The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan [master thread]
Nov 14, 2001, 5:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 63
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 
)
Any feedback appreciated.
Thanks.
)Any feedback appreciated.
Thanks.
Nov 15, 2001, 11:30 am
#2
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 23,500
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.
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.
Nov 15, 2001, 2:38 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Bryn Mawr PA & Wailea HI
Posts: 15,726
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
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
Jul 20, 2007, 9:12 am
#6
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Posts: 178
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
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
Jul 20, 2007, 9:40 am
#7
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
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.
Jul 20, 2007, 10:15 am
#8
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Posts: 178
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.
Jul 20, 2007, 10:34 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: HKY
Programs: DL-DM MM & RW, UAL- PS, Marriott Lifetime PLT, SPG-PLT, Hilton-Gold
Posts: 4,468
Jul 20, 2007, 10:37 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MIA/ATL
Posts: 1,482
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 am also staying at this property in the next few weeks. Please note:
Originally Posted by RC.COM
New Properties Features & Amenities
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino will enhance its guest rooms with balconies in specific areas of the building. Our enhancements will begin on July 16 and will temporarily entail some areas of our building’s façade. Limited disturbances from the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm are expected. The brand new balconies of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan will debut late November.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino will enhance its guest rooms with balconies in specific areas of the building. Our enhancements will begin on July 16 and will temporarily entail some areas of our building’s façade. Limited disturbances from the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm are expected. The brand new balconies of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan will debut late November.
Jul 20, 2007, 11:16 am
#11
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Posts: 178
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.
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.
Jul 20, 2007, 2:45 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MIA/ATL
Posts: 1,482
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.
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.
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.
Jul 20, 2007, 5:20 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: CO Silv, Marriott Plat, SPG Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 89
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).
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).
Jul 20, 2007, 6:25 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Posts: 178
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.
Thanks again for everyone else's input.
Last edited by kindra178; Jul 20, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Jul 20, 2007, 6:48 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: Marriott Platinum Delta Platinum AA Platinum
Posts: 578
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.