planning to visit puerto rico over thanksgiving and trying to decide between the ritz and el conquistador. i know the ritz is closer to san juan, which is nice because we want to visit old town. however, we also want to do some hiking, diving, etc. any expert opinions? thanks!

The Ritz is beautiful and so is the beach at that resort. El Conquistador is a beautiful resort but reminds me of a really nice mall. The hotel is built on a cliff so if you are beach people you must go down to the marina and take their launch to the pvt. beach/island. I would go with the Ritz, exp. since you said that you wanted to visit old and I assume get in some night life. El Conqu. is at least an hour from town. If you want to hike just rent a car and head to the rain forest.

Hi; <BR>Both Resort Hotels are nice but none is better than Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort which is own by Starwood, which also owns the Sherton, go to www.Starwood.com <BR>and then search for Puerto Rico and you would be very please at what you see, its also next to tourist attraction El Yukon, and near fishing town of Fajardo.

We stayed at the Ritz...which is like any Ritz Carlton....impecable service, food ...beautiful facilities and great Spa. However it is very quiet in the evenings...but the Old San Juan (great restaurants, bars, nightlife, casinos etc is right next door. The El Yunqe rainforest is not too far away and you are close to the Old Town..and only 5 minutes from the airport. Friends stayed at the El Conquistador and loved it....but it seems a bit out of the way.

Ritz is a nice property on a good beach. <BR>It is in Isla Verde and a cab ride to Old San Juan is around $12 and will take about 15 minutes or less, depending on traffic. El Conqistador is about 30 miles east and unless you have a rental car most of your time will be spent on the hotel grounds.