I'm tearing my hair out over hotel choice for 3 nights with husband in October. The wide range of opinions and ratings (lack of consensus) on the very same hotels is unlike anything I have experienced with hotel selections around the world. He wants beachfront big hotel, I want something with some Puerto Rican character, though agree with wanting beach and location for day trips to OSJ and El Yunque/Luquillo Beach tour. Hate the sterile Ritz Carlton type hotel and don't want to spend more than $200 - 250 including taxes/fees.

Bottom line: if you had to choose either the Wyndham El San Juan or the San Juan Marriott, which would it be? Would appreciate responses only from those who know both hotels and not recommendations to other others I've already ruled out. Thanks!

I've stayed at both properties. While I like the Marriott, if price was comparable, I would definitely choose El San Juan. Both are large beachfront hotels. El San Juan is on a better beach than the Marriott,has better restaurant and nightlife options, and the grounds are beautifully lanscaped. As far as Puerto Rican character, I think you'll find that both hotels have that to some extent, probably more so with El San Juan, which is a more unique hotel (huge lobby area, with multiple bars, mahagony, chandeliers and marble). El San Juan is in Isla Verde, which is further away from Old San Juan than Condado where the Marriott is located. It will be about a twenty minute taxi ride (45 minutes by bus).

I've stayed at the Wyndham El San Juan and Tom42's description is right on the mark. If you are seeking a big hotel with a sophistcated Puerto Rican ambiance this is the place to stay. There's a vibrance in the lobby that you don't find in most hotels. It is a place where people go to see and be seen - lots going on! The staff there is very accommodating, the rooms are of good size and comfortably furnished, it's on and very nice stretch of beach and you have a number of excellent restaurants from which to choose. If they have rooms in your price range then by all means go for it.

Stayed at the El San Juan several times before it was a Wyndham. Beautiful grounds and pool, great breakfast out on the veranda. The casino and lobby were impressive, the rooms in the main building somewhat less so..hopefully those have been renovated (bathrooms with exposed flourescent lights weren't exactly what I was expecting but that has probably changed.

Puerto Rican "character"...am not sure exactly what that means and no matter where you stay if the rooms aren't decent for the price you won't be worried about "character."

I didn't find the area immediately surrounding the ESJ to be all that great in terms of shopping and dining but overall the hotel is really well-situated in terms of its own grounds and beach.

The El San Juan hands down!!!! Incredible place.