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.)

The beach and the grounds are beautiful and so is the rain forest! The spa treatments are fabulous....and the hotel is ok. We ate at the Steakhouse and the Italian place, both were very good. There are other properties in PR that I enjoy more.

Who would have thought that I would have been happy spending 5 nights in Puerto Rico in the heat and humidity. But, this is where the conference was being held so the only choice was not to attend at all. Puerto Rico is hot and humid in June, however, the ocean breeze kept it tolerable during the day and downright pleasant for our two outdoor evening events.

Our room: We had a double queen on the 6th floor facing the ocean. The view was magnificent--beach, palm trees and clouds floating in the bright blue sky. While the bathroom was kept quite clean and mildew free (a real challenge), I can't say the same for the closet and the dresser drawers; both were dank and mildew-smelling. Even with the a/c running very cold all day and all night, it was still quite humid in the room.

There is no doubt that the rooms need to be refurbished and the hotel is well aware of this. Let me add that I think that they have to do a better job vacuuming the bare floors and the rug (especially between guests) and that I would appreciate fitted sheets that completely cover the mattress and don't pull out as I toss and turn. Drives me crazy that even the expensive hotels insist on skimpy flat sheets that don't stay in place.

The staff: Here is a hotel that knows that it is in the people/service business. Everyone was so pleasant and friendly--welcoming. Yes, there were issues during out stay -- some were ours and some were what we heard from other people at our conference--but they were taken care of quickly and without a lot of fuss such that by the time we left, all was forgotten.

The pool/beach: The best thing that we did was to rent a beach side cabana. There was no way that we could sit on the beach all day long, even with an umbrella. In June, the sun is very high in the sky making it very intense. The cabana was under the palms and with the breeze was ever so pleasant. We alternated between the shade and the sun all day long. The pool staff was attentive, coming by on a regular basis to make sure that everything was okay, etc. Kudos to Carmen and her entire staff

For sure, I could have done without the loud blaring music while I sat around the pool and thankfully it was turned off our last day there and we could actually enjoy the peaceful sound of the ocean. I'm sorry that they are planning to re-do the pool area. I really liked the laid back atmosphere and can really live without a 'lazy river.'

The food: We did not bother with the breakfast buffet (though it looked delicious). It was cheaper --and better portion control--to just order a breakfast entree (excellent Eggs Benedict--not swimming in Hollandaise). We ate dinner one night in Marbella and it was very nice--not rushed at all. I did not find the restaurant prices to be any higher here than at any other resort I have stayed at--and yes, resort prices tend to be higher than what you can get if you leave the property. On the other hand, consider that leaving the Rio Mar to eat means that you need transportation--taxi or a car rental--so figure that into the cost of meals.

Renting a car: it is much cheaper to rent a car at the airport than at the hotel. Driving from the airport to the hotel is no worse than the city driving that most of us are accustomed to and having a car gives you the freedom to leave the property and explore the surrounding area --such as the rainforest which is just a few minutes drive from the hotel and which offers hiking and fantastic views.

The bottom-line is that we really enjoyed our stay at the Rio Mar and should we return to Puerto Rico for a vacation, we would definitely consider staying there again.

Although the setting is beautiful the hotel is showing its age. There are a lot of maintence issues scattered throughout the property. The restaurants are so over priced its ridiculous. The best way to do it is rent a car and try some of the great local restaurants located near the resort. Don't bother asking the concierge they don't really know anything. Oh and make sure you get your pool towels during the day because if you want to swim at night you will have to use already used towels.

The best part about this place is probably the beds. They are really comfortable. When it comes down to it I guess that's the most imporant thing.