The Rio del Mar was a fine hotel, but needs renovations to make it look sleek, modern and pretty, so based on the physical appearence, I would not recommend it. Everything else was fine (and the spa was decorated nicely and the services were good). The ocean has nice calm waves that you can ride, if you like. The resort and beach were clean. Please note that it is a 45 minute, $65 cab ride from the airport.

I recommend taking a trip to see the bio luminessence in the lagoons either on Viequez or near Fajardo. I also recommend eating at the food kiosks that are not too far away from the hotel (ask the concierge).

I am a Wyndham timeshare member, this was my first time staying at the resort, the property is very beautiful. I was orginally suppose to get a Mountian view room, but asked if they had a Ocean view and was given one. We stayed from Nov. 8th to the 13th. We rented a car from USave rental car, after checking back a few times we ended up getting an Economy car for $92 for the 5 days. The car was newer, but the inside had stained seats, oh well i only had to drive it for 5 days! Paying for parking in the resort garage for guest really bothered me. Since there is not another business within a mile plus of the place, so the only people using the garage are people either using the casino or hotel guests. Yes, you need to take your parking ticket to get "validated" at the bellmans desk just out front the hotel. Your asked to write your name and room number on the back in front of them. Some days they made a note of the name and some they didn't. I say this because everytime i left that desk i changed my name and room number to something that completely does not make sense (changing the letter into competely different letter making a foriegn looking name), so not only would i be billed, neither would another person in another room get billed because the name made no sense. They only made note on there sheet at the Parking desk twice out of the five days. So i was charges for only 2 out of 5 days. Parking is $15 + $1.05 tax a day. The girlfriend and i picked up a styrofoam cooler $3.99 used their ice machine, bought pop ($1) and rum ($13) from the store. We ended up picking up a blender ($15) and margarita mix ($7) from Walmart with a couple insulated mugs ($7) and made are own frozen margaritas in the room. Don't tell Walmart, but we returned the blender when we were done with it, lol. The total cost was about what 2 drinks at the bar would run ($10.13) a piece for a frozen margarita. The rainforest in less than 10 minutes away ok more like 5 minutes if you drive like the locals. Beware the shoulder is a lane in Puerto Rico, and motorcycles will drive down in between the vehicles. We did the Yunke zip line tour which was only 5-10 minutes away for $98 a person, it was awesome. The beach did get trashy at times, but the resort used their beach cleaning machine to clean it almost daily. At times the waves were large but fun to play in. Staff was very pleasant to its guests. Casino was small, but large enough to have fun in. Taking road 66 from the airport was worth the $1.50 toll verse taking 3 all the way across, 66 saves so much time. Ok, i am going to stop typing, lol. Oh one last thing, i would have loved to have golfed, but the prices were to much at the Resort courses, they entire 5 days i did not see one golfer one the courses as we drove in and out of the Resort. Hey Wyndham lower your green fees!

My husband and I stayed for a couple of days which was absolutely fabulous!! We can not wait to go back! We were upgraded to an Ocean view room which had the best view of all. Check in was easy as we arrived after 11pm. We could hear the surf and the Coqui frogs that are native to PR from our balcony. The room was clean and the amenities were wonderful. Just beware of the tile floors with the humidity.

Self parking is $15 a day or $20 for valet parking. You need to get a blue ticket when you park then have it validated at the bellman stand outside to get out of the parking garage. They charge this to your bill everynight.

I would recommend renting a car as the resort is 30 minutes from the airport if you take the new highway which just opened. There is a $1.50 toll charge each way. We rented from Avis at the airport which was fine but they did not have a full size car when we arrived. We prepaid for a full size which Avis said they would change out the next day. We went to the Avis desk at the Rio Mar and Alicia helped out us. She was wonderful and was very knowledgable on the area.

The staff was great and everyone was very friendly! The casino is good if you are staying on property as there is no other entertainment. The food is typical of a resort which can be costly. I spent $3 per can of coke and almost $3.50 for a donut. The adult pool was great and never crowded. The iguanas were a wonder to see but did not bother anyone. The ocean was beautiful and well kept.

We drove to Loquillo to eat several times eating at the Kioskos off the highway. We ate at El Jefe's which was the best food I have eaten!! Everything on the menu is freshly made and would recommend this place!! We ate lunch at another kioskos which began with a C #50 maybe and their food was incredible, their seafood paella was wonderful as all the seafood was fresh. San Juan and Old San Juan are wonderful to walk around and explore to see all the shops and history they have to offer.

Thanks to everyone who suggested renting a car. Yes, a must have. The hotel is a way from the airport. It will save you alot of money. A hotel or private tour to the rainforest would have been approx .$ 100.00. We spent $ 9.00. On returning the car I needed to put $14.00 in gas.
Our stay was 4 nights.
Upon checking in we were given a room immediately and upgraded from Garden View to Ocean View Room 3016. From our balcony we were above adult pool and ocean beyond it. There are tiled floors in the room so use caution. There was a musty smell. We opened the balcony door and put a towel on the floor by the bed. No big deal.
As we live in Florida I can understand why there are tile floors. As far as the thermostat, when it got cold at night I would turn up the temperature. The 2 king sized beds were so cozy. The provided toiletries were top notch quality brand. I had coffee every morning and left 1.00 for housekeeping and was stocked with plenty of coffee and Twinings Tea. We arrived to 2 bottles of complimentary water.
We first ate at the Tiki Bar and my adult daughter and I were able to share a burger and fries and still be full. Prices are comparable to any city prices. We were joined by an orange young tom-cat that seems to "live" on property. We fed him but he was not annoying in any way and happy to go about his business.
There are alot of activities at the hotel, no charge. We were there on a weekend. Friday and Saturday nights there is "Drive In Movie" night by the pool, rated G and they offer popcorn fresh popped from a cart. There is always something at night in the Ballroom, dancing, music, comedy, etc. We were there for a Mardi Gras costume night anyone could attend. There is a wine bar with live piano music. During the day they offer bingo, water aerobics, dance lessons, etc. Every moring there is feeding the Iguanas time where you can feed them lettuce. The kids club looks great. All activites are posted on a board by the pool and in the lobby. It is a shame that more people don't attend these events. The dealers at the casino were great at helping new players learn the games. If you are a "seasoned" player don't expect everyone on your table to know the "book". We met some nice people and joined them each evening. The hotel tour desk staff were very accommedating with print out directions to resturants and attractions. The beach was clean, but the water is a bit rough.
We had a late departing flight and we were welcomed to leave our bags with valet for no charge and use all the ammenities for the day.
We did eat at the resturant down the hill from the hotel to the light and make a right. The host was very cordial and helped us with the menu. And the food was good. We also stopped at the bottom of the hill at the market. It was a Friday night and there was live music and dancing in front. We got some snacks and drinks, the only fruit was bananas though. They were delicious, so much sweeter.
We took road trips. One was to El Yuque Rainforest and stopped at the Guest Center first and watched the free movie. Worth it. Drove up to the first waterfall and got out and took some photos. Continued to the observation tower and walked up. Took the trail to the falls you can swim at. We were told 35 min. walk each way but never timed it. Parts of the trail slope steeply up and down. We must have arrived with a tour because the fall was full of people unfortunately very loud with music and picnics in the water. We were at first disappointed. We went under the wooden bridge and used a private pool. After they left we went under the falls. Clear, exhillarating and cold! On the drive back down we ate at the El Yuque outdoor cafe. There we sampled. That was the best food we had.
We drove to Luquillo Beach and rented 2 beach lounges for the day at $5.00 each. Skipped the umbrella and sat under the palm trees. Very nice beach. My daughter was serenaded by a cute older gentleman who strolled the beach with a gutiar and sang. I was more than delighted to give him $3.00. Parking for the day is $3.00. There was a gift shop and snack shop. We tried a really good lobster and crab "taco". Empanada and taquitos. Beer, water and margarita. Very reasonable.
Last outing was San Juan. We had been there before and skipped the fort. Walked around side streets. Then decided to stay near the cruise ship port because there were more shops and activity. There was a Starbucks, for the homesick. We ate at the staple Senor Frog's. Food's not good, but fun atmosphere. Passed a local bakery. Picked up 2 pasteries everything was $1.00 each. Very good. Since the streets are so narrow it is hot in the city. Dress comfortable and walking shoes.
We are already planning to return soon.