This trip was relaxing and great. First off the room had a great view of the mountains. rainforest and lanscape. You really feel like you're on a vacation, plus each room has a private balcony.
My freind and i arrived in San Juan July 21 and we were a bit nervous that we wouldnt find our way around easily. We arranged in advance, for the hotel to pick us up from the airport. They were really easy to find. The cost for the transportation was a bit much at $30pp/per way, but it was definetly convient. Once you arrange to have them pick you up they automatically give you a bill for a roundtrip ride, so the total cost for two people was $120.00. If you cancel the ride going back to the airport you dont get reimburst or that was my understanding from reading the ticket they give you when they pick you up.
Upon arriving at the hotel the driver pointed out a few places off the resort we may like to visit such as places to eat and shop. Check in was fast and easy, the staff extremely friendy and even allowed us to check in a couple hours early. The property was lovely, cost for food in the resort ran us btw $40-$50 a meal ( we only ate breakfast on the resort). Food off the property I didnt find that much cheaper, maybe we didnt travel far enough but the price was about the same as the resort. The food was awsome though, wroth the money. We rented a car the second day we were there for about $65a/day. I suggest if you stay here to rent a car because the cost of the cab would be more depending on how many times per day you would need a cab. We were going to take a cab to the rainforest which cost $150 (just to give you an idea of how much you would be spending) so we rented the car. And self parking is like $15-$20 a day, and you must validate your parking ticket at the valet both everyday if you park in the garage. Driving around SanJuan is easy once you get on the highway, the local roads are very narrow and windy. The hotel provides information and directions to different places to visit if you ask. Theres a outlet mall about 2miles that has just about every store you can find in the states, and if you dont feel like eating local there's always KFC Mcdanolds,Berger King, and even a Sizzler.
The beach at the resort was lovely. The water was warm and the waves not too big. The pool was warm and big and a seperate kiddy pool.
As far as stuff to do at night, theres not much. The casino is open untill 2am and you can hang out by the pool or the bar located in the lobby of the hotel. Everything in San Juan is closed by like 10 so theres nothing to do off the resort.
Overall the trip was great and i would definetly visit again.

No Internet! My employer booked this hotel for a one week worldwide Sales Conference. This was a group of about 300 people. Some presenters had to have Internet working in order to present. Most of the attendees also needed internet to check email and get some work done.
The Wi-Fi internet network did not work at all the first day and even after the hotel IT added one wife router, the network was still not working.
Other issues. The food and drink prices are double what you find in the local places. The first two complimentary water bottles in the room were not replaced. There were maintenance going late at night where they used a very potent chemical which smell would get inside the room through the door jamb gap making me feel sick for a couple nights.
Finally the beach is not so great. El Condado beach in San Juan is much better.

My husband and I spent last week at the Rio Mar and had a wonderful time. The staff are professional and helpful. Shuttles run like clockwork, as do the golf course and spa. The resort is beautiful - landscaping and beach are gorgeous. The beach sand is the color of light brown sugar and the water is cool and clear aqua. The room is a nice size for two people - we had a rain forest/mountain view. The beds are very comfortable and the decor is neutral and crisp.

We knew prices would be in resort range from the reviews here, but made it work with breakfasts in the cafe by the casino, usual size lunches and not pigging out at dinner. Honestly, we were not here to eat, with the exception of trying some Puerto Rican cuisine. Time on the beach in a swim suit was much more important. We did splurge on drinks. They are $10 but you are on vacation!

We fed the iguanas twice, my husband golfed on the River Course, we toured the rain forest and took the Sail & Snorkel trip. The rain forest is a nice day - great scenery, a hike, and lunch at a local roadside restaurant. I am now addicted to mofungo. the sail/snorkel trip is a wonderful day on the water.

The night life after dinner is limited to the casino and the pools. Walks on the beach are romantic - lots of moonlight and starlight.

This is a great location for a true break - everything you need is on site. The Rio Mar is a good first timers location. Our next trip we will rent a car to explore Puerto Rico on our own, but this was a lovely introduction.

I read most of the reviews before we went, and all I have to say is, all the negative reviews, forget most of them. We had the most wonderful and relaxing time we ever had. Sometimes, when I get stressed at work I think about our time at the Rio Mar. My wife had the spa treatment while I went scuba diving for the first time.
My wife came back so relaxed that I wished I had the massage instead of going scuba diving. The entire place was beautiful, and relaxing. The staff was wonderful, and polite. At the end of the trip my wife did not want to leave. The only two points from most of the reviews that were true I felt was: 1) The food was over priced with not much seasoning, So you don't get the true authentic flavor of Puerto Rico. 2) Being on the resort you don't feel like you get all the authenticity of being in Puerto Rico. You can't get off the resort unless you rent a car or take a tour. We took the tour and had such a wonderful time that we didn’t have time to try the local cuisine like we wanted. Don't hesitate, go and have fun