ANy comments about this property will be appreciated, but specifically wondering about pool and beach areas. Is the beach public or private? Does the hotel provide lounget chairs? Are there shady areas near the pool and beach? Do lounge chairs get 'claimed' early in the morning or are there usually ones avilable?

ALso are there restaurants within walking distance?

Typical large hotel. All beaches in Puerto Rico are public and the one in front of the Intercontinental is no exception. It's quite large (perhaps 3/4's to a mile in length so there's plenty of room for everyone. Yes, the hotel provides lounge chairs for the exclusive use of their guests. There's plenty of shade from palm trees, other natural vegetation and umbrellas both on the beach and around the pool. We had no trouble getting lounge chairs when we visited the hotel. There are literally scores of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel - anything from Burger King to high end steak Houses.

We stayed at that hotel a couple of years ago. RoamsAround's description of the place is very accurate. We were there in peak season (around Christmas) and there was always enough space and chairs both at the pool and the beach.

Are there any decent places for dinner (can be lowkey, casual) within walking distance (not hotel restaurants, but more 'local' places)?

Whenever we stay in Isla Verde, we try to have a meal at Metropol, which is across the road from the Intercontinental. Definitely local and modestly priced, it's Cuban/Puerto Rican cuisine, and we love it. Beware -- the portions are generous!

I'd second the recommendation for Metropol. Also close by is Mi Casita (in a strip mall a little down and across the street from your hotel - there is also a little grocery store in that same strip mall, which is good for bottled water and other things you may need to pick up). It is very casual - good, cheap breakfast and lunch. Have never been there for dinner.

Thanks for the restaurant recs. That's exactly what I'm looking for!

The third vote for Metropol. A fraction of the price of the hotel restaurants and, yes, generous portions and very tasty.

Also, I know I can take a cab to Old San Juan, but wondering how the bus ride is? Is it very long? Do the buses run often?

Any Old San Juan restaurants recs? We will be with our 16 year old, who is not a particularly adventurous eater but usually can find somehting in most restaurants. Nothing overly touristy, but something nice at a moderate price (maybe $20ish for an dinner entree).

and another vote for the Metropol! Some years back (maybe 9), we took a city bus to Old Town. I don't remember the ride being that long and wasn't a problem getting it on return. I'd do it again.