The Best Hotels to Book in Puerto Rico for Every Traveler

Owner Sylvia de Marco's personal touch makes a stay at the Dreamcatcher special | Courtesy of the Dreamcatcher / Expedia

Shelley Rubenstein

27 August 2021

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These hotels in Puerto Rico are primely positioned to experience famous attractions including the Casa Bacardí distillery and the Yunque rainforest. What’s more, they’re all bookable with Culture Trip.

Puerto Rico is a mix of colorful past and present, famed for its pristine beaches and year-round sun. The capital city of San Juan is the backbone of its tourism, but those with an eye for adventure will be rewarded with spectacular natural sights when exploring further afield. Sumptuous rainforests, the ethereal, glowing waters of bioluminescent bays and fine examples of colonial architecture await on this richly diverse Caribbean island.

Villa Herencia Hotel

Courtesy of Villa Herencia Hotel / Expedia

Tradition meets shabby chic at this charming boutique hotel in Old San Juan. Distressed walls, zebra-print chairs, modern chandeliers and bright oil paintings make the Villa Herencia a quirky treasure. The eight bedrooms are cozy, romantic and stylish. Well-appointed for access to the many shops, restaurants and galleries, it’s a mere one-minute walk across the cobblestones to the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica, the United States’ oldest cathedral. The setting is a perfect base for exploring the old town — and also a great way to start or finish a longer trip exploring the island.

Finca Victoria

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Inn, Spa Hotel

Courtesy of Finca Victoria / Expedia

Escape the pressures of daily life and start the day at Finca Victoria’s 7am complimentary poolside yoga session, guaranteed to build up an appetite for the delicious al fresco vegan breakfast. The overarching calmness belies little trace of Finca’s recent past when it was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017. The renovated rooms are lovingly decorated with works by local artists and furnished with vintage finds. An on-site apothecary draws on recipes passed down from Puerto Rican elders, inventing remedies and refreshing house tea blends. When the skies permit, clear views of the Milky Way add a frisson of magic to this enchanted place. La Finca is on the small island of Vieques, linked to the main island by a 45-minute ferry, or take a short but stunning flight.

Aleli Cottages

Apartment

Courtesy of Aleli Cottages / Booking.com

Located near the Cornelio Lagoon, this delightful collection of cottages and bungalows is uniquely decorated. The views of the Luis Peña Canal are spectacular, ideal for watching the passing yachts and dazzling array of birds. Although this is a prime sightseeing base, you’d be forgiven for whiling away the days lounging on a hammock, soaking up the vivid sunsets. Located on Culebra island, you’ll need a Jeep or 4×4 to get to this property given its hilltop setting.

Lemontree Oceanfront Cottages

Courtesy of Lemontree Oceanfront Cottages / Expedia

If you’re traveling with family, the Lemontree Cottages are worth a look. Kissing distance from the ocean in western Puerto Rico, where the Caribbean waters meet the Atlantic Ocean, these spacious apartments feature a dining room, fully stocked kitchen and large private terrace. Nearby Rincón, famed for its colorful twilights, is lauded for hosting the 1968 Surfing World Championships at Steps Beach, which still draws keen surfers. Close by is the lighthouse, home to Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, where hawksbill turtles and parrotfish can be found.

The Dreamcatcher

Courtesy of the Dreamcatcher / Expedia

It’s the personal touch from owner Sylvia de Marco that makes this vegetarian hotel in Puerto Ricoso special. This swiftly becomes evident at check-in when guests are gifted her hand-drawn neighborhood map, highlighting a selection of the area’s best attractions. Most rooms have a lovely airy terrace and all are adorned with the eponymous dreamcatcher. The only tough decision you’ll face is deciding between which fresh juice blend or kombucha elixir to imbibe after an invigorating yoga class. The perfect spot if you want to get a feel for Puerto Rico but still indulge in wellness-focused little luxuries.

Olive Boutique Hotel

Courtesy of Olive Boutique Hotel / Expedia

Laced with mementos and artifacts collected from traveling the globe, the owners of this four-star luxury hotel have curated a stylish retreat, full of idiosyncratic quirks inspired by Moorish, French and Italian heritage. The 15 rooms have been designed with meticulous attention to detail, as showcased by the private outdoor suite showers and the Gran Cru Suite’s lagoon-facing hot tub. The rooftop bar basks in the light from the dreamy sunsets.

The Fox Hotel

Courtesy of the Fox Hotel / Expedia

Pop art fans, welcome home. This architectural wonder in Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second-largest city, was formerly home to a movie theatre dating back to 1931. The original features have been lovingly preserved in the creation of the city’s first themed hotel. Dedicated to pop art, music and fashion, color bursts out of every crevice. Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein comfortably share space with murals of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra on sunshine yellow walls. The equally buoyant coffee house serves everything from smoothies and protein shakes to classic brunch dishes and wraps.

The Gallery Inn

Boutique Hotel

Courtesy of the Gallery Inn / Expedia

Yes, those are sculptures of Barack and Michelle Obama that were cast by artist owner Jan D’Esopo, commemorating their stay here. Jan’s accomplished art can be seen throughout, adding character to the individually decorated bedrooms. Located high above the Old City’s North Wall, the panoramic views of San Juan Bay are topped by the mountains of central Puerto Rico. Visitors flock back repeatedly to this artistic haven, timing their trips with the Inn’s intimate candlelight concert series.

Nomada Urban Beach Hostel

Courtesy of Nomada Urban Beach Hostel / Expedia

Set in Calle Loíza, notorious for its creativity and growth as a buzzy area, this renovated hostel offers a mix of dorms and private rooms alongside a trio of tents on the rooftop. Imagine starting the day by rolling back the flaps to witness the glory of the sunrise from the comfort of a queen-sized mattress. Just because you’re traveling on a budget, you don’t need to cut back on amenities. There’s much revelry to be had in the communal areas with board games, a PlayStation, books and movies all available.

Hacienda Tamarindo

Courtesy of Hacienda Tamarindo / Expedia

You’ll be warmly welcomed into this 17-room Hispanic hacienda with a Crab Island Rum drink from Vieques’s sole craft distillery. This cool concoction is best enjoyed by looking out at the views from this quiet hilltop boutique hotel, filled with antiques and memorabilia from the owner’s personal collection. It overlooks Esperanza Bay’s aquamarine waters and its twin cays. Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, is a 15-minute drive away.

Looking for somewhere different to stay? Book into one of the best resorts in Puerto Rico, or treat yourself to an unforgettable boutique hotel. Inspire your itinerary with the most beautiful destinations on this Caribbean island; don’t miss the must-see attractions. And, when in the Puerto Rican capital, book yourself a table at the best restaurants in San Juan.

These recommendations were updated on August 27, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.

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