If you don't want to stay at the resort all day, then yes, it would be better to rent a car.

The resort is large, just walking from the beach to the entrance gate is probably a mile or two! Walking is not really on option to get to anything outside the resort (unless you are REALLY INTO walking!

With a car you can explore on your own time, much better and cheaper than taking a resort sponsored tour.

But they do charge for parking.

The Balneario in Luquillo (make sure you go to the Balneario, not the beach behind the kiosks) is about 5 miles down the road or so.

Agree 100%. You would also be able to hit the grocery stores for snacks and beverages. Everything is expensive at the resort. Just the savings on Beer, rum and mixers alone will pay for the car for a day or 2. Plus you can get snacks, sandwich fixins, Picnic on the beach! Lots of fast food places also. Get a bucket of chicken and sit on the balcony. You will also save on the transportation cost from the airport to the hotel. Visit Old San Juan. Head to Fajardo and the Casino at the El Conquistador. Taking a day snorkelling trip. drive to Fajardo. Yep, rent a car.

I also agree with renting a car.

It will give you so much more freedom to see things outside of the resort like ...

* the rain forest

* Luquillo beach

* Seven Seas beach

* possibly catch the ferry to Culebra or Vieques for the day

* see the biobay in Fajardo, or take the catamaran from Fajardo to Vieques for that biobay

* ATVs and horseback riding in Luquillo

Here are some articles that will fill in the details ...

* things to do in the East -- www.puertoricodaytrips.com/category/east/

* rain forest - puertoricodaytrips.com/category/rainforest/