Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

I think the greatest compliment you can give a resort is the fact that you DO NOT want to leave. The staff and accommodations were superb. Thank you for a GREAT time. We will cherish our stay and the memories we created. Job well done!

Very friendly staff. You get an Embajador to help you get the most from the resort. Use him your life will be easier. He can get you a golf cart to take you around the resort. The place is large and has very poor signage, you’ll need that cart and especially the driver that comes with it.
Great food. Try the fish tacos and the ribeye steaks. They need to add some plantain options. Where’s the Mofongo, after all this is Puerto Rico.
Complicated electronics, if something in your room doesn’t work — good luck.
Also the place has steps going from the driveway to the front desk, why…
My room was only 15 feet from the surf. The sound of the waves had me sleeping like a baby.
It’s a very nice place, you’ll enjoy it.

Absolutely gorgeous property with incredible amenities, but the service was AWFUL. By far the worst service I have had at a luxury resort. Also, the room service food was really gross… Very few late night options and we had to call 3 times to get our food. Hopefully management can take some of these reviews in reference to the service and make some changes internally. If the service was improved, it would be near perfect!

A dream! My husband took me here for my birthday, November 2015 and it was amazing. This is one of Ritz Carlton’s Reserve properties. The accommodations, beach, property, service are above superior.
The rooms are more than beautiful with your own plunge pool, if on lower floor, outdoor shower, complimentary bottle of rum. Bicycles are provided to tour the grounds and get to the restaurants, spa, gym. Beautiful trails to walk, run, bike.
Lying on the beach, they bring you bottled water, lavender cold towels, Evian facial spray, sunscreen and a treat or 2 (cold coconuts, homemade popsicles).
The restaurants are nice. I enjoyed Positivo the most with its location on the sand. The food overall is good, not great, but service exceptional.
I hope to return one day, but winning lotto ticket may be required.

Hotel is beautiful but food is average (or below average) and overpriced. Drinks are consistently weak.
Barlovento is perhaps the worst example. I have been 4 times and EVERY TIME it has taken over 45 min. to get food to the table. This is hamburgers, tacos, salads, etc. Nothing is fancy or complicated.
Sigh…

I am a bit delayed with my review but nothing has changed. I vacationed here for my moms birthday in July and from the moment the car picked us up from the airport, it was first class treatment. Once we arrived, we were greeted by 5 people all wishing my mom a happy birthday… Although our room wasn’t quite ready, it was not an inconvenience because all we did was have an amazing lunch at one of the restaurants at the resort … Once we checked in, we quickly changed and enjoyed time by the pool where the service was flawless … Once getting back to the room, there was a chocolate mousse cake awaiting with the words happy birthday, left for my mom. We indulged in this chocolate lovers delight later that evening with tall glasses of milk. That is just a brief story of what was a 4 day vacation that my mom and I will never forget. We plan to return with the rest of the family…
The service and people were the most accurate and charming I have experienced in a long time.
I highly recommend that you all experience this sanctuary tucked away in the brush of dorado beach, pr!
Shout out to the exceptional front desk staff, concierges and ambassadors that helped us during our 4 days in paradise… We shall be back!

I’ve stayed here twice for a work retreat. The first trip was very pleasant but the service this time has been atrocious. Arrived at 11:45 from the airport after an early morning flight from NYC. Was pleasantly greeted but was told our room was not quite ready. We decided to have lunch while we waited and then returned 90 minutes later to find out our room was still not ready. After insisting on a different room, we were given a nice ground level room w a pool. But the lost our bags during the room switch !!! We waited over two hours in the room for the bags. We called three times before they even told us what the delay was. There was no explanation and only a weak apology. This is hardly ***** service to be expected at a resort of this caliber.

An amazing resort that offers everything you could want: tastefully appointed rooms, all of which overlook a beautiful stretch of beach; a wonderful variety of food and activities; a luxurious spa, and friendly and thoughtful service throughout. You will not find a better resort anywhere. A special thank you to Luis Sanabria who patiently assisted us with our complicated reservations, and Chef Suttiphan Ngamtipakon, who not only made the most memorable and delicious Hamachi ceviche, but shared his recipe and explained the process in detail.

We stayed 4 lovely evenings.
Our room was beautiful with a marvelous outdoor shower (and indoor) as well as a big bathtub and a comfortable bed with ridiculously soft pillows. The views were INCREDIBLE and we had a plunge pool outside. We could walk to the beach.
We had Javier as our primary Ambassador and he was a doll, really sweet. Jimmy, Noël and I believe Jose were our other ambassadors. I have had no time to Unilocal yet and I am so so behind so let me list it:
Pluses:
1. GORGEOUS
2. great rooms, great views.
3. Food was okay, we really disliked the restaurant they kept pushing but enjoyed going out of the facility and also the restaurant by the windsurfers
4. The spa is amazing!
5. Excellent service!
6. Delicious beds.
Minuses:
1. Hard to get anywhere — they have deals with transport that make any kind of taxi exorbitant. I highly recommend getting your own car or having a local you know take you about.
2. Floors sweat, I fell, HARD. keep your slippers on at all times.
3. We accidentally got locked IN our room overnight one night.
4. Restaurants on the resort are okay but cost prohibitive and not all that.
All that said, I would go back tomorrow!

This place is just something I’ll likely never experience again in my life. So I might as well review it, right? I got booked here by a client on a business trip, and it was pretty surreal the entire time. The property is gigantic and more or less the epitome of «getaway paradise.» Upon arriving you’re greeted by a large concierge staff who take all of your bags and encourage you to relax and enjoy yourself. It’s no joke. They looked at me funny when I insisted on holding onto my camera bag. They want to take care of EVERYTHING for you.
A brief golf cart ride/​mini property tour later and I was at my room, an amazing oceanfront suite. The room is incredible. Softest bed I’ve ever felt and facing right out to the sea. The bathroom had both an awesome modern-​looking tub and indoor/​outdoor showers. The guy who brought my bags, Michael was interested in my photography and showed me his as well, and we swapped Instagrams. Really nice dude. You’re given cards from them with a number to text if you need anything as well.
I got a chance to wander around a bit but didn’t want to get lost so I stuck around close to my room. The pool in the main area is awesome, and they have a poolside bar/​restaurant library nearby too. I went to Encanto, their beach club restaurant, for dinner with a friend and it was terrific. One of the best steaks I’ve ever had.
Room service was very solid too. They even tell you the time they’ll be arriving and they’re spot on. It’s pretty ridiculously pricey, as is everything on the property, but I fully expected it. Might as well enjoy a once-​in-​a-​lifetime deal, right?
It was like something out of a dream. Just one of those places that may seem normal to those with larger wallets, but for me? It’s just nuts. But I sure enjoyed it. Incredibly nice people and a terrific experience during my stay.

Great resort! Even at full capacity it seemed private. The service and food were great but they still had a few kinks to work out since it was so new when we visited.

This resort is a treasure.
My husband and I stayed here for 4 nights on our honeymoon. It was such a magical experience pulling into the resort. I don’t think it could be more beautiful… you are surrounded by lush, tropical, pristine grounds. When we arrived, we were greeted by fruity popsicles and smiling faces. We had a car, and valet was always prompt and easy. (Valet was included as part of daily resort fee.)
We were immediately given a tour of the resort, which will take your breath away. The only odd part was when our guide (later, our bellman) strolled us into the concierge wing and promptly left, leaving us to wonder what to do. We asked the concierge, who said this is where you book your excursions. We had just gotten off of what felt like an «excursion» with 3 connecting flights and didn’t feel up to booking any adventures until we got settled in. FYI: This is a good opportunity for those who plan to book these, as every other time we went by the concierge they were busy.
We were given a beautiful room (624.) The bed faces the ocean and the room had a breathtaking set of floor to ceiling glass doors, along with wooden shutters to shield you from the morning light, but still allow you to hear the ocean waves. The TV is conveniently placed as it can be moved to be seen both from the bed and to the patio. Every room at this resort has a stunning outdoor shower (and a huge soaking tub,) which is honestly so stunning that you’re constantly in awe. We were told our luggage would arrive within a half hour of checking in, but it was an hour before it arrived and we couldn’t start our day without our swim suits…
Our room had a connecting door. We didn’t «meet» our neighbors on the other side until they returned that evening. It was an entire family renting out all of building 6 and the guests staying in our adjoining room were quite literally 4 rowdy 16 year olds who I’m assuming had no idea they were in an adjoining room… Que the loud rap music playing all that night and again when they woke up. The connecting doors are made of light wood that’s slanted, and you can hear every single word. We called several times to the front desk, but it became increasingly clear that the front desk was aware of the noise, but knew that we were the only guests in building 6 that wasn’t with the family, & they were going to ignore our requests. Finally, at 3am, they tried to help us. We heard them BANGING on the adjoining room’s door who were apparently on the balcony and couldn’t hear. The banging from the security went on for another half an hour until they finally knocked on our door and told us they would suggest we simply move rooms.
When we did, we assumed they would take care of our luggage and handle the logistics due to the inconvenience but unfortunately, it was quite a confusing move and the new room was still being cleaned when we arrived. We also felt the view wasn’t nearly as good, and it would have been a nice gesture for them to have merely given us a similar view. We quickly realized it wasn’t worth the stress, & moved on.
When we checked in the first day, we were told we had 2 reservations in their system… and that they weren’t able to combine them. We had just arrived so we confusingly agreed to this, but we didn’t realize what would come of this… I now wish we would have insisted they figure out in «their system» how to combine the two. it was quite an annoyance when housekeeping didn’t understand that we had an additional reservation and thought we were departing and our keys did not work… all in all it took about an hour of our last day trotting back and forth to get this sorted out. The staff also took our bikes by mistake thinking we were checking out and when we went all the way to the bike room to get another pair, they said they were out…
My husband called for a romantic turn down to surprise me on our final evening and they never showed up… later we received strange phone calls asking if we still needed transportation? FYI This isn’t a hotel that seems to surprise & delight guests. There wasn’t a mention that it was our honeymoon other than at check in; the stunning grounds and views make up for this IMO.
As for the food, it’s as to be expected, delicious. Highly recommend Mi Casa for dinner (getting ahold of reservations was difficult, so we just walked in & waited.) There was a fun checkers board a couple was playing that I’d recommend for the views alone. We hit up Walgreens in town mid way through our stay for snacks, drinks, etc.
In closing, even with the plethora of service problems, we literally dream of returning to Dorado Beach. I’m so envious of those that have permanent vacation homes here! Take advantage of the bike rentals to explore the area. I’d *love* to see the resort embrace sustainability in the near future. There was nowhere to recycle on the property.
TIP: The resort offers snorkel masks, flippers & coconuts up @ the pool!

I’ve never written a hotel review, but our stay was so exceptional that I felt compelled to post and hopefully offset some of the negative reviews. I took my daughters (ages 8 and 10) here for a long weekend, and we could not have had a more lovely experience. I’ve had the good fortune of staying at some of the premier properties around the world (Ritz Hotel and George V in Paris, Claridge’s London, St. Regis Kauai, Four Seasons Maui, St. Regis Deer Valley, Ritz Carlton NYC, Sea Island SC, etc., etc.) I can honestly say that I’ve never experienced anywhere near such gracious and attentive service. From the second we stepped on the property, each and every person we encountered knew our names, politely inquired if there was anything they could do to assist us, asked how we were enjoying our day, and so on. The staff was never intrusive, but you knew they were always there and ready to meet your every need.
We participated in many of the resort’s activities including private surfing lessons, stand-​up paddle boarding, guided snorkeling, biking, exploring the beaches, playing at the water park, lounging at the pool, indulging in the spa, shopping the boutiques, and dining at the restaurants. At each encounter, the staff we were working with could not have been more friendly and accommodating. A couple examples. .. when my oldest daughter got frightened while snorkeling after spotting a sea urchin, the instructor took her by the hand and guided her just close enough to the reef to spot the fish but keeping her far enough away that she was comfortable. She ended up having a wonderful experience, but it was only because of the personal attention and sensitivity of the staff. Another example occurred at the spa when one of my girls wandered a few yards ahead of me while I was checking out. I looked up and couldn’t find her. The spa staff suggested they call security as a precaution, and I agreed. Of course, I ended up finding her in a matter of minutes, but within an hour, a bottle of prosecco arrived in the room with a note saying that the security staff hoped we enjoyed the rest of our stay and had a relaxing evening. I couldn’t believe it — I lose MY daughter but then THEY send ME a bottle of prosecco? Now that is seriously attentive and gracious service!
We had lunch pool side every day because it was just so convenient and lovely. There were many kid-​friendly options (burgers, grilled cheese, chips and guac, etc.) as well as good salads and wraps, And, when I asked if it would be possible for them to substitute steamed veggies for the kids, although they weren’t on the menu, they happily tracked them down from a neighboring restaurant. We dined at each of the different restaurants for dinner, and again, were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food. There were always interesting and well done options for adults and easy options for kids.
As others have said, the property itself and rooms were spectacular. Impeccable in every single regard. Spacious, quietly indulgent, thoughtfully designed, and an absolute joy to experience. Our room didn’t have a private plunge pool, but it was beautiful nonetheless. We did have a private outdoor shower, an indoor shower, and an enormous soaking tub. A high-​end sectional pulled out to a bed and then private balcony had a dining table and bed sized sofa. We booked just a standard room, but there was nothing standard about it!
In terms of the pricing and «nickel and diming» folks, I don’t think it is any different from comparable properties. There is plentiful complimentary bottled water and sunscreen throughout the property, bikes for the duration of your stay are complimentary, and there is no charge to use the fitness center. At other similar hotels, I’ve encountered charges for each of these things. The prices for services like private lessons, spa treatments, and dining charges are certainly not the cheapest out there, but I don’t think anyone would expect that given the location and hotel.
In short, we could not have been more pleased with our experience at The Dorado and will most definitely be returning. With or without little ones in tow, it’s hard to imagine a more ideal island vacation.

Nickeling and diming people who can afford to stay anywhere they Iike, is a recipe for disaster in any business, much less the hospitality resort business. Such is the case I experienced at the Dorado Beach Ritz Carrolton.
Upon arrival, the resort appeared to be world class. The architecture, tropical landscape design were all amazing. The arrival procedure was also a pleasant experience, as we were greeted by a staff of 3 waiting with cold coconut Popsicles and welcome introductions. The entry and reception area, alerts one that this place is special, with tropical flora and incredible water features all designed to visually mimic a lush antique sugar plantation.
We were then introduced to our designated butler and whisked away to our room via golf cart. (there are no motorized vechiles on this ECO resort) When the door opened to the room, I knew we would be staying in the lap of luxury. The interior décor, was amazing and the suite was spacious. The view to the ocean was unveiled as the floor to ceiling glass doors all folded back into the wall opening the outdoors in. The private patio with infinity plunge pool was perfect, and gave view to a lush grass lawn, landscaped perfectly with the ocean crashing on the rocks passed the private beach and saltwater lagoon. We had arrived at paradise.
That evening, we took our first outing at one of the resorts three dining establishments. It was right on the beach and again the decoration was perfect and the view inspiring. Then the menus came and we were surprised… Sushi ! In Puerto Rico. Really? Ok well we dug in and ordered the same sushi that we get back home, only a lot more expensive, taking a lot more time to get, and while waiting, drinking cocktails that started at $ 20…first red flag!
Day one one the beach… perfect. Very private and exclusive feeling. Our own terry covered lounges under an umbrella, steps from our suite and plunge pool. The view is spectacular, as are the sounds of the surf crashing over the rocks. We are sitting on a beach and in front of us is a man made saltwater lagoon that has perfect sand bottom at varying depths. This water is gin clear and a beautiful shade of turquoise… Perfect for swimming and Sunning. Now lunch at the second dining establishment on the resort… sort of a pool /​sand side grill… burgers, pizza, but also some limited main course items and a full bar. We decided on a Cuba Libre and Piña Collotta with two sandwiches. It took forever to get our order, even though there was very few people in the restaurant. The drinks were lite of rum, and the menu was just average pool food. I had to flag down the waiter to finally get our bill so we could pay and get back to the beach. The bill came and was $ 137.00 for two drinks and two sandwiches… second red flag !
We went to the spa for treatments and were completely amazed by this place… world class does not describe the art and architecture… almost Disney like for adults good! I have never experienced the visual sense that this spa exudes, again thanks to the amazing architects and designers.
But again, once past the façade, the massage treatments were average at best and the prices were double any other world class spa that I have been to… Third red flag !
The next day, repeat day one. Beach and swimming in the lagoon. Took bike rides along the 11 mile Rockefeller trail which was very nice and beautiful scenery. You really get a sense of the entire property by bike. That afternoon, I decided that I wanted my own bottle of rum in the room so I didn’t have to keep trying to find a butler (who assured me would be at my every be on command). Couldn’t even get him to deliver ice, cokes, limes or even get our turn down service correct… but he put on a convincing show upon our arrival. None the less, he told me of Puerto Rico’s finest and most coveted Rum… Don Q, and that I should experience this fine liquor… so I called him up and had a bottle delivered with cokes and limes. Again, it was average at best and I was charged $ 247.00 for the bottle. Being a drinker of fine single malt whiskeys and small batch bourbons, I was ignorant and felt price must be inline with fine Rum… fast forward to leaving the island and at the airport. The shop at the airport was selling THE EXACT SAME BOTTLE OF DON Q RUM FOR $ 14.00 USD! Fourth red flag and now I’m furious!
Oh and I forgot to tell you that the incidentals (not including room, tax, or transfers) came to $ 3800.00! Over $ 1000 was Spa treatments, but the rest was nickel and dime charges, delivery fees, gratuity, and many other unknown charges that should have been included when spending $ 1,400.00 per night for a room with a view.
Summary
Is the Dorado Beach Resort by Ritz Carlton a beautiful and visually amazing place … YES
Would I ever stay they again… NO WAY
Does this property measure up to other properties in this price range, like Las Ventanas in Cabo, or the Anangatti in Jackson Hole? I

INCREDIBLE! This place is beautiful, private, and serene. As one of the few Ritz Carlton reserve locations, this hotel focuses on integrating the hotel with its natural surrounding beauty. We stayed here in December 2014 and had a wonderful time.
Staff: great! We had an embajador (ambassador) who checked in with us every so often to ensure we had everything we needed.
Facilities: where to begin — our room on the first level had an infinity pool with a beautiful view of the ocean. We also enjoyed using the outdoor shower. The grounds were well maintained. We borrowed bikes (free to all hotel guests) and biked all around the hotel area and even around the neighborhood. The reserve affording some quiet views of the ocean
Activities: they offer paddleboarding and snorkeling to name a few. We did the night time snorkeling and saw some amazing fish and octopi and squid. They also have a photographer on site to take pics!
Food: Encanto and Positivito offered great food as well as the not as well publicized beach bar next to the Jaques Cousteau building (short bike ride from the main compound near the golf course)! Was not as impressed with the highly touted Mi Casa.

Staff was very accommodating and friendly. The grounds were beautiful.
Offered an 18 hole golf course, two pools, lazy river and windmill, beautiful three bedroom villas, flat screen tvs, patios with mountain views, Mi casa world reknowned chef who came and made dinner for our party of 15. The Encanto beach club and grill had great food. The drinks made at the bar had little alcohol. I swear I had a couple drinks a day and never felt buzzed at all. The drinks made are more so sweet than anything. The Spa Botanico was amazing and also world reknowned. Had an amazing time here. Each villa was supplied with a golf cart to explore the grounds.
Forgot to mention — I got engaged here :)
I will definitely be coming back!

Was very peaceful, beautiful, quiet and the resort grounds was just simply magnificent. I loved my ocean front room with a mini pool. Scenery was great. The room was lovely esp the bathroom…
I enjoyed bicycle riding around the compound a lot. Enjoyed the beach while watching the beautiful sunset.
The staff was very friendly and nice.
The spa was great and relaxing as well.
Overall I was happy I stayed here because I honestly enjoyed myself. I did not care to leave the resort whatsoever. Just comfortable to the max.

This is the best low-​key luxury a guy could ask for. If you need the pomp and circumstance of an east coast or old world hospitality establishment, the Ritz Carlton Reserve will likely leave you somewhat unimpressed. If, on the other hand, you prefer west-​coast or island hospitality, then it doesn’t get much better.
Beautiful facilities and amazing food — especially courtesy of José Andreś. Tapas … Fantastic.
The entire staff was friendly and approachable. Never felt like we were getting ‘hustled’.

Have to say it: if you’re complaining about this place, then perhaps you’re too good for this world.
I’m not a luxury-​lover. In fact, I tend to cringe at excess. But this place is really something. Just feels right. Does not feel opulent. Kind of jungle chic… with rich indigenous woods and metal that probably wasn’t mined here in PR but fits the island vibe quite well. Layout is stunning (thanks primarily to Mother Nature but also to landscape architects, to be fair). It all feels a bit like what would result if Frank Lloyd Wright discovered he had Aztec ancestry and was then commissioned by a high-​end resort to design a place and while he did so was sipping many fruity pina coladas.
But locale and design can only do so much for vibe. The real difference is the local staff.
Camille at the sand bar is gracious. And she has something that no resort fee can guarantee: an honest, winning smile that does not feel put-​on for customers.
Speaking of smiles, Jose gets a nod, too. His is also sincere. And what he does just puts the cherry on top of this resort sundae. He delivers fresh, wet coconuts and cuts the top and sticks a straw in it for you. And he does it with flair. Plus he rides a cool beach buggy.
Thanks, guys.

This is the best resort I’ve ever stayed at — hands down. We got a special rate, so we were only here for two days, but it was SO worth it.
I don’t think I knew what pampered meant until I went to the Dorado. No check-​in desk? I mean, there is one… but you don’t have to go to it. Instead, they give you fresh tropical juice with spices in it and a tour of the GORGEOUS property. While on the tour, we were able to make reservations for dinner. Once in our room, we pretty much didn’t want to leave. It was literally bigger than our condo in DC (which is pretty small but it’s still a big room), and it had it’s own pool. Why would you need to leave? After taking pictures of the whole place (yep, we were those kind of people), we immediately went out back to check out the pool and the beach. While we were in the pool, the staff brought us a bottle of wine to celebrate our engagement. They also brought us bikes to ride around the property and snorkel gear to use if we wanted to. It was all included in the price.
Although we walked everywhere to enjoy the beautiful property, the staff constantly asked us if we wanted a ride on a golf cart. They are all about service; however, they’ll also leave you alone if you just want privacy. Most of the time, we felt like we were the only guests at the resort.
The main pool is VERY nice with great views and a station for towels, water (with fresh fruit/​cucumber in it), suntan lotion, etc. Or, if you want to enjoy the beach, it’s literally a 100 ft walk away — the beach was wave-​free and very relaxing. If you get a pool with your room (which I HIGHLY recommend), there’s really no need to go to the main pool. It’s an incredible luxury to have the pool to yourself right outside your room. I didn’t want to leave. If you get tired of your own personal pool, you can walk to the beach right behind your room and try that out too!
We biked around the whole property (including the attached neighborhood), which was a very nice way to spend a cloudy afternoon. The gym in the neighborhood is free to resort guests, and is a pretty good gym! We enjoyed having the option, although the gym at the Dorado is also really nice. It’s beautiful (which I know is a weird thing to say) and has a good selection of gym equipment — cardio options, weight machines, some free weights, and a bunch of other options like yoga mats, kettlebells, etc. Although we didn’t get any spa treatments, we did go in and look around — and I can’t imagine how one must feel getting to enjoy that area. Going into the spa feels incredibly decadent — the pool areas look like they’re from a movie because they’re surrounded by such luscious rainforest-​like plants. I’m sure the treehouse massages are amazing!
I’ve reviewed the restaurants at Dorado separately, but I can say that we certainly weren’t disappointed. Going in, I wasn’t excited about having to eat on the property, but it was definitely worth it. Try room service too — we loved eating our breakfast on our private patio! Here’s my review of Mi Casa: