Disappointed – Not a True Resort Experience
I’m truly disappointed with The Royal Sonesta in San Juan for several reasons. They charge a resort fee, yet nothing about this hotel feels like an actual resort.
To start, check-in isn’t allowed until after 4:30 PM, and if you need a late check-out, you’re charged an additional $150. Despite branding themselves as a resort, all the on-site restaurants close shockingly early—one at 8 PM, another at 9 PM, and the last by 10 PM. The bar closes at 10:30 PM, although one night it shut down even earlier, at 10 PM. There’s no entertainment, no evening activities, and nothing to do after dinner. The pool is very basic, and while the beach is beautiful, the only real “resort-like” amenities are beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas. I was particularly disappointed by the lack of dining and nightlife options. The food at the restaurants was underwhelming, and although the pool bar had decent food, it was overpriced. The drinks were also nothing special just expensive.Cleanliness was another major issue. Housekeeping didn’t arrive until after 4 PM, and when they did, they barely cleaned just made the bed. During our stay, we saw roaches in the room and had to be moved. Other guests mentioned ant problems in their rooms as well.Also worth noting be prepared for an extra hold for a resort fee, which isn’t clearly disclosed upfront. Unfortunately, this hotel didn’t live up to the Sonesta standard and I will not return.