Eillac - We are heading down and staying at the Hacienda Del Mar on May 5th for a week. I will inquire and let you know what we find out. We are a little concerned about staying at the HDM. Have heard things like it is a ghost town around there etc. Not that we wouldn't be going other places but it makes you wonder. Is the drive from San Juan Airport rough? Having never been there and not having any idea where we are going we are a little concerned about driving around too. Will let you know what I find out.

Lovekeywesttoo,

I never drive from San Juan. I always have a driver pick me up in San Juan and then we rent a car in Dorado. The drive would not be easy in my opinion. I love the Hacienda del Mar (even though it is quiet). We usually do a night trip into San Juan, go to the casino, have dinner, etc.. but we really enjoy going to the local places to eat in Dorado. We go up to the bar above Zen at the Hacienda and hang out in the evenings. The bartender is super nice. Honestly, it depends on what you are looking for as far as if you will like it or not. We go to Aruba too and the nightlife in Dorado is nothing like Aruba, but for relaxing, nice people, great beach, great golf- you will love Dorado.

I appreciate any info you can find out for me, and I hope you enjoy your trip!

Eillac - Thanks for the info. Actually, I called the Hyatt today and they recommended Vias Car Rentals in Dorado. Was this by any chance the company you used? I would feel better if they came recommended I think this might be the route to go. Get shuttle or whatever from the airport to the Hyatt and then rent a car in Dorado for short trips and then maybe venture out after we get our bearings. We enjoy just hanging out and talking with the bartenders and other people too in the evenings rather than the more wild nightlife. Will certainly check out the bar above the Zen. Sounds like a nice a place. Will check out the rest for you too.

Luvkeywesttoo,

Yes that is the car rental company we have used that last two times we have been to Dorado. We have never had any problems with them. If you just like to hang out and relax, you will enjoy Dorado. I do recommend going out and driving around. During my wedding last year, there was a huge carnival going on and everyone went out at night to the carnival and had a blast. If you don't venture out you won't hear about that type of stuff any other way. I hope you enjoy your trip.

just came back from dorado, we own a condo at end of beach at cerromar. Blackstone was suppossed to buy cerromar and reopen as a hotel. deal fell thru cause overlapping restrictions with timeshares. supposedly new investment group from PR to buy cerromar and have hyatt run as a hotel. also hyatt dorado to open as a 5 star boutique hotel, no idea on casino. trip from san juan to dorado is easy, route 26 to route 22 due west, takes about 35 mins.

best shopping at hacienda behind walgreens great steaks, chicken place, Pico Rico on rt 693 past cerromar on right, good ribs at Peewee's in dorado.

still the best beach in PR am sure hyatt won't allow to stay closed for too long. I HOPE.

Abogao,

That's great news about the reopen of Hyatt Dorado. It was my favorite place in Puerto Rico. Hope all goes well.

Can anyone verify that these hotels are actually going to re-open this winter?

We stayed at the Hyatt Dorado Country Club and it was great. I can't believe they closed it. I too am looking to see if they will reopen and will check out this forum to see any updates.

Did the golf courses remain open? Also was wondering about the casino.

We did try the Embassy Suites in Dorado, no comparison per golf course, beach, or rooms.

casino closed all 4 golf courses open, caribbean property group thinking of buying it and keeping as a hotel, both dorado and cerromar, probably not happening this winter. there are condos and villas for rent.