The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico [Master Thread]
Feb 15, 22, 7:41 pm
#541
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,219
Just completed a 2 night stay here on points. Overall it was excellent stay and would recommend if you're looking to splurge or have points to burn.
Butler immediately reached out when I booked to ask about our plans, and helped us book spa appointments etc.
I did not rent a car, so we took an Uber there from San Juan (< $40 before tip). When we arrived at 2pm, our room was ready. I asked about an upgrade and they moved us to a large suite with 2ba and pool view (not sure what room type).
The facilities were amazing. More then enough activities to do, and we really enjoyed wondering around the 2 mile beach and nature trails. The nature trails were a bit tricky to find however, even with the map they provided. They also offered an ecological tour of the property, which I would highly recommend. The butler seemed light on the details, but eventually was able to book this for us the next day. We ended getting a private tour from a marine biologist who helped plan the property. She showed us local vegetation, animals, and all the work they have been doing to minimize environmental impact of the property. I also took advantage of the Kayaks which were included in resort fee.
Food was the lowlight IMO, with the exception of breakfast. Since we didn't have a car and were only there 2 days, we ate all meals on the property. PLT Breakfast was a *large* continental buffet spread at Seagrapes. You could also upgrade to the full buffet and cooked to order eggs for $9. The first day we did the full breakfast before we noticed how large the continental spread was. The second day we were planning to just do continental, but for some reason they were offering Mimosas with the full breakfast so we did that. Lunch at Seagrapes was fine but limited choices and obviously expensive. Mostly pizza, a few fish entrees, and a burger. We did dinner at Beach Club one night, and Paros the other. Paros was my favorite, although I would have preferred a more casual atmosphere, and didn't necessarily need to come Puerto Rico for average greek food
. We tried the fried snapper at the Beach Club re: recommendation from previous posts, and definitely found that to be an experience. The cocktails at the Beach Club were also great. I wasn't super impressed by the cocktails at the St Regis, but they did have local Ocean Lab beer which was excellent. Overall the food was fine for two days, but definitely added up to a hefty bill and easy to get bored of. This would keep me from staying there for more then 2-3 days without a car.
They wouldn't offer late checkout, but we were able to use the showers at the spa so we could enjoy the pool most of the day on checkout. Note that you do need to call the spa in advance to make an appointment. I had planned to Uber back to San Juan, and had seen that there were drivers available every time I checked. However it would cancel as soon as I actually requested the ride, and the staff told me Uber drivers will rarely come, despite what the app shows. We ended up asking them to call a Taxi which took 30 minutes to come and cost $80 + tip. I would recommend just asking the front desk to schedule a Taxi for you in advance and not rolling the dice with Uber.
Butler immediately reached out when I booked to ask about our plans, and helped us book spa appointments etc.
I did not rent a car, so we took an Uber there from San Juan (< $40 before tip). When we arrived at 2pm, our room was ready. I asked about an upgrade and they moved us to a large suite with 2ba and pool view (not sure what room type).
The facilities were amazing. More then enough activities to do, and we really enjoyed wondering around the 2 mile beach and nature trails. The nature trails were a bit tricky to find however, even with the map they provided. They also offered an ecological tour of the property, which I would highly recommend. The butler seemed light on the details, but eventually was able to book this for us the next day. We ended getting a private tour from a marine biologist who helped plan the property. She showed us local vegetation, animals, and all the work they have been doing to minimize environmental impact of the property. I also took advantage of the Kayaks which were included in resort fee.
Food was the lowlight IMO, with the exception of breakfast. Since we didn't have a car and were only there 2 days, we ate all meals on the property. PLT Breakfast was a *large* continental buffet spread at Seagrapes. You could also upgrade to the full buffet and cooked to order eggs for $9. The first day we did the full breakfast before we noticed how large the continental spread was. The second day we were planning to just do continental, but for some reason they were offering Mimosas with the full breakfast so we did that. Lunch at Seagrapes was fine but limited choices and obviously expensive. Mostly pizza, a few fish entrees, and a burger. We did dinner at Beach Club one night, and Paros the other. Paros was my favorite, although I would have preferred a more casual atmosphere, and didn't necessarily need to come Puerto Rico for average greek food
. We tried the fried snapper at the Beach Club re: recommendation from previous posts, and definitely found that to be an experience. The cocktails at the Beach Club were also great. I wasn't super impressed by the cocktails at the St Regis, but they did have local Ocean Lab beer which was excellent. Overall the food was fine for two days, but definitely added up to a hefty bill and easy to get bored of. This would keep me from staying there for more then 2-3 days without a car.They wouldn't offer late checkout, but we were able to use the showers at the spa so we could enjoy the pool most of the day on checkout. Note that you do need to call the spa in advance to make an appointment. I had planned to Uber back to San Juan, and had seen that there were drivers available every time I checked. However it would cancel as soon as I actually requested the ride, and the staff told me Uber drivers will rarely come, despite what the app shows. We ended up asking them to call a Taxi which took 30 minutes to come and cost $80 + tip. I would recommend just asking the front desk to schedule a Taxi for you in advance and not rolling the dice with Uber.
Feb 15, 22, 8:19 pm
#542
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: 6,115
Originally Posted by doctor15
Lunch at Seagrapes was fine but limited choices and obviously expensive. Mostly pizza, a few fish entrees, and a burger. ... We tried the fried snapper at the Beach Club re: recommendation from previous posts, and definitely found that to be an experience. The cocktails at the Beach Club were also great. I wasn't super impressed by the cocktails at the St Regis, but they did have local Ocean Lab beer which was excellent. Overall the food was fine for two days, but definitely added up to a hefty bill and easy to get bored of. This would keep me from staying there for more then 2-3 days without a car.
Glad you tried the whole fish at Beach Club! Pro tip, I would ask for mashed plantains instead of the giant tostones unless you really like a large side of thick dry fried plantains.
Feb 15, 22, 9:36 pm
#543
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 581
Originally Posted by doctor15
Just completed a 2 night stay here on points. Overall it was excellent stay and would recommend if you're looking to splurge or have points to burn.
Butler immediately reached out when I booked to ask about our plans, and helped us book spa appointments etc.
I did not rent a car, so we took an Uber there from San Juan (< $40 before tip). When we arrived at 2pm, our room was ready. I asked about an upgrade and they moved us to a large suite with 2ba and pool view (not sure what room type).
The facilities were amazing. More then enough activities to do, and we really enjoyed wondering around the 2 mile beach and nature trails. The nature trails were a bit tricky to find however, even with the map they provided. They also offered an ecological tour of the property, which I would highly recommend. The butler seemed light on the details, but eventually was able to book this for us the next day. We ended getting a private tour from a marine biologist who helped plan the property. She showed us local vegetation, animals, and all the work they have been doing to minimize environmental impact of the property. I also took advantage of the Kayaks which were included in resort fee.
Food was the lowlight IMO, with the exception of breakfast. Since we didn't have a car and were only there 2 days, we ate all meals on the property. PLT Breakfast was a *large* continental buffet spread at Seagrapes. You could also upgrade to the full buffet and cooked to order eggs for $9. The first day we did the full breakfast before we noticed how large the continental spread was. The second day we were planning to just do continental, but for some reason they were offering Mimosas with the full breakfast so we did that. Lunch at Seagrapes was fine but limited choices and obviously expensive. Mostly pizza, a few fish entrees, and a burger. We did dinner at Beach Club one night, and Paros the other. Paros was my favorite, although I would have preferred a more casual atmosphere, and didn't necessarily need to come Puerto Rico for average greek food. We tried the fried snapper at the Beach Club re: recommendation from previous posts, and definitely found that to be an experience. The cocktails at the Beach Club were also great. I wasn't super impressed by the cocktails at the St Regis, but they did have local Ocean Lab beer which was excellent. Overall the food was fine for two days, but definitely added up to a hefty bill and easy to get bored of. This would keep me from staying there for more then 2-3 days without a car.
They wouldn't offer late checkout, but we were able to use the showers at the spa so we could enjoy the pool most of the day on checkout. Note that you do need to call the spa in advance to make an appointment. I had planned to Uber back to San Juan, and had seen that there were drivers available every time I checked. However it would cancel as soon as I actually requested the ride, and the staff told me Uber drivers will rarely come, despite what the app shows. We ended up asking them to call a Taxi which took 30 minutes to come and cost $80 + tip. I would recommend just asking the front desk to schedule a Taxi for you in advance and not rolling the dice with Uber.
Butler immediately reached out when I booked to ask about our plans, and helped us book spa appointments etc.
I did not rent a car, so we took an Uber there from San Juan (< $40 before tip). When we arrived at 2pm, our room was ready. I asked about an upgrade and they moved us to a large suite with 2ba and pool view (not sure what room type).
The facilities were amazing. More then enough activities to do, and we really enjoyed wondering around the 2 mile beach and nature trails. The nature trails were a bit tricky to find however, even with the map they provided. They also offered an ecological tour of the property, which I would highly recommend. The butler seemed light on the details, but eventually was able to book this for us the next day. We ended getting a private tour from a marine biologist who helped plan the property. She showed us local vegetation, animals, and all the work they have been doing to minimize environmental impact of the property. I also took advantage of the Kayaks which were included in resort fee.
Food was the lowlight IMO, with the exception of breakfast. Since we didn't have a car and were only there 2 days, we ate all meals on the property. PLT Breakfast was a *large* continental buffet spread at Seagrapes. You could also upgrade to the full buffet and cooked to order eggs for $9. The first day we did the full breakfast before we noticed how large the continental spread was. The second day we were planning to just do continental, but for some reason they were offering Mimosas with the full breakfast so we did that. Lunch at Seagrapes was fine but limited choices and obviously expensive. Mostly pizza, a few fish entrees, and a burger. We did dinner at Beach Club one night, and Paros the other. Paros was my favorite, although I would have preferred a more casual atmosphere, and didn't necessarily need to come Puerto Rico for average greek food
. We tried the fried snapper at the Beach Club re: recommendation from previous posts, and definitely found that to be an experience. The cocktails at the Beach Club were also great. I wasn't super impressed by the cocktails at the St Regis, but they did have local Ocean Lab beer which was excellent. Overall the food was fine for two days, but definitely added up to a hefty bill and easy to get bored of. This would keep me from staying there for more then 2-3 days without a car.They wouldn't offer late checkout, but we were able to use the showers at the spa so we could enjoy the pool most of the day on checkout. Note that you do need to call the spa in advance to make an appointment. I had planned to Uber back to San Juan, and had seen that there were drivers available every time I checked. However it would cancel as soon as I actually requested the ride, and the staff told me Uber drivers will rarely come, despite what the app shows. We ended up asking them to call a Taxi which took 30 minutes to come and cost $80 + tip. I would recommend just asking the front desk to schedule a Taxi for you in advance and not rolling the dice with Uber.
Feb 15, 22, 10:36 pm
#544
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,723
Originally Posted by platbrownguy
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.
I've always felt like the staff here was very friendly and seemed to try hard, but I also don't fully blame people spending $1200+/night for expecting that someone answer a telephone, show-up within 15 minutes of a promised pick-up time, provide reasonably prompt service at restaurants, etc. You can still be nice about it, and these guests definitely should be, but something has to give with so many properties charging these crazy rates and still not paying higher wages to get and keep higher quality employees.
Feb 16, 22, 6:57 am
#545
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,219
Originally Posted by platbrownguy
Interesting - the Seagrapes menu is like 3x longer than it was a few months ago. Agree that it's nothing special but this was the menu when we were there a couple weeks ago:
Anyhow, curious whether (1) this was the same menu you had (and was in your opinion limited, which is fine), or (2) you actually had a shorter menu, meaning perhaps they went back to an older/more limited menu etc?
Anyhow, curious whether (1) this was the same menu you had (and was in your opinion limited, which is fine), or (2) you actually had a shorter menu, meaning perhaps they went back to an older/more limited menu etc?
Originally Posted by platbrownguy
Glad you tried the whole fish at Beach Club! Pro tip, I would ask for mashed plantains instead of the giant tostones unless you really like a large side of thick dry fried plantains.
Originally Posted by svo242
Great review, thanks! Was the taxi cash only?
May 30, 22, 1:48 pm
#547
Join Date: May 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, WN A-List, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Amb, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,074
Originally Posted by Ken C
Does anyone know if this resort participates in suite night awards and if so what rooms are available to upgrade?
May 30, 22, 3:02 pm
#548
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: 6,115
Originally Posted by Ken C
Does anyone know if this resort participates in suite night awards and if so what rooms are available to upgrade?
Jul 27, 22, 7:35 pm
#549
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Chicago
Programs: Delta, Accor, Marriott
Posts: 35
I have a 5 night stay coming up starting this weekend. This will be my family's second trip to the resort, and I'm looking forward to it.
Is there anything which folks are curious about which I could report back on?
Is there anything which folks are curious about which I could report back on?
Jul 27, 22, 7:41 pm
#550
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum (3MM), QF Lifetime Gold, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, Ex-Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 7,401
Originally Posted by grandchampion
I have a 5 night stay coming up starting this weekend. This will be my family's second trip to the resort, and I'm looking forward to it.
Is there anything which folks are curious about which I could report back on?
Is there anything which folks are curious about which I could report back on?
Aug 30, 22, 8:52 pm
#552
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.5MM, AA 2MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 5,427
Urgent request -- My wife and I booked our anniversary weekend (this coming weekend - September 3-6) and we are avid tennis players -- I've called four times now and been disconnected three times - we paid for an Oceanfront St. Regis Suite -- but it doesn't matter lol - we can't get any answers -- we want to play a lot of tennis and on one call we were told that we could get rackets and balls for free -- on another call we were told that the "Pro Shop" was only open from 8-5 and availability varies and if we want to play at night (they supposedly have night courts) we need to bring our own equipment -- and on another call we were told that rackets were free but we had to pay for balls -- I've never seen such a lack of service from a St Regis property -- anyone have any ideas what is going on? -- if we have to bring our rackets we will check our bag but would really prefer to not have to for a three day trip -- on my final call to the St Regis they apologized that they could not transfer me to the "Wellness Center" -- but here is their direct number -- is this a joke? It's a bit hard to believe that spending over $2k per night can't get someone at least basic info about a property?
Aug 30, 22, 9:05 pm
#553
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum (3MM), QF Lifetime Gold, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, Ex-Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 7,401
Originally Posted by bmwe92fan;[url=tel:34559632
34559632]Urgent request -- My wife and I booked our anniversary weekend (this coming weekend - September 3-6) and we are avid tennis players -- I've called four times now and been disconnected three times - we paid for an Oceanfront St. Regis Suite -- but it doesn't matter lol - we can't get any answers -- we want to play a lot of tennis and on one call we were told that we could get rackets and balls for free -- on another call we were told that the "Pro Shop" was only open from 8-5 and availability varies and if we want to play at night (they supposedly have night courts) we need to bring our own equipment -- and on another call we were told that rackets were free but we had to pay for balls -- I've never seen such a lack of service from a St Regis property -- anyone have any ideas what is going on? -- if we have to bring our rackets we will check our bag but would really prefer to not have to for a three day trip -- on my final call to the St Regis they apologized that they could not transfer me to the "Wellness Center" -- but here is their direct number -- is this a joke? It's a bit hard to believe that spending over $2k per night can't get someone at least basic info about a property?
Absolutely they have free rackets. We signed up for a midday one hour clinic for which we paid some thing like $50… There could’ve been multiple people but there was only the two of us. We enjoyed it totally.
The tennis pro was a big part of it. I am sure you can make a deal with him for equipment at night if he’s gone… Why don’t you call and leave a voicemail for him… I forget his name, but the front desk will know his name… Ask him to call you back and tell him you want to play a lot of tennis and do what you want to do… I can’t believe he wont call you back.
Very few people play tennis and there is not a lot of demand generally speaking for the tennis courts in our experience. Also, it’s a very nice, elegant/elaborate tennis center.
Last edited by nologic; Aug 30, 22 at 9:13 pm
Aug 31, 22, 9:35 am
#554
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.5MM, AA 2MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 5,427
Originally Posted by nologic
IMO, the Tennis Pro here is excellent. Major tennis leader on the island.
Absolutely they have free rackets. We signed up for a midday one hour clinic for which we paid some thing like $50… There could’ve been multiple people but there was only the two of us. We enjoyed it totally.
The tennis pro was a big part of it. I am sure you can make a deal with him for equipment at night if he’s gone… Why don’t you call and leave a voicemail for him… I forget his name, but the front desk will know his name… Ask him to call you back and tell him you want to play a lot of tennis and do what you want to do… I can’t believe he wont call you back.
Very few people play tennis and there is not a lot of demand generally speaking for the tennis courts in our experience. Also, it’s a very nice, elegant/elaborate tennis center.
Absolutely they have free rackets. We signed up for a midday one hour clinic for which we paid some thing like $50… There could’ve been multiple people but there was only the two of us. We enjoyed it totally.
The tennis pro was a big part of it. I am sure you can make a deal with him for equipment at night if he’s gone… Why don’t you call and leave a voicemail for him… I forget his name, but the front desk will know his name… Ask him to call you back and tell him you want to play a lot of tennis and do what you want to do… I can’t believe he wont call you back.
Very few people play tennis and there is not a lot of demand generally speaking for the tennis courts in our experience. Also, it’s a very nice, elegant/elaborate tennis center.
Aug 31, 22, 10:02 am
#555
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum (3MM), QF Lifetime Gold, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, Ex-Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 7,401
Originally Posted by bmwe92fan;[url=tel:34560897
34560897[/url]]My calls to the resort have been less than useful lol -- and they tell me that they can't transfer me to the wellness center (so I had to call direct and they really didn't know much about the tennis courts). I'm sure they are struggling with staffing -- when I can check in on the app I will ask for information about the pro and try to find a number for him -- I googled it but couldn't find any information...
Here’s a number to the concierge, but you have probably tried them:
+1 (939) 274-0227
