Caribbean... Starwood, Hilton, Marriott?
 

I have amex points and could go to one of these three chains for a week in the Caribbean. We want to go somewhere relaxing and not overrun with tourists in early December.

What hotel would you stay at and why?

Hilton Caribe or Marriott (Stellaris I think), both in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Have stayed at both.

In terms of to do things, Puerto Rico has more to offer than any other Caribbean island IMO (nightlife, hiking, caving, history, secluded beaches) Food is great. No customs to go through. No conversion rates, as PR uses the US$. Many Direct flights from the states.

------------------
Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml

Sweet Willie is right, San Juan is awesome with lots to do, however that particular Marriott is very "Americanized" so it doesnt' make you feel carribeanish. St. John has a Starwood that is incredible, and although I dont' like St. Thomas The Renaissance is okay.

I'll cast my vote for San Juan and 2nd what Sweet Willie said. He forgot to mention the free rum drinks at the Welcome Center and the Casinos at some hotels. Beautiful island.

I would recommend:

Hilton St. Lucia
Westin St. John
Westin Grand Cayman

St. Kitts Marriott resort - very relaxing and not overrun with tourists.

Caribe Hilton (Just Renovated great bar) but is adding condos next door. So make sure to ask where your room is facing.

Hilton St. Lucia is very quite and the suites have there own plunge pool.

Hilton has a bunch of new hotels called Coral by Hilton (all-inculsive) I don't know much about them.

Marriott San Juan (dated)I would stay away.

Marriott St Kitts (brand new)I have not been but I heard they have rates as low as $99 during the summer as an openning sale.

Westin St. John (fantastic) Quite and Wonderful. Lots of extra fees (resort and transportation)

Grand Cayman only if you are a diver otherwise it is to expensive

San Juan only if you are looking for night life otherwise there are better beaches.

St. John and St. Lucia are great.

Full discussion about Coral Resorts here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/005832.html
For downtown San Juan agreed, easy. But just outside San Juan and the rest of Puerto Rico have spectacular beaches.


------------------
Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml