You might try the Hyatts, they are time Share now ,but have great facilities. Not much to do in Dorado but relax. San Juan for activites. Check our Fajardo. The El Conquistador is big and has a ton of things to do. They are old enough to go out on there own. Some times you can get ag reat deal at the Casitas which have multiple bedrooms. The El Con has a Casino, Internet Cafe, Private island, with a great beach, horse back riding, all the water sports, Several pools, Golf course. The town of Fajardo has places to eat, all the fast food, Walmart Etc.

WE have been to Puerto Rico several times(nine) and we will continue to return every year. We just returned from Dorado on November 18th, stayed at the Hyatt. Dorado is a very quiet area. There is much more to do in San Juan, but with 17yr olds, that may not be such a great idea...Lots of partying .....but if that is ok with you..then that is the hub. Dorado is right on the ocean. The beach is spectacular at the Hyatt. However the beach at embassey suites in Dorado is the size of a postage stamp.. do not go there! We actually were there last year and left to go to they Hyatt. The El conquistador by far.......is a terrific choice for the entire family. They are under new management, was a Wyndham, now Blackstone owns it. They have their own private island and is a multi level property built into the side of a mountain... Absolutely breath taking!

There are water sports, horseback riding and many other activities on the private island. At last count I believe there are 6 or 7 restaurants to chose from for dinner. We never left the property. Located next to the rain forest, but we never had more than a passing drizzle here and there. Only drawback, 45 minutes from the airport. But it is worth the trip.

The El SAn Juan and the Ritz are expensive, but incredible in San Juan. The marriott is good and I was told there is a Westin property worth looking into. If you stay in San jUan...Look for an excursion to Vieques or Calebra. Another good day trip.

Happy travels!

have you considered heading west to RINCON ?? RINCON is a great laid back little surfing town.you will be able to finding many villa type lodging options for the cost of an EMBASSY SUIT room. here you will find miles ans miles of wonderful beaches and world-class sunsets....RINCON has a beach to suit everyone.....sufring, snorkeling, and swimming beaches.......here are some sites for you to research...

www.rincon.org

www.rinconpr.com

happy planning,

doda

I agree with doda. It also depends on your sons' interests.

If they are interested in beach and surf, snorkeling etc, then I agree to look at Rincon. You could stay in a large hotel like Rincon of the Seas , a smaller place like Hotel Villa Cofresi or a small inn/guesthouse like Tres Sirenas. You can find reviews for these on TA. If you stay in that area, there are several other beach towns around that you can visit.

If your sons like city life and want to be around beach , be able to do day trips( like to the Forts in Old San Juan or to the Rainforest), but also be near shopping, restaurants and nightlife atmosphere then San Juan might be more of what you are looking for.

Some people do split up their time in order to get a bit of each atmosphere. Some people who like more quie retreats, outdoors, mountains, even stay in/near the rainforest.

By the way, if you are looking for lodging in San Juan for your family, The Embassy Suites and Casino in San Juan gets nice reviews.

We just returned from this Hotel with 3 college age boys. It's a little off the beaten path for teens and young adults under 25 (who can't drive a rental car to escape the folks). I did let them use the car for short trips with my heart in my throat until their return. There's nothing within walking distance from the property. My son and his friends are all smart enough to enjoy the sun and beach and adjust to the lack of freedom, but I could see where kids might feel stranded. Everywhere they want to go you have to go with them. No jet skiis etc nearby.On the other hand they're all 21 and over and their opinion was that it was a very nice hotel and they enjoyed themselves just laying around on the beach. Nice hotel for the price. There might be places closer to SJ with more activities for teens on the property or within a short walk.

I just posted our experience at the Embassy Suites; it was ok as a hotel but there really is not much to do for teens on site or in the town.

Not much to do in Dorado...I have stayed six times in the last 2 years...at Embassy ...The beach is dirty with empty containers, butts and straws littered about. BUT it is public beach and not the hotels..what I don't care about the hotel is that they allow everyone in the neighborhood around the hotel to come in and use the pool, jacuzzi, and it becomes quite frustrating when you pay almost 300 dollars or more a night and can hardly get into the jacvuzzi because of all the kids or people that aren't even paying guests.!!I will no longer come to Dorado in the future to this hotel...It is too full of little children..many using the pool and causing a raucus and they DON't even stay at the hotel!! The pool is dirty and only 3 feet deep. Not really for adults..