99 Best Hotels in Puerto Rico

Waves gently lap against the shore at the "Three Mermaids" (a nod to the original owners' daughters), a boutique inn set in a luxurious two-story villa on one of Rincón's calmer beaches. The two oceanfront rooms, one pool studio, and two sea-view apartments with a loft are tastefully decorated, with terra-cotta-tile floors teak furniture, chenille coverlets, and fresh flowers cradled in conch shells. The full villa is also available to reserve for larger parties wanting to stay. Home-style breakfasts, served promptly at 9, have fare ranging from berry-strewn French toast to sun-dried tomato quiche (vegetarian and vegan available by request). The team can arrange anything from private yoga sessions to candlelit dinners on the beach.

The most sophisticated place in Culebra is an assemblage of lovely plantation-style cottages on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Fulladoza Bay. Though just a five-minute drive south of Dewey, it feels completely isolated—in a good way. Come here to unplug, opting for one of the spacious villas, tastefully decorated in crisp white with soaring ceilings, modern rain-showers, and large balconies. The family villa sleeps five. The friendly staff is more than accommodating and can help set up snorkeling and diving trips, as well as transportation to the beach.

The most beautiful resort on the southern coast is set on 16 palm-shaded acres facing the Caribbean. Fruit trees and other plants are meticulously groomed, especially around the pair of swimming pools (one popular with kids, the other mostly left to the adults). All guest rooms are generously proportioned, especially in the older building. Plantation shutters, bamboo headboards and ceilings, and other touches lend them a tropical feel. A small spa blends seamlessly with the rest of the hotel. Both the elegant Alexandra and the more casual, alfresco Las Palmas Café serve good food. All-inclusive packages are available.

Luxurious accommodations, spectacular golf courses, and 5 km (3 miles) of exquisite coast are among the many draws at this resort, set on 1,400 acres that were once part of Laurance Rockefeller's estate. Amenities include several pools (including dedicated family and adults-only options); a water-sports center; the 5-acre Botanical Spa with tree-house treatment platforms; and an 18-km (11-mile) walking and biking trail that winds through an eco-preserve. Guests enjoy privileges at the two 18-hole golf courses, located partly on the property, and at five tennis courts. All accommodations have direct beach access and perks like 400-thread-count sheets, supersize flat-screen TVs, indoor-outdoor bathrooms, soaking tubs, and Wi-Fi. If you need another reason not to leave the property, consider the dining options, which include two casual beach eateries and a café. Snag a terrace seat at Coa, where you can enjoy a variety of Puerto Rican--inspired dishes, served with sweeping ocean views.

The rooms have a modern look (with shades of blue, white, and cream), but elsewhere, this hotel's classic appeal remains, including in the lobby, which has intricately carved mahogany walls. Beneath a coffered ceiling are three bars, among them the iconic Chandelier Bar, down a few steps from the lobby and set below a massive oval, two-ton chandelier. The pool area has a trio of poolside cabañas with indulgent amenities like televisions and four-poster beds draped in curtains (some guests opt for breakfast in these beds). Rooms are larger than most on the island and have modern furnishings.

Taking its name from a centuries-old tamarind tree rising more than three stories through the center of its main building, this plantation-style property—with a barrel-tile roof and wood-shuttered windows—was once a dance hall but is now one of the island's prettiest hotels. You can easily find a spot all to yourself, whether on a shady terrace or beside the pool. "Caribbean chic" may be the best description of the combination of well-chosen antiques, elegant wicker furniture, and vintage travel posters. The penthouse is the nicest room, with a separate entrance on the third floor and a massive private terrace overlooking the ocean. The made-to-order breakfasts are a great reason to get up early, and on-site horseback riding along the beach is a lodging perk.

There's no longer anything austere about this 350-year-old former convent: all the guest rooms are lavish and inviting, with wrought-iron and hand-hewn wood furniture, shuttered windows, and mahogany-beamed ceilings joining high-tech amenities like Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Room 508 has a view of the Old City and the bay; rooms 216, 217, and 218 have private walled patios. Guests gather on the third floor for the lovely view over the nearby cathedral and for complimentary wine and cheese served before dinner. Relax in the gorgeous interior patio, which also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Not only does this property epitomize the chic Caribbean resort, but it's also an icon of tropical modernist architecture—from the undulating ceiling in the sprawling lobby to Perla, the shell-shape event space. As a result, it's the center of social life in San Juan for both travelers and locals (including politicians and celebrities). The open-air lobby is a hive of dancing, drinking, and socializing most nights. If you're looking for respite, head poolside for comfortable chaises, umbrellas, and a surprising amount of privacy. Although La Concha hums with activity, the luxurious rooms offer a good night's sleep, not to mention exceptional amenities and extraordinary views.

Tucked away on a quiet street overlooking the lagoon, this luxurious, all-suites boutique hotel recalls the south of France, with artwork from Italy, Spain, Morocco, and France. Photographs from the private collection of the owners, many from travels that helped shape their concept of O:live, also decorate the property. In the rooms, earth tones, restored wood furnishings, see-through bathrooms, and white drapes create a feeling of luxury and intimacy. Head to the rooftop terrace for a cocktail overlooking the city, take a dip in the plunge pool, or schedule a message. Sage, the on-site restaurant by chef Mario Pagan, is an excellent dining choice.

The area's most luxurious property, this 2,200-acre paradise is a must for anyone remotely interested in golf—it has one of the best courses in Puerto Rico. A decade in the making, the grounds feature an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, a fitness center, a gourmet restaurant, heliport, and a beauty salon. Each 1,500-square-foot casita comes with a private plunge pool and "shower room" the size of a walk-in closet. Meandering through the lush setting are pathways that spill onto the resort's private beach. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in area, where chefs use organic fruits and vegetables plucked from the on-site garden and seafood fished off the Isabela coast. Those staying at the casitas have access to the ocean-view golf course.

Between El Yunque National Forest and the Río Espíritu Santo, this luxurious, environmentally aware property, with 3 km (2 miles) of pristine private beach, is an oasis of calm that hums with local wildlife. The former coconut plantation occupies 483 acres and has an oceanfront golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. that weaves through mangroves. Spacious rooms are in low-rise, plantation-style buildings that highlight natural materials and feature numerous amenities; massive suites include butler service. Hike, bird-watch, run, or kayak through the property if you're feeling active. If not, score a cabana at the pristine pool, or laze in a chaise and order cocktails on the beach. The weary can indulge in treatments in the 10,000-square-foot Iridium Spa.

This bed-and-breakfast is one of the best getaways in Cabo Rojo. Each of the four houses on the property are built to be eco-friendly and modern, with a small farm for fresh produce, horses, and goats. Breakfast served fresh every morning by the hosts and enjoyed with a stunning view of the mountains and Buyé Beach in the distance. There is a minimum two-night stay for up to four guests per house, and rates can vary. 

Aleli Cottages offers rustic rentals and is located on top of a mountain overlooking the Luis Pena Canal Marine Reserve and Caribbean Sea. Accommodations have a garden, terrace, and shared kitchen.

Located half an hour west of Salina is a recently built Aloft Hotel by Marriott, complete with an on-property Hard Rock Café and free parking for both guests and visitors.

In a Spanish-style house, this friendly little inn evokes its namesake region with such details as hand-painted tiles and ceramic pots filled with greenery. A kidney-shape hot tub in the central courtyard is big enough for you and four or five of your closest friends. The individually decorated rooms are bright and clean. Owners Roberto and Jaime provide the warmest welcome imaginable, making you feel that their home is yours. Feel free to borrow beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards. And if you forget your sunscreen, grab a bottle from a table near the door. One of the prettiest beaches in the city is a five-minute walk away.

The walled garden that surrounds this little inn makes it seem miles away from civilization, but it's actually within walking distance of several bars and restaurants. Guest rooms, which have mahogany sleigh beds and flat-screen TVs, are individually decorated in a style that could be described as "tropical elegant." The pool area—with an outdoor kitchen and a fire pit—is wonderful, especially at night, when lighted with the inn's trademark blue. Relax in the many nooks and crannies, including the lovely garden, where you'll see three resident turtles. This resort is for ages 18-plus only.

As Boqueron's largest resort, this high-rise offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, each with a private balcony. Full kitchens, en suite laundry facilities, arcade games, and an aqua park for children create a family atmosphere. The decor throughout adheres to the blues and greens of the Caribbean palette. If cooking isn't your thing, enjoy the poolside restaurant, or just walk across the footbridge to the center of town. Be sure to request an ocean-view room from which manatees and humpback whales can be seen cavorting from April to June. Due to the size of the resort, the pool and parking areas tend to be congested. Reservations are hard to come by so make sure you book well in advance. 

This budget-friendly hotel has both a beach and a picturesque town within walking distance. There's a variety of rooms to choose from, two pools to splash around in, and a great restaurant on-site. 

Several blocks north of the ferry dock in Isabel Segunda, this simple but attractive hotel makes a good home base for island exploration. Guest rooms are a bit spare in their decor, but all have flat-screen TVs with cable, and many have ocean views. If you're traveling with a group, the two-bedroom villa has plenty of entertaining space, and Casa Roja, a villa with seven rooms total, is across the street from the main property. Although it's a shame that the idyllic beachfront property fronts an un-swimmable beach (too rocky), the two pools, and the free use of beach chairs, coolers, and towels for beach excursions make up for it.

Not many hotels can boast about having their own fort, but Fortín San Gerónimo del Boquerón, which once guarded the entrance to San Juan Bay, is on the grounds of this 17-acre sprawling resort. It has a private beach, a multilevel pool with a swim-up bar, and a luxurious spa. The airy and iconic Oasis lobby bar makes one of the more legitimate claims to having invented the piña colada; it holds an official government certification.

This all-inclusive wellness retreat center features morning movement classes, nature outings, three organic meals a day prepared by an in-house chef, and additional services like team building and rapid transformation coaching. It is a restorative experience that helps people connect to themselves and nature to relieve stress, overwhelm, and anxiety.

El Yunque's southern edge is the setting for this eco-friendly hotel where guest rooms are simple (no phones or TVs) but comfortable, with tile floors, rattan furniture, and windows that show off one of the island's best views. If you're up for a hike, set off on your own for a short one or hire a local guide for a day-long adventure that takes you through thick rainforest to hidden waterfalls. If you'd rather relax, hammocks await on the tiled veranda. You must climb many stairs to reach the upper rooms; if this is a problem, request one on the lower level. The proprietor, who believes that healthy eating translates into healthy living, serves tasty and wholesome breakfasts. Light picnic lunches can also be ordered in the morning to take with you on hikes, and dinner is available for groups of four or more at the property's restaurant, a 10-minute walk down the road.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly property in the town center, this groovy little guesthouse not far from the ferry dock in Isabel Segunda is perfect. Citrus colors and wicker furnishings give this former plantation rooming house a nice tropical touch. It's hard not to feel at home here, especially when you use the shared kitchen to pack a picnic lunch or borrow an umbrella for your trip to the beach. Plus, the extremely friendly and helpful owners are on hand for anything you might need. An on-site gift shop sells their original art. Several quality restaurants are a short stroll away.

This 11-bedroom villa has served as a vacation home for the rich and famous, including country star Shania Twain. Built around a marble courtyard, every room has a private bathroom with antique touches like pedestal sinks and footed tubs. The West Indies decor features white duvets, mahogany furniture, four-poster beds, and plantation shutters. The two-story mansion includes three kitchens, a wine cellar, library, gym, and dining area for 30 guests. For the best view in the house, climb the spiral staircase to the top of the whale-watching tower.

With its barrel-tiled roofs, walled gardens, and open-air dining room, Casa Isleña might remind well-traveled souls of a villa on the coast of Mexico. The secret of its charm is that this little inn maintains an air of simplicity amid its romantic setting. Several of the terra-cotta-floored rooms have balconies overlooking the pool and a palm-shaded stretch of beach. Others have terraces facing the courtyard. There's also a restaurant and an indoor patio with a soothing, burbling fountain. If booked solid—a frequent occurrence during high season—there's a second building a few minutes away. Local musicians play here six days a week, so it can be a bit loud around sunset. 

Mere steps from some of the best dining in town, this boutique hotel not only adds Moroccan-themed panache to Old San Juan but also offers real value. The lobby makes a big splash with its silk pillows, Asian antiques, and blood-red sofas as counterpoints to dramatic, contemporary, photo-realist pop art by noted painter Carlos Mercado. Individually themed guest rooms blend the same mix of modern art with antique and ethnic pieces such as gilt mirrors, Moroccan tea sets, mirrored cushions, and queen beds framed with gauzy drapes. Quirky and fun, the overall effect is smile-inducingly stylish. An elevator takes you upstairs, perhaps for a soak in one of the rooftop's five stone hot tubs.

This adults-only hotel sits right on Condado Beach and has rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows facing either the Atlantic or the lagoon. The interior is awash in hues of ocean blue, white, and light gray. Take a dip in the infinity pool, and book a massage at one of the oceanfront cabanas. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the on-site SOCIAL.

The onetime home of the Vanderbilt family has been restored to its grand, early-20th-century, Spanish revival style and transformed into this luxurious hotel. The marble lobby—with its original sweeping staircases, graceful arches, and striking chandeliers—exudes elegance. The rooms are spacious, and the service is impeccable. Take advantage of the hotel's several pools, cabanas, hammam spa, and fine-dining 1919 restaurant.

This affordable boutique hotel is a good choice for a quiet, romantic getaway: the hotel is only a block from the neighborhood's main drag, and the beach is a three-minute walk away. The guest rooms in this art deco building—one of the few left in Condado—subtly reflect the hotel's heritage with crisp lines, modern furnishings, and marble floors. The attention to detail is wonderful: jetted bathtubs, pillow-top mattresses, blackout shades, and even—shockingly—an affordable minibar. You can also take advantage of the small swimming pool on the palm-shaded terrace or the hot tub on the rooftop.