The 10 Best Hotels In Puerto Rico

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Keri Bridgwater, Contributor

Forbes Vetted

Everyone loves a good comeback story, and five years after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico has bounced back livelier and lovelier than ever. With its melting pot of Spanish, Taino and African cultures, there’s a distinct rhythm to the heartbeat of this Caribbean archipelago where warm sea breezes, flavorful rums and local cuisine tantalize the senses, enticing first-timers and repeat visitors.

A three hour and forty minute flight from New York City, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is an easy destination to reach, but a world away with its beautiful beaches, bioluminescent bays and rainforests as well as the cobblestone streets and colorful houses of historic Old San Juan. Puerto Rico’s best hotels make exploring the “Island of Enchantment,” a breeze with options ranging from historic city hotels to luxury beach resorts frequented by celebrities to design hotels surrounded by dense jungle.

Here are our picks for the ten best hotels in Puerto Rico.

Best Luxury Hotel: Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Reserve At Booking.com

Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for over-the-top luxury and exclusivity

All-Star Amenities: Suites with oversized soaking tubs and rainforest showers; two stunning golf courses; private beach; photography concierge

What Not To Miss: A Spa Botánico treatment; cabana time at the Positivo Pool; walking the Rockefeller Nature Trail

Location: Dorado

Puerto Rico’s exclusive Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the ultimate luxury resort with eco-conservationist bona fides. Conservationist Laurance Rockefeller, son of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., purchased the lush property in the 1950s and developed it into an eco-friendly resort and natural sanctuary. While under different ownership today, the property has stayed true to Rockefeller’s vision with an aura of exclusivity and reverence for nature and local culture. The elegant refuge is located on 1,400 Atlantic Coast acres providing a sense of total privacy and tranquility. Each room is assigned a personal embajador or ambassador who can arrange spa appointments, dinner reservations, and anything in between. Coastal-inspired guest rooms, suites and residences are palatial with separate living areas, large bathrooms and outdoors spaces such as verandas and rooftops with plunge pools and outdoor showers.

A destination in and of itself, Spa Botánico offers a range of treatments inspired by nature, including a garden bathing ritual and massage service performed in an open-air treehouse. The signature restaurant Coa, named for the wood tool that allowed Puerto Rico’s indgenous Taino people to harvest the land, sources ingredients from local farms and purveyors. Guests can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities like sailing, kayaking and hiking through the Jean Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program. A favorite of Hollywood A-listers, it’s very likely you’ll spot celebrities while sunning by the infinity-edge pool.

Best Beach Resort: The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

Reserve At Booking.com

Who Will Love It: Well-heeled travelers looking for a tropical getaway

All-Star Amenities: St. Regis butler service; Iridium Spa; marble bathrooms with rainforest showers

What Not To Miss: Pre-dinner drinks at the St. Regis Bar; taking time to appreciate the hotel’s collection of works by renowned Latin American artist Fernando Botero

Location: Rio Grand

Next to the El Yunque National Forest 40 minutes east of San Juan, the polished St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort provides guests with their own secluded two mile stretch of beachfront. Puerto Rican designer Nono Maldonado was inspired by the sea when designing the 139 rooms and suites decorated in shades of white, soft grey and turquoise. This watery-theme is also carried over into the grand five-bedroom residence Casa Estancia which has a particularly impressive Atlantic Ocean view.

Amenities range from a boathouse with water sports, spa, and tennis club to an ocean-front golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Set back from the beach amid lushly landscaped gardens, curtained cabanas and St. Regis deckchairs flank the main swimming pool, but golf carts can zip guests down to the Beach Club and quieter second pool with an adults only section. The concierge can arrange activities, including nature walks, biking, and kayaking. Multiple dining outlets include 1919 Restaurant, overseen by Michelin star chef Juan José Cuevas.

Best Boutique Hotel: Hotel El Convento

Hotel El Convento

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Who Will Love It: Culture hounds and history buffs

All-Star Amenities: Rooftop swimming pool; fitness center; 24-hour valet parking across the street

What Not To Miss: Afternoon cocktails in the Alegría Patio Bar; manager’s nightly wine and cheese reception on La Veranda Terrace

Location: Old San Juan

It’s difficult to pass by the yellow and white exterior of this 17th-century Carmelite convent turned upscale hotel and not take a picture.The intricate Spanish Colonial architecture was restored outside and in. The 58 guest rooms have Andalusian tile floors, tapestries and chandeliers. Modern luxuries include Bose sound systems, mini-fridges, goose down pillows and Aveda bath products. In the heart of Old San Juan, guests can walk to museums and local landmarks like the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista and San Felipe del Morro Fortress. Hotel El Convento has three restaurants including Patio del Nispero, named for the Nispero tree growing below. For a change of pace and scene, El Covento guests enjoy privileges at sister property El Convento Beach Club in nearby Isla Verde including day passes to the beach, plus the use of towels, umbrellas and lounge chairs.

Best Hotel for Couples: Villa Montaña Beach Resort

Villa Montaña Beach Resort

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Who Will Love It: Free-spirits and romantics

All-Star Amenities: Grass tennis courts; beach cruiser bikes; snorkel gear; complimentary parking

What Not To Miss: Dinner beneath the dangling filament bulbs at Eclipse restaurant; the Romance Room package including Champagne and rose petals

Location: Aguadilla

With its three miles of secluded beachfront and lush tropical grounds, the upscale yet low-key Villa Montaña Beach Resortin Puerto Rico’s more remote northwest corner conjures an aura of romance. Rooms and villas range from studios to three bedrooms with garden or sea views, while terracotta tile floors and wicker furnishings add a coastal meets country aesthetic. Larger rooms have kitchens with coffeemakers and cooking utensils; some even have washers and dryers.

There’s not much to do in the local area, but couples can stay as busy on the property as they like with activities like scuba diving, surfing and running on nearby trails as well as lounging by one of the two swimming pools or the private beach. The resort’s fine dining restaurant Eclipse highlights Puerto Rican flavors and local produce and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Best Family-Friendly Hotel: Caribe Hilton

Caribe Hilton

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Who Will Love It: Stylish families who like to swim and stay active

All-Star Amenities: Oceanfront swimming pools; wave and beach wing guest rooms; Zen Spa Océano

What Not To Miss: Piña coladas and panoramic ocean views at Caribar; a private lesson at the Monica Puig Tennis Courts

Location: San Juan

The first Hilton hotel outside of the United States, the Caribe Hilton opened in 1949 on a 17-acre peninsula with a secluded beach minutes from historic Old San Juan. Children get the VIP treatment with a dedicated fountain pool, outdoor playground and daily activities like spike ball tournaments. There are also poolside movie screenings and s’mores stations and next level off property activities such as the opportunity to go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Manatee Conservation Center research lab and help feed the gentle giants.

Each of the 652 guestrooms–decorated in a palette of mid-century white and seafoam–have private balconies and views of the garden or ocean. Parents are sure to appreciate the full-service spa, multiple restaurants, on-site snorkeling and the curved Caribe Bar where they can order various takes on Puerto Rico’s national drink the piña colada, which was reportedly created at the hotel in 1954.

Best Luxury Bed and Breakfast: Tres Sirenas

Tres Sirenas

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Who Will Love It: Surfers and bougie travelers

All-Star Amenities: Oceanview pool with daybeds; common spaces with hammocks

What Not To Miss: Standup paddle boarding at sunset; cocktails at the Tiki Bar

Location: Rincón

The guesthouse Tres Sirenas or Three Mermaids is one of the most sought after stays in Puerto Rico given its oceanfront location and elegant residential feel. The two story villa has just five tastefully decorated accommodations including two oceanfront rooms, one pool studio and two sea view apartments. The outdoor common areas, offering ample space to relax, are perfectly boho with terracotta tile floors covered in colorful rugs and woven basket light fixtures.

Lounge beside the oceanfront pool in one of the cabanas and go for leisurely swim off one of the calmest beaches in western Puerto Rico. Popular surf breaks are just a mile away, while kayaks and standup paddle boards are available to rent onsite. The hotel’s staff can arrange private yoga sessions, candlelit dinners on the beach and surf lessons. Tres Sirenas doesn’t have a restaurant, but breakfast is included and there’s a pint-sized bar for guests. Given Tres Sirenas size and popularity, there are some minimum stay requirements.

Best Business Hotel: Condado Vanderbilt

Condado Vanderbilt

Reserve At Booking.com

Who Will Love It: Jet-setters and corporate travelers

All-Star Amenities: Beach Club; swimming pools; boutique fitness center; impressive dining options

What Not To Miss: Sunset from the infinity pool; the Hammam Ritual spa service

Location: Condado

The beachfront Condado Vanderbilt was built by the Vanderbilt family in San Juan’s upscale Condado neighborhood in 1919. While the Spanish Revival-style building was added to over the years–guest rooms are in two more modern towers flanking the original hotel–features like the Art Deco lobby with grand winding staircase remain preserving its historic elegance.

The Condado Vanderbilt doesn’t look like the typical business hotel, but it is one of Puerto Rico’s most business-friendly. Corporate travelers will appreciate the 24-hour business center and access to an executive business lounge, including the use of a private meeting room for up to two hours. Corporate Long Stay packages allow travelers to “work from hotel” in suites with ocean views. The 317 guest rooms including 100 suites feature 300 thread-count Italian linens, marble bathtubs and French Press coffee makers.

With eight restaurants and bars, it’s easy to maximize efficiency and dine on thin-crust pizzas and grilled octopus without ever leaving, but worker bees should take a break and explore Condado Beach as well as Ashford Avenue. Considered Puerto Rico’s Rodeo Drive, the thoroughfare has fine dining restaurants and shopping.

Best Design Hotel: Hix Island House

Hix Island House

Reserve At Expedia.com

Who Will Love It: Minimalists who want to get off the grid

All-Star Amenities: Yoga and Pilates pavilion; swimming pool; Frette linens; nightshirts by Neeva Gayle

What Not To Miss: Sunrise yoga and languid afternoons beside the swimming pool

Location: Vieques island

This architect-owned hideaway on Vieques, a small Caribbean island off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, is a back-to-nature retreat with striking modern design. Architect John Hix designed the angular and sustainable structure using Wabi Sabi principles. Surrounded by casuarina pine and palm trees it was designated the Caribbean’s first all solar powered hotel. The four airy and open-plan designed casas have separate loft spaces, private patios, kitchens and dining areas. Restorative yoga and pilates classes are held each day.

The swimming pool, cleaned by staff using silver and copper ions, is the 13-acre property’s photogenic social center. There’s no restaurant, but lofts are stocked with breakfast essentials like coffee, tea, artisan bread and jam. Plan to drive down the hill to the town of Esperanza to pick up groceries or go to dinner at an oceanfront restaurant with views of Esperanza Pier. Gust can also borrow beach chairs, towels, and cooler bags for a day on the coast or book a massage during their stay. While there’s no in-room Wi-Fi, giving guests a true chance to unplug, it is available in the lobby.

Best Hotel For Golfers: Royal Isabela

Royal Isabela

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Who Will Love It: Nature lovers and golfers

All-Star Amenities: Farm-to-table restaurant; 24-hour saltwater swimming pool; library; grass tennis court

What Not To Miss: Cocktails at the Croquet Bar; a cooking class with the chef

Location: Isabela

Perched on a bluff near the 19th-century town of Isabela in northwestern Puerto Rico, the Royal Isabela has one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful golf courses, and 20 luxurious casitas; each accommodation at the Royal Isabela has a plunge pool, terrace and wood-beamed ceiling. Atlantic Ocean views can be experienced from many vantage points at the hotel as well as the sustainably maintained 18-hole course with challenging holes and a green along the cliff’s edge.

Accommodations and common spaces are sprinkled throughout the 426 acre property; the architecture is inspired by the Caribbean’s historic sugar mills. Guests can spot humpback whales between January and April, paddleboard on the nearby Guajataca River or look for dozens of bird species across the property including snowy egrets and scarlet tanagers. In keeping with the resort’s environmental ethos, the signature restaurant Jota uses ingredients from the onsite garden, locally caught fish and produce sourced from family farms.

Best Hotel For Foodies: El Pretexto

El Pretexto

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Who Will Love It: Travelers who love to cook

All-Star Amenities: Organic garden; optional massage sessions

What Not To Miss: Yoga classes; walking through the property’s orchard and forest; family-style dining around the picnic tables

Location: Cayey

A self proclaimed “culinary farm lodge” where chickens roam freely, this farm stay in the Cayey Mountains is a dream destination for food loving travelers. El Pretexto specializes in week-long culinary experiences organized by owner Crystal Diaz. Guests get to visit area markets and producers, meet local chefs and learn to make regional dishes with hands-on cooking classes. But whether you’re staying for just two nights or five, you’ll experience lovingly prepared and locally sourced breakfasts and optional dinner experiences for an additional fee on Tuesday and Saturday nights. El Pretexto also hosts chef pop-up dinners, so there’s a good chance one of Puerto Rico’s best chefs may be whipping up a gourmet meal featuring local ingredients like grilled lobster skewers with pumpkin during your stay.

Lodgings–including five guest rooms split between two villas–are rustic but comfortable with farm style furniture and fine linens. El Pretexto is adults only and an hour from San Juan.

About Keri Bridgwater, Your Puerto Rico Guide

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit and write about beautiful hotels around the world since 2019. Indie boutique properties and wellness resorts often top my wish list, but I love fluffy robes and slippers in five-star grand dames too. I’ve been intrigued with Puerto Rico ever since I read The Rum Diary in my twenties, and I explored many corners of the enchanting island including historic Old San Juan on a recent trip. I’m based in San Diego but often on assignment, and have contributed to InsideHook, Marie Claire, Yoga Journal, Fodor’s, Modern Luxury and London’s Evening Standard, among others.