Looking for a quick vacation getaway that doesn’t require a passport and is a not-so-long flight (if you’re on the east coast)? If you’re an American, then Puerto Rico is a passport-free U.S. commonwealth that’s easy to get to with plenty of direct flights from the mainland. Most people only think about the historic capital city of San Juan with its colorful buildings and historic El Morro fortress when they consider Puerto Rico.
But the lush landscape is home to a diverse array of attractions like the El Yunque rainforest that are scattered across the island and even includes two mini islands located off of Puerto Rico’s east coast, Vieques and Culebra. If tasty dishes of mofongo or bacalao, and the tranquil beaches in Luquillo are calling your name, here are some of the top places to stay whether you’re traveling with family, on a romantic getaway, or solo.
Where To Stay In Puerto Rico As A Family
Puerto Rico is definitely a family-friendly place to visit. But when you’re traveling with tots in tow, you need to be sure that any hotel or vacation apartment you pick has the right amenities. Since Puerto Rico is an island, obviously beach-centric attractions are going to be a priority. Likewise, if you decide to get a rental car, factors such as on-site parking, valet parking, and low (or waived) parking fees are going to be critical.
Understandably most of the hotels are centered around San Juan and the northeastern half of the island since this is where most of the core attractions in Puerto Rico are located. But if you want to explore beyond the capital city and into the western half of the island, you can find more wallet-friendly hotels in areas that feel less touristy but are still hidden gems with plenty of potential.
Best Hotels
Embassy Suites by Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort
If you don’t want to be in the hustle and bustle of San Juan, this Embassy Suites located in Dorado is just 21 miles east of the capital. Meanwhile, it’s a private beachfront resort that’s just 10 minutes from Manuel Morales Beach. There’s a lagoon-style pool complete with ocean views, a complimentary evening reception and made-to-order breakfast every day. For rooms, you’ll get connecting rooms, including many that are pet-friendly, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
With 400 guest rooms, three on-site pools, and a countless range of restaurants and bars, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly resort. The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort is located east of San Juan and sits just off the Carabali Rainforest Park. If you’re a bigger family group, leave the tots with the grandparents and the other adults can head off to the onsite casino in the evening. There are also championship golf courses and an on-site spa to unwind. On-site events like wine tastings and golf tournaments create a more festive vibe as well.
Where To Stay In Puerto Rico For A Romantic Getaway
What could be more romantic than a tropical island getaway? By default, Puerto Rico just lends itself to being the perfect backdrop for romance. If you and your love are thinking about hopping a flight to the magical island, then you’ll need to decide whether you want a lazy vacation where you’re infinitely coupled up the whole time or if you want to do some sightseeing and excursions as well.
Best Hotels
Located east of San Juan, St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort prides itself on the lush surrounding landscape views you’ll enjoy throughout the grounds. There’s also access to a private beach or you could choose between several oasis pools located throughout the property. While there are deluxe rooms, there are also private residences if you really want to wow your love. When you’re not boo’ed up and staring lovingly into each other’s eyes, you can enjoy nature trails, a boat house, countless on-site dining options, as well as the on-site spa.
If you really want to impress your love, then you can’t go wrong with the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. Located in San Juan, the Condado offers guest rooms along with one-bedroom suites that come in three different sizes. You can opt for historic views of Old San Juan or oceanfront vistas. If you choose to emerge from your romantic cocoon, you can take advantage of interactive events that take place regularly and change throughout the month. There are multiple restaurants and bars on-site, and a spa and fitness center if you like to stay healthy and zen even when you’re away from home.
Where To Stay In Puerto Rico For Solo Travelers
Puerto Rico is an amazing island and place to visit, even if you’re traveling alone. You’ll luck out because you won’t have to accommodate other people’s interests, can move at your own pace, and never have to compromise. While most hotels or resorts are promoted as ideal for families and couples, people can and do travel to La Isla Bonita alone whether for pleasure or business. P.S. Puerto Rico is a major convention locale for various industries, so there’s always some kind of event happening. No matter the reason, you can choose to stay at one of the larger brand resorts listed above, or find a few hidden gems either in San Juan or other parts of the island.
Best Hotels
First off, this is an adults-only hotel situated in the historic Old San Juan district in the capital city. If you seriously dislike being around kids when you’re on vacation, then El Colonial is a smart boutique hotel choice for you. With just 33 rooms available, you’ll soak up the old world charm of this building that’s more than 150 years old. As if that’s not enough, there’s a 24/7 open bar for guests, pet-friendly access if you can’t travel without Fido, and your choice of balcony views or a private terrace room if you prefer.
Not everyone wants to drive off-site — especially as a solo traveler. If this sounds familiar, then staying in San Juan is preferable since it’s easy to get around, close to Luis Muñoz Airport, and there’s still plenty to do to keep you busy in the capital city. La Concha Resort is another San Juan locale that while designed for a wide array of travelers, is working hard to woo the solo set too. Choose from multiple bars throughout the property, along with plenty of tasty restaurants too. There’s a culinary workshop to help you learn how to make signature island cuisine like mofongo, Condado beach is steps away, and there’s a casino and fitness center on-site.
Best Apartment Rental Sites For Puerto Rico
As mentioned previously, the bulk of the established accommodations for Puerto Rico tend to be on the northeast shore of the island. Between San Juan and Luquillo, you’ll find a massive number of resorts and hotels. But if you want something less official and more off-the-beaten-path, then you should look for a serviced apartment or house rental. There’s no shortage of options on the island and there are plenty of rental sites that you can use to find the temporary vacation home of your dreams.