San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

After years of flying into San Juan only to make a connecting flight to another island destination in the Caribbean, I decided it was time to stay put for a couple of days before moving on, to see what San Juan had to offer. The Marriott Stellaris seemed to be the perfect place to stay due to its close proximity to the airport, attractions and city life. Seems I'm not the only one with the same idea, as the bustling resort is a hot spot for short-stay visitors, especially cruisers spending an evening or two before they embark on their Caribbean cruises. It's central location also makes it a top choice among business travelers, so stepping into the lobby led me to encounter a hodge-podge of business men in suits, the fun-loving travelers enjoying poolside drinks or the lobby casino, and families with small children.

When I say this lobby and resort is bustling, I truly mean the lobby is crowded with people at all hours of the day. This is not a tucked away beach resort on a quiet Caribbean island; this is smack dab in the heart of San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico. And just like a visit to our nation's capital or New York City, the hotel is filled with energy. As the hotel's general manager claims, this hotel is not for the families who want to sit still, but those who want to explore and experience life in San Juan. None of this is a bad thing! But it's important to remember this is a city hotel that happens to also be located on a beautiful beach.