Have not been to San Juan in 30 years, so the wife and I went to explore. We are upper level Marriott RW members and stayed at the Marriott just down the street for one night, then the new Renaissance for two nights. We booked mid week to avoid the music. We were upgraded to an ocean front room on the top floor. The room and the view were terrific. But just like others, we were perplexed with the lack of a Hotel Information Compendiums for the room. Called the operator and was told they didn't have one. (First Marriott I have encountered without one.) So we also could not figure out how to work all the new technical equipment in the room. Tried the wireless internet and it connected but would not give me their website. Called downstairs and was told to hardwire connect my computer. (Cable was in the drawer.) Asked them where the cable went, and they responded " Into the back of the telephone." Thought we were back to dial up, but it was high speed and worked great. Guess the telephone is also internet operated. The staff was "the best." They were always asking if they could help. My only negative experience came when I tried to checkout. CHECKOUT TOOK 45 MINUTES!!!! I gave them a $50 Renassiance coupon that they could not post to my account. Asked for a receipt that also included information about my Marriott RW number, which they could not do. Finally got a "basic" receipt and tried to get my car from the Valet Parking. They asked for proof that I payed for the parking, which did not come up before, so they took my car keys and went to figure out the disconnect. The valet came back 10 minutes later and said, "You are all set." I then asked for a receipt for the fee they were going to charge me and I had to have a supervisor obtain that for me. Fortunately I had plenty of time before my flight, but people need to be aware that the Renassiance checkout and administrative system leaves much to be desired.

Spouse, two kids and I just returned. Despite some discouraging words from other TA posters, we had a fabulous time. This is the "place to be" on what will soon be the "South Beach of Puerto Rico". Yes, the area is in a "re-gentrification" mode, there is plenty to do and see just around the hotel. Restaurants galore and some very nice shopping...all around the hotel. Now the property -- we have not had such nice service in a long while. From the valet parking attendent (Luis) to the check in desk experience (Michelle Soto) to all of the Concierge staff, I rate this a 4 out of 4...no kidding. For the entire time, the staff were friendly and outgoing and bent over to assist with directions, restaurant reservations, making change at the front desk, attending to some room items, etc;. Can't say enough about the staff attitude and courtesy...no request too much to ask. As far as construction, yes, there is some on property as well as around the hotel (for example, the hotel two blocks away is being rebuilt...it was the old Condado Vanderbilt that is being returned to 5 star splendar) we had NO WORRIES. We were on the 8th floor and never hear a thing (the AC in the room and the sound of the waves helps, for sure). The pool area is very chic and comfortable with ample seating and lounging areas during the day and by night there is entertainment with waitstaff service, so that each night, after dinner, we returned to enjoy bands, fashion shows, etc;. The room is right on the ocean and the views are great. The room has complimentary coffee and wall safe for valuables. I will be happy to reply to posts as time allows if anyone has any specific questions. PS for anyone trying to decide on the Marriott Stellaris vs. the La Concha, I'd say that the Marriott is a completely different feel....it is a loud, big, busy caribbean lobby (coffee shop, lobby bar, casino off to the side with typical Marriott rooms)...we were torn between the two but were SO GLAD we stayed at La Concha.....visit with confidence. They are 2 blocks from each other...same beach. PPS We had a rental car, but didnt need it. The bus stop is right on the hotel property and Old San Juan is .75 and 20 minutes away....it's also a $14 cab ride. Hertz has a rental facility right off the lobby, so if you wanted a car to go to the rain forest or some other place, you'd easily have it. My guess is that the airport is a $25 cab ride to and from....about 10 miles. Also, there is a excursion booking service sharing the Hertz desk, so there are plenty of ways to get info about the area and for things to do. Again, the Concierge staff at La Concha was one of the best I've seen in years.

I have never before written a review for a hotel, but after such a dreadful experience at this hotel I feel compelled to let everyone know what they are getting themselves in for with this hotel.

I've read quite a few of the reviews for this hotel and am surprised by the positive ones.......this hotel thinks it is a nightclub and is obviously more interested in the revenue/profit from bar sales than it is the comfort of the hotel guests!

In fairness, I was very impressed with the contemporary decor of the pool/bar areas, and the contemporary fitout in the rooms is great.

But the decor of the hotel does not make up for everything else. The layout of the rooms and the location of the live music means that you cannot escape the music by closing your hotel room door............and the live music goes on to till 11pm, followed by a DJ till 3am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. So if you are looking for a hotel for relaxation and to catch up on sleep, this isnt it! Perhaps you should look at the HardRock Hotel for a quieter experience!

Also the housekeeping leaves a lot to be desired. When you go to a hotel of this supposed standard, you expect the rooms to be clean......on arrival to the room, sand in the shower from previous occupants, and black hairs in the shower, on the white comforter covers and all over the carpet indicated to me that the room had not been thoroughly cleaned.

This hotel is still waiting for the Hotel Information Compendiums for the rooms....over 3 months since they opened. So finding out what services are offered by the hotel is a lesson in discovery. Actually working out how to turn down the brightness of the LCD screen on the telephone so its not perpetual daylight in your room is one such lesson.........

So, the two main things I look for in a hotel when on a vacation are the comfort (including quietness) and cleanliness of the rooms. This hotel fails on both.

This hotel is a work in progress. Our room was small and had no balcony which for a resort area was a letdown. The air conditioning didn't work well and in fact we met other guests with similiar complaints. There was no bathtub and the shower had a half door which I think was designed for aesthetic purposes, but created a flood each time one of us showered. There was much contruction going on in and around the hotel which left many areas dusty and dirty.

On the upside the staff was very pleasant and helpful. The lobby and pool area were nice.

I would not recommend when there are so many nicer places in this price range.