The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel

It's the Ritz, so, expect that it will be nice. It's clean and the staff are exceptionally friendly and cordial beyond any hotel I've ever stayed. However, I felt like I always needed cash to tip and keep tipping, notwithstanding the daily resort fee you pay. I know that's how many employees make money but it gets old. The pool area is nice if moderate in size -- there's only one pool, so, that means kids/families, which if you go on vacation for peace and quiet, might be challenging. The beach is okay too, but, like other destinations, it has its share of debris on and in the sand; cigarette butts, used plastic straws/utensils, etc. The pool staff is accommodating and there's plenty of fresh water and oranges poolside. The lounge chairs seem a little dated -- when it rains in the morning, the foam retains so much water and doesn't dry well, we took the foam pads off the loungers and just used the slingback virtually every day. The lobby also has "free" cold bottled water and apples during the day. With the exception of the poolside cafe/restaurant [very dated and extraordinarily expensive for what you get -- $19 for 2 fish tacos?, $14 for a pina colada in a plastic cup], the hotel restaurants are nice. The Italian restaurant we ate at was 2 entrees + 3 glasses of wine = $140+, without appetizers, salads, dessert, coffee or tip. And, the bill will come with space for the waiter and captain's tip, respectively. Yes, the service and food were good but not sure $140+ and + 2 tips good. For breakfast, take a 3 minute walk outside the hotel and try Piu Bello or Las Carnarias, if you want something light and more reasonably priced than the full menu restaurant. There is a coffee bar with muffins etc. inside the hotel as well. The real issue for me at the Ritz was the taxi fares -- standard rates apply; $21 one way [w/out tip] to Old Town San Juan which is less than 15 minutes away. So, for dinner in Old San Juan, add an addtl $40+ to your bill just for transportation. There is a regional bus transport that runs between 30 - 45 minutes for $.75 that some guests used and said it was fine. That notwithstanding, the surrounding area of the R/C is very dingy, and, but for the noticeable police presence, probably not the best place to hang out. There's a "couple" restaurants on that street if you don't feel like eating at the Ritz or hiking it to Old San Juan. But, again, the area is not the best. There's also a hotel zone in an area of Condado [$17 one way taxi fare], which was more upbeat and very marginally reminded me of the south beach strip. Restaurants of note: Casa Lola (Condado area). Cafe Puerto Rico (Old Town San Juan). Don't miss: Old San Juan, forts, cemetery, churches, charm of residential streets and neighborhood restaurants. We did this all on our own -- took a cab into town and did all the sites ourselves. Very easy to do, you are on your schedule and Old Town San Juan is very navigable on foot.

Beautiful hotel but it was our honeymoon and they refused to upgrade our room. We had a view of the pool and city and it was super cramped in there. The pool is great and the beach water was warm (nothing compares though to the Pacific Ocean:) Great restaurant (Il Mulino was aMazing ;) Very family friendly Park across the street for much less!!!

AWSOOOOOMMMMMM, HIGHLY RECOMENDED. SERVICE ,LOCATION,POOL,BEACH,GYM,RESTAURANT,EVERYTHING YOU NEED

This hotel was perfect. Nicest staff we have ever encountered. Every single staff member was so happy, nice, approachable, and very well educated. Also the housekeepers cleaned the room so nicely. No matter where your room is you will get a beautiful view. The pool is very large and the perfect tempature on a hot day. The beach is also very gorgeous with comfortable chairs and umbrellas. Everything about this hotel is perfect and we would highly recommend it.

...little worn down - rusted bathroom, sheets had holes, bathtub had stains. Not as kid friendly as other Ritz (eg Orlando): no kiddy pool, actvities, etc. Friendly staff

We went to porto rico to celabrate our 55 wedding annaversy. The weather and the hotel were the best

The room was good size, clean, and quiet. The beach is fabulous, and the pool is relaxing. The staff was always helpful, and couldn't do enough for you. The service is what I've come to expect at the Ritz. The lobby lounge was a nice place to relax in the evening after dinner. The location is good, with a few decent restaurants near by, but not much else. Taxis are always lined up outside to take you where you need to go. I'd stay there again.

The staff was just the best we've ever been exposed to. Every single person was beyond friendly and helpful. The Isla Verde area, though, leaves a lot to be desired. The immediate neighborhood is seedy and depressed.

I always enjoy staying at the Ritz San Juan. The food is good, location is convenient to the airport and facilities are comfortable. However, this time, I noticed that the hotel needs to be spruced up. Pool furniture was aging, as was the pool. Some of the pool lights were floating in the water when the should have been properly mounted under the water. Seems dangerous is someone were the accidentally pull on the wiring attached to the lights. Service was also lacking. Maybe the number of staff have been reduced to compensate for lower rates and demand from the financial crisis. Overall a good stay, but don't expect the best Ritz experience.

Ritz Carlton- San Juan is a beautiful hotel. However the country itself is very dirty. The people of Puerto Rico are very polite, helpful and nice. A lot of run down and abandon places.