Best Hotels In Puerto Rico 2025

Forbes

8 hours ago

F rom breathtaking sunsets to the storied capital of San Juan, there's no shortage of attractions that draw travelers to Puerto Rico. A quick domestic flight from most major cities, visiting this U.S. territory means there's no need to worry about a passport, customs or an international phone plan. The best hotels in Puerto Rico offer a sanctuary to soak it all in, with local cuisine, lively atmospheres and plenty of relaxation.
To curate the island's best accommodations, I sourced input from experts like Sarah Young, a travel advisor at Fora, and Jen Ruiz, an author and travel blogger. My top pick is the historic and centrally located Fairmont El San Juan. For couples, Villa Montaña Beach Resort provides a romantic escape, while families will appreciate the kid-friendly amenities at Caribe Hilton. Read on for the best hotels in Puerto Rico in 2025, and for vacation rental options, check out our guide to the Best Airbnbs in Puerto Rico.
Pools at Fairmont El San Juan. Fairmont El San Juan Who Will Love It: First-time visitors; repeat travelers; those seeking comfortable and luxurious accommodations in a central location All-Star Amenities: Well & Being Spa; Four pools and luxury cabanas with butler service; Local adventures and concierge desk; Boutique shopping gallery What Not To Miss: Drinks in the Chandelier Bar Location: San Juan
Upon opening its doors in 1958, Fairmont El San Juan cemented itself as a favorite destination for Hollywood royalty—past guests include Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and Sammy Davis, Jr. Although the hotel has undergone a massive renovation to modernize its rooms and amenities, many of the communal gathering spaces still have an old-world ambiance that continues to captivate guests. The property is superbly located, just minutes from Old San Juan and the ocean, and its lush surroundings offer a tranquil escape from everyday life. The well-appointed guest rooms, suites, and poolside and oceanfront villas are comfortable yet luxurious, and there are activities for every age range, including family-friendly outdoor adventures as well as late-night entertainment options—like Chico Cabaret, the hotel's speakeasy in 1958—for adults.
Pool at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for over-the-top luxury and exclusivity All-Star Amenities: Suites with oversized soaking tubs and rainforest showers; two stunning golf courses; private beach; photography concierge What Not To Miss: A Spa Botánico treatment; cabana time at the Positivo Pool; walking the Rockefeller Nature Trail Location: Dorado
Highly recommended by Young, the ultra-luxurious Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is situated on 50 acres of the Rockefeller estate, continuing to uphold the Rockefeller family's respect for nature. The lush grounds complement the tranquility of the property, providing an escape for discerning travelers, and the villas, suites, and rooms all embrace indoor-outdoor living, with private outdoor pools, open-air showers and swaying palm trees in the distance. Each guest at the hotel is assigned an Embajador, or personal ambassador, who can assist them in arranging dinner reservations, outdoor excursions and more. There are four onsite restaurants, including Coa, which highlights food cooked in a wood-burning oven, and a separate cocktail lounge that's the perfect spot for catching the sunset with a drink in hand.
A palette of bold jewel tones, mid-century modern style furnishings, and over thirty works of art by Puerto Rican artists feature across the six-story hotel. Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences Who Will Love It: Fans of 1950s glam; boutique hotel lovers All-Star Amenities: Rooftop pool and restaurant; fitness center; self and valet parking What Not To Miss: Morning yoga on the sun deck and drinks at the Grand Lobby bar Location: San Juan
For travelers seeking a more intimate boutique hotel experience, San Juan's Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences is a smaller property featuring eclectic décor inspired by the 1950s. The six-story building is decorated with a rich, jewel-toned palette, mid-century modern furnishings and works of art by Puerto Rican artists (there are more than 30 pieces displayed throughout the hotel). There are 36 rooms, ranging from classic rooms to suites to sprawling penthouses, all with their own distinctive design. The penthouses are well-equipped for extended stays, featuring a separate working area, kitchen, two bathrooms and a private terrace. The rooftop pool and onsite restaurant, Canvas, provide gathering spaces where guests can unwind with a glass of wine and enjoy panoramic views of the skyline. Best Value Hotel In Puerto Rico: El Blok
Each of the rooms feature pillow top beds made up with plush linens, private balconies and peekaboo showers with glass walls. El Blok El Blok Who Will Love It: Fans of modernist design All-Star Amenities: Aesop bath amenities; complimentary beach chairs and Turkish towels What Not To Miss: Live music and a game of Dominos at street-level bar La Tertulia Location: Vieques
With rooms starting at $190 per night, this adults-only hotel in beachfront Vieques has an approachable price point and stunning architecture, which is sure to impress design-minded travelers. The sleek building was designed by the Puerto Rican architect Natanial Fuster and is conveniently located across the street from the beach, giving guests access to the sparkling blue waters and ocean breeze. The 30 guest rooms feature a minimalist yet artistic aesthetic with pops of color throughout, which complements the lively atmosphere of the hotel. Each room is equipped with all the comforts of home, including comfortable pillow-top beds, air conditioning, a minifridge and a private balcony for taking in the view. Best Hotel For Couples In Puerto Rico: Villa Montaña Beach Resort
Villa Montaña Beach Resort is laid-back and elegant. Villa Montaña Beach Resort Villa Montaña Beach Resort Who Will Love It: Couples and honeymooners All-Star Amenities: Grass tennis courts; complimentary parking and use of beach cruiser bikes and snorkel gear; Egyptian cotton sheets; pet friendly What Not To Miss: The Romance Room package, which includes Champagne and rose petals, and a private gazebo dinner at sunset. Location: Isabela
Villa Montaña Beach Resort is nestled in a more remote northwest corner of the island, making it an excellent option for couples who are seeking a bit more privacy. The 35-acre property features a private stretch of coastline, as well as scenic cycling and jogging trails. Duos can spend the day lounging on the private beach (don't miss out on a beachfront massage) or next to one of the two swimming pools, but there's also a plethora of activities to keep them occupied during their stay. Snorkeling, kite surfing, and horseback riding are just a few of the many excursions offered, but guests can also walk the lush grounds for a more relaxed afternoon activity before heading to dinner at the all-day restaurant, Eclipse. Every room features luxurious, high-quality linens, terracotta tile flooring, complimentary Puerto Rican coffee and a private patio or terrace. Best Hotel For Families In Puerto Rico: Caribe Hilton
Pool at Caribe Hilton. Caribe Hilton Caribe Hilton Who Will Love It: Stylish families looking to balance chill time with fun activities All-Star Amenities: Oceanfront swimming pools; wave and beach wing guest rooms; Zen Spa Océano What Not To Miss: Piña Colada tasting at swim-up bar Bagua (noon to 12:30 pm) and seeing tropical fish on a SeaTREK helmet diving excursion Location: San Juan
Caribe HIlton's secluded beach, hammock garden, tropical gardens and bird sanctuary are relaxing places to spend time, but children will really get the VIP treatment in the Kids' Zone, which features a fountain pool, outdoor playground and daily activities like spike ball tournaments. Poolside movie screenings, s'mores stations and off-property activities, including a behind-the-scenes caretaker tour of the Manatee Conservation Center research lab that includes helping feed the gentle giants, are also popular with families. Parents will especially appreciate access to free childcare services that will allow them to spend an afternoon at the full-service spa and stop by the Caribar to sample various takes on Puerto Rico's national drink, the piña colada, which was reportedly created at the hotel in 1954. Best Wellness Hotel In Puerto Rico: Finca Victoria
The Casa Botanic Ayurvedic Wellness Center has two treatment beds and a bathtub for therapeutic herbal soaks. Finca Victoria Finca Victoria Who Will Love It: Anyone interested in a holistic retreat to reset All-Star Amenities: Ayurvedic wellness center; saltwater pool; organic cotton sheets; vegan breakfast What Not To Miss: Morning yoga; an ayurvedic consultation and nighttime stargazing Location: Vieques
Ayurvedic medicine might not come to mind when thinking about a Caribbean getaway, but Finca Victoria has made a name among wellness seekers looking to restore mind and spirit. The property features an outdoor saltwater pool, organic garden and sun terrace, plus new split-level structure Maloka for hosting yoga classes and other ceremonial gatherings. Decorated with vintage furniture and eclectic décor, each of the 12 rooms tells its own story—choose between treehouses, a new addition 1973 vintage Airstream and petite sea-view cabins, including one named after Finca Victoria founder Sylvia De Marco. Alternative modalities at the Casa Botanic Ayurvedic Wellness Center range from western massage to Chinese medicine, and the space has two treatment beds and a bathtub for therapeutic herbal soaks. Best All-Inclusive Resort In Puerto Rico: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa
Pool at Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa. Booking.com Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for a low-key tropical hideaway with add-on inclusive packages All-Star Amenities: Private beach; two swimming pools; tennis court and fitness center What Not To Miss: A beauty ritual at Ni Spa; the tasting menu at La Cata by Restaurante Alexandra Location: Guánica
While not a traditional all-inclusive resort, Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa offers several 'getaway specials,' including breakfast, lunch and dinner for a daily rate of $116 (alcoholic beverages are an extra fee), making it ideal for travelers who want to prioritize on-site relaxation. The property is situated on 20 acres of tropical gardens, where guests can enjoy activities such as kayaking or snorkeling, or simply lounge by one of the two sparkling pools. There are 104 guest rooms, suites, and villas, all of which feature private patios or balconies for enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Spa and wellness enthusiasts will love the Ni Spa, where they can enjoy treatments such as a hot stone massage or a passion fruit body scrub. Other highlights include a fitness center, a tennis court, and the nearby Guanica Dry Forest Reserve and Bioluminescent Bay. Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. This story was written by Katherine Louie, a lifestyle editor at Forbes Vetted, who focuses on various topics, including travel, beauty, fashion and home. She has written numerous hotel guides for Forbes Vetted, including the best hotels in Key West and the best resorts on Hilton Head Island.
This story was edited by Vetted's senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who's visited over 40 countries and has traversed the U.S. She has visited Puerto Rico multiple times. How We Chose The Best Hotels In Puerto Rico
We selected the top contenders based on personal experience and extensive research. For this story, Louie combined first-person experience and spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, hotel websites and more.
Our selections include family-friendly properties as well as more adult-focused properties. We also included a selection of larger properties as well as intimate boutique stays, all across a wide range of budgets.
We also spoke with Sarah Young, a travel advisor at Fora, who has booked multiple trips to Puerto Rico and recently traveled there with her family, and Jen Ruiz, author of 12 Trips In 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic . Young and Ruiz shared key insights on the best places to stay and what makes this location an excellent place to visit. About Katherine Louie, Your Puerto Rico Guide
I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith, where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women's Health, Men's Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.
What Part Of Puerto Rico Is The Best To Stay In?
There are many beautiful areas within Puerto Rico, but it's helpful to consider the type of activities you enjoy while on vacation and whether you prefer a more remote location with a tranquil atmosphere or a bustling city. 'Most people visit Old San Juan and stay in the greater San Juan metro area in neighborhoods like Condado, Ocean Park and Santurce,' says Jen Ruiz, author of 12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic. 'You definitely want to see the forts in Old San Juan.'
When Is The Best Month To Go To Puerto Rico?
'For ideal weather and comfortable temperatures in the 70s and low 80s with low humidity, December through March is the sweet spot,' says Young. 'The shoulder season (April to June) is also excellent—still warm, but with fewer tourists. June through November is hurricane season, with peak storm activity typically in August and September. While you may find lower rates during this time, I always recommend booking refundable rooms and purchasing trip insurance, just in case.'
What Are The Main Attractions In Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers, whether you prefer outdoor activities like surfing or strolling through historic city streets. 'The main attractions are exploring Old San Juan and the cruise port, the Bacardi Factory, Rincón (a town on the west coats with picturesque beaches) for surfing, Ponce (a city on the southern coast) for its history and architecture, and the greater San Juan Metro area for popular restaurants and hotels,' says Ruiz. More Travel Stories: