The best hotels in Puerto Rico — find your stay on the Island of Enchantment

Known as the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico truly lives up to its moniker. The island ranks as one of the most affordable Caribbean islands to visit.

Ways to explore Puerto Rico are almost limitless, so check out our Puerto Rico travel guide for inspiration. Stroll among the historical sights of Old San Juan, and taste the (literal) spirit of Puerto Rico at one of its many rum distilleries.

Bucket list items in Puerto Rico include kayaking in a bioluminescent bay (three of the world’s five are found here) and trekking through El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. Forest Service.

Puerto Rico is also a U.S. territory that is just a short flight away from many mainland U.S. gateways, and U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit or to worry about exchanging currency upon arrival.

There are also plenty of wonderful hotels to stay at while visiting. From luxury resorts to eclectic guesthouses, few Caribbean islands offer such a diversity of accommodations as Puerto Rico. Here are a few of our favorites.

Set on a spectacular 2-mile-long beach, Dorado Beach embraces a sustainable ethos combined with unbridled luxury and impeccable attention to detail.

Originally built by tycoon Laurance Rockefeller in the 1950s, this Ritz-Carlton-affiliated property remains a magnet for celebrities, cryptocurrency investors and well-heeled travelers.

Sequestered within lush vegetation, exquisitely appointed rooms include butler service and amenities like sea views, Nespresso machines and Bluetooth speakers. Standard rooms offer more than 900 square feet of space and feature natural wood furniture and gleaming marble tiling. Deluxe suites come with private plunge pools.

Two stunning pools are fronted by swaying palms, and there are three Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf courses to challenge guests. Engaging family-friendly activities are offered through the signature Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program. Participants can enjoy guided snorkeling, tend an organic garden and learn more about the native Taíno people, among other activities.

Epicurean-worthy restaurants include COA, which honors the region’s Taíno roots with dishes like carnitas Michoacánas (braised pork with citrus juices, pico de gallo, creamy tomatillo and corn tortillas), and La Cava, home to one of the Caribbean’s largest selections of wine labels.

Rates at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve start at $1,995 or 170,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The second you step into this striking hotel, you’ll understand why it’s lauded as one of the best boutique hotels in the Americas. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World family, it’s cloistered on a quiet street in San Juan overlooking Condado Lagoon.

Its design beautifully blends Caribbean exoticism and European elegance, with decor inspired by owners Loisse Herger and Fernando Davila’s experience on a long-ago Amalfi Coast vacation.

Though the color palette in the 15 rooms is muted, they are artfully appointed with chicly distressed wooden walls, upscale details and an ample smattering of antiques from Italy and Spain — not to mention some colorful tiling. Beds are dressed with crisp linens, and tiled bathrooms feature rainfall showers. Other luxe amenities include plush robes, slippers, L’ Occitane bath products and Nespresso coffee makers. Larger suites boast separate living spaces and outside showers.

The hotel’s restaurant, Sage Italian Steak Loft, is helmed by local chef Mario Pagán and showcases freshly sourced ingredients and steakhouse classics.

Head to The Rooftop for after-dinner cocktails. With sweeping views of the lagoon and nature preserve, it’s easily one of the city’s most tranquil spots.

Rates at O:live Boutique Hotel start at $262 per night.

Built in 1949, this classic resort was Hilton’s first property outside the U.S. mainland. It also lays claim as the birthplace of the piña colada, which was first created in 1954.

Over the decades, Caribe Hilton’s star-studded guest list has included the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Johnny Depp, though its decadent 1950s ambiance has morphed into a more family-friendly milieu.

A city landmark instantly recognized by its iconic neon sign, the Caribe is fresh from a multimillion-dollar, post-Hurricane Maria overhaul. It comprises 652 rooms and suites set on 17 beachfront acres with a tropical garden and ponds, several pools and a semi-private beach.

The aptly named Zen Spa Oceano offers restorative, “ah”-inducing treatments such as the Four Hands Massage, an aromatherapy Swedish massage performed by two massage therapists working simultaneously.

Guests have nine on-site restaurants to choose from, too, including Caribar, where the iconic piña colada was created. Order the mirin shrimp cocktail (with seaweed and a sriracha cocktail sauce) and follow it up with the scratch-made wild mushroom ravioli featuring white wine cream, pancetta and a topping of fresh basil and Parmesan.

Rooms are tastefully appointed and airy, offering a modern take on the beachy theme with striking pops of white and blue. Every room has a balcony with impressive ocean or garden views.

Child-friendly amenities include a kids club, a playground, a sheltered beach, a mini-golf course, children’s menus and a roster of daily activities.

Rates at Caribe Hilton start at $317 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort can be found in Rio Grande on the island’s northeastern shore. It sits about 22 miles away from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), making it a relatively convenient place to hang your hat after a flight.

Because the sprawling 483-acre oceanfront property is situated between El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, you can visit two of the island’s top attractions with minimal effort. Plus, a complete overhaul after Hurricane Maria saw the advent of beautifully expanded public spaces with modern island-style furnishings and artwork, making the property an aesthetically pleasing place to stay.

Designed by Puerto Rican fashion designer Nono Maldonado, the stylish (and completely refurbished) accommodations feature subtle gray walls with eye-catching blue touches on the chairs and in the artwork.

It might be tempting to sequester yourself in your spacious room (which comes outfitted with a cozy pillow-top bed and cashmere throw, and a marble spa bathroom with a huge soaking tub and luxe Frette bathrobes), but you’d be remiss if you didn’t venture out and make use of the resort’s extensive amenities. Highlights include an inviting oceanside swimming pool, the tranquil Iridium Spa, a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course and three highly praised restaurants (don’t miss upscale Paros, serving modern Greek taverna-style dishes).

Rates at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort start at $695 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

This historical gem situated in the heart of Old San Juan was Puerto Rico’s first Small Luxury Hotel of the World outpost, as well as the oldest member of the Historic Hotels of America.

Originally constructed in 1646, this historic structure was a Carmelite convent until 1903. The building served as a boarding house, then a garbage truck garage before nearly being destroyed in the 1950s. Following a meticulous restoration in 1962, it was reborn as a luxury hotel and celebrity hideaway for the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, Rita Hayworth and Ethel Merman.

El Convento remains true to its early years with touches like a stately, arched doorway; Andalusian tile floors; mahogany beamed ceilings; and antique furnishings.

All 58 rooms offer impressive views of either Old San Juan or its bay, as well as modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and Bose radios.

Additionally, guests have access to a refreshing plunge pool and Jacuzzi, a 24-hour fitness center and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine served in the hotel’s restaurant, Santísimo. Complimentary wines and hors d’oeuvres are served every afternoon on the sun-drenched La Veranda terrace.

Rates at El Convento Hotel start at $239 per night.

Set on 500 acres bordering protected land on Puerto Rico’s west coast, the Royal Isabela is arguably one of the most exclusive ecoresorts in the Caribbean. It was co-founded by Puerto Rican tennis pro Charlie Pasarell, whose goal was to create a beach resort that respects the environment.

Described as “Scotland in the Caribbean — but with great weather,” the property is laced with hiking and bike trails, and features 2 miles of pristine beach. It also protects microclimates that preserve a copious population of indigenous flora and fauna, including 65 species of birds.

The resort comprises 20 freestanding casitas decked out with natural woods and fabrics. Each one is massive — 1,500 square feet — and features a living room, a bedroom, a lavish bathroom and a separate outdoor terrace.

Amenities like swimming pools, a fitness center, a library, acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants and a stunning golf course make Royal Isabela a destination in its own right. What’s more, from January through April, guests can spy humpback whales breaching in the Atlantic from the property.

Rates for Royal Isabela start at $425 per night and require a two-night minimum stay.

Housed in a 150-year-old building, this refurbished 33-room property exudes a sleek, minimalist style that seems to blend effortlessly with the original belle epoque architecture.

Rooms include striking black-and-white tiled floors, and the muted color palette provides the perfect backdrop to showcase vibrant artwork. Some rooms feature Juliet balconies overlooking Old San Juan’s charming cobblestone streets. Book a queen private terrace room for your own terrace with an outdoor tub and shower. Accommodations also come with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and large flat-screen TVs.

Although there’s no on-site dining option, you’re just steps away from a slew of fantastic restaurants — Casa Cortés ChocoBar, Raíces and Mojitos are all within a three-minute walk. What it lacks in on-site dining Hotel El Colonial makes up for with its 24-hour complimentary open bar, which is exclusively open for hotel guests. Choose from varied wines, vodka and rum drinks, local beers, fresh juices, sodas, tea and coffee.

It’s important to note that there’s no elevator here. Rooms begin on the second floor, requiring a walk-up to every accommodation (staff will handle your luggage).

Rates for Hotel El Colonial start at $175 per night.

If you’ve come to Puerto Rico and decide you may never want to leave, the Residence Inn by Marriott San Juan Isla Verde has you covered. All of its 231 suites come with fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas. They’re designed to accommodate longer stays.

The nightly rate covers daily breakfast, so you can rest easy knowing one meal is taken care of. You can also take advantage of the hotel’s grocery delivery service should you choose to make your own meals. Or, you can snag items from The Market, a 24-hour grab-and-go food and beverage store. Other amenities include on-site laundry facilities, a fitness center, a pool and free Wi-Fi.

Isla Verde’s beach area offers a plethora of watery pastimes, and guests here are ideally situated to take advantage of them. Various vendors offer Jet Skis, parasailing and banana boat rides.

There are also numerous local eateries to choose from, plus lively nightclubs and a bustling beachfront promenade. Families will love nearby Carolina Beach, a public beach with a water park, beach volleyball, restroom facilities and other amenities.

Rates for Residence Inn by Marriott San Juan Isla Verde start at $211 or 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Puerto Rico may be known for its stunning stretches of sand. However, this idyllic farm and lodge tucked within the island’s Cayey Mountains may prompt you to leave your bathing suit at home. Head to the central-southwest region of the island to find Puerto Rico’s first culinary farm lodge, the inspiration of local entrepreneur and self-proclaimed foodie Crystal Díaz Rojas.

A fusion of rustic, artistic and modern sensibilities, El Pretexto is the embodiment of Díaz’s commitment to ecological sustainability. The property is awash with native plants, including pines, palms and banana trees, and features its own agri-ecological garden and beehive. Additionally, the lodge runs on solar energy, collects rainwater and composts leftovers to reduce food waste.

El Pretexto comprises five spacious guest rooms spread across two villas and a barn house on a little less than 2 acres of land. Díaz’s own artwork graces the walls of each room. Amenities like flat-screen TVs are replaced by board games and outdoor yoga classes. Venture off property for revitalizing nature hikes and to explore hidden waterfalls.

Your room rate includes breakfast — pumpkin pancakes, multigrain French toast or other freshly prepared dishes are on offer. The restaurant uses local ingredients, many grown on the property.

Rates at El Pretexto start at $240 per night.

This 177-room hotel is the first Aloft outpost in the Caribbean. The boutique-style hotel boasts all the signature amenities of the Aloft brand, including its Re:fuel by Aloft grab-and-go cafe, the popular W XYZ lobby bar and even a pool on the third floor.

Its location smack dab in the middle of the Distrito T-Mobile complex, an entertainment-focused development anchored by a 50,000-square-foot central plaza, is arguably the biggest selling point. In addition to the event venue, guests have easy access to zip lining in ToroVerde Urban Park, a multiplex cinema, a concert hall and lots of great dining options.

Room decor reflects the brand’s minimalist design aesthetic. Light gray walls and wood floors create a calm canvas for the deep purples and blues of the textiles and eclectic artwork.

Rates at Aloft San Juan start at $201 or 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Situated in Condado, one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is convenient to countless restaurants, bars and shops. Its beachfront location is ideal for those who want a toes-in-the-sand vacation that’s still close to all the city sights.

Each of the 527 chic rooms and suites features a private balcony with Caribbean or downtown San Juan vistas. The resort’s new Cabana rooms provide ample space for families to spread out. The high-end accommodations are awash with calming shades of gray, blue and tan contrasted with brightly hued textiles. Rooms include amenities such as minifridges, coffee makers and large flat-screen TVs.

Enjoy on-property diversions like heated pools with fountains, a waterslide and a swim-up pool bar, not to mention plentiful comfy lounge chairs. The lobby bar often hosts live Latin music, and the buzzy casino is a popular spot for guests to try their luck.

Varied dining options include the lively Red Coral Lounge for light bites and inventive cocktails like the dragonberry mojito. Or, try Gingambo for traditional Puerto Rican mofongo and ocean views from virtually every table.

Rates at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino start at $390 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

On Puerto Rico’s southern coast, Ponce wears its moniker as “La Perla del Sur” (the Pearl of the South) well. Although this gem is the island’s second-largest city (behind San Juan), the laid-back vibe and unhurried pace make it feel more like a beach hamlet.

This sprawling 18-acre beachfront resort comprises 255 rooms, each of which includes a private balcony or patio (depending on what floor you’re on). The accommodations evoke an island feel with shades of blue and white throughout. All include modern touches like coffee makers, minifridges and flat-screen TVs.

The property’s plethora of on-site amenities will appeal to guests of all ages. You’ll find two expansive pools, a 27-hole championship golf course, a miniature golf course, four tennis courts, a playground and even a splash park, among other options. There’s also a casino for grown-up fun.

Dine on the property at one of four restaurants: El Bohio, La Cava, La Terraz and Sancho’s Sushi Bar.

Rates for The Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort start at $230 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Condado Vanderbilt San Juan was built in 1919 by Frederick William Vanderbilt (yes, those Vanderbilts) and a team of architects who designed New York’s Grand Central Station. This elegant Spanish Revival-style property was Puerto Rico’s first luxury hotel and is also home to the island’s first casino (opened in 1940).

The landmark hotel has played host to heads of state, royalty and Hollywood elites for more than a century. Exquisitely restored in 2014, it stays true to its 1920s heyday. Plush, gilded furnishings and flamboyant decorative touches include a shark-filled aquarium in the art deco-style lobby.

Guest rooms and suites exude a bold and sophisticated vibe, richly appointed with period furnishings and spacious marble bathrooms. All feature French windows or glass doors framing spectacular views of the Atlantic or city.

Gamble to your heart’s (or wallet’s) content at the 24-hour casino, or soothe your body and mind at the Vanderbilt Spa (go for the aromatic cinnamon scrub). A semi-private beach, four swimming pools and a beach club with roomy cabanas and chaise lounges provide ample ways to soak up the island sun.

The hotel’s dining options include the renowned 1919 restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Juan José Cuevas and the chic VC lounge with remarkable views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rates at the Condado Vanderbilt start at $429 per night.

Atop a 300-foot-tall bluff, this megaresort overlooks an immaculate beach and the Atlantic.

The resort is divided into five villages that comprise 368 guest rooms and suites. Accommodations are dressed in a breezy, Mediterranean-style decor and offer sea or village views. Each comes with amenities like a deep soaking tub, a balcony, free Wi-Fi and a minibar.

Larger groups can spread out in one of 42 villas within Casita Village. Casitas feature spacious kitchens and views of the Caribbean or the resort’s sprawling 18-hole Arthur Hills Golf Course. They also include access to two private pools and private butler services.

The resort’s other amenities include a marina, a casino, an upscale Golden Door Spa, Coqui Water Park (with a lazy river) and engaging children’s activities at Camp Coquí.

A dozen dining options (with all-inclusive packages available) range from the fine-dining Italian chophouse to Vinos & Tapas for small plates.

No visit would be complete without taking the ferry to the resort’s 100-acre private island for the day. There, you can explore nature trails and caverns, ride horses and enjoy water sports. Or, just lounge on its powder-white beach and let the waves of the aquamarine water lull you into a state of complete bliss.

Rates at El Conquistador start at $299 per night.

The wow factor begins when you first arrive thanks to an expansive marble-floored lobby that’s anchored by a grand 7,000-crystal studded chandelier. This iconic chandelier is a welcome holdover from the hotel’s opening in 1958. Back then, the resort’s nightclub was headlined by legendary performers like Frank Sinatra and, in later years, Liza Minnelli. Chico Cabaret honors that history with a speakeasy atmosphere featuring live music.

Renovations post-Hurricane Maria resulted in a gorgeous room refresh with modern furnishings in beachy colors. However, the hotel’s classic allure hasn’t changed.

Choose from 388 guest rooms, suites and villas, some of which overlook the ocean. Villas are situated around the Well & Being Spa and Fitness Center pool and include private balconies and walk-in closets. They also come with complimentary breakfast. Meanwhile, suites offer amenities like private whirlpools, lovely terraces and baby grand pianos.

The resort’s newly renovated, 15,000-square-foot Foxwood casino is now one of North America’s largest. Should you opt for tables of a different sort, you can take your pick of upscale cuisine — including authentic Puerto Rican dishes, steakhouse fare, late-night plates and more — at one of the property’s restaurants.

Rates at the Fairmont El San Juan start at $352 per night.

Formerly the Melia Coco Beach, this hotel closed after Hurricane Maria. Hyatt purchased it, and after a multimillion-dollar facelift, it reopened in 2019 as the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve.

Pick from 579 rooms (starting at 520 square feet), suites and villas that include amenities like balconies, large flat-screen TVs with Chromecast, coffee makers and stocked minibars. Accommodations feel fresh thanks to shades of gray, cream and green, plus stylish white furnishings on glorious marble floors. Bathrooms feature rainfall showers with separate tubs and luxe Pharmacopia toiletries.

Beyond the near-perfect beach, on-property amenities within the 72 lush acres include two swimming pools, a well-equipped fitness center, a spa and a golf course. Varied dining options range from authentic teppanyaki to traditional American steakhouse cuisine.

Off-property experiences worth booking include horseback riding, an all-terrain-vehicle excursion at nearby Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park and hikes through the spectacular El Yunque National Forest.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve start at $300 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Formerly Serafina Beach Hotel, this adults-only boutique hotel was relaunched as Condado Ocean Club in November 2020.

Sleek white-on-white rooms are immaculate and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, ocean views, a slew of thoughtful amenities and high-tech offerings. A laid-back tropical mood radiates through the hotel’s high-concept public spaces designed for socializing.

There are only 96 accommodations, engendering an exclusive ambiance. Though amenities are limited to a small gym and a boutique, the hotel’s central location is hard to beat since everything is on your doorstep — art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars like Next Surf Caffè, a popular oceanside cocktail bar.

The casual-chic restaurant Social specializes in international fusion dishes, while mixologists at the swanky lobby bar conjure inventive rum cocktails for guests lounging by the Instagram-worthy infinity pool.

Sun worshippers will find their mecca at the Deck, complete with comfy poolside loungers and private cabanas. It’s also just steps from the beach, should you tear yourself away from the refreshing infinity pool.

Craving beach time farther afield? Ocean Club staff can arrange snorkeling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing and other sun-soaked excursions.

Rates at Condado Ocean Club start at $255 per night.

Its ho-hum exterior likely won’t woo you at the onset. However, once you’re inside, there’s a lot to love.

Recently, guest rooms received a complete refurbishment and provide plenty of space to stretch out. The contemporary decor — in whites, creams and browns — creates a calming atmosphere.

The gorgeous beachfront area is where the Royal Sonesta San Juan really shines, though. The huge, newly remodeled pool area is downright decadent. The lagoon-style pool is a stunner, too, with a swim-up bar, blue-cushioned loungers and inviting cabanas just steps away from a pristine beach.

Dining options include Mediterranean cuisine at Ocean Breeze, Isla Verde’s only oceanfront bar; premium steaks and fresh seafood at Ruth’s Chris Steak House; and European-style fare at La Bodeguita.

Carve out some “me time” at Zen Spa Brisas. Book a massage or simply make use of the relaxation lounges, sauna or steam room.

Rates for the Royal Sonesta San Juan start at $299 per night.

Situated in San Juan’s free-spirited and artistic Santurce neighborhood, this adults-only guesthouse offers a laid-back, beachfront locale where guests have the freedom to relax and revel however they choose.

Owners Rob and Vianney have created a lively and welcoming atmosphere — the property is San Juan’s only gay-owned and clothing-optional hotel. The hotel also offers guided excursions to some of the most popular attractions in town, as well as lesser-known spots in Puerto Rico.

Solo travelers, couples or smaller friend groups will be comfortable here. Twelve distinct studios and bedrooms include hostel-style shared rooms with twin beds and spacious apartment-style accommodations with well-equipped modern kitchens.

Coqui del Mar is steps from the beach and convenient to Santurce’s popular restaurants, lounges and bars. Guests are also within a 10-minute drive of Old San Juan and its historical sites, restaurants, museums, shops and other attractions.

The guesthouse features two pools and a Jacuzzi, should you choose to stay on the property. Beach bikes, beach chairs and kayaks are on hand for guest use as well.

Rates at Coqui del Mar start at $45 per night for a shared room and at $277 for a queen studio.

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