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.

The Best Places to Stay in Puerto Rico

For Old Town Explorations

• El Convento boasts opulent, colonial-era interiors, with tiled floors and whimsical four-poster beds. Cool off in the rooftop swimming pool, kick back in the courtyard and feast on delicious tapas and gourmet fare. A San Juan favourite for couples, friends or families.
• Palacio Provincial features crisp, understated rooms in a carefully restored 200-year-old residence. Think soaring ceilings, big windows with wooden shutters and modern bathrooms, as well as a smart roof terrace with a refreshing swimming pool. The Consular Restaurant & Bar is excellent. Perfectly located for exploring San Juan's old town.
• Villa Herencia has eight rooms and stacks of old-school charm. Set close to the Puerta de San Juan, this wonderful little hotel is ideal for strolls around the historic Old Town. Life centres around the spacious sun deck, and breakfast is served in the quirky communal dining room. Artsy and romantic.
• Ponce Plaza Hotel is great for ambling around Ponce's well-preserved heritage district with ease. Housed in a colonial-era building, the hotel has smart, pared-back interiors with space for couples or groups of friends. There's a courtyard pool, restaurant and onsite casino. For sociable old town stays.

For an Eco Escape

• Royal Isabela is an indulgent cliffside resort with its own golf course, close to the coast. Book one of 20 casitas for spellbinding ocean views and private plunge pools. The property has a great focus on conservation as well as an organic farm which supplies fresh produce to the restaurant. An eco-minded oasis for relaxation and golf.
• 4 Casitas promises an off-the-beaten-track stay on a working farm in Puerto Rico's south-west. The project has been designed to be as self-sustaining as possible, and to minimise environmental impact. Enjoy farm-fresh fare, float around in the shared pool and hide away in contemporary casitas. Very relaxing.
• Finca Victoria offers pretty suites, cabins and treehouses in 2.5 acres of leafy hillside grounds. Enjoy garden-grown vegan breakfasts, Ayurvedic spa treatments and morning yoga, or admire clothing and jewellery by local designers in the onsite shop. A wellness-focused eco retreat for grownups on Vieques.

For a Family-Friendly Beach Break

• The Ritz Carlton Puerto Rico is the ultimate luxury beach resort, with sleek rooms and suites, swimming pools, tennis courts and several restaurants and bars. The kids club is great for little ones, whilst grown-ups can unwind at the spa. Elegant and exclusive, close to Isla Verde and San Juan.
• Dorado Beach is another Ritz Carlton property, promising an idyllic resort experience for guests of all ages. Built in the 1950s, this swish resort has been carefully updated, yet retains its charming, hacienda-style feel. Highlights include the Atlantic Ocean-side setting, delectable eateries and the soothing Spa Botánico. There are stacks of activities for little ones, too.
• Club Seabourne offers a charming hillside base for couples or families on Culebra. The hotel has 12 elegant rooms and suites, verdant gardens, a swimming pool and a dynamic Caribbean eatery onsite. Speak to the team to organise scuba courses, snorkelling, beach trips and more. Wonderful for guests of all ages, especially young families.
• Copamarina Beach Resort has a low-key feel, with two outdoor pools, a spa, gym and watersports centre on the south coast. Spacious villas and a kids club make it family-friendly, whilst the decor is simple and colourful. Very welcoming.
• Condado Vanderbilt has undergone a recent transformation, fusing its Spanish Revival architecture with lavish contemporary interiors. Families, couples and groups will delight in the multi-room suites, ample dining options, large swimming pool and brilliant beach location. Speak to the team about watersports and island excursions.

For Grown-Ups

• The Gallery Inn is a beautiful heritage mansion-turned-hotel. Expect antiques, tapestries and artwork aplenty, as well as top-notch tapas. A lavish pick for history buffs and romantics in San Juan's Old Town. Plus, the hotel has its own beach house.
• Olive Boutique Hotel is an opulent choice for a romantic escape on the Condado Lagoon near San Juan. This adults-only property features spa showers and sleigh beds, as well as a rooftop terrace, plunge pool and extensive spa. The pan-Mediterranean cuisine is sublime. An intimate and luxurious treat.
• Hix Island House is a slick granite hotel tucked away in a secluded jungle setting on Vieques. The 19 modern rooms have fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, outdoor showers and tropical views. Cool off in the pool, take a yoga class or explore on a guided nature walk. An escape for couples or groups of friends.
• O:LV Fifty Five Hotel offers a glamorous urban base between the Condado Lagoon and San Juan's beaches. Stay here for award-winning contemporary decor, a swish restaurant and an appealingly sophisticated feel. High-end and adults-only.
• El Blok features swish, minimalist interiors and beautiful sea views. Close to the coast in Vieques Island's Esperanza, this ultra-modern hangout welcomes guests aged 16+. Highlights include evening tipples on the rooftop terrace, great Puerto Rican cuisine and plenty to see & do nearby — from watersports to bar-hopping.
• Malécon House is a chic, Art Deco-style boutique hotel in the charming Vieques village of Esperanza. Choose from one of 13 cosy, airy rooms, feast on gourmet breakfasts and stroll to the beach. A fun, characterful pick for romantic couples (though young families are also welcome). The ocean views from the balconies are stunning!

For Great Value

• La Jamaca is a rustic, blue-and-white guesthouse in La Parguera, near the south coast. Pick this place for the friendly, lively vibe and great value. Evenings of snacks and cocktails around the pool are desrvedly popular!
• Hotel Belgica offers simple and affordable rooms in Ponce's old town. Think wrought-iron furniture, private balconies and old-school tiled floors. A family-run B&B for those eager to experience traditional Puerto Rican charm and hospitality.
• Parador Villa Parguera has direct beach access, as well as sea views from rooms with classic bamboo furnishings. A very reasonably-priced choice for a beach holiday in southern Puerto Rico!

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Depending on your destination, fly to San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, to Eugenio María de Hostos Airport in Mayaguëz or to Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport in Vieques. Travel to your hotel or villa by taxi.
• Alternatively, contact our online partner Rentalcars to explore Puerto Rico's many attractions by road.
• Be aware that Hurricane Maria caused widespread destruction of the island's infrastructure in 2017. Repairs are underway, but getting around might take a little longer.
• Expect balmy temperatures of around 25-28°C throughout the year. Peak season is between mid-December and mid-April. Travel between the end of the season and June for great hotel deals! The hurricane season officially lasts from June to November, with August and September as the highest risk months.

Still not sure?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in San Juan.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Puerto Rico