Sharing a recap on where we stayed during our trip to Puerto Rico (not sponsored). As mentioned in another post, Frank and I are both 100% Puerto Rican, and have been to PR many times and we still have family around different parts of the island. However, for my childhood at least, anytime we would go, it was strictly to visit family so we didn't really get to do any of the fun stuff other than the beach. Frank and I went back by ourselves in 2011 for a cruise but it was just a few hours in San Juan so we didn't have enough time to do much. Our kids have never been to Puerto Rico so this was their first time.
For starters, when we arrived at the airport (SJU) we went straight to Enterprise to pick up our rental. I made sure to reserve a car three months prior to arrival. We are a family of five so we needed an suv to fit all of us comfortably. I did the math beforehand and if we were to have used a driver, uber, or the hotel transportation to/from the airport, we would have spent a lot more than just renting a car. Even with having family there, we are a big family so therefore, it was cheaper to just rent a car to have our own space.
FYI: I also heard Uber isn't reliable around certain parts of the island so just keep that in mind. There are also tours you can book a driver through but for us renting was cheaper. This also allowed us to be on our own time and schedule and not have to wait on anyone else.
WHERE WE STAYED
We stayed at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar. I've had this hotel saved for a few years but I will say it was a spurge. It's actually located right next to El Yunque rainforest. This hotel is HUGE, and is joined with Margaritville so there are a couple different pools. The hotel also has a huge golf course which was important to my husband and I since we both started golfing a few months ago.
PARKING
The hotel itself is about a 45 minute drive from the airport. As I mentioned above, we rented a car and just paid the hotel on site parking which I believe was $18/day. There is a parking garage, as well as an overflow parking which is outdoors - across from the main parking garage.
BEACHFRONT
The hotel has a private beach which was the main reason we booking here. There are also 2-3 restaurants/bars right there. You get complimentary towels, beach chairs, and umbrella rentals.
POOLS
There are quite a few different pools, including a splash pad and pool for little kids. I also like there is an adults only pool and hot tub.
FOOD
There are a ton of food options all over the resort. The food is great here, however, I suggest eating off site, especially for breakfast. There is no way to describe the smell and taste of fresh pan (bread) in the local bakeries. We drove to Rico Pan and Farmcoop (grocery store) during our stay for breakfast and groceries. Our room did not have a microwave but it did have a fridge so we bought a half gallon of milk, some cereal, fruit, snacks, all the things. The hotel also proves reusable water bottles which you can refill at the water stations around the hotel. For coffee in the morning, you have a small espresso machine in the room. There is also "Roots to go" which has coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches.
OVERVIEW
We loved it here. I was so happy with my choice and wish I could have extended our entire trip. The staff is very friendly, respectful and knowledgeable. We were here for the 4th of July and the hotel went all out with games, parades, actives, and music - ending with a firework show at the end. We enjoyed our stay here and cannot wait to return to the island.
XO CHRISTINA
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