City views, colorful buildings, beach pools, waves, waterfalls, and turquoise waters make San Juan Marriott a photography haven. Come on a tour with me of the heart of Condado and see for yourself.
The views of Condado from the Executive Lounge are breathtaking; at 21 floors up, you can see for miles. I visited the Executive Lounge at sunset and I lost track of time. At first, I sat inside and enjoyed hors d’oeuvers while watching the sun bless the sky, it’s rays shooting down in all directions.
As it went below the buildings, the sky lit up with color. I spend another 20 minutes sitting on the balcony and listening to the waves crash below. The air was still warm and there was a light breeze. I didn’t need a sweater or pants; my dress was warm enough for the Caribbean weather.
Today, in the middle of the day, without a magical sunset or golden hues, the views were equally spectacular. I enjoyed the bird’s eye view for another hour before returning to my room. It’s easy to get lost in the moment here. 
Whether you enjoy swimming or just relaxing on a lounge chair, the pools at San Juan Marriott have you covered… or uncovered depending on if you’re working on your tan or not. I’m not much for tanning, but I could swim for hours. I watched an 18 month old girl playing in the water and it was a refreshing reminder of how much Athena loves to be in the pool. I also noticed an older girl, maybe 5 or 6 years of age, swimming back and forth in one of the smaller sections of the pool. Her father was proud and smiled every time she touched the wall. I offered to time her with my watch and she giggled before saying, “Please!” It looks like a made a new friend, too, because when she saw me later in the day she swam in my direction and asked if we could play together again. It was a simple moment but I felt good about her trust in me.
Both the city and pool views will bring a smile to your face, but it’s the beach that is the piece de resistance. I can’t get enough of it. I played in the waves for 45 minutes today and I was shriveling up and exhausted but I didn’t want to go inside. Then, when I finally got out of the water, I went to my room and sat on the balcony looking down at the ocean until sunset.
Puerto Rico is stunning and San Juan Marriott offers some of the best views in the Caribbean. I could definitely warm up to winter if I spend more of it here.
Bucket List Publications 
Beautiful!
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Thank you! Do you prefer the beach or the pool when you travel?
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Well, that depends on the beach or pool in question, but I’d have to say the beach 9 times out of 10. There is nothing more relaxing than the sound of the waves!
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And I’m the loser in Mexico by the pool the whole time hahaha
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Well, if it was an especially fantastic pool, then I can’t say I blame you!
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We stayed at this hotel two years ago and loved it. There are also a variety of eating places within walking distance.
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They’ll done tons of updates recently too! It’s a beautiful property in a great location. Perfection!
Were you here with family? Was it a work or pleasure trip?
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Sorry for the delay in responding. We were there for a vacation with another couple. We would love to go back again.
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It looks very beautifull Leslie, thanks for sharing.
Irene
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Thanks for reading 🙂
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Breathtaking
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One of the nice things about being at a place like this are the views. You can stay in the hotel and enjoy yourself, just by taking in those great vistas 🙂
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Even at night, I can still hear the waves crashing on the beach. It’s music to my ears. 🙂
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Lovely, but for my tastes lose all the buildings. Even if that means sleeping on the beach. 🙂
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Great photos!
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Just stayed at a house down the beach from the Marriott a few weeks ago, and it was the most fun I’ve had on a beach in a long time. The waves were perfect for playing in! Glad to know someone else appreciated them just as much.
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I love them too! I could spend the entire day there.
Did you tour around while you were here? What was your favorite activity? Did you get to the bio bay?
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I couldn’t tear myself away from the beach for long, so the only other places I went were Old San Juan and the rainforest. No Bio Bay this time, although friends I was with had gone before and loved it. Favourite activity was a simple one – just avoiding winter for a little while. And eating! I went with no expectations, but we found some great places in Ocean Park and Condado.
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This is gorgeous!
http://jenessasheffield.wordpress.com/
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Spectacular pics!
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I’ve nominated you for The: ‘Sunshine Award’. Check my site… It should be up later tonight…
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I love the story of you making friends by timing the little girls laps. So sweet.
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Gorgeous!
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That look absolutely awesome!
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The land of my birth. Truly the beaches of the Caribbean have no parallel.
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Looks amazing. It’s nice having a pool but I’m defiantly all about the beach when on holiday. Spending hours playing in the waves.
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That’s my kind of day! Since I was a child, we always played in the waves for hours. Do you have a favorite beach destination?
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Can’t beat the Western isles in Scotland for a good beach though not always the warmest. Wetsuits usually a requirement.
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A really proficent post!
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Gorgeous! Is the Marriott within walking distance of Old San Juan?
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Not really, but taxis are really reasonable. (I’m sure you can walk to Old San Juan from the Marriott but we didn’t.)
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Aw Lesley..you do make a girl dream. So beautiful. I hope you are having the time of your life. Much love and light to you and have a blessed day!
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I’ve stayed at this hotel twice. It has everything one could want. No need to venture out if
you enjoys relaxing in one place.
Hope you enjoyed a rum and coke while basking on your balcony watching God’s creations.
Nice post …!!!
Isadora
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Hi Isadora,
The location of the hotel is ideal. I did venture out and explore. There are so many unique experiences in Puerto Rico. Did you do any excursions?
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Actually, both times I was there for estate court issues. The stress voided our desire to do anything but relax at the hotel.
I hope to go back and see El Yunque ( the rainforest) and visit other places I’ve wanted to explore and haven’t been able to.
I did go to El Morro (the Fort in San Juan). It was interesting. Enjoy !!!!
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waw, nice pics 😀
its beautifull
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I’ve only ever been to PR once, but suddenly I’m thinking a return is in order!
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So LUCKY! I hope to travel there one day. I grew up on an island, and I want to travel to lots of different places with beautiful waters. But I should try to travel to places that are the opposite. haha
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Beautiful place! I’m just looking forward to going away to a beach — Bahamas in March!
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Gorgeous! I hope you got to try some local food while you were there, particularly mofongo. Fried & mashed plantains with pork and garlic, usually topped with shrimp. *drool* Now I’m really in the mood to make some.
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I was here quite some time ago. Great hotel – especially the outdoor breakfasts!
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Looks like a fun hotel to stay at ~ reminds me of when I stayed at the Hilton on Turtle Bay, Oahu, Hi, while in the US Army many moons ago…
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