Where to Stay in Puerto Rico • Best Puerto Rican Hotels + Resorts

Puerto Rico might be the smallest in the Greater Antilles, but this Caribbean Island is packed from coast to coast with places to explore. 

Because the island is overflowing with things to see and do on your trip, you’ll want to be sure you know exactly where to stay in Puerto Rico so you can accomplish everything on your travel to-do list. 

The beach might be your priority so you might want to enjoy a relaxing stay at a resort with a private beach in Rio Grande or a small intimate hotel by the beach in Rincón. 

You might want to explore the capital city of Puerto Rico by staying in a luxury hotel in Old San Juan. Or you might prefer to save money while immersing yourself in the culture of Puerto Rico by staying at a parador, which is a small Puerto Rican family-owned inn. 

Whatever your travel style, this guide is designed to let you know the best hotels and resorts on the island to help you decide where to stay in Puerto Rico. 

Check Out:  Puerto Rico Travel Guide • Plan Your Trip to Puerto Rico

Article Guide

11 Best Hotels in Puerto Rico:

• Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
• Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
• El Convento Hotel
• Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
• Lazy Parrot Inn
• Villa Cofresí Hotel & Restaurant
• Rincón of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel
• Club Seabourne
• Casa de Amistad Guesthouse
• El Blok Hotel
• Parador el Faro

• San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
• St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club
• La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
• Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort
• Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
• Royal Isabela

The Districts & Neighbourhoods of Puerto Rico

With world-famous beaches, bustling cities and a dense natural rainforest, Puerto Rico has a variety of different districts and neighbourhoods that each offer their own unique attractions. 

Depending on what you’re interested in doing and seeing on your trip, each area of Puerto Rico has different locations to suit your travel needs. 

With almost 300 miles of beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico, the island’s west coast district of Mayagüez-Aguadilla offers the laid-back coastal communities that welcome travellers who share a love for exploring and experiencing all the beach has to offer. 

The beach town of Rincón is a paradise for surfers and adventurous travellers looking to explore the beach during their trip to Puerto Rico. There are plenty of resorts and hotels in Rincón that are designed to enhance your beach getaway. 

The towns of Isabela and Aguadilla are just north of Rincón and are also home to some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. Each of these beach towns offer hotels and resorts that remind travellers why Puerto Rico is called the Island of Enchantment. 

With beaches of its own in the neighbourhood of Condado, Puerto Rico’s capital city of San Juan is also home to a historic, metropolitan setting, has a variety of options for travellers who are deciding where to stay in Puerto Rico. The neighbourhood of Old San Juan boasts old-world elegance and an enriching cultural experience for travellers visiting Puerto Rico. 

You can enjoy luxury at an exclusive hotel or immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture at an authentic, historic hotel in the neighbourhood of Old San Juan. Whichever you prefer, you can really tailor your stay in Puerto Rico to fit your travel needs by browsing the different options in San Juan. 

Going out from the city and into nature, the town of Río Grande in the Northern Coastal Valley of Puerto Rico is home to the only subtropical rainforest in the United States, El Yunque. 

Along with its rainforest, Río Grande is also known for its beautiful natural scenery that includes glistening waterfalls and picturesque mountainscapes. It’s also home to some of the largest and most luxurious resorts on the island. 

Puerto Rico also offers island getaways within an island getaway. Just off of Puerto Rico’s eastern coast are the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Both islands are accessible via one short boat ride and the trip is worth the ride. 

Vieques and Culebra are home to world-renowned beaches and the world's brightest bioluminescent bay. You can visit these islands on a day trip or stay in one of the many hotel and resort options located on each island. 

Either check out our top picks below, or find a spot that's perfect for your itinerary here: 

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Wherever you decide to stay in Puerto Rico, it’s important to remember that the safest places to stay in Puerto Rico are areas nearest these popular visitor areas. Staying close to these districts and neighbourhoods is the recommended way to stay safe on your trip to Puerto Rico. 

11 Best Hotels in Puerto Rico

You can go for big and luxurious or stay small and authentic when choosing hotels in Puerto Rico. 

There are many luxury options that offer exclusive amenities and an elevated stay with ocean views. 

If you’re looking for a more authentic stay, you can also find historic hotels in Puerto Rico that have been cultural staples on the island for many years.

With such a variety of hotel choices on the island, here’s a list that can help you decide where to stay in Puerto Rico.

#1. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

With a captivating oceanfront location in San Juan, this luxury hotel both reflects the serenity of the island and the nostalgia of Puerto Rico’s deep history. 

Originally built in 1919, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel features Spanish revival architecture and modern-day amenities. 

Many of the guest rooms and suites overlook the Atlantic Ocean and feature balconies that let you experience the gorgeous views that are unique to Puerto Rico.

Neighbourhood: San Juan 

Restaurants: The 1919 Restaurant located inside the hotel boasts a farm-to-table experience with locally sourced ingredients and is run by two-Michelin-Star chef Juan José Cuevas. 

Best for: Luxury travel

#2. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

Found on the world-renowned Isla Verde Beach, Fairmont El San Juan emphasizes Puerto Rico’s tropical surroundings while preserving and promoting the island’s rich history. 

The hotel first opened in 1958 and following a 65 million dollar renovation, the Fairmont El San Juan is still one of the most sought after retreats in the Caribbean. 

Neighbourhood: San Juan

Restaurants: Caña by Juliana Gonzalez is one of the five restaurants inside the hotel and features authentic Puerto Rican flavours by Chef Juliana Gonzalez. Bar Americana, El San Juan Beach Club, El Bistro, and Il Sole Pizzeria are the other restaurants at the hotel that feature seasonally inspired menus. 

Best for: Luxury travel

#3. El Convento Hotel

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture, El Convento Hotel is a charming luxury hotel in the heart of Old San Juan.

When you stay at the El Convento Hotel, you’ll be within walking distance of some of the must-see historic landmarks in Puerto Rico. The four story hotel overlooks the city of Old San Juan and is the perfect location if you want to experience the culture in Puerto Rico.

Neighbourhood: Old San Juan 

Restaurants: At Santísimo inside the El Convento Hotel, you’ll be treated to contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine by chef Antonio Pérez and unique beverages by Pablo Rodríguez. This restaurant blends Puerto Rican culture to life through its food and drinks. You can also enjoy signature drinks on the outdoor terrace overlooking Old San Juan at the Alegría Patio Bar.

Best for: Luxury travel

#4. Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve

If you prefer to experience Puerto Rico from the comfort of a secluded location, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is tucked away in a gated community between the El Yunque rainforest and the ocean. 

With peaceful privacy and access to top of the line amenities, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is great for the business traveler who needs to get their work done while visiting Puerto Rico.

The hotel is also home to a small casino, a spa, and two 18-hole golf courses that host PGA events such as the Puerto Rico Open 

Neighbourhood: Río Grande

Restaurants: The hotel features a breakfast buffet at Water’s Edge, a steakhouse at Prime 787, and a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant at Nori Asian. 

Best for: Business travellers

#5. Lazy Parrot Inn

The Lazy Parrot Inn is a family-run hotel atop a hill in Rincón is an intimate and personalized way to experience this beach town in Puerto Rico.

Each of the hotel’s 21 guest rooms are individually decorated for a unique and personal stay. It’s one of the most popular places to stay in Rincón because it's just minutes away from some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. 

As of now, the Lazy Parrot Inn is temporarily closed until May 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this inconvenience, the staff looks forward to welcoming guests again soon. 

Neighbourhood: Rincón

Restaurants: You can enjoy a cook-to-order breakfasts served at Que Viva Tratoria, the Lazy Parrot’s pool-side restaurant.

Best for: Budget travellers

#6. Villa Cofresí Hotel & Restaurant

With a welcoming and fun-loving atmosphere, Villa Cofresí Hotel in Rincón encourages you to celebrate your trip to Puerto Rico.

At Villa Cofresí, you’ll be greeted by an enthusiastic staff at the hotel’s large open-air lobby that overlooks the ocean. This hotel is great for families looking to make memories during their time together on a Puerto Rican vacation.

Neighbourhood: Rincón

Restaurants: La Ana de Cofresí Restaurant located in the Villa Cofresí Hotel opened in 1965 and was one of the first restaurants in Rincón. It’s known for its Angus beef, jumbo breaded shrimp, fresh seafood and Puerto Rican cuisine. The Villa Cofresí Hotel is also home to the Bohío Beach Bar famous for its specialty rum cocktail called El Pirata.

Best for: Families with children

#7. Rincón of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel

If you want to experience a relaxing natural setting and some of Puerto Rico’s best sunsets from the comfort of your private suite, Rincón of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel is perfect for a luxury stay in Puerto Rico.

At this hotel, you’ll have direct access to beautiful beaches of Rincón as well as access to private gardens, free-form swimming pools and a swim-up pool bar. 

Neighbourhood: Rincón

Restaurants: The Royal Palm Café offers guests some of the finest Caribbean cuisine with a wide selection of wines and specialty cocktails as well as snacks and beverages at the hotel’s swim up bar.

Best for: Luxury travel

#8. Club Seabourne

As a beautiful boutique hotel, Club Seabourne is nestled in the picturesque hillside of Puerto Rico’s Culebra Island. 

Just a few miles from Puerto Rico’s easternmost point, this hotel claims to be a “mini resort” with amenities to help you enjoy an exclusive and intimate stay in Puerto Rico. Hammocks also hang throughout the hotel’s gardens promoting rest and relaxation for any guest who wishes to enjoy them. 

Neighbourhood: Culebra Island

Restaurants: This hotel offers a complimentary a la carte breakfast for guests each day in its open porch salon located in the hotel’s main building.

Best for: Luxury travel

#9. Casa de Amistad Guesthouse

As one of the most popular places to stay on the Puerto Rican Island of Vieques, Casa de Amistad is a cozy eight-room guesthouse with picturesque exterior spaces and an outdoor pool. 

When you stay at Casa de Amistad, your stay includes beach chairs, coolers and snorkel gear to enjoy your day at the nearby beaches.

Neighbourhood: Vieques Island 

Restaurants: This guesthouse does not have an onsite restaurant, but it is located within walking distance of local bars and restaurants. 

Best for: Budget travelers

#10. El Blok Hotel 

Even as a sleek, modern hotel, El Blok still pays homage to the natural beauty of Vieques and is one of the most popular places to stay on the island. 

This hotel welcomes adventurous couples and singles seeking out a memorable and lively trip to Puerto Rico. 

Neighbourhood: Vieques Island 

Restaurants: Enjoy elegant and locally sourced dishes cooked over a mesquite grill at El Blok Hotel’s restaurant PLACITA. You can also listen to live music at La Tertulia, a street level bar and lounge space or head to the roof for the hotel’s own rooftop bar experience.

Best for: Budget travellers

#11. Parador el Faro

A hidden gem in the tropical terrain of Aguadilla, Parador el Faro is an independent inn that offers a casual and affordable stay on the West coast of Puerto Rico. 

The 75-room and a 16-acre estate equipped with two outdoor swimming pools is located in the centre of Aguadilla making it easy for guests to explore this western area of Puerto Rico. 

Neighbourhood : Aguadilla

Restaurants: This parador has its own on-site restaurant that offers a Puerto Rican and international style cuisine.

Best for: Budget travellers

6 Top Resorts in Puerto Rico

Known as the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico lives up to its name as home to some of the most luxurious and relaxing resorts in the Caribbean. 

These lavish resorts stretch out across their own private beaches and entice travellers with top-rated amenities and unrivalled ocean views. 

From San Juan to Rincón and even to Puerto Rico’s surrounding islands, you’ll be able to experience some of the best resorts in the world when you choose where to stay in Puerto Rico. 

#1. San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Offering access to both the metropolitan experience of San Juan and the opportunity to enjoy the beaches of Condado, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has a stress free environment that emphasizes elegance for its guests.

In the morning, you can watch the sunrise over the resort’s outdoor pool from the balcony of your suite and at night, you can enjoy the well-lit pool bar and on-site casino. 

Neighbourhood: Condado 

Restaurants: The resort’s onsite restaurant the Red Coral Lounge is popular with both visitors and San Juan locals. Its signature cocktail, the dragon berry mojito, is a local favourite as well. 

Amenities: Guest rooms and suites with balconies, outdoor swimming pool with water slide, onsite casino, high speed Internet access and guest access to the beach. 

Best for: Families with children, luxury travel, and business travellers

#2. St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club

Just a 30 minute drive away from the San Juan airport, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club is an impressive resort located on a former coconut plantation nestled between El Yunque National Forest and the Espíritu Santo river.

As the first St. Regis in the Caribbean, this resort is dedicated to providing unparalleled services and amenities to its guests.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club is known for its commitment to preserving the local environment and the resort itself features a garden that grows fresh produce for the resort’s restaurants to use daily. 

Neighbourhood: Rio Grande

Restaurants: The resort has two restaurants and one bar for guests to enjoy. The Mediterranean-style Paros Restaurant is temporarily closed but the Seagrapes Restaurant is open and offers guests the chance to enjoy their meal in cabanas taking in the fresh ocean air.

Amenities: The resort boasts a two-mile stretch of secluded beach and provides guest with equipment for water sports such as surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Other amenities include a spa, golf course, seaside swimming pool, fitness facility, Kids Club, private cabanas, butler service and 24-hour concierge. 

Best for: Business travellers

#3. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort

As a seaside architectural landmark that was originally built in 1958 but re-envisioned for the 21st century, the La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort emphasizes soulful hospitality and stylish environment. 

The resort welcomes guests to connect with local culture while experiencing Puerto Rico in style and luxury. This resort is also great for business travellers as it offers more than 20,000 square feet of meeting spaces. 

Neighbourhood: Condado 

Restaurants: There are eight restaurants and bars that invite guests to both relax during the daytime and let loose during the nighttime. 

Amenities: Two pools with deluxe cabanas as well as a casino, fitness centre, bike rentals and complimentary wireless high speed internet. 

Best for: Luxury travel and business travel

#4. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort

The mountains that outline El Yunque National Forest act as a backdrop for the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort, which is situated along a mile of its own private golden-sand beach.

This 500-acre property is one of the most elegant and luxurious hotels in Puerto Rico. Especially after going through a recent multi-million dollar renovation this resort is a destination within itself.

Neighbourhood: Río Grande

Restaurants: With 10 onsite restaurants to choose from, you’ll be able to sample a wide variety of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. 

Amenities: Two golf courses, three lagoon-style swimming pools, waterslides, a casino, wellness centre, a Mandara Spa, a private beach and exclusive guest excursions.

Best for: Luxury travel, families with children, and business travellers

#5. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

In the town of Dorado just 15 miles east of San Juan, the Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one of the most popular places to stay in Puerto Rico.

This resort is known for its privacy, discreet individualized service and deep respect for the environment, which was a priority for the original developer Laurance S. Rockefeller who has a historic nature trail named after him on the resort property. 

With meeting spaces that blend into the natural landscape and have panoramic ocean views as well as outdoor spaces designed for meetings, this resort is ideal for the business traveler looking to enjoy their work while also enjoying the beautiful landscape in Puerto Rico. 

Its amenities such as adult and family pools also make it a great place for families who want to enjoy special time together on their trip to Puerto Rico.

Neighbourhood: Dorado Beach

Restaurants: Note the restaurants, cafes, bars etc in the hotel and what type of food/vibe they have.

Amenities: The resort features adult and family pools, two 18-hole golf courses, a historic nature trail, a private beach, tennis courts and water sports. 

Best for: Business travellers & families with children

#6. Royal Isabela

The Royal Isabela is an intimate oceanfront resort on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast and ideal for a romantic getaway or a heartwarming family vacation. 

This resort is renowned for its golf course, the Links at Royal Isabela, that dramatically extends along cliffs 200 feet above the ocean. 

Neighbourhood: Isabela 

Restaurants: The resort is home to Jota Restaurant, a farm-to-table dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating.

Amenities: Private golf course and beach, swimming pool, fitness centre, bar, restaurant and private casitas for intimate stay.

Best for: Families with children and luxury travel.