4 Best Hotels in El Yunque and the Northeast, Puerto Rico

El Conquistador is one of Puerto Rico's most iconic hotels. This is a place where pastel-painted "villages" of ultramodern accommodations are arranged on an oceanside bluff and a shuttle whisks guests to a beach on Palomino Island. Furnishings here are low to the ground, ensuring that nothing obscures the ocean view. There are seven different pools on-site, as well as a water park for kids (and kids at heart). The resort has a cluster of top-drawer restaurants specializing in everything from steak and seafood to diner-style burgers, and a handful of boutiques offer retail therapy.

The buildings that make up this hilltop hotel offer lovely views of islands poking out of the Atlantic Ocean. A bit closer is the pool lined with shimmering aquamarine tiles, surrounded by gardens filled with wild ginger and other colorful plants. All rooms have simple furnishings and white-tile floors; some have balconies that let you enjoy the sunrise. Two restaurants, Starfish and Blue Iguana, can be found on-site, as well as a basketball court, a beauty salon, and minigolf for the kids. The closest beach—a five-minute drive—is the public Balneario Seven Seas, a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

This massive resort on a stretch of pristine coastline does a decent job of being all things to all people, with oversized suites, many of which have plunge pools or patio Jacuzzis, spread among two-story bungalows and even larger suites that have features like an adults-only pool and private check-in. For fun, play a round of golf on one of two Tom Kite–designed 18-hole courses, or find a partner and play a game of tennis on one of the three courts before relaxing at the on-site spa or participating in a session of yoga on the beach.

This sprawling resort offers a host of outdoor activities, including championship golf and tennis as well as hiking in the nearby rainforest. During turtle-nesting season, staff can arrange for guests to witness the gentle giants laying eggs on the beach. The property teems with large groups, from business travelers attending a meeting at the oceanfront convention center to package-tour groups. The seven-story hotel wraps around a bevy of gardens; the long beach offers escape from the hectic lobby; and multiple pools, including an adults-only haven, swirl around the property. Indoor fun for adults includes the hotel's casino. Views of both ocean and rainforest are lovely.