The colorful, Caribbean archipelago of Puerto Rico with its beautiful beaches, centuries-old forts, and vibrant culture is welcoming visitors just seven months after it was hit by powerful Hurricane Maria. As the island returns to its place as one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting destinations, Marriott Hotels & Resorts is right by its side. The following properties, each with its own unique character, are ready to welcome travelers back to Puerto Rico. So, what are you waiting for?
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Set on 1,400 acres of the former Laurance Rockefeller estate along the sweeping Atlantic coastline, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the world and the first in the western hemisphere. Surrounded by verdant, tropical forest, the resort is designed as an open-air sanctuary with the five-star Spa Botánico, built on an adjoining pineapple field, offering treatments incorporating traditional Puerto Rican healing practices. José Andrés’s on-site restaurant, Mi Casa, honors the chef’s Spanish roots and incorporates locally sourced fare. Rooms range from oceanfront suites with floor-to-ceiling glass doors to Su Casa—a spacious, Spanish-style hacienda that accommodates up to ten guests.
The Ritz-Carlton San Juan
Perfectly situated on eight acres of beachfront in exquisite Isla Verde and opulently decorated in crystal, brocade fabrics, and gilded moldings, the 416-room The Ritz-Carlton San Juan is San Juan’s most luxurious resort. Just minutes from historic Old San Juan, this high-end hideaway is tucked away behind a long drive where, after entering, arrivals are escorted to sizeable rooms which overlook either elaborately landscaped gardens or a delightful swimming beach. In-room amenities include 100 percent cotton Frette linens, goose down and non-allergenic pillows, and digital air conditioning. Guests can enjoy two stellar restaurants—New York outposts of BLT Steak and Il Mulino, San Juan’s most lively casino, and a 12,000-square-foot spa.
St. Regis Bahia Beach Puerto Rico
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Puerto Rico, scheduled to reopen on October 29, is located on 483 acres of a former coconut plantation and native forest consisting of 100-foot palms and sea grape and almond trees, crossed by trails for walking, hiking, and biking. The resort enjoys the distinction of being the Caribbean’s first and only Certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary, which means that environmental planning and sustainable resource practices have been established with the assistance of Audubon International. Guests can tee off at the Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, indulge in a Remède Spa treatment, or enjoy Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s acclaimed cuisine, perhaps paired with a tropical cocktail, at Fern Restaurant.
AC Hotel San Juan Condado
The modern, 223-room AC Hotel San Juan Condado is ideal for anyone eager to explore the island’s capital while enjoying a cool and contemporary hotel as their base. Located in the heart of San Juan, the hotel debuted in 2017 and places guests within minutes of popular attractions like Condado Beach, art museums, and the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum. The four-star hotel has a rooftop pool with ocean views, free in-room Wi-Fi, a gift shop, library, and the AC Lounge and AC Kitchen, where you can relax over tapas and a craft cocktail. When not out exploring the island—perhaps on one of the hotel’s bikes—guests can use the spacious fitness center and outdoor tennis courts.
La Concha, A Renaissance Resort
A favorite of architecture aficionados, the midcentury modern La Concha, A Renaissance Resort in the city’s stylish Condado district is a landmark on the island, designed by architects Osvaldo Toro and Miguel Ferrer. Gracing the shores of San Juan’s Condado Beach since 1958, the resort has undergone a refurbishment in recent years with many original details and its streamlined décor looking as good, or better than, the day the hotel first opened. The Lobby Bar is not just a popular gathering spot for hotel guests, but also one of San Juan’s hottest places to meet for a drink. The resort’s iconic, shell-shaped seafood restaurant Perla offers more than 4,000 bottles of wine to accompany your meal in an elegant, Murano lamp-lit setting. There’s also an infinity-edged pool, fitness center, and 24/7 casino.
Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
Just steps from the city’s most beautiful beaches and ten minutes from the San Juan airport, Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort might be one of the most seamless, sun-filled vacation spots on the planet. All 260 rooms here have views of the ocean, complimentary Wi-Fi, and room service—there’s even a swim-up bar. Those seeking recreation can visit the fitness center and outdoor pool or take a spin on one of the resort’s complimentary (and very cool) Linus Bikes. Test your luck at the on-site Casino del Sol, dine at one of three restaurants, or cool off with a few scoops of tropical ice cream at the ice cream parlor, conveniently located in the hotel lobby.
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Rising above the shores of sun-soaked Condado Beach, the 527-room San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers prime beach access, a pool with a waterslide and whirlpool, and an on-site casino. Guest rooms and suites feature private balconies and there is a newly renovated Ocean Club Wellness Center where you can indulge in a range of treatments, four restaurants, and even an Italian gelato shop. Relax under a palm tree on the beach or explore nearby attractions including the Bacardi distillery, the fortifications of El Morro and San Cristobal, or the sprawling El Yunque rainforest.
Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
This triangular-shaped hotel and casino located smack dab on the waterfront is the perfect base for exploring the shops, museums, restaurants, and nightlife of historic Old San Juan. The recently renovated 240-room hotel has an all-new rooftop pool with views of San Juan Bay, valet parking, a 24-hour fitness center, and the on-site restaurant Palio which serves Puerto Rican fusion cuisine and hosts a nightly happy hour. If you want to visit Puerto Rico in grand style, you can reserve the 1,100-square-foot Presidential Suite or of the trio of newly renovated and expanded Governor’s Suites. The hotel is located just two blocks from La Marina Spa, a sumptuous, full-service spa where guests can relax and unwind. Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
This 503-room modern, upscale resort across the street from the Puerto Rico Convention Center offers a spacious sundeck with an infinity pool and hot tub, rooms with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows that have city, pool, or bay views, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, and the Quality Zen Spa. The hotel has a handful of restaurants and bars including an excellent sushi bar serving craft beer and fine wines while guests staying in Sheraton Club Rooms get access to free breakfast and snacks in the Club Lounge. Just minutes from historic Old San Juan and the San Juan beaches, the hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travelers.
