The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan [master thread]
 

Has anyone stayed at the property? Also, does anyone know if there is a reward which will allow for a room upgrade? (They're looking for an additional $129 a night for a room with a balcony http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif )

Any feedback appreciated.

Thanks.

Yes I have, but out of all the places to stay in San Juan, I do not recommend it.

If using/aquiring points is a priority, the Marriott is a great property, have recieved an upgrade to a corner ocean view room past 5 times I have stayed there. Corner allows for view of either old SJ or further east along Isle Verde.

If you are just looking for a very nice property, the El San Juan is THE place to stay IMO.

I second the recommendation of Sweet Willie, but make very certain you book *The El San Juan Hotel and Casino*. There is a really crummy tall timeshare (sorry happy timeshare folks) hotel next door with a similar sounding name (ie, without the Hotel and Casino wording). We fired the stupid secretary who screwed up that reservation.

The Marriott is newer but it has nil class.

It appears it is now a Wyndham Resort. See http://www.wyndham.com/ELSanJuanResort/default.cfmCheck and check the Wyndham FT forum.

MisterNice

Ritz Carlton San Juan
 

Please post any experiences at this property.

I'm staying there using my MR points. Any ideas on how to score an upgrade (if at all possible)?

How did it go using your points? Did you get any upgrades? I just got back from a concierge floor balcony room.

How many points did it take for 1 night?

Flyfarfar

Ritz in San Juan
 

I am looking for updates on this property. I am heading there in a couple of weeks. I have to say that my first experiences with the hotel have not been good.

1) I emailed the concierge and have not heard back

2) Tried to use points to book upgraded room and was denied even though upgraded rooms are still available to book. I guess that's a general Marriott room rule.

Thanks in advance

I'm not sure I understand your comment here. Points are used for standard rooms. Some hotels may offer certain upgrades for points. Those are normally 5K per upgrade level. But as far as I know, there is no stipulation within the Marriott Rewards program that says a hotel must provide any upgrades at all for points even if they are available as paid upgrades.

You are right. I am Starwood person first and Marriott second. I am just used to Starwood's policy that if a room is available to book with money, then you will be able to book with points. In this instance, Marriott won't let me book an upgraded room with points.

You will not be disappointed in the property or the service. It is a very nice property

What rate are you paying? ABA and FHR have better rates/amenities at this property.

I am also staying at this property in the next few weeks. Please note:

I think $439 for Club no view? It's way higher than I like to pay and hate not using points but this is our 5 year anniversary and first away alone after baby so I want everything to be beyond perfect. I didn't know the American Bar Assn has Marriott rates? Is that what you were referring to? That may be worth another call to the silver line.

We were torn with doing a $379 for ocean view but I always spend so much on breakfast and drinks while on vacation that I figured the extra would be worth it.

Please note that the Ritz Carlton brand is owned by Marriott, but run and managed totally differently. The brand has quite a few properties with the American Bar Association rate.

The ABA rate throghout August is $310 for a Club City View room.

The AmEx FHR rate is $369 for a Club City View room, but also includes daily breakfast , a $100 resort credit, 4PM checkout, and upgrade upon arrival.

May I also suggest, kindra178, that you use the MyFlyerTalk link on the top left of your screen and enable Private Messaging.

I had a great experience at the SJU Ritz @ 4.5 yrs ago. Very nice beach/pool area. Concierge recommended the special skirt steak at Che's Restaurant, which did not disappoint.

The equipment in the gym was a bit outdated, but again this was over 4 yrs ago. The steam/sauna were outstanding (full shave set up - fogless mirror, shave sink, etc. in the steam).

Thanks so much BHD87. I just booked the ABA rate. That's a huge savings and I just can't believe it. The AM EX rate was $500 something for a club room. I am just getting back into Flyertalk after a couple of years off, and I am thrilled I chose today!

Thanks again for everyone else's input.

I stayed there two years ago on points and got access to the club room...the only problem I had was the long walk or golf cart ride from my building to the one with the club lounge. I am not a fan of multiple building resorts. But you will love the pool and beach and ever present iguanas. Eva Longoria and her now husband were vacationing there as well.