Arrival/Check-In: After shaking off my winter blues and landing in sunny Puerto Rico, I took a 15-minute cab ride to the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, which sits directly on Condado Beach. The recently redesigned lobby was buzzing with tourists enjoying complimentary tropical drinks as they waited to check in. I was quickly greeted by friendly hotel staff and directed to my oceanfront guestroom.

Guest Quarters: The San Juan Marriott features the typical amenities of most Marriott resorts, including a cozy queen-sized bed, flat-screen TV perched on a sizable dresser and full bathroom with a tub and shower combination. A large desk with accessible outlets sat in one corner of the room, while a plush orange chair filled the other. When I opened the long stream of curtains that covered the far wall, I was delighted to see a large balcony overlooking the gorgeous Condado Beach. With the warm Caribbean air surrounding me, I looked down at the white sand which was dotted with the blue umbrellas of travelers who had already made it to the beach. The room was cozy, clean and comfortable, filled with the Caribbean sunshine that poured in through the balcony.

Services/Amenities: The hotel holds a pristine spot on Condado Beach, a stretch of white sand that tends to attract more sun worshippers than swimmers, as the current can be quite strong. When the sun goes down, the resort offers a colorful casino, an on-site spa, several dining options and the newly renovated Red Coral Lounge, which serves up fresh mojitos and lively entertainment every night. However, for those who want to leave the hotel and explore Puerto Rico, the resort’s location could not be better. Condado’s Ashford Avenue is lined with gourmet restaurants, luxury shops and plenty of other resorts and casinos. Alternately, after only a quick cab ride, you can also find yourself strolling through the historic cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, touring the Bacardi Rum Factory or even traveling back to the airport.

The Experience: Like most Marriott resorts, the San Juan Marriott boasts comfortable quarters, friendly staff and many on-site amenities; however, the San Juan property truly shows its strength in its impeccable location. As most of Puerto Rico’s best historic sites, restaurants and attractions are only a short walk or cab ride away, you can easily indulge in everything the Island of Enchantment has to offer, whether you are staying for a week or a weekend. I enjoyed my stay at the resort and would happily return upon my next trip to Puerto Rico.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

1309 Ashford Ave.
San Juan, PR 00907
tel 787 722 7000
marriott.com