Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico, RíO Grande

LIKE TO GOLF GO HERE THE COURSE IS GREAT AND THE WEATHER IS EVEN BETTER

This resort is awesome the golf here was great I highly recommend anyone to stay here we were able to use our Berkshire Concepts membership to save a lot of money by staying here the breakfast was incredible as was everything else ........the pool was like one that I have never seen......again thanks Berkshire Concepts for all your help you made our vacation memorable..........

The Gran Melia is a very well-maintained resort. The rooms are huge with marble floors and elegant bathrooms. We had an ocean view, and I would recommend the units that have the incredible view. It is a little bit if a walk from most of the villas to the main hotel, but nothing insurmountable. There is small but comfortable Casino. The 3-card Poker dealers took a bunch of my money, but they were nice to me while it happened. We really liked the Gran Melia and would recommend it highly for a luxury vacation.

Impressive is an understatement. The grandeur, cleanliness, and luxuriousness of this resort, even leaving aside the affordable price, is astounding. Simply beautiful architecture, it is a self-contained artwork--everything gleams with polished marble, inviting eastern and Roman themes, candles galore, infinite beautiful beds and furniture on which to rest. The rooms are immense, each with personal porches overlooking man made ponds. Overlooking Coco Beach, it has a gorgeous location. The staff are personable and very professional. The dining is high priced, but there is much variety for American/European/Asian tastes (from Sushi to Italian). A lovely bar area and casino make it more of an "adults" couples type resort than a place for children, although there were children's areas available. Overall, I give it 5 stars except for the following reservations, which do not detract too much from my overall VERY positive impression: 1. There is very little entertainment at all. We arrived on a rainy weekend, and so expected perhaps in the evening some type of dancing, games etc. Nada. If you don't like to gamble at the casino, you're out of luck. 2. There is no place for a low-cost, casual quick bite or coffee. Not a single cup available without a formal reservation or sit-down meal. 3. The location is rather remote from other towns, so you are really stuck on the complex. There are tours to the Yunque and Old San Juan, but these are at additional cost and are dependent on availability.

No complaints from my wife or I! Actually if there was anything I could "complain" about, its that we didnt stay long enough! I took my wife to Puerto Rico for the first time for our anniversary/birthday/early valentines day trip. I was able to book 3 nights at Gran Melia for what I truly believe to be a great deal considering the Resort's 4 star+ rating. We were NOT dissapointed! Although we were not able to fully take advantage all the amenities that resort had to offer (we were actively out and about around Puerto Rico every day of our 4 days there), the short time we did have to "hang out" at the resort were well worth it! The huge pool was beautifully constructed and a marvel to look at; the beach (Coco beach) was a clean and relaxing place; the lounge areas were open air and definitely a place see and be seen. As for our 'villa', it was very nice and clean. Since the resort's villas were spread out like a sprawl, it didn't give us a hotel-like feeling. There appeared to be 8-10 rooms per villa, so it wasnt busy or tight. The bed was very comfortable. The shower was adequate. You had the option of riding on golf carts if you didnt want to walk around (since it IS a big sprawling property). The location of the resort was about 40-45 minutes east of San Juan. It felt secluded and far from the busy and active life of a city. We had a car so it was easy to get in and out and about in PR. All in all, my wife and I were very pleased with our experience at Gran Melia. We definitely do not mind coming back there again!

We have been to Puerto Rico 5 times,traveling across the island... staying in many different hotels from 5 star boutique to quaint guest houses.We are very self suffient travelers, we like adventure. We would go back to the Grand Melia. First and foremost, you MUST rent a car from the airport, do not be afraid to drive especially if you are from Boston, NYC, or California. The driving is comparable in Puerto Rico, its crazy. The roads are easy to navigate, you will be able to go anywhere for food and entertainment, and you will save a ton of money. Now the hotel... just beautiful... when you get there you walk into a great lobby with birds in cages and pools filled with tropical plants. It is very exotic, when you walk further the hallway opens up to a common area that looks like what you would find in an indian palace. The rooms are spacious and clean, maid service was there everyday, service we thought was great, it was a walk to your room that did not bother us, most of the time hotel staff stopped to pick us up in the property's golf carts to deliver us to our room. The food... we never ate in the restaurants that served dinner only the pool restaurant, the food was fine enough to keep us from being hungry... its pool food ...chicken sandwich and fries, veggie wrap. Fortunately the hotel is equa distance form Fajardo and San Juan. We drove to different restaurants each night ... Pamela's and Uva in Ocean Park, Lolita's mexican on rte 3, the bakery at the top of the hotel road had breakfast . With a car, we stopped at the brand new Ralph's like 15 minutes away and stocked up on snacks,( stuff that did not have to be refrigerated) and rum and coke to make my own drinks. They do have a little market at the hotel that sells this stuff... did not look at what they charge.Don't even touch the "digital" refrig in your room to alleviate any question about charges. The pool was awesome! So many places to lay, drinks were good, ( little pricey but your on vaca!) There was a beach , but not good to swim...to expore tide pools. If you rent a car, make your reservations for day trips online prior to your trip, the hotel tour desk was always busy and there seemed to be a wait...rainforest is 20 -30 mins away go early before the numerous tour buses get there ... hike the La Mina falls trail.Camuy caves is about two hours away, leave early in the morning to avoid traffic and once again tour buses it is open wed-sun.We went on the mini- boat island hop snorkeling trip morning excursion out of Fajardo. We had previously booked with Kayaking puerto rico, it was to choppy so they offered us this at no extra charge. THAT was the best time ever!! The tourguide was awesome! What a good time! We got the hotel in a package on cheapcaribean.com... at about 150.00 a night. I am sure there is cheaper prices but I was happy with this rate for what we got. The ONLY thing for future travelers....there are a couple new resorts going up that will not be finished until 2011...there are construction vehicles and construction noises which may interupt your vacation, be irritating... the beep, beep,beep, of a truck backing up. That was the thing I thought might bother someone depending on were your room is. The resorts when finished will be quite luxurious, a Trump hotel and a Hilton Hotel. That's it... we will go again.

The grandeur, cleanliness, and luxuriousness of this resort, even leaving aside the affordable price, is astounding. Simply beautiful architecture, it is a self-contained artwork--everything gleams with polished marble, inviting eastern and Roman themes, candles galore, infinite beautiful beds and furniture on which to rest. The rooms are immense, each with personal porches overlooking man made ponds. Overlooking Coco Beach, it has a gorgeous location. The staff are personable and very professional. The dining is high priced, but there is much variety for American/European/Asian tastes (from Sushi to Italian). A lovely bar area and casino make it more of an "adults" couples type resort than a place for children, although there were children's areas available. Overall, I give it 5 stars except for the following reservations, which do not detract too much from my overall VERY positive impression: 1. There is very little entertainment at all. We arrived on a rainy weekend, and so expected perhaps in the evening some type of dancing, games etc. Nada. If you don't like to gamble at the casino, you're out of luck. 2. There is no place for a low-cost, casual quick bite or coffee. Not a single cup available without a formal reservation or sit-down meal. 3. The location is rather remote from other towns, so you are really stuck on the complex. There are tours to the Yunque and Old San Juan, but these are at additional cost and are dependent on availability.

Remote location is perfect for rest and relaxation! Everything is accessible if you plan to sight see or explore, it is not walking distance so a car rental is needed. Parking is free if you rent from the Avis on property, otherwise it is about $17.00 w/ tax, it is cheaper to rent from Dollar or Enterprise and just pay for the parking. Friendly staff, spacious suites, amazing pool, beautiful beach with warm water but tons of rocks, bring your water shoes. No wifi signal in rooms but they do provide an ethernet cable. The staff at Cafe Soleil are great, especially Jose, he was very attentive and a hard worker. Milagro the hostess was also very friendly, as well as Anibal who makes delicious omelettes. The property was beautiful, great restaurants, a casino and tennis courts on sight, theres also entertainment if your traveling with children, plenty of things to do! I would definantly reccomend this resort and will return!

Our stay at the Gran Melia was fabulous. The facility is beautiful and our rooms were clean, luxurious, and comfortable. It was exactly to our liking, though some might feel too far separated from town. The hotel is about 20 minutes east of town on the coast which was terrific for us. A car rental is your best bet unless you are one to stay at the facility or to only do tours. We like exploring at our own pace. We elected the Red Level Service which was well worth the extra money--it included breakfast each day, attentive service from the butler/pool staff and refreshments from 6-9 each evening. Here is is only real criticism of the stay. Red level service says it includes "open bar" with house brands. It DID NOT include liquor--they only served wine, beer and champagne. We ate at various restaurants on the island as well as two on-site. Both the Asian and Italian restaurants were exceptional. My compliments to our butlers Angel, Eddie, and Joshua who were outstanding. I must relay that the facility is quite large and golf carts are running through the facility constantly for a ride to your destination; walking between destinations is most common-- or you may call for a special ride such as loading your luggage. Drivers were all very courteous and helpful. Remember tipping and bring dollars. The casino is quite small. Parking is an extra expense unless you rent your car from the concierge at the hotel. Having an "all adult" pool included in the Red Level service is a real plus. I am not really a beach addict, but others said the beach area was a little rocky. Our pool was beautiful and we could reserve a cabana for the day if we chose. I would DEFINITELY return to the luxurious Gran Melia on future trips. Oops, forgot to mention the architectural beauty of the facility and the wonderful works of art throughout. Evenings, the hotel is exceptionally beautiful with candles lighting all the public areas, creating a romantic atmosphere--lots of ambiance. Just make sure the location is to your liking--if you want to walk to restaurants and clubs, this is probably not your best choice. Check-in and out was expeditious for us on Tuesdays. For me, it was a wonderful stay!

We booked the Red Level Service for our honeymoon and we were a little nervous that it wouldn't be everything they advertised. Yes it is a bit far from San Juan but we knew we weren't leaving the resort. Our three-night stay was amazing!!! From the moment we arrived, it was one delightful experience after another. The hotel itself is gorgeous. If aesthetics matter to you, then this is the place for you. If you are a romantic, then this is the place for you. If you like to relax and rest, then this is the place for you. The food at the sushi restaurant on the property is delicious! Both women sushi chefs (we ate their twice) prepared some of the best combinations we've ever had. We really didn't think the prices were all that pricey. I mean it isn't cheap, but who wants cheap sushi? Now onto one itty bitty tiny negative.... the sheets really do smell. We had to laugh because they really do stink. We surmised that because it is so incredibly humid there, the room is constantly saturated. Which in turn might account for that not so fresh smell. Now onto the pros.... SERVICE! If you like to feel special, this place is for you. The staff and butlers go out of their way. Especially Jose our breakfast waiter, Edgar in the Royal Service Lounge, Eddie another Royal Service Butler, Angel C., and last and most importantly Angel M. He is without a question an asset and a credit to the Gran Melia. We had the time of our lives!!!