Get ready to discover the very best places to stay in Puerto Rico in our guide to today’s top-rated Puerto Rico resorts and boutique hotels!
Lori and I are excited to introduce you to the very best stays Puerto Rico has to offer, from 5-star luxury beach resorts to historic hotels in the heart of Old San Juan—only the best-reviewed, cream-of-the-crop Puerto Rico resorts and hotels made our list.
With its tropical climate, fascinating history, vibrant culture, lush tropical rainforest, breathtaking ocean vistas—and so much more—Puerto Rico is a unique island destination perfect for exploring, kicking back, or simply seeing where your vacation takes you.
And U.S. citizens do not need a passport to experience this tropical island paradise in the Caribbean!
We’ve scoured the island to bring you the ultimate guide to the best places to stay in Puerto Rico. Whether you seek luxury, authenticity, or adventure, we’ve got you covered.
So pack your beach bag and grab your sunscreen, and let’s explore this paradise together!
Can’t wait to dive in? Here’s a look at the list to jump-start your travel planning!
| ➊ Dorado Beach, Ritz-Carlton Reserve • BEST OVERALL • | Dorado | $$$$ |
| ➋ The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort | Rio Grande | $$$ |
| ➌ Condado Vanderbilt Hotel • HISTORIC BEACH HOTEL • | San Juan (Condado) | $$$ |
| ➍ The Royal Sonesta San Juan | Isla Verde | $$$ |
| ➎ San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino | San Juan (Condado) | $$ |
| ➏ Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort | Rio Grande | $$ |
| ➐ Hotel El Convento • HISTORIC BOUTIQUE STAY • | Old San Juan | $$ |
| ➑ Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino | San Juan (Isla Grande) | $$ |
Not sure where to start? Keep reading for the rest of the story behind these incredible Puerto Rico resorts and hotels—plus helpful tips to make your planning fun and easy.
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8 Best Puerto Rico Resorts & Hotels
➊ Dorado Beach, Ritz-Carlton • Dorado
Wonderful Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve kicks off our list of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico!
Before legendary Mauna Kea became the first resort on the Big Island of Hawaii, Dorado Beach was widely considered to be the most extravagant Rockefeller resort in the world—a legacy that continues to this day.
This luxurious resort—located 10 miles west of San Juan in Dorado—offers an idyllic and intimate setting with rare character, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and tranquility.
Dorado Beach is situated on more than two miles of prime, white-sand beaches, and its lush grounds and adjacent golf course make for a stellar location.
The rooms are upscale, contemporary, and serene, and the design and materials complement the natural landscape of the former pineapple and coconut plantation.
The resort offers superb service and amenities, including a water park (open on weekends), high-end spa, fitness center, and exceptional on-site restaurants like Flor de Sal al fresco dining experience and COA grill, which houses one of the largest selections of wine in the Caribbean.
Despite the price tag, Dorado Beach perennially receives high marks for value, and guests seem to find it worth the high rate.
LOCATION ▸ Dorado, 45 minutes from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Int’l. Airport (SJU).
HOT TIP ▸ Guests rave about the resort’s Old San Juan evening food tour and El Yunque rainforest excursions. As with many other Puerto Rico resorts and hotels on this list, it’s highly recommended to reserve dinner in advance.
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➋ St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort • Rio Grande
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a luxurious and secluded resort located on a breathtaking stretch of golden sand about 15 miles east of San Juan in Rio Grande.
Situated on 483 lush acres of a former coconut plantation, the St. Regis features 139 elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and villas that offer stunning views of the ocean, garden, or golf course.
One of the main draws of the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is its championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., which is also a certified Audubon Sanctuary.
The resort is committed to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly practices, such as recycling, composting, and using energy-efficient appliances.
Guests can explore 4 miles of nature trails and a wide range of additional outdoor activities such as kayaking and a number of other water sports.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort also offers exceptional service and amenities, including a full-service spa, Tortuga Kids Club for children ages 4-12, and several restaurants and bars that serve delicious cuisine and cocktails.
All this and much more make the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort one of the top Puerto Rico resorts for an unforgettable experience!
LOCATION ▸ Rio Grande, 25 minutes from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Int’l. Airport (SJU).
HOT TIP ▸ If you’re looking to spend most of your time in a luxurious beach resort with lots of amenities, this is a great option. For those hoping to explore the area on their own, you may want to consider renting a car, or staying in one of the less secluded options on our list.
➌ Condado Vanderbilt Hotel • San Juan (Condado)
The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, in San Juan’s vibrant Condado district, is an outstanding historic hotel stay offering a range of amenities and a great location near popular attractions.
The Condado Vanderbilt was originally built in 1919 by one of the wealthiest families in America and designed by a renowned architectural firm, which has contributed to its grandeur and allure over the past century.
The hotel recently underwent a major renovation project that has restored much of its original history and elegance.
Guests love the wide range of amenities offered, such as the full-service spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, two outdoor swimming pools, beach with private cabanas, and much more.
LOCATION ▸ Condado district of San Juan, 15 minutes from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Int’l. Airport (SJU).
HOT TIP ▸ Despite a breakwater, the water at the resort’s beach can be rough and not ideal for swimming. If you’re a beach lover looking for a top-notch beach vacation, there are other Puerto Rico resorts on our list worth considering—such as the Royal Sonesta (#4).
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➍ The Royal Sonesta • Isla Verde
Next up, The Royal Sonesta San Juan boasts a wealth of amenities to keep you relaxed, entertained, and happily fed on a memorable beach vacation in Puerto Rico.
Six superb dining and drinking venues—from poolside Akua Bar to Ruth’s Chris Steak House—tantalize your tastebuds and quench your thirst after a fun and relaxing day in paradise.
Speaking of relaxation, the hotel also features a full-service spa offering a range of treatments and services to help guests unwind and rejuvenate.
Royal Sonesta’s striking lagoon-style pool and beach area is another highlight of the hotel, serving as a perfect spot to soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the water.
The hotel also has over 24,000 square feet of event space, making it a popular choice for business meetings and events.
With its prime location in Isla Verde, guests can enjoy a range of activities from water skiing and golfing, to snorkeling, and more—and easily access San Juan’s most popular attractions as well.
LOCATION ▸ Isla Verde, 5 minutes from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Int’l. Airport (SJU).
HOT TIP ▸ The Royal Sonesta tops our list for those looking for one of the most easily-accessible Puerto Rico resorts with minimal airport transfer time—clocking in at just 5 minutes of driving time to and from the airport.
➎ San Juan Marriott • San Juan (Condado)
Top-rated San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on beautiful Condado Beach offers a wide range of activities and amenities rivaling any of the very best Puerto Rico resorts and hotels on the market today.
The resort boasts 513 modern and spacious rooms and 12 well-appointed suites, as well as two fabulous outdoor swimming pools, and a 24-hour casino.
Popular activities include rainforest excursions, exciting water sports, and even surf lessons.
And you certainly won’t go hungry with diverse and delicious food options, from American favorites to international specialities, a coffee shop serving locally-sourced coffee, wood-fire pizzas, and more.
LOCATION ▸ Condado, 15 minutes from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Int’l. Airport (SJU).
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➏ Wyndham Grand Rio Mar • Rio Grande
Situated between the stunning El Yunque rainforest and a two-mile stretch of serene beach along the Atlantic, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort offers an ideal island oasis in Puerto Rico.
With its 9 tantalizing dining venues, 3 tranquil pools, and 7,000-square-foot Mandara spa and fitness center, this resort offers a wealth of activities to keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their stay.
From the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar’s two championship golf courses and exciting casino, to off-site excursions such as zip-lining and exploring the nearby Bioluminescent Bay, there’s never a dull moment at this resort.
LOCATION ▸ Rio Grande, 35 minutes from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Int’l. Airport (SJU).
HOT TIP ▸ Due to this resort’s relatively secluded location, guests seem to agree that renting a car is the recommended way to get the most out of your island vacation.
➐ Hotel El Convento • Old San Juan
Old San Juan’s atmospheric Hotel El Convento is a gem that combines history, luxury, and charm into one unforgettable stay.
Housed in a 350-year-old former convent, Hotel El Convento has been restored and transformed into a stunning hotel with all the modern amenities you’d want for a blissful stay in Old San Juan.
The architecture—with its colonial-style balconies and courtyards—is a sight to behold, and the hotel’s location in the heart of Old San Juan allows for easy access to the city’s best cultural and historic sites.
Rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and offer fantastic views of the city. The two on-site dining options, Patio del Níspero and Santísimo, are superb, with a range mouth-watering cuisine and cocktails for a wonderful experience.
Hotel El Convento also offers a range of activities, including a rooftop pool, spa services, and a fitness center.
A top-rated stay in Old San Juan and truly one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico.
LOCATION ▸ Old San Juan, 15 minutes from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Int’l. Airport (SJU).
➑ Sheraton Puerto Rico • San Juan (Isla Grande)
The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino is an urban oasis that caters to families and adults alike.
The hotel offers an ideal blend of luxury, comfort, and entertainment, as well as breathtaking views of the canal and Old San Juan’s Old World charm, and spacious rooms and suites to suit a variety of travel preferences.
The hotel’s diverse restaurants—including Metropol, which serves authentic Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine, and Texas de Brazil combining Brazilian and Texas flavors—make for a foodie’s paradise.
Moreover, the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool with a hot tub and kids pool offer stunning views of San Juan Bay, providing a serene and relaxing experience.
All these features make the Sheraton a fantastic destination and simply one of the best Puerto Rico resorts for a fun island escape in San Juan.
LOCATION ▸ Isle Grande, 15-minute drive from San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Int’l. Airport (SJU).
Puerto Rico Resorts & Hotels FAQ
What part of Puerto Rico is the best to stay?
Some of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico for visitors include Old San Juan for sightseeing, historical landmarks, and nightlife; Rio Grande for adventure travelers and outdoor activities like hiking; Condado for families and beachfront resorts; Isla Verde for couples and honeymooners with many restaurants and bars; Vieques and Culebra for wonderful tropical beaches; and Ponce for history lovers and interesting things to do.
What are the best months to visit Puerto Rico?
There are different months to stay in Puerto Rico depending on what type of trip you’re looking for. The best time to visit Puerto Rico for good weather is during the dry season from December to April. If you’re looking for cheaper prices, it’s best to visit between August and November, but keep an eye on weather alerts as this is also hurricane season. If you want to avoid crowds, visit between mid-April and early summer, or in the fall.
Thanks for reading our handcrafted guide to the best Puerto Rico resorts & hotels!
Lori and I love crafting these helpful guides to the very best stays across the world! But this one has a special place in our hearts—it was on the beautiful Puerto Rican island of Vieques well over a decade ago that I popped the question, and the rest is history.
Puerto Rico is a fascinating island with a rich history, vibrant culture, and some downright jaw-dropping beaches.
Here, you won’t find massive all-inclusive resorts like travelers have become accustomed to elsewhere in the Caribbean. And you’d be hard-pressed to experience the level of luxury you would at top resorts in places like St. Lucia or Antigua.
But there are plenty of alluring reasons you’d want to visit this wonderful island paradise, which offers its own unique take on the Caribbean destination getaway that travelers return for year after year.
And these eight top-rated Puerto Rico resorts and hotels are, in our opinion, the very best places to stay in Puerto Rico for enjoying your vacation to the max.
