Thanks for your advice. I saw jan_az's trip report and that has made me wary!
However, if you all think that the location of the Conrad is better, then I shall stay with the res.
Did baysal and Merlot get an upgrade? I was thinking of sending an email a few days in advance of our arrival to request a nice room. What are the chances of them reading it???
Are the sites walkable from the Conrad? Thanks again for all your help.