So far this is my favorite Hotel in Puerto Rico. I can’t speak highly enough about the hotel Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve. We have stayed here a couple of times first with just my son and I. Then I decided to bring the whole family back the following year. If you want a cool hotel on the beach with a great pool, that is close to the rainforest but not too far away from Old San Juan – this is it.
- Why the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
- How I booked the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
- The location
- The Service
- The Restaurants
- The Beach, Pools and Activities
- Final Thoughts on the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
Why the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
Prior to staying at the Grand Reserve, we have stayed at several other hotels in Puerto Rico. We like to be close to Old San Juan. But we also want some beach time and usually find ourselves driving to Luquillo Beach for a day.
The great thing about this Hyatt resort is that it is right on its own private beach, with lots of space to roam, yet not really that far from San Juan. It has a huge main pool along with a decent second pool. It offers lots to do for a family vacation or even just a couple’s weekend getaway.
How I booked the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
The daily rate usually ranges between $300 and $500 per night. For our stay, the standard point rate when I booked was 15,000 points per night. On our most recent stay, we had one peak night that was 18,000 points, so we paid 63,000 points for four nights. Unfortunately, it is now a Category 5 hotel, so you can no longer use a free 1-4 category certificate that you would get annually from the Hyatt credit card. But at 20,000 for this luxury hotel, I think it is still a pretty good value.
The location
The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is about a 30-minute drive from the airport. We always rent a car in Puerto Rico, and it is very easy to get to. It is about a 45-minute drive to Old San Juan. The Luquillo beach area is also close, and you can be in the El Yunque rainforest in about 20-25 minutes. If you do any excursions like kayaking, snorkeling, or mini boats (which I highly recommend), it should take less than 40 minutes to get to Fajardo, where several excursions depart.
Service
When you arrive at the resort, you know it is going to be special. I love the lobby, as it feels very open and luxurious. The beautiful tiled floors, along with the pools and water features scattered throughout, create a fantastic atmosphere. As soon as we approached the front desk, we were offered a refreshing beverage to cool off from the humid air of Puerto Rico. The check-in process is swift, and if you have a car, they will arrange for parking and provide you with a gate key. I have never been charged for parking with our points stays. They will then load your luggage onto a golf cart and escort you to your room, giving you a brief overview of the stunning property along the way.
The staff was always very friendly and helpful. If you want help with deciding where to eat or booking an excursion, the concierge is available in the back of the lobby area. If it’s raining and you need a cart to pick you up from your room, just call.
Restaurants
There are several places to eat at the resort during your stay. Let’s start with the most amazing breakfast we had that my kids still talk about in Water’s Edge. We only had breakfast here once as I am not a Hyatt Globalist so breakfast is not free. But boy was this worth it. The quality and diverse spread of fruits, pastries, and hot items on the buffet was exceptional. They also offer a dinner buffet that changes daily.
Most mornings we grabbed a quick bite at The Market. Here you can get your morning coffee and a muffin. They also offer a few hot items they will warm up similar to a Starbucks. This is also a good place to grab a quick snack or drink in the afternoon.
Prime 787 is an upscale steakhouse offering a wide variety of both beef and seafood dishes.
Nori Teppanyaki and Nori Asian are a pair of Asian restaurants that I have yet to experience but have heard great things about.
One evening we ate appetizers in The Sand Trap while we rented a TopGolf Suite for an hour. You’ll find your typical bar food here.
Depending on your stay, we have seen different food trucks show up around the pool areas from time to time. We had some of the best local tacos one day while swimming.
The Beach, Pools and Activities
The proximity of this resort to the beach is an absolute game-changer! Imagine waking up every morning to the gentle sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and stepping outside to be greeted by the soft, warm sand beneath your feet. This resort, with its enviable beachfront location, offers an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in the bliss of coastal living. Trust me, once you’ve experienced it, you’ll never want to leave!
The main pool is possibly the largest hotel pool I have ever seen. With an impressive size and exquisite design, this pool becomes the centerpiece of the entire resort. With its generous dimensions, it offers guests ample space to swim, relax, and enjoy the wonderful weather.
The crystal-clear water invites you to take a dip and cool off while taking in the surrounding landscape. The expansive pool edges are adorned with comfortable loungers where guests can rest and soak up the tranquility. Additionally, strategically placed umbrellas provide shade and sun protection.
The swim-up bar is also available, so guests can enjoy delicious drinks and snacks without having to stray too far from the refreshing water.
There is a second pool located in the center of where most of the rooms are. This is typically a quieter pool if you just want to relax in a lounger.
As far as activities, there are tennis courts, some ping pong tables, a putting green area and a few small games to play. The TopGolf Suites are available to rent in the evenings. And of course, you will notice on the drive in you are surrounded by some of the best golfing in Puerto Rico. The Coco Beach Golf Club was designed by Tom Kite and has hosted PGA events. Talk to your concierge about booking a tee time if you want to play.
Final Thoughts on the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
Next time we go to Puerto Rico, we will definitely return to the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve. I think it is even better with a family as there is so much to do. The location works great for us as we usually split our time between San Juan and the El Yunque and beaches. If you have been or are thinking of going let me know in the comments!