Our stay at the Rio Mar was quite a disappointment. These feelings were further enhanced after we visited the El Conquistador and were overwhelmed by the experience of a true luxury resort. I highly recommend at least visiting the El Conquistador if you are not able to stay there. The Rio Mar is a very poorly managed hotel. The front desk staff appeared to be bombarded with complaints. Upon check-in they first tried to assign us an absolutely appalling room. The furniture appeared to be quite old and dilapidated, while the room reeked with a musty odor. After complaining, they moved us into a room that was a bit more modern, but still wasn't anything special. The staff at the massive dining facilities were horrible. They seemed lost in their own worlds, joking amongst each other while ignoring the patrons. We were only able to get service after asking for the managers. Eventually, we reached the conclusion that we needed to contact the manager immediately upon entering the dining room to ensure good service. The check-in and check-out process was slow and disorganized. I definitely would not stay here again. The hotel needs a complete overhaul if it were to best suit the needs of sophisticated travelers.

My husband and I honeymooned at the Rio Mar Sept. 14th-21st and had a wonderful stay. The only complaint I have is that we were missed for maid service for 3 DAYS! I had to call and/or go to the front desk and request that we at least get clean towels. I was a bit surprised about that for the level of hotel that the RIo Mar really is. And, yes, everything is expensive!

We were upgraded the 3rd day to an ocean front room upon request and really enjoyed the balcony in the evening listening to the cocqui frogs and waves rolling in as he enjoyed a PR cigar and I sipped a glass of wine. (Definitely ask for a fridge and buy your own drinks/water at Amigo's grocery!) Coffee is WONDERFUL and we bought several cans of the same brand the hotel serves at Amigo's to bring home.

Definitely see El Junque rain forest! We also toured the island and a rental car is really the best way to get around. Enterprise Rent-A-Car staff are awesome! Just grit your teeth, genuflect and brave the PR drivers! We went Aricebo, Ponce, old San Juan, and El Morro. We felt like pros getting around by the end of the week. The drive to Ponce through the mountains was beautiful.

But, the biggest disappointment of PR was the beaches.....not pretty like other places in the Carribean. The Rio Mar beach was the best we saw, but has alot of wave action. (Go down the beach to the east where the Rio Mar river empties into the ocean and you will have better luck beach combing). We were unable to dive because there were not enough tourists (low season) to make it feasible for the dive operators. Several places tried to get us on a dive boat (Thanks, Susie and Peter, at ECOTOURS). The Biobay tour was AWESOME and I am glad we went, (although my new husband said he was ready to divorce me because I didn't know my left from right when it came to paddling in a kayak!) But, being there during low season was great because we didn't have crowds to deal with. Weather was great, as well.

So, we can say we have "been there, done that", in terms of PR. People were friendly, but we were careful in terms of safety. Other places to go and things to see! Anyone been to the Galapagos?

I love this hotel...some times i go there 3 or 4 times a year...
personel are so friendly that you feel so welcome they receive yoy with this smile and I never had a problem..the rooms are great., pool i love the pool they have music and enterteinment..
they are making some changes they dont have the casino open until oct 2007 they are making some changes for good..
this hotel its perfect for honeymooners....

We booked a great deal from cheapcaribbean.com.
The property itself is huge and very well kept. The hotel had a friendly and helpful staff - from the front desk to engineering. Upon arrival, we reqested rooms next to eachother and they were able to accommodate. Then we asked for a room change because there were some ants in our room. (Which is typical, since we were next to the rainforest!) And again, they were happy to accommodate us. Overall, our experience in the hotel was great. Highly recommended.. considering I have been working in the hotel industry for over 5 years.