I’ve never been to San Juan, Puerto Rico other than to transfer at the airport and since I was departing on a Celebrity cruise out of San Juan I decided to arrive a day earlier and spend a little time on the island. The Ritz-Carlton San Juan is a perfect destination for a pre or post-cruise stay. It is located mere steps from the airport and only 15 minutes from the port and is directly on the beach.
There are 460 rooms which were renovated in November 2011 ranging from garden, city, and beach view. All rooms have sound-proof windows so you should never hear any planes taking off or landing at the airport next door. My room was on the ground floor and looked out into the inner courtyard right off the pool.
Speaking of the pool, it’s rather large and has many shaded areas. The sun can be very intense and I found most people sitting under the shade of a palm tree or under an umbrella. Towels and fruit-flavored water are in abundant supply as well as cabana boys to arrange your chairs and umbrellas.
Just steps from the pool is the Atlantic Ocean where you can also lounge on a beach chair under an umbrella.
The hotel boasts several restaurants from a steak house to the pool bar to the main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
I highly recommend the breakfast buffet at Mares (main restaurant) and if you book through me it’s complimentary as well as a $ 100 food and beverage credit as part of the Virtuoso amenities. Be sure to visit Jeremy at the omelet station where he will proudly tell you about his 7 kids and serve you the yummiest omelet you have ever eaten. If you’re in to gambling, the Ritz also houses its own casino. There is also a newly renovated spa, tennis courts, and conference center. I really enjoyed my stay as it was a great start to my vacation. Be sure to check out this hotel at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SanJuan/Default.htm or contact me for more details.