Puerto Rico day 1

We slept so well that we missed breakfast which I was glad about . . . this hotel is packed with families that seem to just let their children run around unsupervised.  So instead we wandered over to a nearby store to pick up some snacks for the short road trip once our friends arrived in town from Chicago.  It was rather hot out so glad the walk was short.  We headed to the room to grab our bags to check out and eat lunch at The Outback.  I know, I know how easy was that!  We finished our long drawn out lunch and our friends landed so we waited eagerly for them to arrive!

Our friends arrived and we loaded up the car and hit the road to Fajardo, Puerto Rico where we would spend the next two days at the Waldorf Astoria El Conquisatador Resort!  The kids all got along so well in the car even with the 'no electronic devices in the car' rule for the day.  They laughed . . . they were loud . . . they were having fun!  I was just hoping it lasted all week because usually they aren't all that chummy . . . three is always hit or miss.  The drive was easy . . . hardly any traffic until we arrived at the hotel and bam . . . the parking situation was a zoo and no one seemed to really give a care.  Of course it only got worse as we entered the building to check in . . . holy smokes what a total zoo!  I have never ever had to wait this long to check into any hotel so I already had a bad taste in my mouth.  We finally check in and were given a few unexpected perks . . . free breakfast . . . two free drinks . . . free water . . . so maybe, just maybe it was just a fluke it was so crowded and unorganized?  The lady told us to go to the bell hop/valet desk and they would show us our room because the property was very confusing.  The bell hop guy we encounter was a total jerk and the only negative person we met the entire trip.  Well, let me tell you it isn't that confusing but just a pain to get to the room.  Too many steps . . . go down this hall way, take the scenic elevator down, walk by the row of shops, take the funicular down to the marina area, go up this elevator, walk down this hallway, and your room is on the left.  No joke that is what you had to do every time you wanted to go to the main area of the hotel from our room.  It wasn't hard it just took forever!  I wasn't impressed but the view from our room was nice; even if you can't really see it in the photo . . .

 . . . not sure why I look so few photos?  The hotel had a private water park for guests and from 4pm-6pm it only cost $5 so we decided to head over and let the kids play for an hour . . . well when they say 6pm it really means 5:30pm because that is when everyone must leave so they can close by 6pm.  Total disappointment for the kids but we headed to the pool area and turned them loose!  Indeed I became one of those parents!  It is odd that they all seemed happy together and we were not trying to solve their arguments and console the left out kid.  They just seemed easier today.  It was nice.  The adults sat by the pool enjoying our complimentary drinks . . .

. . . and chatting it up.  We also had a great time people watching and trying to put our finger on what was so different at this resort.  It was an odd mix of people to say the least and it sure did not seem like a Waldorf Astoria quality resort we have stayed at before.  I know, I know that sounds totally snobby.  The kids splashed and swam and had fun in the pool so we decided to eat dinner by the pool.  The view was so nice watching the sun go down and everyone having fun . . .

It was time to make the trek back to our room . . . total pain.  The kids enjoyed being silly in the room . . .

. . . they insisted on the robes . . . how spoiled are they?  It was a great first day and hopefully tomorrow it will be even more awesome!