Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino

Set just off the main highway in an area known for its lush, jungle-like landscape, the sprawling Four Points property emerges like a big shopping complex, with its vast open-air car park and adjoining big square buildings containing rooms, its casino, and a multi-level indoor garage. Past the secure gated entrance and rows of parked cars, the entrance to the hotel lobby sits directly opposite the casino doors -- a boon for gamblers on vacation getaways. The casino is usual fare -- an orchestra of mechanical beeps and melodies amid a splashy sea of machines and games tables. Inside the hotel lobby, marble floors are sparsely decorated with lounge settings and ornaments with a subtle marine theme and coastal-blue color scheme. Aside from the hefty square support columns, the layout is open-plan and flows right into the on-site restaurant, “X.O. Le Bistro,” at the rear. Here a grand piano and tables dressed in black tablecloths and red napkins aim for a French vibe, though it's more casual than chic. Big glass windows showcase the curvaceous pool area just outside, where palm trees add tropical flavor, while the colorful waterslide, and mushroom spray fountain appeal to kids. The crowd is mixed -- couples, singles, families, and business travelers who mostly seem to keep to themselves, but overall the vibe is friendly and laid-back. This property backs onto a rugged rainforesty expanse of river and lush nature -- showcased as tropical views from many rooms. It's a backdrop best enjoyed from La Terazza, the alfresco garden terrace area.

Four Points is located in Caguas -- a lush municipality occupying an inland pocket of Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Range, south of San Juan on the island’s eastern side. The inland setting means there are no beaches, but the region is blanketed with jungle-like rainforest landscape in verdant contrast to other parts of the island. The hotel is located just off the 52 Expressway, about a 40-minute drive from San Juan, and the same from the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. Guests can walk to the Caguas Real Golf & Country Club in seven minutes, and there are a few museums and sites of interest in the area, which include the Caguas Museum (a 10-minute drive), the Tobacco Museum (eight-minute drive), and the Botanical Gardens (nine-minute drive). 

Rooms are available in Double, King, and Suite categories -- they’re all large with broad windows letting in plenty of light, and many frame lush river, or pool and palm tree views. Furniture is basic yet functional, blending blond headboards, work desks, and bedside tables with neutral textiles in soft-toned carpets and crisp white bedding on comfortable Sheraton signature beds. And while decor isn't exactly memorable, it's perfectly pleasant. Their generous floor plans accommodate lounges and work desks, and suites upsize rooms even more -- with separate living/dining areas and kitchenettes. In all categories, free in-room Wi-Fi is provided, along with daily bottled water, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Mirrored closets contain safes, irons, and ironing boards. Bathrooms are consistent with the large layouts, offering generous granite vanities, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, bar soap, and wall-mounted pump dispensers containing other standard toiletries. 

This chain hotel has an assortment of features appealing to it's broad mix of guests. The pool is large and kid-friendly with a waterslide, mushroom fountain, whirlpool, and plenty of loungers on offer. A patio filled with alfresco dining settings overlooks the pool, should guests wish to eat outside. Casual a la carte restaurant “X.O. Le Bistro,” serves all meals and offers a full bar. There’s a daily buffet breakfast, and a good mix of Western favorites and Puerto Rican dishes on the lunch and dinner menus. Large-scale meetings and reception events facilities cater to corporate and social functions, with audio visual equipment and catering services on hand. La Terraza -- a lovely terrace, garden and fountain area located at the rear of the property, overlooks a lush river-rainforest landscape as a tranquil spot to unwind. Pasion Lounge, located in the casino, offers drinks, live music, and dancing on weekend evenings. The casino itself is a major draw for many guests, offering game tables and machines for travelers to try their luck. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property, which is a completely smoke-free zone. Theirs is plenty of self and valet parking available on-site, although it incurs hefty daily fees that annoys many guests.