Wife and I (the kids stayed home) stayed for long weekend 3/31 to 4/3. Overall, everything was excellent.

BOOKING: Used AAVacations, as we have done before. Best prices, very easy to use, no surprises. Well, one surprise which I'll get to later.

ARRIVAL: Quick luggage retrieval at SJU. No customs at all, just walked out of the airport. I know PR is a US territory, but I still expected some sort of customs check. We were told to bring proof of citizenship, but we never needed it. Outside the terminal was a taxi stand with one person ahead of us. About 2 minute wait for taxi, followed by 5 minute ride to hotel ($8 plus .50 per suitcase). Can't get any easier.

CHECK-IN: We reserved a "super saver" room. When I know a hotel will not be crowded (off season, week after holiday, etc.), I usually book the cheapest room upfront and then haggle for an upgrade at the desk. Our desk clerk started his pitch for us to join Intercontinental's rewards program. For $150, we would get an upgrade during this and all other stays at IC hotels for one year, plus other perks. We really didn't need the perks, and we don't plan on staying at any other IC hotels this year, so I wasn't too excited about the deal. The desk clerk then took us on a special tour. He wanted to show us the room we booked and the upgraded room. The booked room turned out to be a 7th floor junior suite overlooking the city. Very nice room, but the view was not exactly tropical. Then he showed us the upgraded room. It was 12 floor overlooking the pool and ocean. Great view, but the room (non-suite) was actually smaller than the other. I figured we don't spend much time in the room, so the ocean view would be nicer. But, I didn't want to pay $150 for it. We went back down to the front desk. I told him I like the ocean room better, but I'll pass on the deal. Unless he could give me the ocean room anyway....which is exactly what he did. Like I said, you can usually schmooze a free upgrade if the hotel isn't crowded. Anyway, I gave him a nice tip just in case he lost out on some commission by not selling me the plan. Other than setting us back some time for this "tour", it was a pleasant check-in. He even said that our reservation includes breakfast every day, which was news to me. My reservation documents specifically said no meals. I figured we're gonna eat anyway, so I'll either get a bill at checkout or a nice surprise.

ROOMS: I didn't pay very close attention to the city-view junior suite (considered their standard room), but it was large and very nice. Our oceanview room was smaller, though not too small by any means. King bed, sitting area, very small balcony (chair can only fit sideways). Bathroom a little small (crowded with two people), but nicely appointed. Overall luxury on par with Hyatt, Marriott, etc.

POOL: A primary reason for staying here. Beautiful lagoon freeform pool with waterfall, surrounded by lots of palm trees. Very clean, nice temp, not crowded. Plenty of lounge chairs.

BEACH: Clean, soft sand. Very large beach, so it never seems crowded. Waves churn up the sand at the shoreline, so the water gets murky. Looks great from the room, though. Very short walk to vendors for jetski, parasail, and banana boat. Hotel employees place your lounge chair where you want, and waiters take drink and food orders right on the beach (and at the pool).

CASINO: Disappointing to me, but I guess that's the impression you get when you lose. Small compared to most US casinos, but not uncomfortable. For comparison, bigger than Caribe Hilton, but smaller than El San Juan. Most of the island casinos have just one craps table and a few blackjack tables in use. This craps table had a drain at the bottom that just sucked my chips in all the time. We actually did much better (and therefore enjoyed) the casino at Ritz Carlton. Not impressed with El San Juan's casino (next door to IC), though the rest of that hotel is special.

NIGHTLIFE: None to speak of, besides casino. There's a lobby bar with a singer at night, but usually a small crowd gathered there. El San Juan next door has much more activity.

DINING: Breakfast buffet every day is very good. Not only do they make omelets to order (like most good buffets), but they also make the french toast and waffles right there. Takes a little longer, but much better than mass-cooked french toast sitting in a chafing dish. Breakfast is $18.95. Big price, but in line with other resorts. Also, we ate so much that we didn't want lunch. Add it up and it's not a bad deal. If cost is a concern, there are several options across the street for "desayuno", including almost every American fast food chain. We did not eat at any other restaurants at this hotel. Our first night, we went to La Casona. It was our anniversary, so we wanted upscale. Very fancy restaurant about 10 minute ride away from hotel. We had been there before and it was worth the repeat visit. Very expensive. Dinner for 2 with a moderate bottle of wine was over $150. Their wine list is very impressive, and can easily add hundreds to the tab if you want to really splurge. Second night we went to Metropol, which is about a half mile walk from the hotel. Place had all the atmosphere of a local coffee shop, but excellent food. Even with a pitcher of (very good) sangria, check was about $60. Best bargain of the trip--I highly recommend going. Third night we ate at Mi Casita, which is directly across the street from IC. Similar to Metropol (good food, no atmosphere, similar prices), though they serve mainly Puerto Rican food as opposed to Metropol's Cuban food. Honestly, the two cuisines are about as different as Chinese and Japanese. Kinda different yet similar. I recommend both restaurants.

CHECKOUT: Always the saddest part of the trip, but here was the surprise. My extras bill totalled $18. Just tips at breakfast and a drink by the pool. No charge for breakfast. AAVacations was wrong, I guess.

AIRPORT: Be aware that the American Airlines terminal has almost nothing to eat. Not even a Starbucks or Dunkin, which are usually all over the place. We had to wait 40 minutes at some concession stand for instant coffee at about $2 a cup. I'm not making this up. Make sure you have your coffee and breakfast before you head to the airport.

Let me know if you have any questions--rich(at)rannigilbert.com

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this resort from the moment the bellman greeted us at the door. The staff was very warm and truly working towards our enjoying our stay. Check in was an ease and they graciously upgraded our room to an oceanfront room. Our bags were promptly brought up for us. The hotel is lobby is beautiful, but the true gem is the gorgeous pool area and beach. The property was so enjoyable, we did not want to leave it! We went into Old San Juan only one day of the 5 nights we stayed and just enjoyed the warm pool, vigorous jacuzzi, relaxing beach, excellent drinks and food by the pool and pool cafe... The pool bar staff were very attentive and made outstanding drinks. There is a spa where I endulged in a 80 minute deep tissue massage that was perfect. There are excellent inexpensive restaurants in walking distance--Luipis a sports bar, mexican grill and Metropole a cuban, puerto rican restauran. One night we ate at the restauarant near the La Playa Hotel that is right on the water that specializes in seafood and ribs and has a breathtaking view of San Juan at night. I will return to Puerto Rico and the Intercontinental.

The beach left much to be desired: the sand was dirty and because of the way the beach is laid out, it's not conducive to small children.

The room was worth about half the price we paid. Chipping paint in the room and a bathroom not in the greatest shape (old grout in the shower, stopped up tub drain) made for a huge question mark about the price.

Service/staff was pleasant enough and the location is ideal in that it's so close to the airport and Old San Juan tourist areas.

The pool was nice and great for kids. They put out a lot of floaties and toys for them to play with, but what a bummer that for the duration of our stay the bar that's inside the pool never opened.

We made reservations one night at Ruth's Chris. Let me just say that it seemed like there was NO WAY that restaurant part of the same chain. We eat at Ruth's Chris quite a bit back home and those were NOT the same caliber steak. I wondered whether I was actually eating beef, as did the other 3 people in my group...

A disappointment, yes, but a lesson learned for next time.

The Intercontinental Hotel is located right next door to the El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico but why leave ? This hotel has all the amenities; beautiful grounds with winding pool, hot jacuzzi that fits 30 people, salon, 2 poolside restaurants- one overlooks the beach and ocean with gentle breezes and ultra friendly service. The food is good; salads with chicken, cubano and club sandwiches, etc. You can order from your comfortable lounge chair by the pool or on the beach without missing a beat. I recommend the "Club Level" rooms which are a little more expensive, but so worth the location; 10 steps from the pool/beach/food. No elevators or long hallways, open the sliders and you've arrived.

The bed is comfortable, a small couch and desk ($10 internet access via ether cable) are just inside the glass doors. The Club Level also includes a club lounge mainly for business travelers that is set up 3 times a day with an abundane of "on the go" type meals and drinks. (bagels, fruit, coffee, cheese/crackers, wine, liquor, etc.)

Access the beach through tall iron gates which are locked at 6pm promptly every night. (Try to be inside the gates after dark, wristband required for re-entry) The pool water was a little chilly so we venterd into the warm ocean one day. The waves were a little rough being on the Atlantic side of the island, but it's glorious when the east coast of US is in a deep freeze. Ruth Chris steakhouse is on the property, outstanding, need I say more. There are two other restaurants and a small casino on the property, just enough of a variety without being crowded. Room service is 24 hrs.

One night we went nex door to the El San Juan, it was nice to see the beautiful lobby, but unless you're a serious gambler, don't bother. For a quick getaway full of sun and relaxation, Intercontinental is the place to go.