Which hotel in San Juan? Intercontinental or Marriott Stellaris?
 

I am trying to decide between these two hotels. I've heard that The Intercontinental has a much nicer beach, but how bad is the airplane noise? And generally, which area would you choose for a one-week stay? We won't have a car. Thanks!!

The beach at the Marriott is just ok, but the location is much more central (Starbucks across the street, lots of restaurants within easy walking distance, etc.). It has a nice gym, if that matters to you, and was renovated recently. I still don't like the lobby which is noisy and not very conducive (to me) for lounging.

The Intercontinental is on much better Isla Verde Beach, though that part of San Juan is not particularly pedestrian-friendly, so you'd end up taking a taxi more often to get around. It's also much farther from Old San Juan. The rooms of that hotel are fine, but the hotel itself ... not so much (except the pool). Though the restaurant choices IN the hotel are better than at the Marriott. I just don't think airplane noise is going to be that much of an issue, but I've never slept here, so I can't tell you for certain.

Without a car, I'd probably choose Condado regardless of the hotel, even given that the beach there isn't so impressive. You can always go out to a different beach for the day. There are tours and taxis to get you around, and they're better than trying to rent a car and drive anyway. Plus, in Condado you can walk to a lot. I don't find that as easy in Isla Verde.

Thanks so much, Doug! I did some more research this afternoon and decided to book us into the Rio del Mar Resort. It seems like a better option for us since we really love the beach.

That's a great resort. I hope you like it. However, I must caution you that it's difficult to stay out there without a car unless you don't mind being held captive to the very expensive on-site restaurants.

Thanks, Doug! Yes, I know we need to get a car, but am trying to figure out the logistics. There will be five of us plus luggage, so would prefer to get a transfer from SJU to the resort, then rent a car somewhere near the hotel. Any recommendations for a transfer service and rental place? Thanks so much!

That may actually be a wise choice. Many of the hotels in PR have on-site car-rental offices and most also charge for parking. A few of the car-rental companies don't charge for parking if you rent from them. I don't remember what car rental company is at the Rio Mar, but it would be worth investigating.

All the resorts are served by shared van services (ask at the hotel first if they can provide transfers for a reasonable cost). I can't make any personal recommendations for that, but I'm hoping someone else can.

Thanks for the information, Doug. Found out there's an AVIS at the hotel, so that's settled. Now just have to arrange roundtrip transfers from SJU. Will post what I find!