The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico [Master Thread]
Jun 4, 21, 3:08 pm
#527
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: Hyatt Globalist; AA Platinum Pro; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 71
Checked out yesterday. Was on a FH&R rate, so the St. Regis buffet (roughly $44/pp) was included. It's still the buffet behind the plexiglass. Asked the omelet guy to make me fresh eggs every morning. Didn't think SeaGrapes was all that bad. Currently at the Hyatt in Rio Grande, so the miscues at StR feel downright insignificant right now.
Will do a separate review on the plane home.
Will do a separate review on the plane home.
Jun 4, 21, 3:45 pm
#528
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: PWM/KBXM/BGR; Work: DCA/DFW/Everywhere; Play: LAS/AUA/MIA/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, mlife Noir, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,027
Originally Posted by DCADavis
Checked out yesterday. Was on a FH&R rate, so the St. Regis buffet (roughly $44/pp) was included. It's still the buffet behind the plexiglass. Asked the omelet guy to make me fresh eggs every morning. Didn't think SeaGrapes was all that bad. Currently at the Hyatt in Rio Grande, so the miscues at StR feel downright insignificant right now.
Will do a separate review on the plane home.
Will do a separate review on the plane home.
Aug 11, 21, 9:55 pm
#530
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Summit County, CO.
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Diamond, American Platinum
Posts: 381
Originally Posted by nologic
OK, Fairmont El San Juan or STR Bahia for 2-3 nights this month. Both in a 1 bdrm suite. Opinions? Recommendations?
If youre just looking for relaxation and privacy, Id say St Regis - though I think dining and service are not up to the brand standard. We had so many service issues they knocked the exorbitant resort fee off the bill for all 5 nights. The hard product is fantastic and grounds are gorgeous. We liked the restaurant at the beach club (if its still there?) the most.
el San Juan had live music and had more of a party vibe. Casino was not open yet. The main building does not offer any balconies or outside space. We enjoyed the historic nature, fun bar, and the restaurants. Super close to airport and closer for off property restaurants and visiting old San Juan than St Regis.
El San Juan I think is better overall value for money though Id spurge for the St Regis for a romantic relaxing weekend.
Aug 12, 21, 10:21 pm
#531
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum (3MM), QF Lifetime Gold, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, Ex-Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 7,395
Originally Posted by cohighcountry1k
We have stayed at both (2 times at St Regis prepandemic and El San Juan one stay during)
If you’re just looking for relaxation and privacy, I’d say St Regis - though I think dining and service are not up to the brand standard. We had so many service issues they knocked the exorbitant resort fee off the bill for all 5 nights. The hard product is fantastic and grounds are gorgeous. We liked the restaurant at the beach club (if it’s still there?) the most.
el San Juan had live music and had more of a party vibe. Casino was not open yet. The main building does not offer any balconies or outside space. We enjoyed the historic nature, fun bar, and the restaurants. Super close to airport and closer for off property restaurants and visiting old San Juan than St Regis.
El San Juan I think is better overall value for money though I’d spurge for the St Regis for a romantic relaxing weekend.
If you’re just looking for relaxation and privacy, I’d say St Regis - though I think dining and service are not up to the brand standard. We had so many service issues they knocked the exorbitant resort fee off the bill for all 5 nights. The hard product is fantastic and grounds are gorgeous. We liked the restaurant at the beach club (if it’s still there?) the most.
el San Juan had live music and had more of a party vibe. Casino was not open yet. The main building does not offer any balconies or outside space. We enjoyed the historic nature, fun bar, and the restaurants. Super close to airport and closer for off property restaurants and visiting old San Juan than St Regis.
El San Juan I think is better overall value for money though I’d spurge for the St Regis for a romantic relaxing weekend.
We are traveling Sun-Weds so the live music at the Fairmont is not playing (for better or worse, could be nice).
Now what?
I'm thinking of 1 night Fairmont and 2 nights STR?
As for the numbers, STR is 85,000 Bonvoy points per nights plus $140 night with 2 or 4 platinum breakfasts (not sure if they will allow breakfasts for the kids)
Fairmont would be about $750/night all in, including their exrtravagent 20% resort fees, but excluding breakfasts.
Aug 13, 21, 4:45 am
#532
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,465
Recent TA reviews of the STR haven't been good. We were there just pre-pandemic (early March 2020) and loved it and were considering returning this fall, but will defer that until the service returns
Aug 13, 21, 3:29 pm
#533
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: PWM/KBXM/BGR; Work: DCA/DFW/Everywhere; Play: LAS/AUA/MIA/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, mlife Noir, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,027
Originally Posted by nologic
So, let's assume the costs are the same w upgrades for a 1 bedroom suite. STR will likely be a garden view and Fairmont is unknown what view. We have 2 teens w us, so the parlor of the suite doubles as their bedroom.
We are traveling Sun-Weds so the live music at the Fairmont is not playing (for better or worse, could be nice).
Now what?
I'm thinking of 1 night Fairmont and 2 nights STR?
As for the numbers, STR is 85,000 Bonvoy points per nights plus $140 night with 2 or 4 platinum breakfasts (not sure if they will allow breakfasts for the kids)
Fairmont would be about $750/night all in, including their exrtravagent 20% resort fees, but excluding breakfasts.
We are traveling Sun-Weds so the live music at the Fairmont is not playing (for better or worse, could be nice).
Now what?
I'm thinking of 1 night Fairmont and 2 nights STR?
As for the numbers, STR is 85,000 Bonvoy points per nights plus $140 night with 2 or 4 platinum breakfasts (not sure if they will allow breakfasts for the kids)
Fairmont would be about $750/night all in, including their exrtravagent 20% resort fees, but excluding breakfasts.
Aug 18, 21, 2:07 pm
#535
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 610
Originally Posted by svo242
Has anyone ever rented one of the residences through AirBnb? Debating trying that versus getting two standard rooms on the hotel side.
A couple points:
- during normal times, you have full access to the hotel amenities. Last time, the front desk set us up with a dummy room with our credit card attached to we could bill using our name and room just like we were a guest at the restaurants, etc.
- you pay a resort/membership fee at the golf club to access their pool, Boat House and gym. I think it was like $65/day which covered up to 8 people. Some rentals include this in the price.
- early on in covid, they shut down the hotel amenities to residence guests, only allowing hotel guests to use them. My understanding is this has been loosened, but just know you may not have access to everything including the hotel pool
- you need a golf cart. Most rentals we saw had them included but you need it
- the pool next to the golf club house is very nice, but hotel is better. Theres also a residence only pool in the middle of the parking lot that was always empty (pretty nice but mostly a basic pool with no ocean view)
We did the math and its obviously way cheaper to book a residence unit. Plus you get a kitchen so can make your own meals. But, its a different experience than the hotel.
Aug 19, 21, 7:34 pm
#536
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 570
Originally Posted by slariz
Weve done this before and really enjoyed it. The unit we rented through VRBO a few years back is no longer available for rentals, but we found another one for an upcoming stay.
A couple points:
- during normal times, you have full access to the hotel amenities. Last time, the front desk set us up with a dummy room with our credit card attached to we could bill using our name and room just like we were a guest at the restaurants, etc.
- you pay a resort/membership fee at the golf club to access their pool, Boat House and gym. I think it was like $65/day which covered up to 8 people. Some rentals include this in the price.
- early on in covid, they shut down the hotel amenities to residence guests, only allowing hotel guests to use them. My understanding is this has been loosened, but just know you may not have access to everything including the hotel pool
- you need a golf cart. Most rentals we saw had them included but you need it
- the pool next to the golf club house is very nice, but hotel is better. Theres also a residence only pool in the middle of the parking lot that was always empty (pretty nice but mostly a basic pool with no ocean view)
We did the math and its obviously way cheaper to book a residence unit. Plus you get a kitchen so can make your own meals. But, its a different experience than the hotel.
A couple points:
- during normal times, you have full access to the hotel amenities. Last time, the front desk set us up with a dummy room with our credit card attached to we could bill using our name and room just like we were a guest at the restaurants, etc.
- you pay a resort/membership fee at the golf club to access their pool, Boat House and gym. I think it was like $65/day which covered up to 8 people. Some rentals include this in the price.
- early on in covid, they shut down the hotel amenities to residence guests, only allowing hotel guests to use them. My understanding is this has been loosened, but just know you may not have access to everything including the hotel pool
- you need a golf cart. Most rentals we saw had them included but you need it
- the pool next to the golf club house is very nice, but hotel is better. Theres also a residence only pool in the middle of the parking lot that was always empty (pretty nice but mostly a basic pool with no ocean view)
We did the math and its obviously way cheaper to book a residence unit. Plus you get a kitchen so can make your own meals. But, its a different experience than the hotel.
Jan 31, 22, 7:58 pm
#537
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: PWM/KBXM/BGR; Work: DCA/DFW/Everywhere; Play: LAS/AUA/MIA/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, mlife Noir, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,027
Just had a 5-night stay.
Pros:
-Food is back to being quite good -- there is a distinct fine-dining menu at Paros which is much better than the old Seagrapes menu. There is also a much more extensive Seagrapes menu now (several pages), all of which is available at the pool and the beach. Beach Club was excellent too -- the whole fried snapper is up to $55 but was huge and perfect, well worth it. Two could easily share the "wedge" salad (it was half a head of good iceberg, not just a wedge!) and the snapper and call it a day. Highlights at Paros were the sea bass and the salmon; highlight on the Seagrapes menu was the lobster linguine (giant grilled lobster tail with perfectly cooked lightly sauced pasta). Room service was also pretty good and always quick -- the burger was delivered spot-on medium rare, but the salmon was a little over. Sushi at the lobby bar on Friday (also available Saturday) was solid, and the live music (Fri/Sat only) is also excellent. Make reservations for everything, you can always cancel them.
-I initially booked at 385k points. A week out, I saw that I had been proactively upgraded to an Astor suite... but the rate had also dropped to 355k, so I took a risk, canceled the res, and rebooked it. I gave it a few days but we were not put back into the suite. So 2 days out, I sent a note by chat in the app asking if an upgrade was possible, and sure enough we were restored to the Astor suite, and we got it at check-in. It was a "garden view" suite (613) but you could actually see the ocean from it too, past the garden. Bottle of bubbly was in the room along with all our bags.
-Staff are just wonderful. Everyone.
-Beach is great, and is now full service.
Cons:
-Miscommunications and "island time" are still a thing. I'm okay with island time, but the miscomms got a little crazy. We asked for a crib at check-in (and in both the initial res and the modified res), was told it would be sent. I asked again when we went for dinner at Paros the first night, was told they would verify with housekeeping. Nothing came the first night. Okay, fine. Second day, I called in the morning, was told I would get a call back by 12:30. No call. I called at 2, and a woman told me that there were no cribs available and there hadn't been all week. We went to Wal-Mart and bought one. Later that day, while we were briefly out for the 6pm sabering, a crib appeared in our room. No note, no call. Bizarre. I shared this story at check-out, and to their credit, they had a manager call me on my cell, apologize, and take $300 off our bill.
-The people here are something else. The guests, I mean. So uppity. Some of them are just so downright nasty to the staff it's sickening. Way worse than all our other visits here. Maybe some of them are that way because they're paying the $1200+ a night and think they are entitled to act that way. But many are probably paying points and just looking for targets to vent their angst.
-The birds at breakfast are totally whack. The hotel knows and even got a bunch of cute cats, but the cats just act cute rather than menacingly attacking the birds like everyone wishes they would. If you avert your eyes from your croissant for 3 seconds, a bird will eat it, even if someone is sitting at the table.
Neutral:
-Sabering is back, 6pm daily, but it's prosecco now, no more Veuve.
-The sculptures have been replaced with some weird new age-y stuff that I don't particularly care for.
-The men's hot tub in the spa area was broken. I was given a $65 discount on my massage for the inconvenience. The main hot tub by the pool was still working, as was the woman's spa hot tub.
All in all, will gladly return again... if my points advance reservation doesn't get destroyed by dynamic pricing in the next 8-10 months....
New sculptures:
New cats:
Engraved saber... but Mionetto prosecco...
No changes here.
Pros:
-Food is back to being quite good -- there is a distinct fine-dining menu at Paros which is much better than the old Seagrapes menu. There is also a much more extensive Seagrapes menu now (several pages), all of which is available at the pool and the beach. Beach Club was excellent too -- the whole fried snapper is up to $55 but was huge and perfect, well worth it. Two could easily share the "wedge" salad (it was half a head of good iceberg, not just a wedge!) and the snapper and call it a day. Highlights at Paros were the sea bass and the salmon; highlight on the Seagrapes menu was the lobster linguine (giant grilled lobster tail with perfectly cooked lightly sauced pasta). Room service was also pretty good and always quick -- the burger was delivered spot-on medium rare, but the salmon was a little over. Sushi at the lobby bar on Friday (also available Saturday) was solid, and the live music (Fri/Sat only) is also excellent. Make reservations for everything, you can always cancel them.
-I initially booked at 385k points. A week out, I saw that I had been proactively upgraded to an Astor suite... but the rate had also dropped to 355k, so I took a risk, canceled the res, and rebooked it. I gave it a few days but we were not put back into the suite. So 2 days out, I sent a note by chat in the app asking if an upgrade was possible, and sure enough we were restored to the Astor suite, and we got it at check-in. It was a "garden view" suite (613) but you could actually see the ocean from it too, past the garden. Bottle of bubbly was in the room along with all our bags.
-Staff are just wonderful. Everyone.
-Beach is great, and is now full service.
Cons:
-Miscommunications and "island time" are still a thing. I'm okay with island time, but the miscomms got a little crazy. We asked for a crib at check-in (and in both the initial res and the modified res), was told it would be sent. I asked again when we went for dinner at Paros the first night, was told they would verify with housekeeping. Nothing came the first night. Okay, fine. Second day, I called in the morning, was told I would get a call back by 12:30. No call. I called at 2, and a woman told me that there were no cribs available and there hadn't been all week. We went to Wal-Mart and bought one. Later that day, while we were briefly out for the 6pm sabering, a crib appeared in our room. No note, no call. Bizarre. I shared this story at check-out, and to their credit, they had a manager call me on my cell, apologize, and take $300 off our bill.
-The people here are something else. The guests, I mean. So uppity. Some of them are just so downright nasty to the staff it's sickening. Way worse than all our other visits here. Maybe some of them are that way because they're paying the $1200+ a night and think they are entitled to act that way. But many are probably paying points and just looking for targets to vent their angst.
-The birds at breakfast are totally whack. The hotel knows and even got a bunch of cute cats, but the cats just act cute rather than menacingly attacking the birds like everyone wishes they would. If you avert your eyes from your croissant for 3 seconds, a bird will eat it, even if someone is sitting at the table.
Neutral:
-Sabering is back, 6pm daily, but it's prosecco now, no more Veuve.
-The sculptures have been replaced with some weird new age-y stuff that I don't particularly care for.
-The men's hot tub in the spa area was broken. I was given a $65 discount on my massage for the inconvenience. The main hot tub by the pool was still working, as was the woman's spa hot tub.
All in all, will gladly return again... if my points advance reservation doesn't get destroyed by dynamic pricing in the next 8-10 months....
New sculptures:
New cats:
Engraved saber... but Mionetto prosecco...
No changes here.
Feb 14, 22, 2:35 pm
#540
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: PWM/KBXM/BGR; Work: DCA/DFW/Everywhere; Play: LAS/AUA/MIA/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, mlife Noir, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,027
Originally Posted by svo242
Great review, thanks for sharing! Did you need a reservation at the St. Regis Bar just to sit and have a drink at a table?
