Looking for a beautiful beach with all the amenities within walking distance to restaurants, shops, etc. during the Christmas season. Any suggestions?

I won't recommend a hotel because I don't know your budget. Your choices are the Condado section which is closer to Old San Juan or the Isla Verde section and the wonderful El San Juan hotel. You'll want to shop in Old San Juan or the large shopping center in Carolina (Las Americas).

Hello nsorelle! The CONDADO PLAZA is close to whatever you want to do and the rooms arte around $250-$300 per night for a good one, awersome night life, casinos restaurants and everything else.

The Condado Plaza does not have a very good beach. Consider a hotel in the Isla Verde area

Sorry to piggyback on this thread but I'm looking for the same things as the OP. How bad is the beach at the Condado Plaza? Also, which hotels in the Isla Verde section would you recommend? Budget is under $250 per night?

Most of the oceanfront property at the Condado Plaza is a breakwall. There is a very little beach off to the side but it gets very crowded and is just not all that attractive. That being said, the pool area and lounges are situated such that you can see the ocean while lounging. If you want to be on the sand, however, you would probably end up taking a 5 minute walk further down the beach.

In Isla Verde, I would recommend the Wyndham El San Juan, the Ritz Carlton and the Intercontinental. The price of these will vary significantly (anywhere from $200-350/night), depending on the time of year you plan on going.

I haven't been to PR in years, but the Caribe Hilton is located near the Condado, but has a private beach and the hotel sits by itself. We enjoyed our trip there. My brother stayed there just last year, and had a great time.