Mamas on the Move: Family-friendly Pool at the San Juan Marriot Resort

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For my family, a resort’s pool can really make or break a vacation. When my kids were toddlers, if there wasn’t a good wading area for them, it wasn’t quite as much fun for Mom and Dad, since we constantly had to be “on,” next to them or holding them in the water. Now that they’re older, the more bells and whistles a water-play area has — whether it’s slides or waterfalls or faux cliffs to jump from — the better.

What’s nice about the San Juan Marriott Resort’s pool area is that it’s got a little something for everyone in the family. First, the kiddie area is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. It’s 1.5 feet deep all the way around, except for a wonderful zero-depth entry area, where even the littlest swimmers can wade in safely. The kiddie pool also has some fun water fountains to splash in.

For bigger kids (as well as fun-loving adults), there’s the twisting water slide, where you land into the “adults” pool, which is closer to four feet deep. Also adjacent to the adults pool is a swim-up bar. The pools are not heated, so they seem to get the most use during the hottest part of the day — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (which is also when the water slide is open).

I love that there’s a posted sign explaining there’s no “reserving of chaise lounges.” This is a brilliant policy, as I’ve been to some Caribbean and Mexican resorts, where people get up at 6 a.m. just to reserve primo locations. The San Juan Marriott says that they’ll reassign empty chairs to waiting guests.

Families can borrow board games and beach balls at the towel desk. Activities staff also run various events throughout the day, including water volleyball, poolside bingo and yoga classes.

Another highlight: the pool is just steps from Condado Beach, so you can position lounge chairs to take in the gorgeous green-blue ocean. It’s also easy to toggle between swimming in the ocean and the pool — as my kids like to do. And speaking of the pool, the other Mamas are enjoying the relaxing scene as I type this. I’ve got to go chill out with them and enjoy the view!

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March 27, 2009 | Filed Under Destinations, Family Travel 

Comments

8 Responses to “Mamas on the Move: Family-friendly Pool at the San Juan Marriot Resort”

  1. Janet says:
    March 28, 2009 at

    Great post! It is so helpful to get a practical description of the pool because, as you wrote, it can make or break the vacation. I have to say, the resort is looking better all the time for a nice family getaway…

  2. marina villatoro says:
    March 28, 2009 at

    you gotta love family friendly pools. i went to a resort wth my son in Costa Rica, he had a blast all day in the pool, while i lounged! it was the greatest r and r for both of us.
    The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist

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    March 29, 2009 at

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  4. Puerto Rico Hotel Review: San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino says:
    April 1, 2009 at

    [...] Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. This 525-room highrise hotel on Condado Beach hosted the Traveling Mamas for a girlfriend getaway, during which we explored a bit of Puerto Rico in our short stay on the [...]

  5. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » Historic and Cultural Travel - Castillo San Cristobal in Puerto Rico says:
    April 3, 2009 at

    [...] part of the larger Fort San Cristobal, and a San Juan National Historic Site. We’d never traveled to Puerto Rico together as a group before, and it adds value to a vacation to experience and appreciate the [...]

  6. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » When Things Go Wrong On Vacation: Lesson Learned, Always Call Ahead says:
    April 10, 2009 at

    [...] setting off on our girls’ trip to the San Juan Marriott in Puerto Rico, I grilled some of my local friends who’d lived in San Juan for two years before having kids [...]

  7. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » Beach Girlfriend Getaway: San Juan Marriot Resort says:
    April 30, 2009 at

    [...] Spa. Located in close proximity to the gorgeous pool is the intimate Ocean Club Spa (the fitness room is right next door). All four of us gals tried a [...]

  8. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » Beach Girlfriend Getaway: San Juan Marriott Resort says:
    April 30, 2009 at

    [...] Spa. Located in close proximity to the gorgeous pool is the intimate Ocean Club Spa (the fitness room is right next door). All four of us gals tried a [...]

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