Note: Since we last visited the Ritz Carlton San Juan, the hotel has undergone an extensive renovation of their 416 guest rooms and suites.
What could be better than celebrating the big 4.0 alone with your hubs at the luxurious Ritz Carlton San Juan? That’s exactly what we did a few weeks ago for a glorious week of sun, relaxation and fantastic food.
This was our first trip without the girls and something we were really looking forward too. At first I was nervous about being so far away but honestly, we needed a break. Not to mention it’s imperative to maintain a healthy marriage to have time alone.
We chose San Juan because it has been years since I visited and hubs has never been. It also offers nonstop flights under 5 hours from Chicago. As long time members of Marriott’s Rewards program, we opted to use points and being the travel snobs we are, The Ritz Carlton was the obvious choice.
Known as a Puerto Rico’s most luxurious hotel with first class amenities, The Ritz Carlton is surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Located on eight acres of pristine beachfront property in Isla Verde a few short minutes from the airport, The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan provides an unforgettable retreat.
Sassy Mom Loved:
- Location was perfect! Just a short cab ride from the airport.
- Pool & Grounds – beautiful and well maintained. Equipped with pavilions, cabanas, lounge chairs and towels, it was where we spent each day. Never had an issue obtaining a lounge chair. We met another couple from Chicago which made our trip so fun. It became a ritural for us and a few other guests to end the day with drinks at the jacuzzi watching the sunset.
- Beaches – 8 acres of beautiful secluded beachfront, we loved taking walks throughout the day. It wasn’t crowded and very relaxing.
- Dining – Laurent Tourondel’s Il Mulino New York were beyond amazing! We ate at BLT twice, celebrating my birthday on our last night and left property only once for dinner. Breakfast was just ok and overpriced but that’s to be expected at a luxury property. The Ocean Bar & Grill was decent but nothing spectacular. The menu is extremely limited considering we were there everyday. How many fish tacos and cesar salads can someone eat? NOTE: Coffee lovers -there is a Starbuck’s a few blocks away from the hotel.
- Family Friendly – it seemed almost everyone during our stay was with their kids and the couples we spoke to seemed to enjoy the Kid’s Club.
- Intimate – the hotel has one main building and one pool. Restaurants, lounge, spa, casino and guest rooms are centrally located and easily accessible. We liked not walking very far to reach our destination on property.
Needs Improvement:
- Rooms – Accommodations are tired and in desparate need of renovation. Layers of paint are visible on the doorways and the carpet looked dingy and worn. I was a little shocked when we arrived at the condition and somewhat disappointed.
- Food Service Staff – Staff at the pool was extremely slow and we could barely find anyone during busy or slow times. It was faster to go to the bar and order drinks. Coffee bar staff became a little aggressive when asked to remake a cappuccino. It was so shocking I had to call the Food & Beverage Director. As I told the manager their staff needed better customer service training. If the same situation happened at the Four Seasons, the staff would have immediately remade the coffee and not blinked an eye. When you’re charging $7 for coffee it should be to the guest’s preference.
- Front Desk Staff – Pleasant and friendly, however we didn’t realize our ocean view room did not have a balcony, nor did windows open. We requested to be moved several times but never accommodated. We explained it was my 40th birthday and we were there to celebrate. I’m sure they were sold out but there are so many things the staff could have done to make up for this. Being in the hospitalty industry for 14 years, you get creative. It’s the small things that matter and make an impression.
- Spa – Based on the facility we decided to splurge for massages. The service wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t the best either. For the price, I’d probably pass.
- Casino – Hubs loves to gamble but the casino is very small and low-key. Not much energy but it’s nice to have as an entertainment option.
