Even though the resort is not as sprawling as other luxury beach resorts - this is a gem. Service was excellent. Tea on the patio every day - yoga on the beach every morning - a wonderful, protected inlet for excellent snorkeling for my kids (youngest was 9). Even though the pool was small - there was another Hyatt timeshare/condo next door where we had privileges to their immense lazy river pool and wilder beach full of large waves for body surfing and more snorkeling. The first word that comes to mind when I think of this resort is relaxation - not easy to satisfy active children (and husband) and adults craving luxurious accomodations, but this Hyatt was perfect for the entire family.

This resort has a lot of good, but also a lot of room for improvement. I use to stay at the Hyatt Cerromar which was the property next door. The Hotel was beautiful--beach, pools, rooms, service, everything. Then a few years ago, I stayed at the Hacienda. We were able to use the Cerromar and the other Hyatt property--The Dorado Beach. Things have sure changed. I was a little apprehensive about going back to the Haciena after finding out that the river pool was closed and the fence was put up. My wife and I decided to take a chance. Hacienda del Mar is still beautiful and well maintained. The pool area could use new chairs but thats not a bid deal. The restaurand/Bar needs to be replaced. The staff is great and very friendly and helpful, especially Joanna, Becky and Joselyn. The rooms are large and pretty. However, they look the same as they did when this resort first opened. The TVs, radios, appliances are old and need to be replaced and updated. After about a day a person gets used to the fence and the view of the deteriorating cerromar. Don't bother going to the old Hyatt Dorago Beach. There is nothing there unless you want to golf. The beach is beautiful and peaceful. They resort in quiet and relaxing. Go if thats what you want. There aren't any good activiites. The town of Dorado is beautiful even though this property is really in Vega Alta, PR. Dorado is beautiful but expensive. The supermarkets' prices are rediculous as well as the Walgreens. Restaurants are great. The drive to San Juan is not bad at all.

Spent a week at the Hacienda Del Mar- just my husband and I. We chose this hotel having read many reviews and realizing that part of the resort is closed. We liked this because we did not want the crowds that seemed to be at the other resorts on the island. In general, we were not disappointed. It was nice having the kitchen to make meals and fix drinks to bring to the beach/pool. Not sure if you could do that at some of the other resorts on the island. Did not have to fight for chairs or beach space. It was not crowded at all. My husband snorkeled off the beach and had a good time. Make sure you put on some strong sunscreen though and apply often as the waves were a little rough and he ended up getting pretty burned. The front desk girls were a great help with directions and restaurants. I would definately go back.

That having been said, a few things to know. First, make sure you do not lose your bracelets that they give you as you will be charged $15 if they are not returned. They are the same type of rubber bracelets that you can pay $3 to "Livestrong". I'm guessing they are reusing these, which is kind of gross. Also, when you get beach towels you must have them back by 6:00 and get your room slip or they will charge you $25.

This was our first trip to Puerto Rico. I was really surprised by the traffic. It is awful- and I live in Atlanta so that is saying a lot. People drive anyway and anywhere they want. We saw several ambulances with flashing lights and no one pulled over. Just a warning to be aware of the drivers and expect people to drive in between lanes and along the shoulder. If you want to go to the east side of the island -Fajardo, El Yunque - it will take you a good hour and 45 to get there. We were not anticipating this. Traffic around San Juan is bad at all times. We were planning on taking the ferry to Culebra one day and the girls at the front desk told us that we should plan on leaving at 4:00 am in order to make sure that we get there in time to get ferry tickets. Needless to say, we didn't go. It is very easy to get to Old San Juan, however, by taking the ferry over. That was a lot of fun. All and all, we had a great time and would recommend it.

We recently stayed at the Hacienda Del Mar in Puerto Rico. Beware that the lazy river and water slide are closed and have been closed since approximately January 2008! We were looking forward to using this ammenity as our two children are the perfect age. We had heard from family that travelled there last year how fun it was. We were aware that the hotel next door was closed. In spite of making our reservation in November, Hyatt did not have the courtesy to contact us and let us know about this closing. Beware that there is now an imposing chain link fence surrounding the empty lazy river pool and slide. This fence comes right up next to the pool/cabana area and is a big part of your view to the ocean. The beach is beautiful, the condos are nice, but Hyatt not being truthful put a damper on our vacation.