What’s not to love about the “isle of enchantment?” Visitors rightly rave about Puerto Rico’s diversity, a unique and fascinating blend of African, Spanish and other European influences that’s reflected in its history, food, arts and culture. And with no passport required for U.S. citizens; frequent flights from the US mainland; and an American dollar-based economy, Puerto Rico is a slam-dunk for a quick getaway or a longer stay. And after you touch down, here’s where we recommend you check in. These are the Best Puerto Rico Hotels.
The St Regis Bahia Beach Resort Travelers with a taste for the finer things will appreciate this plush resort near El Yunque rainforest, where a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant; Remede spa; Robert Trent Jones Jr-designed golf course; and spacious, elegantly decorated rooms are highlights. This is the best hotel in Puerto Rico.
Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve The posh 1,400-acre retreat (formerly owned by Laurance Rockefeller and once the playground of Liz Taylor and John F. Kennedy) is only 35 minutes’ drive from San Juan but feels a world away. All 100 rooms here come with private plunge pools (there are also a handful of suites and a four-bedroom villa), and the outdoor spa, set in a pineapple grove, is nothing short of spectacular.
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel Looking far younger than its 97 years, this historic 319-room hotel was rejuvenated last year to the tune of $200 million. And it shows in its luxe rooms, rooftop infinity pool, and a superb spa with a marble-clad hammam (the only one on the island).
Hotel O:live The main attractions at this 15-suite Mediterranean-inspired family-run hotel in Condado? Delightfully eclectic décor; scrumptious food at the small but sensational steak house; and a dreamy rooftop bar (don’t leave without trying the Sage cocktail) that’s the perfect spot to celebrate the sunset. It’s the most beautifully designed hotel in Puerto Rico, bar none.
W Vieques Retreat and Spa What do you get when you pair Vieques’ rugged natural beauty with the colorful and quirky design aesthetic we’ve come to expect from W hotels? A wow-worthy 156-room resort that simply begs to be immortalized on Instagram.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan This 416-room luxury property has become a San Juan institution, marrying all of the comforts you expect from the Ritz-Carlton to a delightful stretch of beach in Carolina. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a BLT Steak here, either.
Royal Isabela Golf Resort With a mere 20 luxurious villas on more than 400 acres of secluded ocean-edge property on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast, this retreat, with its private 18-hole course, is the perfect getaway for serenity-seeking golfers (and the people who love them).
Horned Dorset Primavera This romantic retreat in the surf town of Rincon has 17 two-story Morocco-inspired suites, each with a private pool and minus TVs; a pair of pools for dipping a deux; and it’s own secluded slice of west-coast beach.
El Blok Sleep in style at this 22-room inn on the island of Vieques, which boasts a sleek, “tropical modern” aesthetic; a rooftop infinity pool; and arguably the island’s hottest restaurant, helmed by local celebrity chef, Jose Enrique.
Hotel El Convento It might be an overstatement to call a stay at this Carmelite convent-turned hotel in Old San Juan a religious experience, but it would be close. History, charm (and at least one ghost story) emanate from each of its 58 Spanish Colonial-style rooms, and dinner a deux at the second-floor restaurant or fairy-lit courtyard below is a romantic must-do for any couple.
Small but full of personality — and one of the Best Puerto Rico Hotels.
Villa Herencia This boutique in Old San Juan is just steps from the iconic fort El Morro and the famous Catedral de San Juan Bautista, and its eight rooms are decorated with an eclectic combination of bold original art and antique furniture. Bonus: Rooms start at less than $200 a night.
Hix Island House We love this eco-friendly 19-loft boutique on Vieques for its Boho-Chic vibe and simple but stylish three-walled rooms with outdoor showers and private patios. Its hillside location guarantees great views, particularly from the pool deck and La Casona villa, from which you can admire the island’s famous bioluminescent bay.
Palomino Island is the biggest reason to visit this Fajardo-area hotel.
El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf-Astoria Resort Sprawled over massive acreage in the island’s northeast corner, this 984-room resort is perfect for families and groups, who can occupy their time in the water park, the spa or on the golf course. Our preferred diversion: Riding the funicular down to the beach and hopping the ferry to Palomino Island, the resort’s private 100-acre retreat.
La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort Even if you’re not staying at this slick 483-room high-rise on Condado’s main drag, Ashford Avenue, you should definitely swing by for a delectable cocktail with the beautiful people at its buzzy lobby bar, and/or dinner at La Perla, the elegant and iconic shell-shaped restaurant overlooking the sea.
InterContinental San Juan Its location in Isla Verde, within easy reach of the city center, the financial district and the famous two-mile-long beach, makes this high-rise resort a good pick for both work and leisure trips. But Nestor Colon, the superb concierge-cum-magician who can fix any island dilemma, just might be its biggest asset.
CasaBlanca Hotel In the center of cobblestoned historic district of Old San Juan, Morocco meets the Caribbean at this charming boutique hotel that pays homage to the classic movie by playing it on a loop in its art-filled lobby. Thirty-two Spanish Colonial-style rooms in the historic walkup reflect the island’s heritage, and the rooftop bathtub facilitates soaking with a city view. It’s an eclectic mix of old and new, hip and traditional that makes it one of the Best Puerto Rico Hotels.
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