Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa

We came through for one meal at CAICU BAR & TAPAS which was better than I expected. We went over all of the standard GF questions and the menu was marked well, but they took extra steps to confirm the safety of each dish. Very conscientious and accommodating, in our experience.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

We are at multiple places on the property without my wife getting glutened. We did have conversations with each place being explicit that she has an allergy (Celiacs)& it is not a preference. Just because an item is listed gluten-free does not mean it is safe for gluten allergy.

IGUANAS COCINA PUERTORRIQUEÑA: Asked when we made the reservation if anyone had any allergies and was able to ensure nothing had gluten we shared the Mofongo & the mahi mahi special we also had the coconut flan which was amazing

ROOTS COASTAL KITCHEN: The waiter was amazing and asked about gluten in our food from the kitchen my wife got the New York Strip and the sweet potato flan with no issues.

ROOTS ON THE GO: My wife got: SIMPLE GREENS with chicken multiple times

I got WATERMELON TOMATO & MANGO with steak she could not try this because she is also allergic to mango but this unexpected combo was amazing!

TIKI HUT Does not have a designated fryer so all the fried food and wings were off the table but we had

THREE BEANS SALAD & RIO MAR PINCHOS they were both good with no problems. Just don’t eat the plantain chips that come with the salad.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

There are several restaurants, all of which have gluten free options noted. However, when you ask questions, it becomes clear that many of their gluten free items are not safe for Celiacs. For example, “gluten free” tortilla chips and plantains are typically not prepared in a separate fryer (so cross contaminated). The notable exceptions were Roots, where we had an excellent waiter who checked on everything and provided great options, and breakfast where there were good options, including gluten free pancakes. Overall, we were able to figure things out, but were disappointed in their lack of understanding of what gluten free really means to those who can’t eat gluten. Also, there really are not many good gluten free restaurant options near the hotel because it is pretty isolated. Our recommendation would be to stay in San Juan where there are many more options.

The menu was okay, but not many options.

Celiac's beware! I mentioned that I had Celiac (and translated it as a severe gluten/flour allergy), but still received food with gluten. I got sick from gf nachos at the 5 o'clock somewhere. Then I was stuck in bed sick the rest of the afternoon. Most of the restaurants were closed, so we ordered room service. I cut into my burger to find a couple of fries stuck to the meat underneath (which they said I couldn't have because it was in a gluten fryer). Needless to say, I sent it back. So much for a relaxing vacation on the beach. thank goodness the beds are comfortable.

Celiac friendly?

No

On a recent visit enjoyed a dinner at each: Iguana's Pub, overlooking the golf course, and Marbella Restaurant in the hotel. Gluten free items are clearly marked on the restaurant menus. I had organic chicken with sautéed vegetables at Iguana's and ribs at Marbella. There are quite a few gluten free options at each restaurant including Shima's Latin-Asian and Palio (but they were not open the nights we visited...seems to be a rotating schedule). Ahead of time I emailed the catering manager and she emailed me the restaurant menus. [email protected]

Celiac friendly?

Yes

There are a few different restaurants here. I ate breakfast today at "Marbella." I told the hostess of my allergy and she had the chef come out to talk to me. They have either a buffet or a menu. I'm here with a company and our vouchers are for the buffet, however, the chef told me she would personally prepare whatever I wanted to avoid cross-contamination. I had banana walnut pancakes and bacon and it was delicious. Very accommodating. I have not eaten anywhere else yet at this resort since it's my first day, but the chef said all of the restaurants can accommodate gluten allergies.

Celiac friendly?

Yes