I stayed at this hotel from June 29-July 3, 2008. I had stayed at this hotel previously, when it was a Wyndham resort, and I had liked it. I read some of the negative reviews after I had booked, and I was a little apprehensive. But it turns out that now the hotel is even better.

My family and I had our room upgraded from garden view to partial ocean view, and it was lovely. The room was totally renovated, and it is big and comfortable. The bathroom was also quite big, and had a spacious closet. The room also comes equipped with a mini fridge, and a flat-screen TV.

The hotel has several pools, and a water park (entrance fee is charged). The water park is small, but provides hours of fun if you have children. A ferry takes you to the hotel's private island if you want to go to the beach. The water there is crystal clear, and there are no words to properly express how beautiful it is. It's one of those things that you have to experience for yourself. But if you've watched movies and commercials of people laying back in their beach chairs and just taking a break from it all, you'll get an idea of how wonderful it is.

You are able to rent equipment at the beach, if you are interested in water sports. Otherwise, just sit back and relax. There is a restaurant right there, but like the other restaurants in the actual hotel building, it is quite expensive. Actually, all the hotel restaurants are over-priced. If you're able to, rent a car and go eat outside the hotel. There are excellent restaurants nearby, with much better prices. A stop at Wal-Mart's on the way won't hurt either, and you can stock up on drinks and snacks. But bear in mind that the hotel charges $15 per day for parking (if you're a guest).

On our first day, the bathroom door got locked from the inside. Turns out the lock was broken, but I called housekeeping, and it was immediately fixed. Service was wonderful, and all employees were friendly.

El Conquistador is a beautiful hotel/resort, provides plenty of activities for guests of all ages, and you will experience one of the best vacations ever.

We've been to this hotel at least 4 times over the past decade. The first few times, we went as a couple. I will never forget escaping a freezing cold NYC, arriving late at night and getting out of the long car ride to warm Caribbean air and the sound of a million Coquis. It was Magic.

Many things have stayed the same over the years. The food is still banal and high priced. It is also distinctly not very Puerto Rican - I don't mind so much because I don't really like PR cuisine (No flaming please! I lived in Viejo San Juan for 6 months and tried hard to keep an open mind. Just don't like it!) Some things have improved: the boats to Palamino are bigger, more steady and faster; the health club is bigger and better.

The biggest change for us was the addition of our son during this last trip. He was 2 1/2 at the time and the waterpark had just opened. Watching his eyes light up as we tried to track down Coquis, floating down the Lazy River, dipping our toes in the ocean, spashing around in the pools, trying his hand at mini mini golf (they have really small clubs at the towel counter on Palamino!) -- it was Magic all over again!

For this trip, there was one annoying thing: we had gone out of our way to arrange through the concierge for a driver to pick us up at a residence in Condado and transport us WITH A CARSEAT to Fajardo. We spoke at least 3 times to specifically make sure that the CARSEAT would be the right size, etc. Well, at the appointed hour, the driver showed up in an enormous vehicle - the kind that shuttles you to a car rental office from the airport! - with no carseat whatsoever. In fact, not even so much as a seatbelt. All for much more than the price of El Con's normal airport shuttle.

On the plus side, we stayed at the Casitas. Like it there, as it offers more space for families, plus extra access to a few small pools.

The oft discussed renovations are complete. The property is gorgeous. Genuinely breathtaking especially if you're a weary traveler and walk up to the outdoor balcony overlooking the main pool. It beckons for a swim. Rooms were good, too. Staff always enthusiastic & helpful.

My dissatisfaction lies in the price gouging for below average food. Expect to pay $25/plate for the breakfast buffet and $90-$100 plus tip for lunch for four. All for lukewarm food that tasted like it was the last plate off the heat lamps down at the room service kitchen.

Same economics underlie all purchases at El Con. $20 bottle of suntan lotion. $40 t-shirts.

In short, if someone else is paying the tab, i.e. a company expense report, this is a fantastic facility. But if you're a private traveler, be ready for that feeling you get when you're a captive at Disney World and you have no options but to pay inflated prices for food and drinks.

We have traveled a lot in the most recent years, and this resort ranks up there with some of our stays in Hawaii.

Unlike most resorts that are ‘flat’, this resort is built on and in a mountain. This gives you great views from all over. The pools over look the ocean, breakfast overlooks the ocean, the hot tub, etc.

We took a number of pictures from above and below that look like postcards with it’s color. Blue Ocean, bright red flowers, etc, just gorgeous views.

It is on the expensive side, but we selected the breakfast and water park package. It is well worth the price!!

If you decide to go to the private island, be sure to wear something on your feet. It has too many rocks and it makes it nearly impossible to walk out. This was one of only a couple ‘draw backs’ I saw.

On the weekends it gets rather busy. We enjoyed the resort much more Monday-Friday. On the weekends the pools are too crowded.

We will go back again!!