Sun, Rainforest & Relaxation: Why Families Will Love the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
In my mind, Puerto Rico is always a good idea. This U.S. territory offers everything you need in a Caribbean vacation – beautiful turquoise waters, tropical scenery, and incredible food – without the extra logistics. If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay in Puerto Rico with your family, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is hard to beat.
The beach resort sits on 72 acres on a peninsula on Puerto Rico’s northeast coast with easy access to activities. Whether you want to snorkel, zip-line, and explore the nearby El Yunque rainforest, or spend the week in a lounge chair with a piña colada, this place allows you to do both. In my experience, that flexibility is exactly what families need.
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**I was a guest of this resort for the purpose of this review. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.
Travel to Puerto Rico and the Resort
The resort is located in Rio Grande, about 45 minutes from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, Americans don’t need a passport, and there are direct flights from major cities across the country. This is a game-changer for families who want a tropical escape without the added stress of international travel.
To reach the property from the airport, you can rent a car or arrange transportation through the hotel. If you plan to explore the area, I would recommend renting a car. If not, plan on using the property’s concierge to book excursions. Since the resort is tucked away on a peninsula, rideshares can be difficult to find.
From the moment you arrive, the resort’s lush tropical setting and ocean views make it clear you’ve landed somewhere special.
Pro Tip: The grounds are expansive, so if you have accessibility issues, I would recommend booking a room close to the beach or pool. Golf carts are readily available to transport you if needed.
Accommodations at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
I appreciate a property with a variety of accommodation options for families, and the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve does not disappoint. With 579 rooms, suites, and villas to choose from, there is truly something for everyone.
Standard guest rooms start at a generous 520 square feet, and each one includes a private balcony or terrace with views of the ocean, tropical gardens, or pools. I stayed in a King Bed Ocean Front Deluxe room, and loved the extra space. The bed was super comfy, the bathroom had a walk-in rain shower/bathtub wet room, and I could walk to the beach from my patio in less than a minute. There are a variety of rooms with different-sized bed combinations; you just need to find the right one for your group.
For larger families, I would recommend booking the Villas en la Reserva. These villa-style accommodations are in a more secluded area and offer spacious layouts, kitchenettes, balconies, and access to their own private pool courtyard and La Mina Bar.
Photo credit: Kids Are A Trip
Pro Tip: Families with young children will love the villas. A kitchenette is perfect for snack time, and a private pool allows for afternoon naps. For those looking for the ultimate splurge, Regency Suites offer private plunge pools and gazebos.
Resort Amenities
The Pools
Let’s be honest, for most families, the pool situation can make or break a resort stay. The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve has a great setup. The main feature is its massive lagoon-style pool, the largest on the island. It’s sprawling and features a swim-up bar surrounded by endless loungers and cabanas.
I rented a cabana for the day and enjoyed having my own space to relax between the main pool area and the ocean.
The resort also offers a dedicated kids’ pool, and there’s a quiet Regency Club pool for when you need to get away from the crowds.
Pro Tip: Pool chairs go fast during peak season. Either get there by 7:00 AM to snag your spot or reserve a cabana ($125/day) for guaranteed shade and seating. It’s worth it.
The Beach
The resort sits on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach on the Atlantic coast. Because it’s located on a peninsula, the beach is secluded, and you’ll only encounter other hotel guests. Complimentary umbrellas and lounge chairs are set up along the shore, and the staff keeps the area clean and well-maintained.
If your family loves to be active on vacation, the resort offers bicycles and kayaks for use. You can paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, or play a game of beach volleyball. The resort’s concierge can also help you arrange excursions off-property, including kayak tours to the bioluminescent bay in nearby Fajardo.
The Rainforest Spa
One thing I look for on vacation is an opportunity to relax away from my family. Call me selfish, but if you know, you know.
I treated myself to an afternoon massage and the steam room at The Rainforest Spa, and it was ah-mazing! The spa offers a full menu of treatments and access to saunas, hot tubs (the only ones on the property!), and a private spa pool.
Golf at Coco Beach Golf and Country Club
For the golfers in the family, this resort is a dream come true. The Tom Kite-designed 18-hole championship course at Coco Beach Golf & Country Club is right on property, and it’s stunning. This is also home to the Puerto Rico Open each February. Even if you’re not a golfer, it’s worth a stroll or bike ride to take in the scenery.
Activities for Kids & Families On-Site
One of the things I love most about this resort is its extensive list of activities. There’s enough to do on-property that you could fill an entire week without leaving. Here are some additional things to do besides the beach and pool:
The resort has two tennis courts and two pickleball courts. Beach volleyball, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are all available right on the beach. There’s a fitness center, bicycles to rent, and a hammock garden where you can relax away from the crowds.
One of my favorite things I did on property was a sushi-making class with Chef Iván at Nori. There were 12 of us, and we took turns learning to make and eat our own sushi rolls. You will need to sign up for this in advance, but I highly recommend it. It’s fun for all ages.
For younger guests, there’s a kids’ club with a playground and supervised activities, plus lawn games like miniature golf and ping pong near the lagoon pool.
Where to Eat at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
With six restaurants, five bars, a food truck, and a coffee shop on the property, you could honestly eat every meal without ever leaving the resort. Here’s an overview of the dining options:
Prime 787
This is the resort’s upscale steakhouse, and it delivers. Think outstanding cuts of meat, seafood, and an extensive wine list. I enjoyed a fabulous beef filet (get the Tamarind sauce) and the banana bread pudding. You won’t be disappointed by anything on the menu!
Nori Asian / Nori Teppanyaki
This is my top recommendation for families. Kids love a teppanyaki experience (where a chef cooks your meal right in front of you), and sushi lovers won’t be disappointed. Make a reservation early, as this tends to fill up quickly.
Molido Coffee Bar
This was my go-to when I needed a morning coffee. They have pastries, sandwiches, smoothies, and grab-and-go snacks. There are also tables outside for families to play games and booths inside if parents need to work or just take a break.
Water’s Edge
If your family loves a good buffet for breakfast, they won’t be disappointed by the resort’s breakfast hub. There’s a made-to-order omelette station, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses, basically anything you could ever want to eat. I would recommend arriving before 9 to avoid the breakfast crowds.
Martini Bar
Located between Prime 787 and Nori, the Martini Bar is the perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail. It’s a beautiful spot when you need some time away from the kids.
Néctar
I didn’t have a chance to eat here, but the food looks fantastic. The restaurant features authentic Puerto Rican cuisine with a modern twist. Think egg rolls stuffed with pasteles, mini alcapurria, and a Caribbean sampler with mofongo and ropa vieja.
Tapas 360 Lobby Bar
If you want to grab a quick bite, head to the beautiful lobby bar. Tapas 360 offers cocktails and quick bites like patatas bravas and empanadas.
TopGolf Swing Suite at the Sand Trap Bar & Grill
For a fun time on property, book a TopGolf Swing Suite for your family. The Sand Trap restaurant has four simulator bays, and each one has a variety of games from baseball to soccer to golf.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can enjoy the property’s PRadise Bliss Lager, an exclusive craft beer only found at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico. Be sure to try the fish tacos or the smash burger.
PRO TIP: The TopGolf suites are quite popular, so I would recommend booking in advance if this is something your family wants to do.
Pícalo Gallo
If you’re lying on the beach or hanging out by the pool and want to grab a quick snack, head over to the property’s food truck, Pícalo Gallo. Think ceviche, tacos, and sliders. They serve delicious food and drinks, allowing you to stay on the beach and eat in your swimsuit!
Room Service
I don’t love to order room service because the food never arrives hot enough. However, I ordered arroz con pollo one night to the room, and not only was it hot, but it was fabulous! I’d also recommend the churros for a sweet treat.
Pro Tip: Dining reservations at this resort fill up fast, especially on weekends and during peak season. Book your teppanyaki and Prime 787 reservations as soon as you check in, or better yet, before you arrive. Some can be booked through the Hyatt website, others through OpenTable.
Day Trips from the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
As wonderful as it is to stay put and do absolutely nothing, Puerto Rico has a lot to offer outside of the resort. The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is perfectly positioned for some incredible day trips and there’s an on-site concierge who can help with tours and trip planning if needed. Here are some day trips we recommend:
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System and it’s about a 15-minute drive from the resort. Hike to waterfalls, climb the Yokahu observation tower for panoramic views, and see exotic birds and wildlife with the kids. The concierge can arrange guided tours, or you can explore on your own. This is a must-do.
Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay (Fajardo)
One of our favorite experiences in Puerto Rico is kayaking through the bioluminescent bay at night. The microscopic organisms in the water glow blue when disturbed by movement. Families will talk about this for years. Laguna Grande in Fajardo is one of only three bio-bays in Puerto Rico, and you can book a boat or kayak tour for your group.
Luquillo Beach
Just a short drive from the resort, Luquillo Beach is one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. The water is calm and you can grab some delicious Puerto Rican foods from the nearby kiosks. It’s a great place for a day out.
Old San Juan
About 45 minutes from the resort, Old San Juan is filled with history and culture. Walk the blue cobblestone streets, explore El Morro fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), shop, and grab a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the street vendors. If you want to see the highlights with a guide, this is the tour we recommend. Or take a food tour – all ages will love it!
Why the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is Perfect for Families Visiting Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has no shortage of beautiful resorts, but the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve stands out for its ability to satisfy every single member of the family. With a stunning beach, world-class amenities, extensive dining options, and proximity to some of Puerto Rico’s main attractions, this resort is made for all ages. Your family won’t be disappointed!
