Looking to leave the snow shovel behind for a tropical, warm-weather vacation? Forget about Florida, and don't bother flying all the way to Hawaii. Puerto Rico is an easy-to-access destination in the Caribbean, full of rich culture, lush jungles, and beautiful beaches. It's one of the best places to visit if you plan on travelling in 2022.
The Four Points by Sheraton is one of the most popular all-inclusive resorts on the island, complete with an on-site casino and pool. This inland resort features a beautiful jungle backdrop and is within walking distance from a golf course.
Wondering if the Four Points by Sheraton is the right vacation destination for you? Keep reading below for a detailed review of this comfortable, exotic hotel in paradise.
Four Points by Sheraton is one of 30 hotel brands that make up the global Marriott-Bonvoy family. The location and design of the Four Points brand are designed to blend the world of business and pleasure.
These hotels cater to business travellers, looking to incorporate fun and relaxation into their journey. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and provide the hotel amenities needed by travellers who work from the road.
A desk and office chair can be found in Four Points rooms, along with quality wifi and free in-room water, for when you need to get work done.
But the Four Points chain doesn't lack features that would attract families, or those looking to unplug either. The Four Points location in Caguas, Puerto Rico offers everything needed for productivity and relaxation.
Puerto Rico is a set of tropical islands in the Caribbean. The islands that make up Puerto Rico are surrounded by warm, crystal-clear water, and lined with breathtaking beaches.
Rich coral reefs are found just offshore, and mangrove forests live here in abundance, providing a healthy and diverse ecosystem for fish and wildlife.
As you head inland, toward the Four Points Hotel, you'll find rolling hills and lush rainforest. La Cordillera Central is the main mountain range, near the center of the island, which is where most of the island's rivers begin.
Getting to Four Points by Sheraton
Puerto Rico is located 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, near the Dominican Republic.
Canadians can find non-stop flights to the capital, San Juan, from Toronto or Montreal. Flights from other Canadian cities will typically pass through Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C.
Puerto Rico is a US territory, not a state. But Canadian citizens can visit Puerto Rico as easily as they would visit the US mainland. No visa is required for entry, but a valid passport, six months before expiration is required.
The Four Points by Sheraton is located 30 minutes away from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, otherwise known as the San Juan Airport (SJU), the territory's largest airport.
Location
You can find this hotel in the Caguas municipality, a lush, inland region south of the capital city. The hotel itself sits on the quiet, south side of the city of Caguas. It overlooks the Turabo River and the Caguas Real Golf and Country Club, which is surrounded by a beautiful valley dotted with lush rainforest.
You'll leave the city of San Juan, heading south on Highway 52 which will take you straight to the resort.
Transportation
The easiest way to reach the Four Points hotel is by renting a car. The drive from the airport will take about 30 minutes, and onsite parking is available for a fee.
Having a car is the easiest way to access nearby attractions and restaurants, since the resort sits outside of town, with limited access to public transportation. You can rent a car directly from the airport, or rent directly from a local with Turo.
Local Language and Culture
Puerto Rico was initially settled by the indigenous Taíno people, before Christopher Columbus and Spanish settlers arrived to colonize it in 1493.
For four centuries, Puerto Rico remained under Spanish rule, used as a strategic location for colonizing other territories in Central and South America. Finally, in 1898, following the Spanish-American War, the United States acquired Puerto Rico. In 1917, Puerto Ricans were officially recognized as US citizens.
Puerto Rican culture is a blend of indigenous, African, and European elements, which initially emerged in the 1800s.
Local Puerto Rican culture can be experienced through traditional music, vibrant, Spanish-style architecture, and delicious cuisine called Cocina Criolla. Local dishes highlight the use of tubers, root vegetables, and other local, healthy foods.
Is It Beneficial to Know a Little Spanish?
Both English and Spanish are the official languages of Puerto Rico, though the use of Spanish far outweighs English, with only a small population considered fluent English speakers.
Most visitors who remain in tourist destinations near their hotels will do fine without any Spanish knowledge. But those looking to explore off the beaten path would do well to study basic phrases or download a translation app to their phone.
The Atmosphere at Four Points by Sheraton
The Four Points Resort is modern, clean, and comfortable. The common spaces, such as the lobby, restaurant, and work areas feel elegant. But as a chain hotel, much of the decor feels very static and generic.
While comfortable, the hotel lacks character. However, most people spend their time outside, taking in views of the mountains, or inside the casino where the excitement is happening.
How Do People Rate the Service?
Most travellers enjoy their stay at the Four Points Hotel. Access directly off the highway is a big bonus. And the drive from the airport is shorter than most people expect.
The staff is friendly, but at busier times, the check-in process can take a bit longer, as lines form and limited front desk personnel are available. But with a recent remodel, service is much more efficient and orderly.
Hotel Amenities
The Four Points Hotel in Caguas caters to many types of travellers. Here are the amenities you'll get to enjoy when you book your trip.
Restaurants
The hotel features an onsite restaurant called X.O. Le Bistro. Here you'll find international favourites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dress code is casual, so feel free to order some food on the way to the pool.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available, with outdoor tables located near the pool deck.
Bars
Drinks can be purchased at the onsite restaurant, X.O. Le Bistro. You can also order beverages at the Passion Lounge, which is inside the casino.
If you like cocktails, then this is the perfect time to order a Piña Colada, as it's the national drink of Puerto Rico.
Pool
The tropical, outdoor pool is very large and is surrounded by palm trees for shade and a relaxing atmosphere. We love that there are dual waterslides, so kids can race each other, providing endless fun.
Fitness Centre
The fitness center is a good size and offers plenty of modern equipment. A wall of windows allows you to gaze out at the jungle while using a treadmill or stationary bike.
Casino
One of the biggest draws of this resort is the on-site casino. It features an ample amount of bright, flashy slot machines. And there are plenty of table games for those looking to try their hand at poker or blackjack.
If you're looking to enjoy a night out, without having to leave the property, the casino is the place to be, especially on weekends. Here you'll find the Passion Lounge, a bar with a dance floor, and live music on the weekends.
Golf Course
Another major draw to this property is the beautiful Caguas Real Golf & Country Club, with a backdrop of rainforest-covered mountains. Access to the course requires a short, five-minute walk.
The 18 holes take you through tropical vegetation, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Excursions
Just because the Four Points Hotel isn't on the beach, doesn't mean there isn't a lot to do nearby. In fact, you can get to the beach in as little as 30 minutes from the hotel.
If you are looking for some day trips you can embark on from the hotel, here are some popular options.
Flamenco Beach
Flamenco Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. Its picture-perfect white sand, turquoise waters, and calm surf make this the ideal place to spend a day relaxing. Without waves, the shallow water is perfect for snorkelling, as marine life is abundant in these warm waters.
This beach is located on the small island of Culebra, 17 miles from the mainland. The cheapest way to get there is by ferry, which costs less than $5, and takes 45 minutes each way. You'll first drive to the east side of the island, where you'll depart from the Ceiba ferry terminal.
El Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, more commonly known as El Morro, is a landmark that showcases Puerto Rico's long history. The military outpost is over 500 years old. Today, you can stroll through the impressive grounds, look out over the bay, and watch as cruise ships come in to dock overnight.
El Morro is in San Juan and takes about 35 minutes to drive there from the hotel.
Bioluminescent Bay
Bioluminescent bays are rare, coastal ecosystems filled with glow-in-the-dark planktons that illuminate the water. At night, you can quietly paddle along causing the organisms to glow and create a magical environment.
There are only five places on Earth where these planktons exist in a high enough concentration to see. And three of them are in Puerto Rico.
Laguna Grande in Fajardo is the closest to both the hotel and San Juan. It will take about an hour to drive to the northeastern tip of the mainland. If you can plan to visit on a moonless night, when the plankton seems to shine the brightest, you'll be in for a real treat on this eco-adventure.
El Yunque
El Yunque forest makes up a large portion of Puerto Rico's northeast corner. It's the only tropical rainforest that exists as part of the US National Forest System.
It's one of the best destinations for hikers. Trails often lead to waterfalls. Feel free to take a dip in many of the natural pools you come across.
Is the Four Points by Sheraton Kid-Friendly or Adults Only?
The Four Points by Sheraton in Caguas, Puerto Rico caters to all types of travellers. Travelling adults will appreciate the onsite casino and the golf course.
And families with children will enjoy the on-site pool, and nearby attractions including museums, gardens, and outdoor activities such as hiking, ziplining, and rock climbing.
But since the hotel is inland, away from the beaches, the majority of visitors aren't travelling with children.
Is It Safe to Travel off the Resort Alone?
Puerto Rico is much safer to visit than many major cities in the US. The territory boasts a relatively low crime rate. Most of the population lives in San Juan, which is where most of the crime occurs.
The main issues you main encounter will be petty theft, primarily out of vehicles. Don't leave valuables inside your vehicle.
Travelling off-resort by yourself, even as a woman, is generally safe. Though it's always best to avoid walking alone after dark and to be aware of the neighbourhoods you travel through.
Are There Extra Costs to be Aware Of?
If you rent a vehicle and park it onsite at the Four Points hotel, you'll pay a daily parking rate of $10. Water and wifi are free throughout the property, but additional food and beverages, and access to the golf course will cost extra.
Best Time to Visit Four Points by Sheraton
Puerto Rico enjoys a comfortable average annual temperate of 28 °C along the coast and 21 °C up in the mountains. The rainy season in Puerto Rico extends from April into November, meaning that winter is the ideal time to visit, which is perfect for Canadians looking for a break from the snow.
Overall Reviews
If you're looking for a hotel that has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, whether you plan on working from your hotel room, or are travelling with children, the Four Points by Sheraton in Cagua, Puerto Rico is a fun, comfortable, and modern place to stay.
The lush rainforest and mountains surrounding the resort make up for the lack of nearby beaches. But the hotel is centrally located, giving you access to mountains and beaches, if you're willing to drive for about 30 minutes each way.
NAME
DETAILS
Star rating
4.3
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes
Is it safe to travel off the resort alone?
Yes
Best time to visit
December - February
What Are You Waiting For? Book Your Trip Today!
Are you ready to plan your next vacation? The Four Points by Sheraton is a great destination for almost any type of traveller. And us Canadians will find the year-round warm weather especially appealing in the winter, which correlates with Puerto Rico's dry season.
And don't forget travel insurance. Any time you leave the country, whether it's across the planet, or just across the border, travel insurance is your lifeline abroad.
