Placing Bets at Top Casino Hotels in San Juan

The grandaddy of them all, the El San Juan Hotel & Casino is in a class by itself among casino hotels. It's got a storied history; this is where the a-list celebrities like the original Brat Pack used to hang out, and today's stars still come here for a good time. With a lavish lobby, lounge and bar area that is always hopping, and terrific live salsa bands adding to the buzz, it's one of the few places where the hottest action might be away from the tables.

The casino is a sprawling affair, with 13,000 square feet of gaming space featuring:

• Blackjack
• Craps
• Baccarat
• Roulette
• Caribbean stud poker
• 300 slot machines

The newest hotel on this list, the large and well-appointed Sheraton also boasts the largest casino in Puerto Rico, with 20,000 square feet of gaming space. The hotel's Casino Metro has almost 450 slot machines and 16 table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, pai gow poker and three-card poker. Hardcore gamers can sign up for the M Players Club, a points card that can be redeemed for reward dollars.

A very cool feature of the casino is its entertainment niches reserved for live bands and mingling. An oval bar on the floor is a nice meeting point, but my favorite feature was the second-floor enclave where a funky trio livened up the atmosphere with '80s covers.

The Ritz's first casino lives up to the brand's reputation for elegance. This large casino wins major style points and is decorated in a throwback style you might see in Monte Carlo. I also give it props for having a cigar maker rolling fresh cigars just outside and a new lounge on the second floor to break up the action. Open 24 hours-a-day, it's also got plenty of gaming, including:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Caribbean Stud Poker
• Over 300 slot machines

With its right-on-the-beach location in Condado, beautiful outdoor pool, and renovated rooms, the Marriott is a well-priced favorite. Its casino is no less popular, and is known for its friendly staff. Occupying a spacious 12,000 square feet, it conforms to the more popular classic European look that you find in so many of Puerto Rico's casinos.

Features include:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Caribbean stud poker
• Slot machines

The Sheraton gets on this list because it's the only choice if you want to gamble in Old San Juan. The largest hotel in the old city also boasts its only casino, and while it doesn't measure up to some of the other ones on this list in its style and gaming choices, the setting and location counts for a lot. The focus here is definitely on the slots, with a small amount of table games.

Features:

• Blackjack
• Caribbean stud poker
• Roulette
• Three-card poker
• Over 300 slot machines