Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Puerto Rico
Mar 13, 2011, 2:10 pm
#61
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SDF
Programs: DL:360/DM/6 MMer; Bonvoy: Lifetime Titanium 10+M pts, 3100+ nights;
Posts: 1,441
It's been almost a year since anyone posted on this thread so....
I'm looking at a vacation in San Juan in early July and I'm wondering whether to go with the FS Marriott or the Renaissance. Haven't stayed at the FS but was at the Ren about 2 years ago. Questions:
1) How do the pools compare?
2) How are the beaches near the hotels?
3) Do either have a concierge/club lounge?
4) Is there still a "loud" dance club on the ground floor of the Ren?
Any insight or assistance would be helpful!!
I'm looking at a vacation in San Juan in early July and I'm wondering whether to go with the FS Marriott or the Renaissance. Haven't stayed at the FS but was at the Ren about 2 years ago. Questions:
1) How do the pools compare?
2) How are the beaches near the hotels?
3) Do either have a concierge/club lounge?
4) Is there still a "loud" dance club on the ground floor of the Ren?
Any insight or assistance would be helpful!!
Mar 13, 2011, 2:33 pm
#62
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ATL
Programs: DL PM 2 Mil Miler, HZ PC, Marriott LT TI, AMB, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 556
It's been almost a year since anyone posted on this thread so....
I'm looking at a vacation in San Juan in early July and I'm wondering whether to go with the FS Marriott or the Renaissance. Haven't stayed at the FS but was at the Ren about 2 years ago. Questions:
1) How do the pools compare?
2) How are the beaches near the hotels?
3) Do either have a concierge/club lounge?
4) Is there still a "loud" dance club on the ground floor of the Ren?
Any insight or assistance would be helpful!!
I'm looking at a vacation in San Juan in early July and I'm wondering whether to go with the FS Marriott or the Renaissance. Haven't stayed at the FS but was at the Ren about 2 years ago. Questions:
1) How do the pools compare?
2) How are the beaches near the hotels?
3) Do either have a concierge/club lounge?
4) Is there still a "loud" dance club on the ground floor of the Ren?
Any insight or assistance would be helpful!!
1&3) There are 3 pools and one of them is off the executive lounge.
2) The beach is great. It is the same beach for both hotels. They are a few hundred yards apart.
4) There is a bar that has a DJ sometimes but it has never been a problem with me and I am a light sleeper.
Mar 13, 2011, 5:41 pm
#63
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: MSP
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 1,357
i was here last aug and was upgraded to the presidental suite for my 1 night stay at the Ren. It is the same room plastered all over the Marriott Postcards/screens for San Juan. By far the best upgrade i have ever received at any marriott.
Mar 13, 2011, 9:26 pm
#64
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium; Hyatt - Globalist; United - 1K
Posts: 74
La Concha
Was just there for a week in February.
As said prior, three pools and beach access. All of the beaches in PR are public, so the beach wasn't in the 'best' condition, but that was the case all up and down the beach.
It has a concierge lounge open M-F with breakfast, apps, and dessert.
I was upgraded to the Suite Tower (new) and never heard any sounds except for when we left to the balcony door open to hear the waves/sounds. There is a lounge on the first floor and I can imagine it being loud for the rooms over there, but the Suite Tower is on the opposite side of the resort.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to message me.
As said prior, three pools and beach access. All of the beaches in PR are public, so the beach wasn't in the 'best' condition, but that was the case all up and down the beach.
It has a concierge lounge open M-F with breakfast, apps, and dessert.
I was upgraded to the Suite Tower (new) and never heard any sounds except for when we left to the balcony door open to hear the waves/sounds. There is a lounge on the first floor and I can imagine it being loud for the rooms over there, but the Suite Tower is on the opposite side of the resort.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to message me.
Mar 14, 2011, 6:26 am
#65
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AA EXP, AAirpass, & CK 2MM, MR Plat Premier, DL Plat, US Plat, UA RECOVERING GS
Posts: 2,620
Can't say it enough but the RC is the superior property in San Juan. It is near the airport so a bit far from Old San Juan. A while back (1yr ago+) they seemed to be doing a lot of package deals with tour operators so you had a loud and very non-RC crowd during non-peak times such as July. That seems to have changed as of late and this hotel is certainly back on my A list.
We've done at least 15-20 stays here over the years. While it isn't the nicest RC I've stayed at...not by a long shot....it certainly represents the best dollar to quality ratio, IMHO. Especially during peak times the rates here can be jaw dropping and when you consider the amenities and quality of the beach you'll have a hard time finding a better hotel for less.
We've done at least 15-20 stays here over the years. While it isn't the nicest RC I've stayed at...not by a long shot....it certainly represents the best dollar to quality ratio, IMHO. Especially during peak times the rates here can be jaw dropping and when you consider the amenities and quality of the beach you'll have a hard time finding a better hotel for less.
Mar 14, 2011, 9:09 am
#66
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: N Charleston South Carolina
Programs: UA PM (by 2MM), DL GM (by 3.5MM), Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,655
I just got back yesterday from the Ren, and I liked it a lot. I had a suite in the new tower, and it's very roomy. Lounge is nice too. Beach has rough waves/red flags, but it's OK. Pools are small but acceptable. It does get noisy around the hotel, in room noise can vary depending on where your room is located. During the week I was there, they were at 100% occupancy some nights. Food is good, but expensive in the restaurants. Elevators in the suite building are slow and one is often non functional. I don't like the "resort fee" being a percentage of the room rate, and I don't like it as about the only thing I use on the list is internet, and that should be free for me.
Lots of restaurants around the hotel, and the suites have kitchens in them.
Overall, in the top 20 or so marriotts I've been to in the world.
Billy
Lots of restaurants around the hotel, and the suites have kitchens in them.
Overall, in the top 20 or so marriotts I've been to in the world.
Billy
Mar 14, 2011, 11:27 am
#67
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA | IAD | BWI | BOS | OSL
Programs: AMEX Plat, AA EXP, DL Diamond Medallion, US, B6, SPG Gold,Marriott Gold,Hilton Gold,Starbucks Gold
Posts: 1,388
It's been almost a year since anyone posted on this thread so....
I'm looking at a vacation in San Juan in early July and I'm wondering whether to go with the FS Marriott or the Renaissance. Haven't stayed at the FS but was at the Ren about 2 years ago. Questions:
1) How do the pools compare?
2) How are the beaches near the hotels?
3) Do either have a concierge/club lounge?
4) Is there still a "loud" dance club on the ground floor of the Ren?
Any insight or assistance would be helpful!!
I'm looking at a vacation in San Juan in early July and I'm wondering whether to go with the FS Marriott or the Renaissance. Haven't stayed at the FS but was at the Ren about 2 years ago. Questions:
1) How do the pools compare?
2) How are the beaches near the hotels?
3) Do either have a concierge/club lounge?
4) Is there still a "loud" dance club on the ground floor of the Ren?
Any insight or assistance would be helpful!!
The restaurants are beside me right now. If you want, I'll try to pull together a list of them if interested.
Can't say it enough but the RC is the superior property in San Juan. It is near the airport so a bit far from Old San Juan. A while back (1yr ago+) they seemed to be doing a lot of package deals with tour operators so you had a loud and very non-RC crowd during non-peak times such as July. That seems to have changed as of late and this hotel is certainly back on my A list.
We've done at least 15-20 stays here over the years. While it isn't the nicest RC I've stayed at...not by a long shot....it certainly represents the best dollar to quality ratio, IMHO. Especially during peak times the rates here can be jaw dropping and when you consider the amenities and quality of the beach you'll have a hard time finding a better hotel for less.
We've done at least 15-20 stays here over the years. While it isn't the nicest RC I've stayed at...not by a long shot....it certainly represents the best dollar to quality ratio, IMHO. Especially during peak times the rates here can be jaw dropping and when you consider the amenities and quality of the beach you'll have a hard time finding a better hotel for less.
Mar 14, 2011, 6:36 pm
#69
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium; Hyatt - Globalist; United - 1K
Posts: 74
Mar 29, 2011, 12:10 pm
#72
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Starwood Gold
Posts: 15
For me La Concha (Ren.) was much nicer than Stellaris. Much more going on, with a new, hip vibe and good amenities. No club, but a great place to use your points. La Concha (the shell) itself is a good, but overpriced restaurant, that is recognized by all locals, although they might have no idea its a Renaissance hotel.
Aug 12, 2011, 7:26 pm
#73
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 4,279
Marriott San Juan Stellaris
Hi,
Am curretly at the Marriott Stellaris property. Some update:
- Main lobby under renovations, nearly the whole middle section of the main lobby area is sealed off.
- Exec. lounge is closed from Fri afternoon till Sunday afternoon [bummer]. No b'fast offered comp to Gold Elite. Only available from Monday-Fridays.
- Resort fee was charged, virtually paying for most of the items that Elits gets for free... so feel rather cheated, got 10 USD casino coupon [but actually just paid for it indirectly]
- wanted to use my last BB, but was denied initially, had to call customer service to get it settled with the property. [accepted in the end after CS called the property to settle it for me]
- upgraded to an ocean view room.
- rooms size ok, a bit on the smaller side compared to mainland US hotels.
- daily parking cost a whopping 16USD!
- a public bus runs between the hotel and Old San Juan. [not sure how it is, since I will most probably just drive]
- quite a numbe of F&B establishment around the hotel.
Cheers!
Am curretly at the Marriott Stellaris property. Some update:
- Main lobby under renovations, nearly the whole middle section of the main lobby area is sealed off.
- Exec. lounge is closed from Fri afternoon till Sunday afternoon [bummer]. No b'fast offered comp to Gold Elite. Only available from Monday-Fridays.
- Resort fee was charged, virtually paying for most of the items that Elits gets for free... so feel rather cheated, got 10 USD casino coupon [but actually just paid for it indirectly]
- wanted to use my last BB, but was denied initially, had to call customer service to get it settled with the property. [accepted in the end after CS called the property to settle it for me]
- upgraded to an ocean view room.
- rooms size ok, a bit on the smaller side compared to mainland US hotels.
- daily parking cost a whopping 16USD!
- a public bus runs between the hotel and Old San Juan. [not sure how it is, since I will most probably just drive]
- quite a numbe of F&B establishment around the hotel.
Cheers!
Aug 23, 2011, 10:21 pm
#74
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 72
I recently had an extended stay at the La Concha Renaissance. I thought I would post my review.
Our room was not ready at 4pm when checking in so we grabbed lunch across the street. No big deal we waiting about an hour past check-in time for it. The property is gorgeous and the concierge desk, front desk, and valet staff were very accommodating.
The concierge lounge is only open MON-FRI. I was with a party of 4 and was surprised to learn only 2 members of a party can go into the lounge per day otherwise it is $35 per extra person. They would log names of those who entered. This seemed only strictly enforced during breakfast. Regardless, I was upset to learn this after booking and felt that I was treated condescendingly by the concierge hostess. The food, honor bar, and kitchen staff there were great however. The ocean view lounge out back of the concierge was a nice getaway spot with a beautiful view.
The maid staff did a wonderful job. They typically clean the rooms in the afternoon at least on my floor. The balcony in the oceanfront oceanview rooms was barely big enough to stand on. The 2 queen bed room I booked stated it had a couch and a chair, however it only had a chair. Not a big deal, but the duvet was torn and the pillow cases had some weird stain on them. The refrigerator was also dirty with some sticky substance at the bottom. The ice machine on my floor was in and out of service and when it did work the ice was dirty half the time (speckled with leaves it seemed) - Both on the 10th and 11th floors.
The service was typically slow at the restaurant by the pool but that is the culture in Puerto Rico I learned. The food was decent and wasn't absurdly priced. The drinks were typical prices of a resort and they were strong.
The pools, hot tubs, and seating were ample. The beach had nice chairs and umbrellas for no charge. FYI I did not pay a resort fee using points. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of being outside there. One of the better resort Marriott setups. I didn't really think there was an abundance of noise during concerts or the weekend nights as others have noted.
Not that I was there for work, but the wireless Internet was spotty in the rooms. In the lobby it was a little better, but still quite slow.
I was there during the power outage during Hurricane Irene. The hotel was the only one I heard without working back up generators. It was a mad house in the lobby with people fighting for electrical plugs on the few circuits that worked. The power was out for at least 36 hours. The room was extremely hot obviously without power. Water leaked in through the sliding glass door but not too much during the storm.
Overall it was a nice stay with more flaws than I would have expected. Typically I would contact management with any problems, but after the way I felt I was treated with the concierge situation, I didn't feel it it was worth my time. It doesn't take a lot to please me and I was mostly happy with my stay. Would I stay again? Sure, but I would try some of the other properties there first.
Some pictures below:
http://postimage.org/gallery/9l6n8fqfc/
Our room was not ready at 4pm when checking in so we grabbed lunch across the street. No big deal we waiting about an hour past check-in time for it. The property is gorgeous and the concierge desk, front desk, and valet staff were very accommodating.
The concierge lounge is only open MON-FRI. I was with a party of 4 and was surprised to learn only 2 members of a party can go into the lounge per day otherwise it is $35 per extra person. They would log names of those who entered. This seemed only strictly enforced during breakfast. Regardless, I was upset to learn this after booking and felt that I was treated condescendingly by the concierge hostess. The food, honor bar, and kitchen staff there were great however. The ocean view lounge out back of the concierge was a nice getaway spot with a beautiful view.
The maid staff did a wonderful job. They typically clean the rooms in the afternoon at least on my floor. The balcony in the oceanfront oceanview rooms was barely big enough to stand on. The 2 queen bed room I booked stated it had a couch and a chair, however it only had a chair. Not a big deal, but the duvet was torn and the pillow cases had some weird stain on them. The refrigerator was also dirty with some sticky substance at the bottom. The ice machine on my floor was in and out of service and when it did work the ice was dirty half the time (speckled with leaves it seemed) - Both on the 10th and 11th floors.
The service was typically slow at the restaurant by the pool but that is the culture in Puerto Rico I learned. The food was decent and wasn't absurdly priced. The drinks were typical prices of a resort and they were strong.
The pools, hot tubs, and seating were ample. The beach had nice chairs and umbrellas for no charge. FYI I did not pay a resort fee using points. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of being outside there. One of the better resort Marriott setups. I didn't really think there was an abundance of noise during concerts or the weekend nights as others have noted.
Not that I was there for work, but the wireless Internet was spotty in the rooms. In the lobby it was a little better, but still quite slow.
I was there during the power outage during Hurricane Irene. The hotel was the only one I heard without working back up generators. It was a mad house in the lobby with people fighting for electrical plugs on the few circuits that worked. The power was out for at least 36 hours. The room was extremely hot obviously without power. Water leaked in through the sliding glass door but not too much during the storm.
Overall it was a nice stay with more flaws than I would have expected. Typically I would contact management with any problems, but after the way I felt I was treated with the concierge situation, I didn't feel it it was worth my time. It doesn't take a lot to please me and I was mostly happy with my stay. Would I stay again? Sure, but I would try some of the other properties there first.
Some pictures below:
http://postimage.org/gallery/9l6n8fqfc/