Formerly the Sands Hotel, then renovated as the San Juan Grand and now re-branded as the Inter-Continental San Juan Resort & Casino, it emerges as a front runner among the heavily hotel developed Isla Verde section of San Juan. The location has always been a positive and with the much needed upgrades, it's certainly a choice option.

The entrance and lobby are grand. Just beyond it is a beautiful terrace with views of the gardens, a large pool, an entertainment area and a beachfront boardwalk.

Every spacious room has been renovated and features new carpeting, new furnishings, a two-line telephone, marble tiled bath and vanity and balconies-many with ocean views. They are tastefully updated and comfortable.

The Grand Market is an introduction to a gourmet hotel food court open 24 hours serving a broad range of food and drink from sandwiches and pizza to fruit and cheese, drinks and bottled water. Of course, the conventional restaurants still exist with choices from Italian to a good ole steak.

Activities range from watersports and casino action to relaxing by the pool. A swim-up bar is planned as well as a sushi bar and an oceanfront spa. A conference facility is available fully equipped with a business center, boardrooms and high-tech elements for teleconferencing and computer usage.