InterContinental San Juan

Each room captures the Caribbean: oceanic blues and greens are complimented by views of the coastline and Isla Verda. Tropical, lagoon-style pools – with waterfalls and in-pool bars – provide alternatives to the pristine beach.

Somewhat dowdy on the outside and modern on the inside, the 16-story InterContinental's main draws are its great onsite restaurants, pool, and spectacular beachfront location. The curvy balconies on the facade are old-fashioned, and the low-ceilinged lobby does not invite you to linger.

Rooms are comfortable and functional, if somewhat conservatively decorated. The InterContinental is close to other area resorts, restaurants, bars, and shops. Guests can easily walk anywhere within Isla Verde.

While the hotel's 398 guest rooms aren’t particularly luxurious, they're nonetheless smart and inviting. All are equipped with minibars, flat-screen TVs, free coffee/tea, and high-end bath products, but many of the small balconies are unfurnished.

The InterContinental offers a full-on luxury beachside resort experience with all of the usual extras you'd expect. Though the nearly 400 rooms and facilities are spiffy enough, the El San Juan next door still wins first prize for character and panache.