It’s such a dreary, cold day in NYC. I’m wearing a turtleneck sweater *shakes head* . Just a mere 2 weeks ago I was enjoying 85+ degree weather in Puerto Rico. After leaving Vieques (cue sad trombone) we headed to San Juan for a few days of citified fun.
Kite flying at El Morro
This was the first time family trip to Puerto Rico. San Juan became one of my favorite destinations after I flew there for a destination wedding several years ago. I have also flown down to Puerto Rico solo for vacation. When in San Juan, I usually stay at the Intercontinental Hotel in Isla Verde. It’s on the beach, has a casino and is 3 miles from the airport. They even provide massages on the beach. I was in search of a suite and none were available at the Intercontinental.
We ended up staying at the San Juan Marriot Resort and Stellaris Casino. I’m not giving it a ringing endorsement. Check-in was at 4 pm and I think I got the room key at 3:55. Granted we arrived a bit early but deep down inside I felt they were just being mean. The room was large and very clean but it was not a suite. When I complained I was told I could upgrade to the Presidential suite for an extra $200/night. There was one bathroom – which could only be accessed via the master bedroom. The kids had a sleep sofa – which didn’t bother me – but the lack of privacy did. Lets say I want to have a little Mommy/Big P time – oh wait – someone has to enter my bedroom to use the potty. I was not digging the Marriot. But if you’re a nun or a monk you may love it!
What did I like about the Marriot? The oceanview balcony was great. (The beach looked beautiful but the water is rough. Kids may like it but not nervous mothers.) I also got in a workout at the gym which was spacious and clean. Would I stay there again? Hell no!
Since I had Big P and the kids in tow, I kicked into mommy concierge mode. “Lets see the rainforest and explore Old San Juan.” OMG – how could I have been to Puerto Rico twice before and missed these gems? ( Girlfriends + Pina Colada= No sightseeing!) While we explored the old castles in San Juan, I mentioned to my daughter that although I didn’t know much about Puerto Rican history – these castles, the huge stonework – spelled slave labor and the evils of colonialism. My daughter turned to me and said, “Stop being a Debbie-Downer.”
If you haven’t been to Puerto Rico – Just.Do.It. I know in another life I was Puerto Rican. I must have done something pretty darn awful to end up in NYC. Oh and to my peeps at the Marriott Stellaris, I think you should use the title of this post for your advertisements#justsaying.
Has a hotel ever sucked the romance out of your vacation?
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