Puerto Rico has accommodations for every type of traveler. History buffs will swoon at the old-world charm of the landmark El Convento in Old San Juan, while families will be entertained by the many offerings at the expansive El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo on the island’s eastern coast. But for those who want to stay in the middle of the action, where days are spent relaxing on the beach and the nights bring fine dining and hip clubs, the San Juan Marriott & Stellaris Casino is the place to be.
The AAA Three Diamond hotel has been welcoming visitors to the trendy beachfront Condado neighborhood for 30 years. And because I’ve stayed at a variety of hotels across Puerto Rico, from the aforementioned El Convento and El Conquistador to the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino in San Juan’s Convention District to small family-owned farms on the southern shore, I was excited to experience this property during a recent holiday trip to La Isla del Encanto.
A San Juan Staple
The Marriott Stellaris rises from the sandy shores of Condado Beach, about half a block east of the La Concha Resort, with its iconic shell-shaped restaurant. Its entrance is on Ashford Avenue, the main street that cuts through San Juan and runs to Old San Juan or Isla Verde. This prime location offers easy access to top eateries, shopping, and other tourism attractions.
The large square tower includes 531 guestrooms and suites, 12 meeting rooms totaling more than 14,000 square feet, two adjacent pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, multiple indoor and outdoor restaurants and cafes, and a casino. At the end of 2024, the hotel unveiled an $80 million comprehensive renovation at the end of 2024, and its updated designs and airy color palette give both the public spaces and guest rooms a fresh, modern appearance.
Creamy whites and pale taupes run throughout the public spaces. Light wood paneling, beige terrazzo flooring, and wicker and seagrass add to the coastal organic aesthetic. Shades of blue pop in area rugs, fabric and leather upholstery, and accent walls. And potted plants bring the tropical feel of the island’s outdoors in.
Staying at Marriott Stellaris
Guest rooms include 250-square-foot standard or 275-square-foot large rooms with a single king or two double beds, 409-square-foot studio suites, and 600-square-foot executive suites with separate living areas. Then there’s the 1,388-square-foot one-bedroom Presidential Suite, complete with a massive wrap-around balcony.
I stayed in a standard king room with a city view. The space is decorated in soothing earth and ocean tones, with cream-hued walls, light wood flooring, a large wood accent wall with attached slim-lined nightstands, and a headboard-sized abstract artwork in shades of blue and gray. Wicker light fixtures and a bamboo side chair and ottoman heighten the cozy, organic vibe.
The color scheme continues into the bathroom, where shades of brown and beige are complemented by bubble-shaped blue artwork. The open vanity runs the length of the room, providing plenty of space for toiletries and other essentials. And the walk-in shower includes a rainhead-style showerhead and a separate handheld sprayer. Toiletries are by the natural skincare brand ThisWorks.
Activities Abound at Marriott Stellaris
With so much to do around town, one almost feels guilty just relaxing on the beach. While all beaches in Puerto Rico are public, the Marriott Stellaris provides plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for use by hotel guests only. Swimming, however, is not recommended due to strong currents and undertow. If you do want to spend time in the water, the two pools are relatively uncrowded. One pool features a sloping walk-in beach-style access. The other has a circular slide. They’re both surrounded by dozens more lounge chairs and cabanas. A pool bar, Brisa, is steps away from the main pool. It offers drinks and food on the patio or chair service.
There are plenty of other culinary options at the hotel. Just off the lobby is Café Mercado, which offers fresh coffee, pastries, and to-go items. Anchoring the lobby is Azure Lounge. Here, you can grab a beer and watch the game at the open Stellaris Bar or enjoy some light bites in the cozy dining area. Next to Azure is Sakana, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant. Additional options include Cosecha, the oceanfront Caribbean and seafood eatery; Terrazzo, for stone-oven pizzas; and, of course, room service.
After dinner, test your luck in the casino, which is located next to the Stellaris Bar. Popular with guests and locals, the casino is surprisingly low-key. During my stay, I never saw any crazy, loud parties or disorderly drunk people.
If You Go
A stay at the Marriott Stellaris is not for the budget-minded traveler. Room rates start at about $500 per night, even during the off-season. The Presidential Suite can go for upwards of $1,800-plus per night. The rate does include a $65 per night resort fee. This covers activities and amenities such as use of the tennis courts and bike rentals, fitness classes such as Latin dance and yoga, and even a personal trainer.
Check rates for San Juan Marriott & Stellaris Casino online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
On-site self and valet parking are available. Self-parking is $6 per hour or $20 daily, while valet parking is $25 daily. Service animals are allowed, but other pets are not permitted.
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