Aloft San Juan — Restaurant in San Juan

Please do not stay at this hotel. I am highly disappointed at the level of service received by Marriott Bonvoy and the Aloft San Juan staff when I tried to book. I opted to stay here for an upcoming trip on December 5, 2024 - December 8, 2024. Upon booking via cash + points, it states that a king room was available for the nights and I had the option to select the USD rate or the points rate for each night except December 7th. It only gave me the points option but the dollar amount says “undefined” for the 7th. When I tried to select the points for that night, and pay for the other two nights via USD, the system gave me an error. After calling Marriott Bonvoy on three separate occasions and even speaking to a manager, they put the same info in there and got the same result. They all said the hotel was sold out for December 7th, but when we all tried to book the reservation without any points and just simply the rate for cash, there was no issue at all. The total was $1058 for three nights (which is too high for something that doesn’t not offer all inclusive options and airfare/ transportation is not included like you’d get at a real resort if booked with Costco or a travel agency ). You can not book the reservation with cash + points for only one night because there is a 2 nigh minimum so I couldn’t just book for the 5th-6th with points and pay the regular rate for the 7th in a separate booking. Also, if you put only the 7th in to book for one night, it says no availability, but if you book three nights (including the 7th) there is availability. It’s obvious that this hotel is playing tricks to make you pay way more than you should. That is totally unacceptable to advertise that you have no rooms available on the 7th because you all want people to pay for at least 3 nights. What if there was no availability at any other hotels in the area on the 7th? So you all would refuse a room to someone just because they aren’t paying for 3 nights? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will be contacted about the price gauging and refusing stays. This business is still governed by the U.S. I am highly disappointed in Marriott because I have several stays that gave me qualifying points. When I am ready to use them, it seems as though I can’t. DO NOT STAY HERE. Also, the gentleman at the front desk just brushed me off when I tried to speak to a manager directly. Marriott Bonvoy told me to contact the management at the hotel because they control which points can be used for stays. The points is one thing but to say you don’t have anything available when they actually do is another. They want you to pay for atleast three nights in order to get one room. This should be against the law and I am contacting the CFPB...

Beware of the "Destination Fee!"

Our final destination was the west side of the Island and arrived into SJU on a late flight. We spent the night there and left early the next day.

The Good - fairly new hotel located smack in the middle of Distrito T-Mobile which is an entertainment venue similar to Downtown Disney. Several family-friendly restaurants, music venues, and an adventure park in one spot.

The Bad - breakfast at the hotel was atrocious. While there are many restaurants nearby, they all open around noon. We waited in line for 15 minutes to place an order at the hotel WXYZ Bar, then another 45 minutes to get our food in a to-go shopping bag. (We were eating there.) The breakfast frittata was warm on the outside but the inside was refrigerator-cold. The mixed potato and veggies were soggy and lifeless. Perhaps the most mind boggling aspect was that it took 45 minutes to serve a half-warm, microwaved entree that was prepared days before.

The Ugly - the Destination Fee is 16% of your room rate (so it is not fixed) and is automatically added to your bill. (See photo) You get one free drink at the WXYZ [we checked in at 1130 pm and it was already closed]. Complementary local and long-distance calling [for those if you that still don't own a cell phone]. A free shuttle to the beach [we were just spending the night]. A free bicycle rental [subject to availability, of course]. You get a coupon for the casino across the street [this is a promotional coupon that the casino gives out to everyone]. Best if all, you get complimentary self-laundry!

Needless to say, we weren't having any of this nonsense. I spoke to the front desk to have it taken off. They did not push back. At checkout, I requested a printed copy of my bill to ensure it was not on there. Not sure how this is even legal.

In all, it is a nice place with lots of things to do nearby. Have alternate plans for breakfast and read...

Aloft San Juan is a vibrant and modern hotel that offers a unique blend of comfort and style, making it a standout choice for travelers visiting Puerto Rico. Located in the bustling Convention Center District, it provides easy access to both business and leisure attractions, including beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Upon entering the hotel, you're greeted by a sleek, contemporary design that sets a welcoming and energetic tone. The lobby is lively, with colorful decor and open spaces that encourage socializing and relaxation. The check-in process is typically smooth and efficient, with friendly staff ready to assist with any needs.

The rooms at Aloft San Juan are well-appointed, featuring a chic, urban aesthetic. They are equipped with comfortable beds, spacious workstations, and high-speed Wi-Fi, catering to both business and leisure travelers. The large windows offer plenty of natural light and often provide great views of the city or nearby waterfront.

One of the highlights of Aloft San Juan is its array of amenities. The Re:mix Lounge and W XYZ Bar are popular spots for guests to unwind with a drink or enjoy live music. The outdoor pool area is another draw, offering a relaxing space to soak up the sun and take in the views. For those looking to maintain their fitness routine, the Re:charge gym is well-equipped with modern workout equipment.

The hotel also boasts a convenient grab-and-go food service, Re:fuel, perfect for a quick bite or a coffee on the run. Additionally, its pet-friendly policy makes it an excellent choice for travelers with pets.

Overall, Aloft San Juan provides a refreshing and dynamic stay with its modern amenities, stylish rooms, and prime location. Whether you're in town for business or leisure, it offers a vibrant and comfortable base from which to...