AC Hotel San Juan Condado

The staff made this stay. Everyone at the AC Hotel in San Juan was wonderful, and Iraida y Paola especially went out of their way to help. I’ve stayed in plenty of hotels across many countries, and this crew really stood out. They should teach a class. The rooms and shared spaces were clean and comfortable. Breakfast had a good variety, too. It’s about a five-minute walk to the beach, and they provide an umbrella, towels, and water for free. I’d absolutely come back.

I loved unwinding by the rooftop pool, listening to the ocean while I read and ate perfectly grilled salmon from Bar.C.Lona Rooftop Restaurant. The AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado made my first visit to Puerto Rico even better. After racing boats each day, I’d return to a spotless room. Housekeeping was truly outstanding. The front desk staff were consistently poised and polite, too. I was there for five days of boat racing and won a silver medal and a bronze medal. The hotel room had plenty of space, a luxurious shower, a good-sized fridge, and a safe. The hotel is centrally located, under a five-minute walk from the beach, with great restaurants, shops, and lively nightlife all around. I’d happily recommend it for a longer stay. Out on the water, I was delighted to see a large manatee, about the size of a hippo, calmly sharing the scene with the racing boats. I also got a kick out of the iguanas, which were surprisingly curious, almost like puppies. Three of different colors showed up. One, probably the teenager, followed us to the boat, then climbed a nearby tree to watch our race after we set off. A charming, if odd, spectator. After being in Boston with two feet of snow and temperatures around 12 degrees, I was happy to be in Puerto Rico at 79 degrees. It’s beautiful there.

The rooftop pool and bar won me over, along with how clean and modern the guest room looked. The lobby smelled great, and the staff were all professionally dressed. I’d originally booked another hotel on the same street, but it was dated, the AC didn’t work, and they never gave me a trash can even after I asked. A colleague had recommended the AC, so I checked it out, stayed two nights at the other place, then switched. That turned out to be the right move. The room was comfortable, the air worked, and it cost less than my first hotel. My rate included $25 to use on hotel food and drinks. The staff were accommodating while my room was being prepared. They stored my luggage securely and gave me a tag so I could collect it later. The hotel also has a beach section where towels and chairs are free. It’s a really nice place near the beach if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly stay.

We found plenty of vegetarian food nearby, which was a relief since I wasn’t sure there’d be much to choose from. The hotel’s in easy walking distance of the beach, and the crew were great. There was a daily credit for room charges that we could use for drinks at the rooftop bar. The rooftop pool was great, too. Sofia, the bartender, patiently helped us understand the partly Spanish menu. I’d recommend this place for couples or families.