who knew about PR diving suggested not too as the other sites are so much better.

rgm18

This hotel is awful and not worth the money or points. The service is definitely not up to par. Multiple phone calls to get towels or simple requests. Staff were rude to my family.
The prices for food are insane and the food is nothing special. We drove to Old San Juan a few times for dinner.

The W Vieques is much better as are the Conquistador and the Ritz and El San Juan in San Juan. Save your money/points and go elsewhere!

Zero platinum recognition when I arrived, had to haggle for a slight upgrade.