Frommer's Review
This $180 million, 481-acre (193-hectare) resort lies on a relatively uncrowded neighbor (Rio Mar Beach) of the massively popular Luquillo Beach, a 5-minute drive away. It was designed to compete with the Hyatt hotels at Dorado and El Conquistador, with which it's frequently compared. It's the freshest and best property in the area.
Landscaping includes several artificial lakes situated amid tropical gardens. More than 60% of the guest rooms look out over palm trees to the Atlantic. Other units open onto the mountains and forests of nearby El Yunque (just a 15-min. drive away). Throughout, the style is Spanish hacienda with nods to the surrounding jungle, incorporating unusual art and sculpture that alternates with dark woods, deep colors, rounded archways, big windows, and tile floors. In the bedrooms, muted earth tones, wicker, rattan, and painted wood furniture add to the ambience. Bedrooms are spacious, with balconies or terraces, plus tub-and-shower combos in the spacious bathrooms.
The resort encompasses the Rio Mar Country Club, site of two important golf courses. The older of the two, the Ocean Course, was designed by George and Tom Fazio as part of the original resort, and it has been a staple on Puerto Rico's professional golf circuit since the 1960s. In 1997 Westin opened the property's second 18-holer, the slightly more challenging River Course, the first Greg Norman-designed course in the Caribbean.
For diversity of cuisine, the only hotel in Puerto Rico that outpaces it is the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort. The resort also has a 6,500-square-foot (604 sq. m) casino.
Facilities: 12 restaurants; 5 bars; 3 outdoor pools; 2 golf courses; 13 tennis courts; health club; spa; deep-sea game fishing, sailing; children's programs; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; rooms for those w/limited mobility; casino; nearby horseback riding.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
