My wife and I chose the Intercontinental primarily based on the reviews in trip advisor. We found this hotel to be exactly what we were looking for (beautiful-relaxing pool, nice beach, great service, modern rooms with a balcony, warm weather) and recommend this place without hesitation. Further details provided below:

Room: We debated between an ocean view room and a pool view in the club wing and chose the club wing for about $350/night AAA rate. The club wing is a 2 story building that is perpendicular to the ocean with all rooms facing the pool. The rooms are supposed to be slightly larger than the main building and each room has a balcony with chairs (see pictures). Each room in the main building had a balcony, but not big enough for chairs. None of the club rooms had a very good view of the ocean but the pool is stunning enough. With the club, you get free continental breakfast (bagels, fruit, hard boiled eggs, etc) until 10am and appetizers along with pour your own cocktails between 5pm and 7pm. The only thing that I did not like about the club was they did not let you take any food or drinks out of the common area, and I would have preferred to sit out on my balcony with a cocktail while watching the sunset. When we checked in, they upgraded us for free (without asking and without a priority club number) to a suite which was essentially two connecting regular rooms with a whirlpool and walk in closet (see pictures). From reading other comments, I think their policy is to upgrade if available, so off-peak times have a good chance of upgrades.

Hotel: This is a 4 star hotel with a beautiful pool well described by others. All of the employees were very nice and treated us like royalty. There was one lady who did not like to give out more than one towel at the pool but everyone else was magnificent. The fitness center overlooked the ocean with modern equipment (included in daily resort fee). They had a small spa that I would rate at 3/5 stars. Food and drinks at the pool were expensive, but nothing more than any other beach front resort that we have been to. However, a mini-mart, grocery store, and numerous chain restaurants (Subway, Church’s chicken, etc.) are across the street from the hotel. There are 3 dinner restaurants on site that were priced what you would expect for a resort ($20/plate at the Italian, $30/plate at the Japanese, $40/plate at Ruth’s Chris). We went to the Italian which was very good, great service, and it was nice to sit outside with the chirping frogs. We also went to the Japanese (hibachi - cook in front of you) which we loved. We did not go to Ruth’s Chris, but went to BLT Steak at the Ritz Carlton and it was very similar to a Ruth’s Chris in terms of quality and price. The Ritz was more of a 5 star property (i.e. Tiffany Co on site, etc.) but most of the rooms did not have a balcony and it was about twice the cost of the Intercontinental; after looking at both properties, we would stay at the Intercontinental again. The El San Juan Hotel next door was much more of a spring break atmosphere which was nice to visit, but we enjoyed retreating to our peaceful and relaxing hotel.

Restaurants: Within walking distance from the hotel, we went to BLT Steak (described above), Metropol (good quality local fare at very reasonable prices), and Mi Casita which we did not have a good experience at although you get a lot of food at a cheap cost. We also ate at Aquaviva in Old San Juan which had great seafood although expensive.

Activities: The rain forest was great. Some recommend renting a car but we did the guided tour ($57/person through the concierge) which was well worth it. We saw some people who rented a car and had no idea where to go or what to see and were essentially trying to follow our guide in their cars. Deep sea fishing out of old San Juan was a lot of fun (caught a 30lb Mahi Mahi through Grand Illusion Charter and they filleted for you if you want). We also enjoyed walking around Old San Juan.

This was our first visit to Purto Rico, and for our first stay we couldn't have chosen a more perfect place. The rooms were big, with a balcony and quite comfortable, and always kept clean. The staff were all very friendly but we found the concierge desk at all times to be very outgoing and helpful. One of the tours they recommended was the Catch a Dream Ranch, which was a 90 minute horse back riding experience like we will never forget thru the foothills of the rainforest and a run on the Rio Mar beach with a beautifull view of the El yungque rainforest in the background. We found the restaurant on the beach very nice along with several of the local area restaurants. Cabs are plentiful and the rates are set so regardless of the traffic situation your assured of the cost which we found quite reasonable and more relaxing than trying to rent a car and deal with the local traffic ourselves. Over all we had a great time.

We stayed on the 8th floor Ocean and Poolview and were a little blocked by the trees (for Poolview) ,none the less, it was very nice. The entire staff was attentive and we never had to open the doors when coming into the hotel or leaving. The staff would smile and acknowledge us everytime.
Even though we bid through Priceline the front staff still treated us professionally and even upgraded the room to oceanview. Our check in time was very fast without any bumps. When we called for our bags to be brought up they arrived within minutes. I thought it was a joke because of how quick they arrived. The bellperson introduced himself and gave us some tips on our rooms and the area in general.
The room was equipped with a refrigerator, flat screen tv, and a very comfortable bed. As others have mentioned, make a visit to the small market across the street or the Walgreen's and stock up on items that will save you from some of the ridiculous prices by the pool. Why not save your money for other things? Definitely give the restaurant down stairs "MOMOYAMA". It was excellent and for a couple our total was around $70 tip included, so worth it.
I did incur one problem and didn't get help from ANYONE which is why I didn't rate this hotel higher. I attempted to take money out of the ATM located in the hotel casino. The first attempt was for $200 and it said "Sorry, we're unable to complete your transaction." So, I tried for $100 and received the same response. Knowing I had money in my account I checked my account online and it shows the withdrawals???? I spoke to the night manager at the casino and he said that the problem with the ATM happens sometimes(the ATM ran out of money) and that I would be credited. They refer me to the bank that owns the ATM and they tell me, "We can't help you out cause your not one of our customers."
I check my bank account two business days later and the charges are still there.
I speak with the front office Manager at the hotel and tell him the above and once again I'm told it's not there ATM so he can't help me. Why would this hotel keep an ATM with this problem????
After a call to my bank and putting in a dispute, MY BANK took care of the issue immediately after their dispute division contacted the ATM bank. MY money was credited back to me.
Take care of "problems" that are continuous to customers and this hotel would have received 4.5 rating from me because overall we had a good time.

11 of us girls stayed at the InterContinental Hotel for a bachelorette weekend. We all enjoyed our stay except for dealing with one of their employees, Barbara, who works at the Concierge desk. Stay away from her! She was NOT helpful, was extremely RUDE, and had a major attitude problem towards us as a few of the girls tried to check in (their vouchers were left at the Concierge desk as a few of the girls checked in a day or 2 later). We complained to the manager explaining how rude, and unhelpful she was; we are their hotel guests and spending A LOT of money to stay there; there was no need to deal with this kind of service! Jhazil, at the Concierge desk, was extremely helpful and recommended great clubs, restaurants, and bars to go to in Old San Juan (OSJ). Look for her to help you!

Overall, our stay at the hotel was good. Small, comfy beds, and clean rooms and bathrooms. We asked for a late check out for 4pm and they gave it to us for free of charge (normally $75 for late afternoon check-out)! The cafe on the beach was great too - order the chicken tortilla wrap; it's delicious!

The hotel is close to Walgreens, an ATM, ESJ Hotel, and the Ritz. Too bad it's far away from OSJ, but it's a close drive at least.

We can't wait to go back to PR next year!