The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico [Master Thread]
Jan 10, 2019, 7:24 pm
#376
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 598
We stayed at the hotel over the New Year’s holidays. We have visited several times before, and the hotel has always been a family favorite due to the staff, pool, and ocean. Post-hurricane, I am mixed on the renovations - the public spaces were extremely well-done (everything looks fresh and contemporary, with lots of natural light and quality materials). However, the rooms to me are not as nice as they were (the whiteness is not as luxurious as the previous style of natural colors and dark woods). This is all personal preference, however - we really loved the original room decor.
Jan 15, 2019, 2:13 pm
#377
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: CLT
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,551
Does anyone have suggestions on whether to rent a car or not from SJU? I'll be there for a week in march with my family (kids are 4 and 1). Trying to decide if there are enough restaurant options on property or via a free shuttle bus/golf cart in nearby village to not need a car or if we truly want other restaurant options other than what is available at the StR then a car is needed.
Also any other "pro tips" from families that have recently been to this resort are appreciated.
Also any other "pro tips" from families that have recently been to this resort are appreciated.
Jan 15, 2019, 2:47 pm
#378
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Does anyone have suggestions on whether to rent a car or not from SJU? I'll be there for a week in march with my family (kids are 4 and 1). Trying to decide if there are enough restaurant options on property or via a free shuttle bus/golf cart in nearby village to not need a car or if we truly want other restaurant options other than what is available at the StR then a car is needed.
Also any other "pro tips" from families that have recently been to this resort are appreciated.
Also any other "pro tips" from families that have recently been to this resort are appreciated.
Jan 17, 2019, 8:40 am
#379
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 59
There is a foot bridge separating the upper level from the mid level. On the side of this bridge are 2 small pools, each 1-foot deep. This is an ideal splash zone / wading pool for young ones.
Jan 18, 2019, 10:06 pm
#382
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Westchester county, NY
Programs: DL DM, MAR gold
Posts: 175
What was Fern is now Paros, which has a Greek / Mediterranean menu. We did not eat here. Unfortunately, breakfast is no longer served her, but in Seagreapes.
Seagrapes was the biggest dining disappointment of our recent stay - the food was mediocre and the staff were constantly trying to keep up. This is the only option (except room service) for breakfast. Hopefully food and service will improve here over time.
In terms of car and family tips, we always have rented a car at SJU when staying here - the agencies are on-airport right across from the terminal, so getting out and in is easy, plus the car helps for excursions to Old San Juan, El Yunque, diving, or elsewhere. We have never eaten off-property - there was a row of local food shacks about 10 minutes away from the hotel that we heard has been upgraded, but honestly even with the service deficiencies it is still much more convenient to rotate among the restaurants on property. There is a decent grocery store less than 10 minutes from the hotel (Ralph’s) that is a good stop for snacks and any essentials. Ocean is great for teens but too rough for little kids. They have upgraded the free bikes to use and the play floats in the pond. Overall, still one of our kids’ favorite places anywhere.
Jan 18, 2019, 10:24 pm
#383
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Thanks so much @essexnyc!
I’m a room service guy, but my husband loves to eat breakfast in a restaurant. So we likely will try Seagrapes and see how it goes. At least breakfast in the restaurant is free for Plats.
We’ve already booked a few meals for the Beach Club. I think Jose Enrique has taken over that kitchen, so that would bode well.
We already have booked for a few restaurants in San Juan, too. So a good combo.
I’m a room service guy, but my husband loves to eat breakfast in a restaurant. So we likely will try Seagrapes and see how it goes. At least breakfast in the restaurant is free for Plats.
We’ve already booked a few meals for the Beach Club. I think Jose Enrique has taken over that kitchen, so that would bode well.
We already have booked for a few restaurants in San Juan, too. So a good combo.
Last edited by bhrubin; Jan 21, 2019 at 9:04 am
Jan 21, 2019, 8:44 am
#384
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 59
We also ate here for lunch and dinner. I highly recommend the pizzas, cooked in a brick oven on the patio. The Mahi-Mahi, Tuna Poke, and Snapper Ceviche were excellent for dinner.
We didn't make it over to the Beach Club, but we did have dinner at Paros. It was excellent. I highly recommend the Lobster Rice.
Paros opens at 6pm and the sun sets around 6:30 this time of year, so to get a view we arrived for dinner immediately after the nightly 6pm Champagne Sabering.
Jan 21, 2019, 9:03 am
#385
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Thanks @spectrablue96, as well!
It sounds like the food/beverage team is beginning to get it together. Not too bad considering they’ve only been reopened for a month!
It sounds like the food/beverage team is beginning to get it together. Not too bad considering they’ve only been reopened for a month!
Jan 22, 2019, 7:25 am
#386
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: CLT
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,551
Thanks for the helpful responses all. Has anyone had luck with Platinum/Platinum Premier upgrades at this property?
I am trying to apply Suite Night Awards (SNAs) for my 5 night stay. There appear to be King Suites and Astor Suites available for my dates which appear to be the "standard" suite.
When I try to apply my 5 SNAs I get an error message
When I read the Marriott terms and conditions it says that St. Regis is a brand that allows for application for SNAs however there is a vague qualifier that "some properties don't participate". Is this one? How are we to know? I can't figure out if they are somehow exempting themselves or if its a classic Marriott IT glitch. Any insight is appreciated.
I am trying to apply Suite Night Awards (SNAs) for my 5 night stay. There appear to be King Suites and Astor Suites available for my dates which appear to be the "standard" suite.
When I try to apply my 5 SNAs I get an error message
Suite Night Awards cannot be applied to this reservation because there may be not Standard Suites or other premium rooms available during your selected dates, or the hotel may not participate in Suite Night Awards.
Suite Night Awards cannot be applied to this reservation because there may be not Standard Suites or other premium rooms available during your selected dates, or the hotel may not participate in Suite Night Awards.
When I read the Marriott terms and conditions it says that St. Regis is a brand that allows for application for SNAs however there is a vague qualifier that "some properties don't participate". Is this one? How are we to know? I can't figure out if they are somehow exempting themselves or if its a classic Marriott IT glitch. Any insight is appreciated.
Jan 25, 2019, 7:27 pm
#388
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 502
trying to decide if we want to stay here or in San Juan at one of the other Bonvoy hotels (ie..closer to the tourist stuff). Is it likely we would miss out on a lot of PR by staying out here at the StR? We would have a car but just wondering if it would get old quickly having to drive a half hour each way to see san juan / old san juan (which i dont think you can even bring a car in to).
Jan 27, 2019, 7:15 am
#389
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Tennessee
Programs: SPG, Marriott, United, SWA, AA
Posts: 699
Does anyone have suggestions on whether to rent a car or not from SJU? I'll be there for a week in march with my family (kids are 4 and 1). Trying to decide if there are enough restaurant options on property or via a free shuttle bus/golf cart in nearby village to not need a car or if we truly want other restaurant options other than what is available at the StR then a car is needed.
Also any other "pro tips" from families that have recently been to this resort are appreciated.
Also any other "pro tips" from families that have recently been to this resort are appreciated.
On property: there is the beach bar with what you expect on that kind of menu. Seagrapes which will have enjoyed twice. Not blown away but good. A previous poster commented on really slow service. Service was a bit slow, but not terrible, however, major caveat: when we ate here were only 2 other tables occupied and that was only after we had already been seated for 30 minutes!
A Puerto Rican/Caribbean type restaurant (not tried yet) and lastly their fine dining is a Mediterranean restaurant (it is not a Jean George creation). Previously there was a JG restaurant here but no more. In a week (which is how long we are here for) you will get tired of just having these options. I will be writing up much more in the coming hours days. Hope this helps.
Last edited by 1readyset2go; Jan 27, 2019 at 7:21 am
Jan 27, 2019, 10:18 am
#390
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 502