Casa Costera, Isla Verde Beach, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

This hotel offers a distinctive apartment-style experience, making it a memorable choice for guests seeking a "home away from home" feel. Its signature feature is the combination of spacious, well-equipped rooms with full kitchens and in-unit laundry, complemented by a vibrant rooftop pool and bar area boasting impressive views. This setup makes it particularly appealing for families and business travelers looking for extended stays or self-sufficiency, as well as couples desiring a comfortable and convenient base. The hotel's prime location, just steps from the beach, further enhances its appeal for sightseers and beach lovers. To maximize your stay, guests recommend being prepared for potential variations in air conditioning control and utilizing the nearby grocery stores for in-room dining, as the hotel caters more to independent travelers.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a notable rooftop pool area, often described as spacious, clean, and offering excellent views, though some guests noted it could be cold or occasionally undergo maintenance. A hot tub is also available, but its functionality and temperature were inconsistent for many. The gym is well-equipped and spacious, providing a good workout environment with views and rarely feeling crowded. Guests appreciate the convenience of in-unit washer and dryer facilities in many rooms, with communal options and complimentary detergent also available. While Wi-Fi is generally provided, some guests reported connectivity issues. The lobby includes a small grab-and-go store for snacks and drinks, and ice machines are present for guest use. Access to floors is controlled by key card in the elevators, which were occasionally reported as being out of service.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and well-decorated, contributing to a comfortable stay. While overall cleanliness is frequently praised, some initial reports mentioned issues like hair in beds, makeup stains, or a persistent mildew odor in certain rooms, which was sometimes addressed with air fresheners rather than a permanent solution. The beds and bedding are consistently described as soft and comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. A recurring concern is the air conditioning, which many found to be centrally controlled, leading to rooms being either uncomfortably cold (as low as 55°F) or warm and humid, with limited ability for guests to adjust the temperature. Bathroom design received mixed feedback, with the half-glass shower causing water to spill onto the floor, and some rooms lacking a trash bin outside the bathroom. Noise from thin walls, slamming doors, and a beeping gate was occasionally reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features a rooftop bar and restaurant that, while praised for its food quality and views when open, often operates with limited hours or is not fully operational, particularly for breakfast. Guests noted that the on-site dining options are not extensive, and the restaurant primarily accepts credit cards or Apple Pay, not room charges. The presence of a full kitchen in the apartment-style rooms is a significant advantage, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and save on dining expenses. This feature is highly valued, especially given the hotel's proximity to grocery stores. Many guests opted to explore the plenty of restaurants close by on Isla Verde Avenue, which offer a wide variety of culinary choices within walking distance.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in Isla Verde, placing guests within a very short walking distance to the beach, often described as just steps or a block away. Its proximity to the airport (around 5-10 minutes drive) is highly convenient for travelers. Guests appreciate being able to walk to grocery stores like Pueblo, some of which are open 24 hours, and numerous restaurants and pharmacies. While some rooms offer a partial ocean view, many guests noted that these views are often obstructed by surrounding buildings, making them less impressive than anticipated. Parking is available on-site for a daily fee, typically $20, but the lot can be small and fill up, sometimes requiring guests to use an off-site lot a couple of blocks away. Uber and taxi services are readily available and affordable for exploring other areas like Old San Juan.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlighted specific individuals at the front desk for their exceptional service, providing recommendations and assisting with various requests. The check-in process is generally smooth, though some guests experienced delays, with rooms not being ready until late afternoon. However, late check-out requests were frequently denied, even for loyalty program members. Housekeeping service is not daily, typically occurring once a week or every 4-5 days, which surprised some guests who were not informed upfront; towel replenishment was also inconsistent. While many found staff responsive, some reported issues with unaddressed maintenance concerns or a perceived lack of urgency in resolving problems.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a destination fee, typically around $30 per night, which covers certain amenities but was not always clearly communicated at booking. A significant recurring issue mentioned by guests is frequent power outages that can affect the hotel, sometimes lasting for several hours or even days, with the hotel's generator not always providing a seamless backup. While the hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can be challenging. For beachgoers, the hotel provides beach chairs and sometimes towels through a voucher system, though towel availability can be inconsistent. The hotel's security is highly regarded, with staff assisting with parking and ensuring a safe environment. As a relatively new property, some guests noted that the hotel is still working through "growing pains" and adding amenities like the rooftop bar.