Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel & Casino

The lobby of
Embassy Suites is dominated by a square atrium, which stretches up through eight
levels toward a shimmering skylight. Guests have a dizzying perspective down
into the lobby from all floors, as well as when they ride up to their suites in
the glass-walled elevator. It’s certainly an eye-catching feature, but the
lobby’s dated decor detracts from its intended impact. An indoor waterfall with artificial rocks and plants looks leftover from the '80s, though there's a more contemporary seating area set with circular patterned armchairs and a marble-topped coffee table. The hotel
attracts a mixed crowd of business travelers, families, and groups ranging from
conference attendees to sports teams. Its proximity to the airport and
on-site conference rooms make the hotel a great choice for business travelers.
Families, on the other hand, are drawn by the free breakfast and kid-friendly amenities
like a kids’ pool and a video arcade. On our visit, we spotted plenty of guests enjoying the
casino and evening happy hour, but the atmosphere doesn’t feel
geared toward hardcore partiers. Expect to find many guests on a layover before of after their cruise. 

Embassy Suites
San Juan is located along the touristy Isla Verde resort strip, an area
best-known for its gorgeous white-sand beaches. The hotel is located a
six-minute walk from Isla Verde Beach, with Carolina Beach found a
five-minute drive away.The main road
through the neighborhood, Isla Verde Avenue, is lined with trendy hotels,
casinos, clubs, and lounges. More dining and entertainment options can be found
in nearby Condado, which is an eight-minute drive away. The attractions of OldSan Juan are a 22-minute drive away, and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport can be
reached in less than 10 minutes by car. Self-parking is offered for a daily fee.

The hotel completed a renovation of its suites in March of 2015. They're polished and contemporary, but still feel a bit soulless and generic overall. Each is clean
and inviting, decorated with pale-wood furniture and powder blue, white, and
light gray linens. Rooms are modern, but the striped carpets and pillows and the artwork that feels like an afterthought impart a chain-like feel.Each room includes a separate living area with a sofa bed, as well as a table with multiple
chairs that can be used for working or dining. Each living room holds a 55-inch flat-screen TV, and there’s a second 37-inch TV in the bedroom, in
addition to an alarm clock with MP3 connection capability. Small kitchenettes include sinks,
microwaves, mini-fridges, and single-cup coffeemakers by Cuisinart. Two-bedroom Suites are a good option for families and larger groups.Bathrooms
offer long countertops, shower/tub combos, and Giovanni bath products. Some
room categories feature separate whirlpool bathtubs, as well as additional
dining tables in the living areas. Past guests have complained about late night noise from on-site weddings and events. 

Features at the Embassy Suites are varied and focus on both fun and convenience. The hotel offers
a freeform pool surrounded by a large deck with lounge chairs. The pool area
is landscaped with tropical greenery, and includes appealing waterfall and rockfeatures. There’s also a whirlpool, kids’ pool, and modest playground. Free chairs and umbrellas are available for guests to use at Isla Verde Beach, about a six-minute walk away.The pool
is overlooked by Coqui Pool Bar, a simple open-air eatery that offers
snacks, drinks, and a pool table. Set between
the casino and the atrium, El Patio Latin Bar Cafe serves Latin entrees, tapas,
sandwiches, and drinks. El Patio is small and casual, centered on a large bar
with a few high top chairs. The lobby is also home to the hotel’s grab-and-go-style
cafe, La Placita, which offers pizza, wraps, chips, and hot dogs, along with
souvenirs and sundries. Orders are placed at the counter, and simple seating is
available in the cafe or out in the lobby. The lobby also includes an
independently owned Outback Steakhouse franchise.Free
breakfast is served in the atrium each morning, featuring pastries and fruit along with freshly cooked eggs, bacon, potatoes, and other
hot dishes. In the evening, the same area hosts the hotel’s free Evening
Reception, with popcorn, tortilla chips, and salsa offered along with free alcoholic
and nonalcoholic beverages such as sangria. The Reception lasts for two hours and the drinks
are strong.There’s a
no-frills but well-equipped 24-hour fitness center with Precor cardio machines and
weights. Coin-operated guest laundry facilities are available, and the hotel
also offers a compact video arcade. Spa services, such as massages, facials,
and reflexology, can be arranged. The on-site Oasis Casino features 286 slot
machines and seven casino tables, including roulette, blackjack, and three-card poker.There’s a
tiny, enclosed business center in the lobby with two personal computers and printing
facilities. The hotel offers 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space in
rooms that are practical, if uninspiring. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, though it can be spotty.