The Caribbean - Where to stay in San Juan, given my hotel program levels?

I will be in San Juan for more or less the first time (was there for a few hours 15 years ago on a cruise) the weekend of December 13-15 and am seeking advice for where to stay. I am an Intercontinental Royal Ambassador and currently have a reservation at the Intercontinental San Juan. I have read many bad reviews of this hotel and its treatment of RAs, but I'm wondering if the hotel has gotten better. If I stay there, I will use a BOGO cert so the second night will be free.

I am also an SPG Platinum and am considering the Sheraton Old San Juan. I am Marriott Gold so have been looking at their properties in the city. One last option is to bid on priceline and likely get the Hilton resort for about $85/night.

I am all set for next year with respect to hotel qualifying, so that is not a consideration here.

So, I am deciding between the Hilton for $85/night, the Intercontinental for around $95/night (with whatever RA benefits they give) after the BOGO cert, or the Sheraton/Marriott/Renaissance for between $200-$300/night.

Which hotel is best for a first trip to SJU? We are not too interested in the beach since we're just stopping through on the way to St. John. We care more about seeing the sights.

Thank you.

Sheraton and Hilton and both very convenient for visited Old San Juan. The Hilton also has a range of beach and pool options, although reviews of the hotel itself indicate room comfort and lounge service have been falling off lately. I haven't stayed at any of the others on your list.
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13F

I'd be really interested in peoples recommendations of hotels new old san juan or convenient to it. I have read the Caribe is "ok", is the sherton to be better?

I'd stick to the Hilton or the Normandie. I haven't head anything bad about the Sheraton OSJ.

If you're willing to stay in Condado, try the La Concha as well

I think I'm picking this place.

http://www.elconvento.com/

I think I'm picking this place.

http://www.elconvento.com/Was there for breakfast on a Saturday morning this past Feb with Mme 13F and 13F-ette. The hotel is very well located in Old San Juan and the interior courtyard restaurant is a spectacular spot. Enjoy!
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13F

I think I'm picking this place.

http://www.elconvento.com/
great, GREAT choice... My favorite bar on the is right across the street, on Calle Cristo. El Batey, the greatest dive bar on the planet :)

there are so many hotels in all of San Juan, great ones!!!!! I find it very difficult to believe that the Intercontinental is not that great, I stayed there and it was fine.:p

great, GREAT choice... My favorite bar on the is right across the street, on Calle Cristo. El Batey, the greatest dive bar on the planet :)
El Batey is my favorite bar in OSJ as well ^.

Got back from San Juan last night. Spent two nights at the Marriott Courtyard on Ponce de Leon in Santurce-Miramar area. Hotel has been renovated; it was formerly the "Excelsior." Paid $125 which included all taxes and a good breakfast that was either buffet or menu. Booked it through the Marriott website which seemed to give an edge in price over Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, etc. Didn't have much time to look around as bag was misplaced while connecting at JFK. Will go back next month for a better look. However, for the price, I think the hotel was a good value.