World > The Caribbean > Puerto Rico

Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino

• World's Best Winner

COST:

<p>Cloaked in marble, crystal, dark woods, brocade fabrics, and gilded moldings, the 416-room Ritz is easily San Juan's most opulent resort. The property, set on eight beachfront acres, is approached from a long, circular drive, where guests are immediately met by crisp valets and whisked up to their large, plush rooms (all overlook either landscaped gardens or a pretty swimming beach). Among the resort's amenities are two fabulous restaurants—New York outposts of BLT Steak and Il Mulino—as well as the Island's most glamorous casino and a 12,000-square-foot spa offering treatments like papaya-and-mango facials. Since this is one of the older Ritz resorts in the Caribbean (it opened in 1997), its age is beginning to show. Luckily, the rooms are scheduled to get a facelift in 2008.</p> <p><strong>Tip:</strong> The on-property casino is the island's most elegant and attracts locals as well as tourists on weekend nights.</p> <p><strong>Room to Book:</strong> Rooms on the club level have access to a lounge where complimentary continental breakfasts, afternoon snacks, and evening wine hors d'oeuvres are served.</p>