PR-Wyndham El San Juan, Wyndham El Conquistador or Intercontinental?
 

I did a search of all of these hotels and see that there are mixed reviews for each. I've just about ruled out the El Conquistador as too big and flashy and because it isn't on the beach (that funicular thing sounds like a pain). On the other hand, it's the only one with on-site golf.

Since the rates are approximately equal, which one would you pick? We will have no kids (so family activities aren't important), we like a nice pool, several good restaurant options, decent-sized rooms, good service and would prefer spa and golf (although golf could be nearby).

TIA!

Although it is large, I do not consider the El Conquistador to be big or flashy. It is spread out so you don't feel people are on top of you. The funicular is actually fun. You only need to take the funicular if you are down in the harbour area or one of the harbour rooms; we took it about 3 times a day for a week and it was never a pain.)
They have their own private island and beach with everything you could want like water sports and a beach restaurant. They have golf and tennis on site, plus the spa. They have lots of different pools and like 12 restaurants, all of which offer room service. They have a Golden Door Spa which was not built when I was last there, but I have been to other Golden Doors and they really are fantastic spas. We stayed at the units down on the harbour, which were large and very nice with lots of extras like a CD player, TV in the bathroom, etc. (I would take a unit as far from the boat pier as possible, near the pool would be preferable for maximum quiet and privacy.) For even more privacy, you can take one of their villas up on the hill with lovely sea views and the Golden Door Spa is right there. Even the main part of the hotel and the main large pool seemed liveable, not too crowded. Sitting in the hot tub of the main pool watching the sunset while downing Margaritas was a highlight of each day. . . .

IMO the only drawback to the hotel is that if you are interested in going into San Juan and/or doing any sightseeing on the island, it is isolated. We were not interested in this and spent the whole week on the property. Loved it and would definitely go back.

If the prices are really the same and what you want is to golf and stay on property, I would choose the El Conquistador.

I would have to agree with Cicerone on this one lisettemac - I have stayed in all three hotels, and while I do not presume to know what sort of holiday you are looking for - I will say that the El Conquistador is really the best in the bunch when it comes to a real beach feel. The El San Juan had much more a city feeling to it than a beach feeling and the intercontinenal - while very lovely - felt somewhat similar.
I have actually been to the El Conquistador in the last few years - once the spa and adjacent villas had been constructed - and it must be said that it truly adds something that you will not get at the other hotels - all the facilities are free (I believe) for guests regardless of where in the resort they are staying. As for the 'big and flashy' - there was none of that feeling at all. It was very 'open-plan' with gracious breezeways and plenty of ceiling fans - a very colonial feel to it. I can understand the fact thta it has a casino in it may lead you to believe otherwise but the casino itself is so small and incidental that its almost lost in the rest of the resort. There are some restaurants with some wonderful - and varying atmospheres - and the pool area is relaxed, friendly but quiet.
We stayed in a room overlooking the pool and it too was very nice with a larger than average balcony.
The funicular to the private island (an experience and a water clarity mind which you will NOT get in either of the other hotels as puerto rico does not have 'caribbean' waters in the traditional areas than have been built up with tourism) - was not really a pain at all. You need to trust me on this one as I have SEVERE motion sickness and just looking at boat makes me ill - but the ride was so short that I did not have the chance to get ill.
ok - enough - I have sold this place as much as I can sell it...did I mention golf?...GOLF!

Thanks to both of you for your thoughts. We have decided to go with the El Conquistador in part because we know that we won't want to leave the resort and it has the most amenities and activities. Thanks again!

Definitely El Conquistador. Although I haven't been to the Wyndham. I used to work for a travel agency in Atlanta and got to spend 4 nights there. We traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, have stayed at some of the finest resorts and El Conquistador is tops on my list. I would stay in the upper level rooms for the view. AWESOME VIEWS. I took more pictures on this trip than any other.

The funicular is cool-not a pain. The pool areas are breathtaking. The private island is just an added bonus. Heard the back side of the island is clothing optional, but not sure if that's accurate. Small restaurant - Geiko's(?)on the island is great, with good food. The restaurants were a little pricey for us, but we were travel agents-great job-but not great pay. There are numerous restaurants to pick from which is nice since you are in a self-contained location. I didn't get to check out the spas but I did get my hair cut by Julio-he is fabulous. I haven't had a good cut since then.

The rooms are large and beautiful. The service is superb.

The only thing I missed was shopping in local craft markets, like other locations. No big deal! Plenty of shopping on-site - just a little pricey for my budget.

Go-Enjoy & Brag when you get back!!