Recommend August 2011 - (Page 27)

Opposite page: A standard king guestroom. permitting). Better yet, a new service at the hotel allows parents to drop off children for a complimentary evening of pizza, soda and a movie in the care of child care professionals, while they enjoy a little one-on-one time at a romantic onsite restaurant. In keeping with that leisure focus, the resort offers a range of innovative and fun packages for families, girls’ getaways and romance. Starting nightly rates for packages range from $229 to $531, depending on inclusions which can be in-room movies and ice cream and free soda refills for kids 12 and under on the family deal, to candlelit dinners and massages for romance seekers. Valid through Dec. 31. Bookings made through Nov. 15 qualify for San Juan Marriott’s The Big Dig travel agent incentive program, where the top five agents producing the most room nights are invited to an all-inclusive stay for two, including air and tours. The five winners will also embark on a real treasure hunt for cash prizes totaling $10,000 hidden within five treasure chests buried in Condado Beach’s sand. Log bookings at BigDigSanJuan.com to qualify. recent renovations The lobby renovation is the fourth major project for the 511-room beachfront property. In 2006, the 12,700-sq.-ft. Stellaris Casino was renovated and now boasts 470 slot machines, 26 game tables and casino bar. It’s also smoke-free, making it a comfortable place for nonsmokers to enjoy gaming, while the Wan Chai Noodle Bar is the place to go for dinner or late-night munchies while at the tables or slots. Some $35 million was spent on guestrooms in 2007 and another $2 million was recently spent on renovations to the La Vista Latin Grill and the La Isla Grill and Pool Bar. Upgrades to guestrooms are all about improving the sleep experience by adding the latest technology. Rooms boast Marriott Revive bedding with 300-thread count sheets and wireless Internet access, while muted colors create a relaxing temporary home and all rooms feature a balcony with ocean views. The new La Vista Latin Grill looks out onto the pool and ocean and features Puerto Rican dishes and “Nuevo Latino” cuisine. La Vista Latin Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Another option? Ristorante Tuscany’s Northern Italian cuisine incorporates the slow-cooking techniques of Puerto Rico with delicacies include cannelloni stuffed with lobster ragout and ossobuco paired with saffron pappardelle. Other dining choices include the Coffee Merchant & Bake Shop for fresh brew, sandwiches and homemade pastries for breakfast, lunch and dinner. La Isla Grill and Pool Bar is a good choice for a burgers, grilled chicken and light fare for lunch and dinner, as well as tropical drinks, beer and cocktails. Room service is also available. “Product enhancements are extremely important,” says general manager Hans-Georg Roehrbein. “We constantly strive to be the property of choice for visitors to San Juan and Puerto Rico, so we continuously look at ways to provide superior and consistent service in an environment that is a reflection of that. As our guests’ expectations change, then we change and adapt to meet them.” n Archived related articles (available on recommend.com): Autograph Collection by Marriott (May 2011) contact information San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino: (888) 817-2033; marriottsanjuan.com august 2011 27 http://www.BigDigSanJuan.com http://www.recommend.com http://agent.recommend.com/magazine-archive/may-2011/autograph-collection-by-marriott/ http://www.marriottsanjuan.com http://www.ourlucaya.com http://www.ourlucaya.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend August 2011

Editor"s Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Regent Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: The Wayfarers
Africa Travel Options Mix the Classic with the New
Thailand's Koh Samui
Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia
Escaping to San Juan's Condado
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Central America: Roads Less Traveled
In Search of Flanders' Holy Ale
Downtown L.A. in the Thick of Things
Scrumptious Savannah
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth

Recommend August 2011