Jerry,

It is easier to fly into San Juan and rent a car/van there. You can stay in San Juan but it will cost you. There are hotels going towards Barceloneta and it is just finding one that will not "break your pocket". Oh, when you rent your vehicle, make sure you ask them about including toll charges in the rental fee. The main highway is a toll road outside of San Juan and it is easier to drive through the express lane than to wait in the long lines to toss coins in the toll collection bucket.