To start things off, we got an incredible deal to stay here. It was EXTREMELY affordable. I would not pay $250+ per night but I really wouldn't pay that to stay anywhere.

This resort is fabulous - it's great for families and couples. The beach and pools are phenomenal and yes, the food is outrageously expensive so we ate outside of the hotel. You MUST rent a car if you want to leave the resort and there's lots of dining options within 20 minutes of the property.

I HIGHLY recommend this hotel - we had the best time and we were there for 7 nights.

The best part about the Rio Mar was the staff. They were very accomodating when we asked to switch rooms, and they helped us promptly with a smile. All of the restarant staff were likewise very polite and were happy to make suggestions and engage in conversation.

The rooms are very adequate, although a bit on the small side. At night, the coqui frogs will either sing you to sleep or keep you awake. If you are a light sleeper, it would be wise to be on a higher floor.

The pool area is somewhat crowded if you don't secure a spot early. They also have a "quiet" pool, which seemed to have just as many fun-loving kids as the larger pool...so it really wasn't any more peaceful.

The beach is nice, but the water wasn't the turqoise we were hoping for. It was not crowded and was a very short walk from the pool area.

The hotel has an iguana pool and has several feedings scheduled each day. My youngest daughter enjoyed hand feeding them with lettuce supplied by the hostess.

The best part of the vacation was our short drive over to the El Yunque rainforest. We spent the morning hiking on paved, well marked trails and saw some incredible vistas.

Our trip into Old San Juan was forgettable. It may have been better if we had arranged a guided tour, but we went on Wednesday ,which was apparently trash day, and had to step over piles of garbage bags as we walked through the streets.

Both of my children thoroughly enjoyed this vacation, and my wife and I did too. We would probably return, but there are more places in the caribbean that I would like to see first.

My Fiance and I simply loved the resort. We had a great view on floor 5. The Spa package was great, the best massage i ever had. The food was costly but great taste, Our favorite was Shimas and the pastries at ERL cafe, although the cafe servers were a bit slow at service. Make sure you take a tript to The Grill Room, very good food and great scenery. The Tiki Grill was voted for best cocktails. The hammocks, to die for. Marbella breakfast, YUM YUM. all to say, blow the budget, it was well worth it for our vacation. We enjoyed and will re-visit. Kudos to Gasha and Josie for making our stay so pleasant. The pool, hot tub and grounds were always very clean. Great music played. What a WONDERFUL vacation. Thank You.

The main problem is that the hotel is trying to be all things to all types of people; couples and families and the dining experiences are not good. Admittedly we came during the school vacation time but the hotel should still be meeting the needs of its other guests too.

My husband wanted to play some golf and we both wanted some sun. The website showed photos of couples and couples dining in the restaurants - giving the feel of a resort that did encourage romantic breaks as well as families - and there was an adults only pool. So, we gave it a go...

However, we could not escape children - they were allowed in the adult pool from babies upwards.. We did mention this to the staff but they didnt do anything. ALL dining rooms allowed children at all hours in buggies with toys. There was not a romantic meal to be had anywhere...and the food generally was quite poor.

We tried to spend each day out of the hotel. So do check out what kind of level of romantic setting you want before booking or check that they have improved their practices.

(Lastly, when we checked-in they said that we had been upgraded - however, on arriving at the room it was pokey and not much of a view which I had paid extra for. I didnt like the room and once the children in the room next door started yelling through the adjoining door we asked to be moved to the room I originally booked. Strangely this room was better than the supposedly upgraded one; larger and better view - so if you are told you are being upgraded ask to see both before deciding.)