A longtime favourite of history buffs, surfers and barefoot beach wanderers, Puerto Rico is a beautiful destination for a Caribbean escape. The country is a US Commonwealth territory, which comes with its own intriguing cultural influences — as well as a substantial number of holidaymakers from the USA. Accommodation options range from chic city B&Bs to luxurious seaside resorts, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. The best places to stay in Puerto Rico encourage travellers to immerse themselves in the country’s natural beauty, whether by the sea, in the jungle, or in verdant city gardens.
Begin your explorations in the fascinating capital city of San Juan, a historic trading port which still boasts more than 400 carefully-restored colonial-era buildings, jostling for space alongside a growing number of condos and casinos. One of the oldest European-founded settlements in the Americas, this thriving community was originally home to the Taíno people, whose legacy can still be seen. San Juan is also the place to go for excellent eateries, lively bars and centuries-old forts.
Beyond the city, you’ll find gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, reefs teeming with marine life, and ample opportunities to go snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, fishing and sailing. Further inland are dense tropical forests and scenic trails for hiking, cycling and horse riding. The 28,000-acre El Yunque Rainforest is spectacular — take a guided tour to spot a variety of wildlife, including rare birds, as well as waterfalls and over 400 species of plants. Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays are particularly special when seen by boat or kayak on a moonlit night.
For a low-key hideaway, head to the neighbouring isles of Culebra and Vieques, both of which are wonderfully striking. Book a room at one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico and sink into the rhythms of island life with live music and superb cuisine in a very special setting.
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Puerto Rico (Ponce)
Family owned, charming city B&B in the heart of Ponce's historic district. Elegant rooms have tiled floors and wrought iron furniture, some with balconies. Excellent location and value.
Puerto Rico (Lajas)
Friendly beach side hotel. Rooms have sea-facing balconies, colourful prints and bamboo furniture. Outdoor pool, terrace, direct beach access. Laid back international cuisine in restaurant, outside bar. Relaxed, and a lovely choice for a great value seaside weekend.
Puerto Rico (Reparto Laborde)
Contemporary hotel. Rooms have wooden beam ceilings, modern furnishings and large bathrooms. Outdoor pool, garden and terrace. Great regional small dishes from restaurant, and low-key bar. Perfect base to explore the beaches from.
San Juan (Old San Juan)
A boutique hotel with an exotic Moroccan theme and an Old Town location. Styled with Moorish charm, each room is decorated with local art and antique furniture, while the restaurant and lobby lounge are dripping in oriental splendour. The rooftop offers wonderful views. Fab value and location.
Puerto Rico (Old San Juan)
Boutique hotel within historic mansion. Rooms are filled with antiques, tapestries, four poster beds and artworks. Outdoor pool, leafy courtyards and roof terrace. Superb Tapas cuisine in opulent dining room. Quirky and full of character with excellent service.
Puerto Rico
Granite hotel within tropical trees on Vieques Island. Rooms are contemporary with slick lines, chic bathrooms, full kitchens and outdoor showers. Outdoor pool, yoga terrace and abundance of lush jungle surrounds. Stunning, intimate and secluded.
Puerto Rico
A modern hotel and casino situated within an atmospheric colonial-era building in central Ponce. Spacious suites & public areas are decorated in line with the area's heritage while the standard rooms, restaurant, coffee shop, casino & pool terrace have a chic urban feel. A fab base for exploring.
Puerto Rico (Isla Verde)
Contemporary hotel on the beach. Rooms have minimalist furniture, enormous windows and ipod docks. Roof terrace with outdoor pool. Gym and direct beach access. Excellent modern Spanish cuisine, trendy cocktail bar. Modern, chic and perfect for younger couples.
Puerto Rico (Ocean Park)
Eclectic guesthouse close to the beach. Rooms are filled with vintage furnishings, hammocks and terraces. Yoga and meditation classes held in hotel; excellent vegetarian breakfasts. Bohemian, friendly and laid-back.
Vieques
Alternative hillside property made up of quirky cabins, treehouses & suites. Pretty rooms offer outdoor showers, balconies with sea & jungle views, while vegan breakfast is grown in the garden. A secluded wooded location creates a sense of calm with wellness offerings & programmes. A chic eco-lodge.
Puerto Rico (Ensenada Honda)
Chic hillside hotel on Culebra Island. Rooms are contemporary with sleigh beds, large private verandahs and white shutters. Outdoor pool, enormous tropical gardens, library and massages available. Dynamic Caribbean cuisine in outdoor restaurant. Stylish, quiet and boutique.
Vieques (Esperanza)
The architectural El Blok is located on the island of Vieques. Boutique, minimalist accommodation with white interiors and splashes of colour in the furnishings. Head up to the rooftop terrace and enjoy a drink at sunset! Lovely Puerto Rican cuisine served. A great stay in a top spot!
San Juan (Old San Juan)
Delightful boutique hotel located in the pretty historic district. The colonial-style building features an atmospheric courtyard and spacious sundeck with a hot tub. Bold and beautiful communal rooms blend modern art and antique furnishings. A quaint slice of history with character and charm.
Puerto Rico (Guanica)
Beautiful resort on the beach. Large rooms have plantation style shutters, bamboo furniture and verandahs. Two outdoor pools, gym, spa and water sports centre. Sublime Puerto Rican nouvelle cuisine and friendly beach bar. Low-key, idyllic and family friendly.
Puerto Rico (Old San Juan)
Regal hotel in Old San Juan district. Decor is opulent and colonial with Andalusian floor tiles, mahogany furniture and enormous beds. Outdoor pool, gym, library and sun terrace. Both excellent gourmet and tapas menus, elegant bar. Luxurious, chic and historic.
Vieques
Stylish boutique hotel facing the sea in the village of Esperanza. The Art Deco-inspired building sits within a lush garden compound; a breakfast terrace & tropical pool are surrounded by flowering fruit trees. Fresh well-appointed rooms are a masterclass in modern colonial chic. Ocean-front gem.
San Juan (Old Town)
Effortlessly combining old & new, this beautifully restored 200-year old building offers a fresh & on-trend stay. Contemporary rooms feature soaring ceilings, shutters & sea views. Enjoy a rooftop terrace with a pool plus an on-site restaurant. A chic boutique base well placed in the Old Town.
Puerto Rico (SECTOR LA CAPILLA)
Eco-friendly casitas situated on a working farm in rural South West. Spacious and airy interiors with cool contemporary furnishings have been designed to minimise environmental impact; all come with farm-fresh breakfast, open-plan kitchens, shady patios & access to a shared pool. A homely hideaway.
Puerto Rico
Luxurious 5* hotel on the beach. Creamy rooms have silk furnishings, marble bathrooms, contemporary furniture. Outdoor pool, beach access, tennis courts, gym, spa and full casino. Outstanding Italian, Tapas and American cuisine; elegant bar. Opulent, exclusive and idyllic.
San Juan
This luxury beach resort is located in a newly restored heritage property in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Guestrooms boast plush soft furnishings, French windows and custom-made, dark wood furnishings; book a suite for living space and sea views. Unwind at the spa before dinner; a refined beach getaway.
San Juan (Condado)
Luxury adult-only beach resort in the heart of San Juan. Enjoy modern hi-tech rooms with fresh nautical colour schemes, fab sea views, two restaurants and a happening pool bar. Ideal for those who want to relax yet have plenty of entertainment, sightseeing and nightlife options on the doorstep.
Puerto Rico
Opulent 5* hotel by the lagoon. Elegant rooms have enormous spa showers, sleigh beds and antique touches. Roof terrace, outdoor plunge pool, spa treatments available. Sublime pan-Mediterranean cuisine, atmospheric bar lounge. Grown-up, chic and very romantic.
San Juan (Condado)
This stylish boutique hotel sits between the Condado Lagoon and the beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Guestrooms feature bespoke marble bathrooms, leather accents and custom-made furnishings; book the Panorama Suite for floor-to-ceiling views and a terrace. Dine at the sleek restaurant; a chic hotel.
Puerto Rico
Luxury cliffside resort on the dramatic northwest coast. Set over acres of greenery, stand-alone casitas with natural wood interiors boast private pools and ocean-facing terraces. Award-winning golf, in-room massages, pool and on-trend dining ensure indulgent days. Ideal for fly'n'flop breaks.
Puerto Rico
This secluded luxury resort borders the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Puerto Rico. Dating to the 1950s, the resort now offers contemporary residences while retaining the hacienda-style of the original property. A handful of exclusive restaurants, a spa and pool complete this sleek island getaway.
