Hyatt Residence Club Dorado, Hacienda del Mar

The Hyatt Residence is entered through a security gate along a fast Dorado highway. Guests will drive past a golf course (there are two courses owned by Hyatt and several more in the area) until the two-part yellow structure comes into view, at which point they will pull around a large manicured tree to the entrance. Saturdays are the busiest days when many guests, some who are Hyatt Residence "owners," are checking in or checking out for the week, and wait times may be slow on this day. Once the paperwork is complete, guests can self-park in a lot behind the property (though they may want to drop their luggage off beforehand).The eight-floor building has two sides equipped with two elevators each. Behind the building are Hyatt's manicured lawns, walking paths, mini-golf course, and tennis courts (which are usually lit at night). Through the small lobby area -- there is coffee served in the mornings, and an "owners" meeting every Monday morning -- guests will find the outdoor terrace that leads to the pretty beach, which is free and clear of crowds. This spacious area has a pool for adults, a pool for kids, and two hot tub areas. Kids are often be running around this area, jumping from pool to pool or using the playground, while their parents sunbathe.The bar and grill between the pool and beach does not stay open late at night, and loud noise (or partying) is deterred after 11pm; security guards roam the property to keep an eye on things after the front desk closes. Due to the lack of nightlife both on the property and in Dorado, the Hyatt Residence is best suited for families and business travelers who want some conveniences of home.A new Marriott will go up in the empty building next door and will be completed in ’17. Expect construction noise until then, but once completed, both properties will share amenities.

This time-share property is just under a half hour from San Juan, set along peaceful Dorado Beach and next to several golf courses. The area was made famous by the Rockefeller family, who bought plots of land in the early 20th Century and built a luxury resort, which has since been converted to the Ritz (next door). Marriott -- Ritz's parent company -- is staking out this part of the beach and has taken over Hyatt's former sister property next door. This currently empty building -- somewhat of an eye-sore for guests at Hyatt Residence -- remains fenced off, and will be torn down to make way for a new Marriott. Construction will be ongoing until 2017 or so.Most guests staying here will fly into San Juan's airport and rent a car. In fact, a car is required in order to leave the property and to get to stores and restaurants in Dorado. There are several suburban-esque conveniences such as outlet malls, grocery stores, movie theaters, and even a Starbucks within driving distance.Hyatt offers free parking in the lot across the street.

Despite the lengthy driveway entrance, Hyatt Residence consists of only one large building that rises eight floors. It houses Studio, One-, and Two-Bedroom units with comfortable but older decor. A few touches such as the terra-cotta tile floors, tile accents, and attractive patterned rugs add local flavor, but the old, corporate fabric patterns on the furniture and bland wood furniture take the look down a notch. Two units share a main door and foyer where there is a stackable washer and dryer in a closet. All units have balconies facing the ocean. The higher the floor, the better the view, as lower-floor rooms may only offer glimpses of the sea through the pool terrace and gardens.The maximum number of occupants per unit is four people, and security is strict about not allowing outside "unregistered" guests. Expect to see more rules printed in the kitchen, stating that quiet hours are after 11 p.m., trash facilities are down the hall, and that room temperatures should be kept at 68 degrees at all times.Studio units have queen-size beds, seating areas with full-size sofa beds, TVs, and DVD players. Kitchenettes are smaller here than in the One- and Two-Bedrooms units, and are only equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers.One-Bedroom units have master bedrooms with king beds, and bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and jetted tubs. These units have fully equipped kitchens, dining and living areas, and queen sofa beds.The Two-Bedroom units have a second bedroom, each with a queen-size bed and a full bathroom. Bedrooms have TVs but some may be older tube style, while living rooms have flat-screens. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi and guests can pull out their laptops in the dining room or plug in via an outlet on the furnished balcony. Cribs and playpens are available upon request.

Guests should be aware that check-in times are 4 p.m. and check-out is 10 a.m. Those staying a full week -– Saturday to Saturday -– will receive just one housekeeping visit mid-week. The staff is lean here, and the front desk closes down at night. A security guard is present through the late night and early morning hours. Owners who are a part of the Hyatt Residence program (either here or at another property in the U.S.) can meet in the lobby each Monday morning for a meeting given by the manager. There is free coffee served here for guests, as well as local information (such as maps and excursion details).There are several activities on the property to keep guests entertained. Kids have free access to a playground, mini-golf course, and tennis courts. Water toys and beach accessories such as boogies boards, scuba gear, and umbrellas can be rented for a fee. Organized activities include tennis and ping-pong tournaments, bingo, painting, movie nights, and aerobics.The beach area has several lounge chairs and pretty views for spreading out, and the pool has an adult area, kiddy pool, and two hot tubs, though the jets may not be working. Towels are provided in the towel hut during daylight hours.Most guests choose to stock the fridges and make use of the kitchens in their units, but a beach bar and grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner until around 9 p.m., offering basic American food and drinks, and some cocktails (think: Pina Coladas). A well-stocked convenience store is located next to the pool, but closes in the evenings. Room service is not available, but guests can get a list of delivery options from the front desk.There is a free fitness center with room key open from morning 'til night.Golf is available on the property at Hyatt Dorado Country Club, and tee times can be arranged by calling the pro shop. There is special pricing for Hyatt Residence Club Dorado, Hacienda Del Mar residents and golf clubs are available for rent.Free Wi-Fi is not reliable in common areas, but is available in the rooms. Guests have access to a desktop computer near the front desk.