Puerto Rico

People come to Puerto Rico to do anything and everything - whether that be relaxing, exploring, learning or surfing. The best places to stay in Puerto Rico perfectly reflect this diversity of travellers, with a wide range of properties from luxury beach resorts to chic city B&Bs.

A U.S. Commonwealth territory, Puerto Rico was one of the earliest sources of Caribbean island daydreams. Bigger than its neighbours, so a bit easier to travel to, Puerto Rico has the beautiful stretches of white sand, tropical interior and a dramatic colonial history that gives it kick as well as colour.

Puerto Rico has some of the Caribbean's wettest and driest forests, which are home to some of the world's rarest birdlife. But it's also got San Juan, a congested capital of condos, casinos and beautiful colonial architecture - which is actually one of the oldest European-founded settlements in the Americas.

One of the glories of Puerto Rico's cities, towns and villages is their Puerto Rican-ness in the face of an invasion of the high street stalwarts of mainland America. This country has seen Spanish invasion, dramatic revolutionaries, the growth of the free market and plenty of cannon fire. Yet despite this, its own colours still shine through the layers of invader cultures.

Of course most people are here for the beaches. A number for the incredible surfing conditions, some for the golf, or horseback riding, and some for the diving and snorkelling on Puerto Rico's impressive coral reefs.

What Not To Miss

• Wander around Old San Juan, a collection of over 400 restored buildings dating from the 16th and 17th century Spanish colonial period. Wonderfully historic.
• Whilst the island is surrounded by wonderful beaches, we'd recommend in particular the idyllic Flamenco Beach, on the northwest of the island, with its long, white sweeps of sand and turquoise waters.
• History lovers will enjoy visiting both Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal, the latter of which is the largest set of fortifications that the Spanish built in the New World.
• Head off hiking through the 28,000 acre El Yunque Rainforest. A wonderfully biodiverse spot, it's home to a wide variety of wildlife, over 400 plant species and a number of waterfalls.
• One of the great, often unexpected sights of Puerto Rico are the bioluminescent bays, which glow wonderfully at night - best seen by kayak on a moonlit night.

The Hotel Guru's picks of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico offer something for everyone, whether you're here to soak up the culture in San Juan's old town or to explore one of its lesser-known islands (Culebra and Vieques to name but two) off the eastern coast.

In San Juan

• The Ritz Carlton Puerto Rico in San Juan offers five star luxury right on the beach. There are also resort style facilities, like pools and tennis courts as well as several restaurants and bars. Certainly one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico if you want to do San Juan in style.
• El Convento is one of San Juan's most regal hotels, with opulent, colonial style decor set in a converted palacio in Old San Juan.
• San Juan's Hotel Milano is a charming old hotel offering colourful rooms and a rooftop terrace with spectacular city views. It's also well located for both the main sights, and for the nightlife. And it's very reasonable, so great for groups.
• Cervantes Hotel is the ideal spot from which to get to know San Juan. This elegant property boasts tasteful rooms with Puerto Rican artworks as well as top-notch cuisine in the popular restaurant. A delightful stay.

Vieques Island

• Hix island House on peaceful Vieques Island is a square, granite affair with slick decor and outdoor showers surrounded by jungle. Stunning and secluded, these 19 rooms also have their own full kitchens, so you can hideaway from everyone if you so choose.
• The W Retreat on Vieques Island is a gorgeous, five star, 15 room beach resort with bright, contemporary decor and every activity you could wish for. Including a library and superb Puerto Rican cuisine.
• The architectural El Blok boasts sleek minimalist accommodation with splashes of colour. Enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace and traditional cuisine from the restaurant.

Culebra Island

• Club Seabourne also offers tropical island peace, this time on Culebra Island. This collection of 12 rooms and suites is 3kms from the main town, but just a stone's throw from the beach. The hotel itself is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and there's a dynamic Caribbean restaurant.

For a beach break

• Copamarina Beach Resort on the island's south coast is a beautiful, mid-size beach resort. It's large enough to have two outdoor pools, a spa and gym and its own watersports centre. But it's small enough to feel friendly, and it's great for kids.
• Parador Villa Parguera is a friendly, good value, beachside hotel with classic Caribbean features like bamboo furniture and sea-views, in a laid-back spot on the island's south coast. The 74 rooms start from just £59 per night.
• La Jamaca is charming spot, offering simple and comfortable accommodation just a short distance from the beach. Relax by the outdoor pool and enjoy a tipple from the bar. Rooms from just £57 per night.
• Blue Horizon Boutique Hotel features characterful, Caribbean-style accommodation with mahogany four posters and plenty of colour on the walls. Plus there's a pool, spoiling spa and tennis courts, and a lovely restaurant serving up Caribbean specialities.

For great value

• The Dreamcatcher Guest House is an eclectic property close to the coast in San Juan. Rooms are filled with vintage treasures, the terraces are hung with hammocks and there's yoga classes on site. It's also very friendly and great value, starting from only £49 per night.
• The Canario Boutique Hotel is also close to the beach in San Juan. An intimate B&B with simple, Spanish style rooms, the Canario is also close to all San Juan's main attractions.
• If you're looking for a reasonably priced rural escape, then try the Hacienda Gripinas, a charming hotel in the mountains which has been converted from an old coffee plantation. Rooms start from £55 per night.
• Located in Ponce's old town, Hotel Belgica is a charming stay boasting traditional accommodation from £58 a night.
• Wildflowers Guest House offers eight large rooms with dark wood furniture and private balconiesm some with their own kitchen. Spend your days exploring Mayagüez or head over to the beach.

Family Stays

• Hosteria del Mar in San Juan offers Balinese-style accommodation right by the beach, with large self-catering apartments available, which are ideal for families.
• Located on the edge of El Yunque National Forest, Hacienda Moyano is another top choice. Whilst the accommodation is fairly basic, it features four self-catering apartments, an outdoor pool and a lovely garden.
• Crow's Nest is a rural B&B boasting basic rooms with full kitchens and an outdoor pool. The beach is just a short distance away, and there are plenty of activities on offer locally to keep the whole family entertained.

For Romantic Retreats

• Set within an historic mansion in the heart of Old San Juan, The Gallery Inn oozes charm. The rooms are filled with antiques, tapestries and four posters, whilst there's also an outdoor pool as well as picturesque, leafy courtyards and a roof terrace. Tuck into superb tapas in their gorgeous dining room.
• If you're looking for something more modern then Water Beach Club on San Juan's beach is a great option. Their swish rooms feature minimalist furniture with splashes of colour, plus there's also a rooftop pool and direct beach access..
• Located right by the lagoon, the adults-only Olive Boutique Hotel boasts incredibly atmospheric rooms with dark wooden furniture and spa showers. This 5* spot also has a spa and a plunge pool, whilst you can enjoy scrumptious pan-Mediterranean dishes in the restaurant.
• Horned Dorset Primavera is a dreamy stay, featuring tasteful rooms in cream with mahogany furniture and with their own private pools. This upmarket property also boasts a spa and a wonderful restaurant - what more could you ask for?

For An Apartment Or Villa

• If you've decided that you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Puerto Rico is a good year round destination. However it can be fairly rainy in the summer months, and hurricane season runs from June to the end of October.
• Winters are also usually pretty busy and expensive, with many tourists flocking to the island for the sunshine, so the best time to visit is from mid-April to June.
• Most international visitors fly into the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport located in San Juan. However, there's also the Eugenio María de Hostos Airport in Mayaguëz and the Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport in Vieques.
• From the airport, the best option is to hop in a cab towards your final destination.
• Be warned though that Hurricane Maria caused widespread destruction of the island's infrastructure, so getting around might be tricky..
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure where to book?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Puerto Rico.
• Alternatively, widen the net by checking out all our Caribbean recommendations.
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.