Though this is one of the closest hotels to the airport—almost under the glide path—it remains the only truly deluxe oasis in San Juan (it is located in the city's eastern suburb, Carolina). A tropically influenced version of the classic Ritz-Carlton design, it offers Ritz service, style, comfort and, above all, Ritz consistency—an especially welcome attribute on an island where the only consistency is the lack of it.
Staffers casually dressed in khaki await arrivals at the porte cochere, where a refreshing four-tiered fountain is encircled by palm trees. Lines are kept to a minimum thanks to a well-manned reception counter. The concierge earns his keep, dispensing advice, directions and reservations. In the main two-story lobby, eight pillars support a cove-lit ceiling. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the symmetrical pool and two columns of palm trees that lead the eye to the ocean beyond. Instead of the usual old-world paintings, art in the public areas picks up on the tropical theme with colorful abstracts.
Dining is varied, with an all-day plantation-style Caribbean grill for dining indoors or alfresco, and a more casual poolside bar and grill. The new and trendy BLT Steak restaurant offers New York-style steaks in a modern environment, and Il Mulino New York touts a menu from Italy's Abruzzi region plus an impressive wine list. Afternoon tea and Continental breakfast is served in the renovated lobby lounge, where the huge window overlooks the gardens. The only casino in the Ritz-Carlton empire is set off to one side and is now open 24 hours. Its lounge provides drinks and live entertainment nightly.
San Juan's best spa is beachside in a bi-level building, offering a splendid fitness center, 11 treatment rooms for traditional health and beauty regimens, a co-ed spa and a whirlpool. Among the treatments are the Cafe con Leche, a detoxifying coffee and coconut milk scrub, a rain-forest stone massage and a papaya and mango facial. The gift shop is stocked with scented candles and glamorous resort wear such as beaded sandals and glittery camisoles.
Even the two lighted clay tennis courts are beachside. The pool area is adult-oriented, and kids will look in vain for a waterslide or even a shallow area to play in. Children enjoy their own roster of activities.
The hotel's casino, open 24/7, always seems to be abuzz with sunburned merrymakers, sipping local Medalla beers and playing craps, blackjack and roulette.
Meeting space of 24,000 sq ft accommodates up to 1,300 people in the ballroom.
Oriental rugs grace corridors to the guest rooms, which subscribe to a traditional R-C look embellished with some island touches. These include bright floral spreads, wicker armchairs and colorful yellow Regency-striped wallpaper. The amenities are ample—desks, phones with data ports and voice mail, plasma TVs, minibars, safes, scales, coffeemakers, lighted cosmetic mirrors and hair dryers. From the padded hangers to the goose-down pillows, the detailing is readily apparent. The 211 Standard City View rooms face the airport instead of the ocean. The 76 more expensive Pool View rooms offer courtyard views, and the 74 Deluxe Oceanview rooms have blue water views and balconies in many of the king-bed units. Club rooms without ocean views cost the same as Deluxe rooms but provide access to a private lounge with all manner of culinary treats.
Attention is nonstop from 24-hour room service, valets and twice-daily housekeeping. This hotel pays more attention to its guests than any other hotel in San Juan, and a stay here is likely to result in repeat business.
