Radisson Ambassador Plaza San Juan Hotel & Casino - San Juan Puerto Rico
Oct 16, 2013, 1:05 pm
#16
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 293
I was a bit apprehensive too after reading the reviews. I was there with my dh and kids (ages 16, 13, 11) and my mom and dad.
Got there at 2:00. They did a pretty check. We went and had lunch at "The Place". Pretty good. Burgers. Went back at 3:15 and got right in. Halls were a little musty smelling. Rooms were clean. My blow dryer was missing but I had read it might be so I brought one. Decorations were tired but they are remodeling, starting with the 8th floor. They upgraded us to ambassador level. We were on the 6th floor. Breakfast and evening snack were served on the PH level across from the pool. Breakfast was continental. Fruit, breads danish, cereals, milk, cream of wheat, bagels, coffee machine BBB with many choices, frozen waffles, cold cereal. Evening snacks were chicken, cheeses, veggie tray, cookies, sanwhiches, and honor bar.
I was expecting the worst but was pleasantly surprised. Not the greatest place but I used points so I was good. Let me know if u have any other questions
Got there at 2:00. They did a pretty check. We went and had lunch at "The Place". Pretty good. Burgers. Went back at 3:15 and got right in. Halls were a little musty smelling. Rooms were clean. My blow dryer was missing but I had read it might be so I brought one. Decorations were tired but they are remodeling, starting with the 8th floor. They upgraded us to ambassador level. We were on the 6th floor. Breakfast and evening snack were served on the PH level across from the pool. Breakfast was continental. Fruit, breads danish, cereals, milk, cream of wheat, bagels, coffee machine BBB with many choices, frozen waffles, cold cereal. Evening snacks were chicken, cheeses, veggie tray, cookies, sanwhiches, and honor bar.
I was expecting the worst but was pleasantly surprised. Not the greatest place but I used points so I was good. Let me know if u have any other questions
Oct 31, 2013, 10:58 am
#19
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
Update just back
1- Uped to a nice suite on the 6th floor, the 7th & 8th floors are closed off for renovations
2- Seems at some point this hotel must have been a real nice place, its showing its age
3- They wanted to charge $2.95 + tx for sodas and juice , juice was available for free during breakfast. Breakfast was in the lounge nothing fancy but it did the trick , ceral,fresh fruit,bagels and other breads,oatmeal some cakes
4- Since the weather wasnt the greatest I used the car for the day to El Yunque and dropped it off at 5:30pm most comps have offer after hrs drop.
B- for those who keep the car overnight theres free street parking from 1 block over Magdalena St , block parallel to Ashford and the side streets beyond Magdalena. You got to make sure the curb is either white or not painted any color.
5- taking the bus, Dont do it on a Sunday!! I ended up giving up at SJU and figured how far can the 1st stop be , so I walked it and beat the bus getting there,(its by The Ritz) took the 5 to the end had to wait a long time till the 21 left. I learnt a few things once there and yesterday it took all of 35 mins to get from the Hotel to the airport Bus 53 on Magdalena to the Ritz then the 40, and the 40 1 stop to Dennys (by the Ritz) and then teh 53 to The Hotel
B- theres a free green bus that will p/u at the reg bus stops and drops you at the Castle, last return bus leaves at 3:15pm way too early
C- there arent any free transfers so its $.75 for each time you board a bus
I only had my carry-on rollerboard and would use the bus next time Im back there, it was a great way to see alot of the city that no way would I have walked or drove thru
also theres a Walgreens apx 5 min walk, make a right out of the Hotel on Ashford and it will be on the corner on the other side of the street, alot cheaper then the small grocery that is a few feet past the hotels parking lot
1- Uped to a nice suite on the 6th floor, the 7th & 8th floors are closed off for renovations
2- Seems at some point this hotel must have been a real nice place, its showing its age
3- They wanted to charge $2.95 + tx for sodas and juice , juice was available for free during breakfast. Breakfast was in the lounge nothing fancy but it did the trick , ceral,fresh fruit,bagels and other breads,oatmeal some cakes
4- Since the weather wasnt the greatest I used the car for the day to El Yunque and dropped it off at 5:30pm most comps have offer after hrs drop.
B- for those who keep the car overnight theres free street parking from 1 block over Magdalena St , block parallel to Ashford and the side streets beyond Magdalena. You got to make sure the curb is either white or not painted any color.
5- taking the bus, Dont do it on a Sunday!! I ended up giving up at SJU and figured how far can the 1st stop be , so I walked it and beat the bus getting there,(its by The Ritz) took the 5 to the end had to wait a long time till the 21 left. I learnt a few things once there and yesterday it took all of 35 mins to get from the Hotel to the airport Bus 53 on Magdalena to the Ritz then the 40, and the 40 1 stop to Dennys (by the Ritz) and then teh 53 to The Hotel
B- theres a free green bus that will p/u at the reg bus stops and drops you at the Castle, last return bus leaves at 3:15pm way too early
C- there arent any free transfers so its $.75 for each time you board a bus
I only had my carry-on rollerboard and would use the bus next time Im back there, it was a great way to see alot of the city that no way would I have walked or drove thru
also theres a Walgreens apx 5 min walk, make a right out of the Hotel on Ashford and it will be on the corner on the other side of the street, alot cheaper then the small grocery that is a few feet past the hotels parking lot
Last edited by craz; Oct 31, 2013 at 11:30 am
Nov 18, 2013, 7:14 am
#21
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 23,514
B- for those who keep the car overnight theres free street parking from 1 block over Magdalena St , block parallel to Ashford and the side streets beyond Magdalena. You got to make sure the curb is either white or not painted any color.
5- taking the bus, Dont do it on a Sunday!! I ended up giving up at SJU and figured how far can the 1st stop be , so I walked it and beat the bus getting there,(its by The Ritz) took the 5 to the end had to wait a long time till the 21 left. I learnt a few things once there and yesterday it took all of 35 mins to get from the Hotel to the airport Bus 53 on Magdalena to the Ritz then the 40, and the 40 1 stop to Dennys (by the Ritz) and then teh 53 to The Hotel
B- theres a free green bus that will p/u at the reg bus stops and drops you at the Castle, last return bus leaves at 3:15pm way too early
C- there arent any free transfers so its $.75 for each time you board a bus
I only had my carry-on rollerboard and would use the bus next time Im back there, it was a great way to see alot of the city that no way would I have walked or drove thru
also theres a Walgreens apx 5 min walk, make a right out of the Hotel on Ashford and it will be on the corner on the other side of the street, alot cheaper then the small grocery that is a few feet past the hotels parking lot
5- taking the bus, Dont do it on a Sunday!! I ended up giving up at SJU and figured how far can the 1st stop be , so I walked it and beat the bus getting there,(its by The Ritz) took the 5 to the end had to wait a long time till the 21 left. I learnt a few things once there and yesterday it took all of 35 mins to get from the Hotel to the airport Bus 53 on Magdalena to the Ritz then the 40, and the 40 1 stop to Dennys (by the Ritz) and then teh 53 to The Hotel
B- theres a free green bus that will p/u at the reg bus stops and drops you at the Castle, last return bus leaves at 3:15pm way too early
C- there arent any free transfers so its $.75 for each time you board a bus
I only had my carry-on rollerboard and would use the bus next time Im back there, it was a great way to see alot of the city that no way would I have walked or drove thru
also theres a Walgreens apx 5 min walk, make a right out of the Hotel on Ashford and it will be on the corner on the other side of the street, alot cheaper then the small grocery that is a few feet past the hotels parking lot
Jan 9, 2014, 3:09 am
#22
Join Date: Sep 2001
Programs: Alaska Tanzanite 100K
Posts: 3,858
I've stayed at this property a few times and have NEVER had a problem with it. The beach area is OK just down the street -- but not as nice as Carolina Beach (Ritz/ESL/Courtyard area). I've never felt it was unsafe - but its a VERY easy walk down to the Marriott / La Concha and park area. Lots of cute little stores and restaurants along the way.
Hotel has always been OK. But I think that's just part of the Radisson Roulette - you never know what you are gonna get.
but it IS night and day compared to the Blu property on St. Martin.. that's for sure!
Hotel has always been OK. But I think that's just part of the Radisson Roulette - you never know what you are gonna get.
but it IS night and day compared to the Blu property on St. Martin.. that's for sure!
Jan 24, 2014, 10:36 am
#23
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EP; WN CP;UA SILVER; MARRIOTT TITANIUM; HH DIAMOND; IHG PLAT; RADISSON PLAT; HYATT GLOBAL
Posts: 1,938
At Radisson Ambassador Plaza San Juan Hotel & Casino - San Juan Puerto Rico.
Quick weekend getaway to escape polar vortex (Chicago 20 degree weather, here it is sunny and 90) and take advantage of $240 airfare ORD-DFW-SJU RT.
Been here before, knew what to expect.
Used points, 2 nights, using last night free.
Upgraded to suite on 5th floor. Large, fridge, micro, wet bar, balcony overlooking side street and parking lot. This time a sliver of ocean view through buildings.
Hotel is dated, very dated, but functional.
Welcome letter, bottle of wine waiting for me at room.
Welcome drink ticket, and two $10 casino coupons.
Did not rent a car, $15 taxi from SJU. Parking is around $16/night. Hertz on site if you want to rent a car for day.
This time no access to club, when I asked why not, b/c award night. It is BS, but since i have been to lounge and it is sad, not bothered.
Plenty of better options within walking distance.
Coffee is bad, walked 3 blocks to starbucks.
Free wifi, slow.
No beach access, dated roof top pool.
Bathrooms have been renovated a bit, with new shower heads, granite and double bowl sinks.
2 tvs, one flat in BR, other CRT in suite L shaped sectional couch LR.
Would not recommend for a family vacation if you want pool time or beach. Better options.
Overall fine, but dated, very dated. Great for friend trip to go out at night.
I am GOLD.
Quick weekend getaway to escape polar vortex (Chicago 20 degree weather, here it is sunny and 90) and take advantage of $240 airfare ORD-DFW-SJU RT.
Been here before, knew what to expect.
Used points, 2 nights, using last night free.
Upgraded to suite on 5th floor. Large, fridge, micro, wet bar, balcony overlooking side street and parking lot. This time a sliver of ocean view through buildings.
Hotel is dated, very dated, but functional.
Welcome letter, bottle of wine waiting for me at room.
Welcome drink ticket, and two $10 casino coupons.
Did not rent a car, $15 taxi from SJU. Parking is around $16/night. Hertz on site if you want to rent a car for day.
This time no access to club, when I asked why not, b/c award night. It is BS, but since i have been to lounge and it is sad, not bothered.
Plenty of better options within walking distance.
Coffee is bad, walked 3 blocks to starbucks.
Free wifi, slow.
No beach access, dated roof top pool.
Bathrooms have been renovated a bit, with new shower heads, granite and double bowl sinks.
2 tvs, one flat in BR, other CRT in suite L shaped sectional couch LR.
Would not recommend for a family vacation if you want pool time or beach. Better options.
Overall fine, but dated, very dated. Great for friend trip to go out at night.
I am GOLD.
Mar 21, 2014, 5:32 pm
#24
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: PHX
Programs: US,HH
Posts: 636
Stayed here Wed. night and it was probably one of the worst RD stays I've had. Was on the 8th floor club level, and there is no way I could tell the room had been renovated. Sheets were stained, hair on the sheets, hair in the tub, some foreign substance all over the bed skirts and the door handles seemed to be covered in the same substance. Probably the most unhygenic hotel room I've ever been in. As we walked into the lobby the area reeked of vomit. My guess is someone lost it at the Casino.
Shower temp didn't get over room tempurature and the shower head had very low pressure and the water only poured out, like it does from a faucet.
Location is good, a lot of restaurants, bars and shop in the neighborhood and the room was surprisingly quiet for the location.
Shower temp didn't get over room tempurature and the shower head had very low pressure and the water only poured out, like it does from a faucet.
Location is good, a lot of restaurants, bars and shop in the neighborhood and the room was surprisingly quiet for the location.
Mar 26, 2014, 10:25 am
#25
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: STL...for now
Programs: HH Gold, CC Gold, Accor Plat, BW Diamond
Posts: 224
Stayed here Wed. night and it was probably one of the worst RD stays I've had. Was on the 8th floor club level, and there is no way I could tell the room had been renovated. Sheets were stained, hair on the sheets, hair in the tub, some foreign substance all over the bed skirts and the door handles seemed to be covered in the same substance. Probably the most unhygenic hotel room I've ever been in. As we walked into the lobby the area reeked of vomit. My guess is someone lost it at the Casino.
Shower temp didn't get over room tempurature and the shower head had very low pressure and the water only poured out, like it does from a faucet.
Location is good, a lot of restaurants, bars and shop in the neighborhood and the room was surprisingly quiet for the location.
Shower temp didn't get over room tempurature and the shower head had very low pressure and the water only poured out, like it does from a faucet.
Location is good, a lot of restaurants, bars and shop in the neighborhood and the room was surprisingly quiet for the location.