This was our family's first trip to San Juan...so there are some things you need to keep in mind when you compare this destination to others. First, nobody is in a hurry....anywhere in Puerto Rico. If I had only stayed at the hotel, I might not have realized that service is not 5 star anywhere on the island. If you are in a hurry, go somewhere else, because you'll be frustrated everywhere you go by longer than expected wait times. Second, the Condado beach area, where the resort is located, is under renovation/revitalization and is smack in the middle of a city of 2 million people. If you want absolute silence and tranquility, go someplace else. Here, the sound of waves crashing on the beach will be occasionally interrupted by construction or traffic noise during the day. Finally, if you want to enjoy calm beaches and lagoons where your small children can play beachside for hours without seeing a wave, then you should go elsewhere. The beaches here, though a tremendous amount of fun, have strong surf and you need to watch how far out your children go.

If you are prepared for the above, you will have an outstanding time, as I did with my family - two children, my wife and I. We enjoyed our weeklong stay. We were upgraded to an oceanview room on our arrival. We were on the 12th floor, so noise from the music below was not a problem. The lobby and poolside exterior was outstanding...Southbeach architecture, upscale feel, very friendly and attentive staff (as long as you're not in a hurry). Restaurants were OK (ask for the kids menu if you have kids), but there are plenty of restaurants just down the street that you can walk to and eat at a different one each night. The location is safe, as long as you use common sense. Old San Juan is a cab ride away for twelve to fifteen dollars, if you want to explore something different than Condado. Most importantly, there is a Starbucks and a Dunkin Donuts within walking distance. Try the coffee in the hotel too....its very good. The rooms were nice and clean, with flat screen TVs and iPod Docking Stations. They were cleaned at a reasonable time each day.

The resort is very nice....with beautiful lobby, multiple pools and hot tubs, including an infinity pool, ample outdoor and indoor resort seating and lounging and the beach nearby. It really had a beach club feel. After looking at the other places nearby, this one really takes tops in the area. It will be even better once the casino and spa open.

I just got back from my first trip to Puerto Rico and had a wonderful time, thanks in part to La Concha! The hotel was amazing and I highly recommend it. It's possible that I went in the off-season because the hotel and San Juan in general were pretty empty, which was fine with me. Upon check-in, we were upgraded to an ocean-view room (although, I think most of the rooms at La Concha are ocean views.) The room was great. Very clean with a great view of the water and the smaller pool closer to the ocean. The pools were also great and not crowded either. The poolside food/beverage service was excellent and the waiters will keep the ice coming while drinking your carafe of sangria by the pool. The concierge was also excellent, from recommending restaurants to explicit directions to the El Yunque rainforest (definitely do some hiking while you are there!) Overall, no complaints about the hotel...everything was great.

Now for those of you who like food, then you should definitely read below...I love to try new types of food when I go to new places and did a lot of research before I went, but also got some great recs from the hotel. If you are staying at La Concha, you MUST go to the Pure & Natural Juice Bar. It is literally right next door to the hotel, directly across from the Dunkin' Donuts. It was the BEST oven-roasted, carved turkey sandwich I have ever had and got it each day we were there. Pure & Natural makes everything from scratch... breads, hummus, juices/shakes... everything was amazing! You should definitely get lunch there and bring it to the pool/beach with you. Plus, it's way cheaper (and better) than the hotel food.

For good, local food, you can also go right across the street to Cafe Del Angel. Slow service (as is everywhere else in San Juan) but the authenticity makes up for it. I liked my first taste of Mofongo.

For dinner in Old San Juan, the hotel recommended Dragonfly. All part of the same chain as Aquaviva & Parrot Club which are located right next to it. The ambiance was great and it was the most crowded of any of the places we went, but the food was just OK. Not amazing, but not bad either. It was pretty pricey, but my friend and I did enjoy the tuna tartar, the rice, & the pork. Wasn't a fan of the sausage spring rolls though. If we went back, I would definitely try the other restaurants as well.

The last night we were there, we had Cuban food at Ropa Vieja. The Cuban staples were good, but you MUST try the blueberry risotto. I've never had anything like it before and it was awesome.

Enjoy San Juan, can't wait to go back next year!!

We stayed 2 nights and 3 days at La Concha and absolutely loved it. It is very sleek, cool and stylish. Feels like a place where Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the rest of the rat pack would feel comfortable. My wife called it very swanky.

The bell service was prompt and eager to help us with our baggage and car. The front desk check-in was very prompt. The lobby is so ultra-chic you have to see it to believe it. The staff is even dressed to the part.

Our room over-looked the ocean. Everything in the room was clean, new and fresh. It had a large flat screen HDTV and an ipod-ready clock radio. Every detail was attended to, down to the bucket of champagne.

Our breakfast at Level 25 restaurant was excellent. I recommend the breakfast buffet. The pools and hot tubs are great and there's beach access directly behind the hotel. You can even have your own little covered cabana-like setting if you desire.

Walking about in the city was clean and fun and we never felt unsafe. There are MANY restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. There's even a Walgreens 2 blocks away.

I highly recommend La Concha for a cool, fun, relaxing stay when in San Juan.

The hotel looks nice when you show up, but disappoints on almost all counts going forward. Service is lousy...example, asking for a towel in the late afternoon at the pool, and the attnedant hands us two towels from the used towel bin. Tried to get a towel at the beach, and the attendant looks as if you're requesting some sort of miracle. Food was mediocre. Ordered some chips with guacomole and the chips came coated in oil,
literally. Would never come back. Only good thing i can say is that the rooms were decent...that's it.