Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel - Puerto Rico

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It was nice, but not as nice as we expected. Visited: June 2006 Posted by apietrykowski We just returned from a one-week stay at the Condado Plaza. We had a nice time after a rocky start. We had two families of four people traveling together, and started off with the rooms having one king bed for four people. Instead of having adjoining rooms, we ended up being on different floors, but with ocean views. The hotel, when we booked in December 2005, was listed as being a Wyndham, but wasn't since early fall of 2005. That was also a disappointment, but not a huge one. The worst part was that they were in process of a major renovation, so if you were not out by 9:00 a.m., you had the sound of jack hammers on the upper floors wafting on down. It should look great when they are done. The hotel is older, but not bad looking, so the updating will only improve it. The restaurants on site were good, but the swim-up bar was way over priced ($8 for a small 8 oz. cocktail/margarita). The pools were stocked with plenty of lounges; and the beach, while not huge, was nice. Yes, it was next to the road, but not that close where you had exhaust all over you. It was a nice protected lagoon, so the smaller guests can say they were in the ocean without having to deal with waves or undertow. The casino was nice, but not very large. The slots did give some good play for the buck, however. The location was very convienient for trips to Old San Juan, as the taxi rides were about $12 each way. I wouldn't suggest renting a car as there was not much parking in the old city, and traffic was unreal. Just get in a cab and hang on. Finally, picking up extra tours at the hotel's desk was very easy and no hassle. 19 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It seems to be sinking into the sea. Visited: February 2005 Posted by aboz1 I have stayed here many times for business (which averaged a week at a time). My last stay here was most disappointing (my fellow employees agreed). First, my car was broken into, and items were stolen. I informed the front desk and the parking service. I just received a look like "we don't care". Second, a fellow employee's room was not ready at 5:00 pm check in. Also, the room was not cleaned or restocked very well (wash cloths, coffee, etc.). I don't want to ramble, but after my company put me up in this hotel at least seven times and spent a lot of money here, I excpected a little better. The two people I traveled with this trip thought I was crazy for even staying here. This being their first time here, they were not impressed. In addition, the parking service was very rude at checkout. Also, the food was overpriced and not too good. I suggest you save your money and walk two blocks up to Wiakaki Restaurant. It was very good and with reasonble prices. The hotel should take service lessons from them! 11 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Disappointed in peoples reviews Visited: February 2004 Posted by momofllbd I am from Chicago and lived in Puerto Rico through my husbands employment for three years. I was so saddened to see some of these reviews. I stayed at this hotel at least 50 times and loved it everytime. I have three children and it was great with or without them! The beach is small but the pools are lovely and the service is empeccable. I have NEVER had a bad experience at this hotel. I loved it. I just wish we could have lived there longer!! 9 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? The Wyndham Condado Plaza was very nice. Visited: December 2003 Posted by drmcghee My two teenagers and I went for a visit just before Christmas and spent four nights. I have no comments on the casino of course, but the hotel was accommodating for us. Upon arrival, they did have some quirks with my reservations (did not place reservations under by request, and had the wrong room type booked), but they remedied it very nicely with an ocean front upgrade in a very spacious room. More than I was anticipating! The view was incredible and we had a very large balcony (I could see many other rooms did not have much of a balcony). The beach was nothing to speak of and we didn't spend much time there. The pools and the grounds were great for relaxing. I loved the swim up bar! Room service had great waiters, but my orders were incorrect almost every time. Not once did they correct my order without charging for items that were not provided at first. But that was minor. Of note, do not book any online tour packages. The hotel offered tour packages that were accessible. The online tours were not affiliated with the hotel and getting the tour group to provide their services could be difficult, as I found. Overall, it was a great experience for a small family wanting to be out and about. One day at the hotel pool and beach was enough. We spent the rest of our time venturing out! There was much to see in San Juan, so get out of the hotel and enjoy it! Walking to various restaurants in the evenings.. as well as shops, was very safe in San Juan. There were police who helped pedestrians cross the street where there were no visible crossing signs. We found that very reassuring. Overall, it was a clean hotel, with nice ammenities and okay service. It was worth going back to! 7 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Poor inattentive service and lousy food Visited: December 2003 Posted by lovingcharlie The staff of this hotel was inattentive and unhelpful and could not answer questions about the area. Parking for guests was expensive to the extreme. The hotel tax of $44 a day was robbery. The scrambled eggs at the buffet tasted like rubber and the omlet was concocted with tasteless condiments. A basic crummy hotel. 5 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Not as we expected from the pictures. Visited: July 2003 Posted by skiwisher We arrived on Saturday at 11:30-12:00 p.m. We pre-checked in and were told that our room would be ready at 3pm. Our luggage got lost, but arrived by 3:00. Fortunately, I had a bathing suit in my carry-on bag. We went to the beach, which was a public 2’x4’ piece of sand, almost on the street. By 3:00, I was ready for a shower, but our room was not ready until 4:00. We rented a car, but could only park in the hotel for a ridiculous amount of money. The area was okay we visited Wyndam El San Juan, which was apparently the place to stay and it had the beach and the ambiance. Our room was nice and oceanfront, but the pools were not as nice as pictured and were very overcrowded. This experience was a little disappointing. 7 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Stressful! Visited: April 2003 Posted by speakr47 As member of Wyndham by Request, I submitted an email informing them of my arrival 1:00pm. They replied that my room would be ready upon my arrival. I walked up to the counter for Member by Request and waited. There was no one attending the counter. I then got in line, and was told by the desk that I would have to wait till after 3:00pm for the room, because it was not ready. This was not pleasant, as we were exhausted from the trip. At 3:05pm, they gave me the keys to the room. We went to get something to eat first. Upon arrival to the room, we could not get in because the key did not work. So we had to go back down to the desk to get them to correct this. I was informed that that person had checked out. At this point I was very upset. They issued me a new key and returned to the room to finally relax. The following morning, we left to go to Arecibo, upon returning, feeling tired, the key did not work again. They had me checked out again. At no time did they apologize for the inconvenience. I was also told at the registration desk that they did not provide free parking for the handicap, contradicts there website, and they only have 3 spots for handicap parking as well. The parking spots for the guest are sold to people visiting the casinos and dances. There is no beach, just a spot off the main road, which I found to be dirty. This was unlike my experiences at Wyndham El Conquistador or the Wyndham San Juan. 3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was excellent. Visited: March 2003 Posted by jfmcgrew I was only in the area a short visit - on business. But I had the chance to enjoy a wonderful, exciting time at the hotel. The thing that impressed me the most was the beauty and "old Morocco" look of the lobby and hotel. The second thing I absolutely loved was the "Salsa/Latin Band" that played in the open lounge of the lobby area. I go to places for the view, food and music. I was not dissapointed here. A visit to the island is not worth it without a good Latin Band; It was top notch pure Latin entertainment. They were a great, classy showband. I highly recommend an evening dancing the night away, then a walk through the pool area, with a Caribbean moon hanging over, palm trees, tropical birds singing, the quiet of the night, and finally the night view of the lagoon. This was the place. I will go back, and I will recommend! With the food, Latin music, view, atmosphere - who could ask for more? 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? The Wyndham created an upscale state of mind. Visited: February 2003 Posted by lg4563 I just returned from a five-day stay at the Condado (given our current weather, wish I was there right now!). I had a wonderful and relaxing time and truly enjoyed my stay in the hotel. Overall, the service was responsive and friendly, the rooms were kept clean (though they often smelled of disinfectant), and the food and drinks were also fine. I think they were trying really hard to present an upscale image at this hotel. For example, there were little signs on the in-room desks that described the suggested "resort attire," so I believe the place wanted to take it up a notch. I would have believed this even more, had I not visited the El San Juan, in Isla Verde...those of you who have been there, you know what I mean. The Condado's after hours events were somewhat disappointing. Aside from the Firsta Lounge (which hosted some terrific live music), there was nothing going on. One suggestion...join Wyndham By Request before you go to any of their hotels. I got upgraded to an oceanview room, which was awesome, and alternative check in/out times. You can join this online. I would definitely go to Puerto Rico again, but I might stay in a different hotel. 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? A good choice in San Juan. Visited: November 2002 Posted by getzkaren My boyfriend and I stayed here for 4 nights just before Thanksgiving. We had a great time (and I am a picky person). We had received this hotel on Priceline for $75 a night, which was obviously a great deal. Upon arrival, since the hotel was not crowded, they gave us an ocean front room. The Pool Bar had delicious food and drinks.The rooms were spacious and luxurious. All the grounds were very pretty with tropical foliage. There were two great pools, one freshwater with a pool bar and slide, and one saltwater. There were also two hot tubs. We had a great time relaxing by the pools. A couple of complaints include: the pigeons at the pool area - when we were eating, they would not stop bothering us and trying to get at our food. Also, the beach was very tiny and unappealing - I would not sit on it. I don't really like beaches in urban areas. At checkout, they tried to charge us for calls and taxes that they should not have - so all I can say is make sure to inspect your bill. If you stay here, join Wyndham by Request - then you get free calls, can request room type, and get a free welcome snack and beverage. I have to say that the service in this hotel was exceptional. I would recommend this hotel and would consider coming back. However, if you want to stay in Puerto Rico for more than 4 nights, you may want to stay in San Juan a couple nights and then at a place like the Hyatt Dorado or Wyndham El Conquistador so that you can also get a great beach and more secluded vacation. The Condado plaza was also located in a good area and within walking distance to restaurants and shops. 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? 3 stars at best Visited: June 2002 Posted by kwbarrett_jr My wife and I just returned from 5 days at the Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino. First off, the hotel was clean and our room was ok. I guess I expect a little more than just satisfactory from a 4 diamond hotel. Nothing stood out that would make me rave about the place. I do however, have a major complaint about the number of kids hanging around the pools and other common areas. It seemed as if every night we were there was some kind of formal, I'm guessing it was prom. It appeared as though these kids also were able to check into the hotel as they all had keys. I never once saw an adult and not one of these kids was over 18 in my opinion (they could not enter the casino). We were never able to enjoy the pool due to loud teenagers running around, young boys throwing the girls in the pool, etc. At one point, while trying to swim laps, I collided with another young man who seemed to take exception to me being there. I'm one person swimming in one lane as the pool is marked to do. I was also there first. It seemed at one point as though others had complained because the hotel placed an attendant in the pool area, but he was simply outnumbered by the teens. They laughed at him as he told them not to dive, not to run, not to throw others in the pool, etc. We finally gave up on the pool. Don't get me started on the beach. It's about the size of a child's sandbox, okay maybe two sandboxes. It's probably just as well, as the surf is pretty rough near there. We pay $100-$200 per night to stay there. One should be able to park their car in the garage without much trouble. Instead we had to drive around for nearly 30 mins looking for some place to park as the partygoers who had some function at the hotel that night had double parked the garage to overflowing. I should also be able to sleep at 12:30 am instead of being awakened by the sound of loud music being played outdoors at the pool below, again one of the many formal parties that week. You can see that the service or lack thereof took away greatly from our experience at Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino and I would not recommend it to others nor would I stay there if I ever return to Puerto Rico. 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was a relaxing vacation. Visited: May 2002 Posted by fullydezired This was my first time to Condado, and will not be my last. I had the most relaxing, soothing vacation ever. I talk about this hotel to everyone I know. I definitely enjoyed my stay. Thank you, Condado, for making my trip a memorable one. 1 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Condado was paradise in Puerto Rico. Visited: May 2002 Posted by daretodream My friend and I stayed at the Condado for eight amazing days. We had a beautiful spacious lagoon room. We enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast buffet every morning at Max's, which had an amazing view of the ocean. The pools, casino, staff were all great. I would definitely come back to the Condado Plaza. I was sad to leave. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? It was a very good place to stay. Visited: April 2002 Posted by twelmar I stayed here with my team during the world championship volleyball for students. We all enjoyed the pleasant stay at the hotel. The rooms were great and the ocean was magnifcent. By the way, we placed 16th in the championship, which was not bad with 24 teams competing. 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? The premises are okay -- SERVICE does not exist! Visited: March 2002 Posted by sfschain I thought it strange when I read reviews about this establishment that people either hated it or loved it. I am in the middle and rate it 2.5. Although the hotel itself is nice, spacious and does offer a variety of restaurants and activities by the pool, other than the young lad who looked after the beach area (which by the way is no Waikiki but it is okay) and the young lady who served breakfast in the Cafe Express, there was no one else that understood what the word service seems to mean -- not in the restaurants nor at the front desk. The rooms are nice enough -- roomy, clean with all the standard amenities of the day. There is a bottle of water on top of the fridge that appears as if it is complimentary but, when you read the sign wrapped around it, it is $7.00 per bottle. You can buy the same size bottle in the gift shop for $1.79. The maid service was good and timely. Whether you tip or don't tip, it doesn't matter. It is all the same. When you stay at a resort as expensive as this place is, you expect some service. It was dead as far as tourists were concerned and there was an over-abundance of staff everywhere but it seems that they really didn't care to work. Drinks (from the bar or soft drinks) were not offered right away and you had to wait forever for refills. Water was not offered unless you asked. Containers of sugar and Equal were not on the table but you had to ask for it each time you ordered coffee or tea. Some waiters could not understand the word 'salt'. I am not saying that everyone has to speak English but, if you are catering to tourists and you are waiting tables, the word 'salt' should be recognizable. I thought it disgusting that the folders that were brought to your table after the meal, had to include a 'tip table' that indicated amounts of 15% or 20%. Two incidents: In Molinas we both ordered a different type of soup. The waiter brought mine and told my wife that hers would be about 5 minutes. I have never seen that before. He did take it back and brought it when my wife's was ready. I ordered a fruit salad 'to go' from Max's (the most over-priced eatery in the world) and all the waiter had to do was scrape the fruit from a paper plate to a plastic container. The price $14.00. I gave him a twenty and he had the arrogance to ask if I wanted change. I just stared at him! The casino is primitive and nothing like Las Vegas, Atlantic City or even some of the casinos that are popping up everywhere. Half of the slots weren't operating and you had to wait forever for change or service. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Phenomenal Visited: January 2002 Posted by rad Wow! This was my seventeenth year in San Juan and my eighth year in a row at the Condado Plaza. For three glorius weeks, I was pampered and treated like royalty! The staff at the Plaza was courteous, polite and always there to assist in any way. I was delighted to be part of the Plaza Suite guests, with continental breakfast, hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., and coffee available 24 hours a day on the 10th floor (pass-key required). If you're fortunate enough to have Alexandria or Cesar at the Concierge - take advantage of their knowledge of the Island (where to go, eat, etc.). Molina's was THE best dining in the hotel (Max's is simply a deli -that's it - and Cobia is "good", at best). The Casino (one of the nicer ones on the Island) was tucked nicely away on the second level and was not noisy in the slightest (this was where the restaurants were located also). Tipping gets you everywhere! Whether it's at the pool, concierge, or housekeeping - a few bucks here and there will ensure top-shelf treatment. if you're a cheap person, this is not the place for you. I have had lenghty conversations with hotel staff, locals, and waiters, and the biggest complaint from them is that "we" (tourists) are cheap and have attitude issues. I can relate to this statement as I have seen the ignorance and rudeness travelers have thrown in the staff's faces. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Little strip of sand called beach Visited: November 2001 Posted by yarek_aranowicz The hotel is noisy and Mezzanine level, where the casino is located, has the smell of Vegas. Bathrooms in much-claimed renovated rooms are small, and amenities are few. Five restaurants serve so-so meals with Max’s grill being the best choice but also quite expensive. Not much room around the pools, and the public beach is just slightly larger than my kid’s playground sandbox. The location of the beach is even worse, just by the highway, and close to the rocks. Service was OK but you need to be patient if you need something extra. The positive aspect of the hotel is the close proximity to old San Juan and the airport. In general, I do not recommend this hotel to stay. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Flawless service and fine dining. Visited: February 2001 Posted by mikeawebb Following a less than satisfying Carnival cruise, my wife and I had reserved a week stay at the Condado Plaza in San Juan. A quick cab ride from the port and we were greeted at the hotel by courteous staff and proceeded to check-in only to find that our travel agent had upgraded us to a suite and we were sent to the 10th floor for registration. The experience was relaxing and we were personally taken to our room, our luggage summoned from the main floor (it arrived almost immediately) and we settled into a lovely large room with a walk-in closet, sitting area and even a TV in the bathroom. To summarize: The hotel was immaculate. Housekeeping came twice a day and was thorough. The casino will take your money like any other, but it seems well maintained and secure. The best wing of the hotel was on the Ocean Side, as the Lagoon Wing seems older and less appealing. The pools were all lovely and more lounge chairs seem available than average. The restaurants ranged from fast food at Tony Romas and Max's (we didn’t try) and the pool bar (which was good) to that of oriental (fine for a dimsum lunch), to fine dining at Molina's (new and serves superb French haute cuisine—expensive) and finally Cobia (outstanding seafood), but be sure to make a reservation. Other fine restaurants in the Condado area rounded out dining and shopping was a quick trip into the old city by car or cab. Our overall rating was limited to 4 stars, probably closer to 4+, only because of the tiny and unappealing beach. The Condado is highly recommended and it's conveniently located and has all of the amenities. 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Very nice hotel, with great service in every area. Visited: January 2001 Posted by Capecod40 When we arrived at the hotel we were given an upgrade to a room on the 9th floor which required a key to reach in the elevator; nice clean room with a private lounge area for floors 8, 9, and 10 with complimentary coffee and continental breakfast. We dined at 2 of the restaurants and enjoyed them. The pool areas were perfect - something for everyone. Overall, we had a great time in this hotel. This is a Wyndham hotel so I did expect quality, which is what I received. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Wonderful Staff - Very Professional Visited: October 2000 Posted by irvingva Excellent accommodations throughout and great food. We had a great room for an acceptable rate and the staff were knowledgeable and professional. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful?