From what I gather, Isla has the better beaches and COndada has better access to restaurants, Old San Juan, etc.

Are there still 'local' restauarants withing walking distance in the Isla Verde area.

We are planning a family trip (with 2 teens). We'd like to stay on a beach, and have a decent pool. We prefer to eat at local restaurants, especially for dinner (I'm assuming that the major chain hotel restaurants are pricey) but don't want to deal with a car. We also like to be near a town with some local flavor (not just a tourist trap), maybe with some shopping. We are not particularly interested in night life at the hotel or in town.

Is either of these 2 areas better than the other for a combination of beach/town/etc?

We're considering the San Juan Marriott and the Wyndham El San Juan. We are open to other suggestions and areas as well, but don't want to venture too far from the airport because this is a short trip.