For those considering Puerto Rico for group meetings and incentives, the range of gorgeous properties is hard to beat. During a March 2014 FAM trip, seven Prestige attendees and their clients explored the varied styles and offerings for venues on the Isle of Enchantment. To give meeting planners an array of options and customize their experience, Meet Puerto Rico Convention & Visitors Bureau and Group Services, Inc., our partner destination management company, showcased the best of the best for Puerto Rico meetings.
Contributors:

• Julie Malecha, Regional Vice President
• Jennifer Summers, Regional Director of Sales
• Danielle Halbert, Director of Communications & Events
• Shaun Zivich, Regional Director of Sales
• James St. Peter, Regional Director of Sales
• Connie Schuerer, Regional Director of Sales
• Stacey Morken, Regional Director of Sales

HOTEL VENUES
1. EL Conquistador Resort
The El Conquistador truly has everything with multiple restaurant options, pools and entertainment, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the island.
“Though the property isn’t directly on the beach, the experience of riding their boat out to Palomino Island, a private beach for El Conquistador guests, is very cool,” – James St. Peter
“You can even visit the area on the island where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed—step in the same spot as Captain Jack,” – Julie Malecha
The El Conquistador hosted the FAM Group for three nights, offering spa services, beach days and golf on property for the attendees.
BEST FOR: Golf, spa, family oriented groups, beach experiences, lots of functional meeting space.
2. St. Regis Bahia Beach
The St. Regis Bahia Beach has a great sense of arrival. It has a sophisticated, formal plantation setting and feel. The property even has a wine cellar that could hold 12 for a private meal. For the FAM, the attendees were hosted outside for a special dinner among the ‘trees’, with decor included by GSI.
“Our dinner was a tree house setting, by far my most favorite dining experience yet,” -Julie Malecha
“It was like something from a storybook, magical with “walking trees” (people on stilts),” –Danielle Halbert
BEST FOR: Outside venues, luxury groups, ballroom space and beachfront access.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan
The Ritz-Carlton San Juan blends beautifully with the natural surroundings, while also being a short 5 minute drive form the airport. Right on the water, the property has its own casino, but guests don’t have to walk through it unless they want to.
“It’s an urban, Miami-beach like resort with the traditional Ritz-Carlton feel,” – Jennifer Summers
“An easy transfer to downtown “Old” or “New” San Juan,” – Julie Malecha
BEST FOR: Night life, entertainment, casino, adult oriented groups, close proximity to the airport.
4. Hotel El Convento
Hotel El Convento is a former convent, transformed to a boutique property and brimming with historic charm. The property is located right in the middle of the city.
“We were dazzled by its old, quaint San Juan ambiance. It’s the perfect location for a smaller group wanting a true Puerto Rican feel,” –Connie Schuerer
BEST FOR: Small Groups, board meetings, retreats, authentic hotel experiences, city experiences.
5. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach greets guests with an open-air lobby and unbeatable views of the pool and ocean. Many of the FAM guests commented on the high quality of the spa.
“Before you even check-in to the spa, you walk through an aroma room filled with different plants, spices, flowers, etc.” – James St. Peter
The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado beach also has great golf offerings with 4 courses on property.
“The Ritz Reserve truly defines oasis,” – Julie Malecha
BEST FOR: High-end incentives, small, executive retreats, luxury groups, golf, spa experiences.
6. Condado Vanderbilt
The Condado Vanderbilt gives the sense of elegance with an edge. The rooms offered distinct feelings and functions, from the meeting space to the bar and lounge. The event spaces are open, but room renovations will complete in December 2014.
“The lobby leads right to the cigar lounge, very 1920’s, dimly lit with leather chairs” –James St. Peter
BEST FOR: Adults oriented groups, city experience, shopping, outdoor venues, receptions.
7. La Concha, A Renaissance Resort
The Renaissance La Concha has a modern Miami vibe. The property uses lots of white and pops of color in décor, as well as large glass ceilings and windows to accentuate the ocean views. It’s just a 2 minute walk from the Vanderbilt.
“This property is located right on the water, so it’s ideal for groups that want to be on the beach and have that access,” – James St. Peter
On the other side of the property, La Concha is situated in the heart of San Juan. It offers a nice rooftop area for groups to have both views of city and ocean.
BEST FOR: City experience, feeling like a local, rooftop venue, non-traditional, beachfront access.
DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Group Services, Inc.
“GSI truly has their client’s best interests at heart. They have the resources to create any environment and were always prepared for our group,”- Stacey Morken
“They have promotions and are more than ready to help bring bigger groups to the island. They provided the décor for our final night dinner—it was out of this world!” – Jennifer Summers
A special thank you to Group Services, Inc. for providing all decor, activities and transportation for the FAM.
CVB: Meet Puerto Rico
“They are true partners from start to finish. They want nothing more than your program to be a success, so you will continue to come back!” – Julie Malecha
“They have promotions and are more than ready to help bring bigger groups to the island.” – Jennifer Summers
A final thank you to Meet Puerto Rico for facilitating the entire FAM.