Need Decision for Hotel
 

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to PR at the end of October. We have pretty much narrowed our hunt down to 2 hotels- any other reccommendations are appreciated as well- InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino or Embassy Suites Hotel & Casino San Juan . We are in our mid twenties looking for a good time, with an occasional romantic flare. We have decided on these two based on a swim up bar and free booze for happy hour. Any advice on which to pick-- which hotel is closer to bars, shopping, attractions, and restaurants?? What are fun activities in the area?? .....thinking about the bioluminescent bay-- what sort of transportation is recommended?

Thanks in advance!!!!

Personally, I would choose the Intercontinental over Embassy Suites. The Intercontinental is beachfront whereas the Embassy Suites is not. The pool area at Intercont. is very nice also and the hotel is located right next door to El San Juan Hotel, which has a great lobby bar, live music, and a nightclub, in addition to a casino.

As far as things to do, you should check out Old San Juan. Lots of shops, restaurants, galleries, and also El Morro (the fort).

Here's another vote for the Intercontinental. Although both hotels are within a few blocks of each other the fact that the Intercontinentl is beachfront gives it the edge.

Thanks for the input!!!-- any other suggestions for fun activities that would be close by...?

The bioluminiscent bay in Fajardo is easily reachable from San Juan, but there are now tours that can take you to Vieques for its much better bioluminiscent bay and get you back to San Juan without forcing you to spend the night in Vieques. So that's an option.

There are a lot of nightspots and pretty good shopping in Old San Juan, as well as some of the city's best restaurants. These are a cab ride away from the InterCon, but you shouldn't rent a car as long as you are staying in San Juan. It's too difficult and expensive to find parking (your hotel probably charges for parking even). Take cabs in town, and consider renting a car to explore more of hte island if you are interested.

El Yunque is about an hour away from San Juan and can be reached very easily. You can stop at some of the fried seafood shacks along the way there or back in Pinones. There are also some nice north-shore beaches that are along the route.

Depending on how long you are staying, you might also want to explore a bit more of the island. You can get almost anywhere in a 3-hour drive, so most of the island is reachable on a day-trip from San Juan.

Appreciate the insight so far

In your opinion- What is the "must see" place in PR during a short trip?