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Hacienda del Mar

[Q=scotth46] Has anyone been to the resort since the Dorado Beach Hotel and the casino closed? What's it like?[/Q] We just came back from Puerto Rico, stayed there from March 22-29, 2008. This property is located in the small town of Dorado, about 30 minutes from San Juan with some traffic. When you first see the property, I can certainly appreciate how nice this property must have been when the Hyatt Cerromar was still open. Now, there is a fence surrounding the perimeter of the closed hotel, the large river pool has been drained, and the hotel building itself is totally unoccupied (dark at night). The Hyatt Hacienda del Mar is still a very nice property, with the remaining amenities: the beach is nice although there were a lot of waves when we were there, the tennis courts, the miniature golf, golf. However, it does lack the usual services i.e. casinos, restaurants, concierge. The only restaurant available is the Bohio Grill, which serves the usual meals, good for a nice lunch on the beach. There are other nice restaurants in the main town of Dorado (La Terraza, Morena, Chop house). The food is Puerto Rico is rather expensive, as expected, as with any Carribean restaurants. My recommendations: 1. Rent a car and bring along a GPS system. This will allow you to get around, i.e. to go to the food store and restaurants. 2. Go to San Juan and see the Forts, and have dinner in some very nice restaurants in the city (loved a dish called “mofongo”). 3. Explore the island. We felt secluded in Dorado, so we went to the eastern side of the island in Fajardo and stayed overnight at the El Conquistador hotel (beautiful property with its own private island with free ferry, water park, tram) on a cliff. You can also go west and visit Arecibo (large telescope), Rincon (large surfing community), Camuy (caves) etc. 4. Visit Luquillo beach, one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful beach, near Fajardo (east) and sample the local foods at the food stalls along the highway. 5. Enjoy. You are in a beautiful island. You will still have temperature in the 80s and a lot of sunshine. But beware, driving in Puerto Rico roads is rather challenging, just be patient. Also expect a lot of traffic especially during rush hour going to and coming back from San Juan. There is talk of the Ritz Carlton possibly purchasing the property next door to Hacienda Del Mar, so owners, hang in there and see what happens.