Puerto Rico is a spectcualar beach lover’s paradise. The archipelago consists of the main island, four small islands, and hundreds of cays and islets, all abounding with pristine beaches making the territory one of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous, captivating and atmospheric destinations.
As well as its dazzling shorelines, Puerto Rico is famous for its colourful colonial charisma, its bioluminescent lagoons, and its picture-perfect scenery where jungle vines blend seamlessly into rugged mountain landscapes.
Puerto Rico is a place where American and Spanish influences come together in a vibrant cultural synthesis, and nowhere is this reflected more than in its stunning accommodation options. From colonial-style boutiques to sparkling high-end resorts, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Puerto Rico (in no particular order)…
1. O:Live Boutique Hotel, A Small Luxury Hotel of the World – a gorgeous and hip upscale hotel where guests will get celebrity treatment with exceptional service
Presenting a unique style of refined luxury and laid-back intimacy, O:Live is a charming boutique hotel located by the natural reserve of the Condado lagoon.
Steeped in a lush Mediterranean style, its magical atmosphere is created through a gorgeous display of traditional patterned elements offsetting an elegant array of modern décor. Some of the suites boast outdoor tubs and beautifully designed private verandas, adding a sense of seclusion.
The ultrachic new Sage, located on the first level, is quickly becoming one of San Juan’s finest gastronomic endeavours.
- To book, check prices or availability for O:Live Boutique Hotel, A Small Luxury Hotel of the World
2. El Blok – a unique, Instagrammable and futuristic hotel that offers a stunning beachfront view
Designed eloquently for the cool crowd and the bare-foot castaways, this chic hotel is naturally in tune with its surroundings and captivates the soul from the moment you arrive.
Inspired by the beauty of the Caribbean, this full-service hotel expresses its character through a sleek, modern outlook, with vivid patterns stirring an ethereal feeling of being both underwater and in space.
The 30 guestrooms feature balconies and rain showers and are designed to be a soft-landing spot for intrepid couples, and solo travellers seeking an adventurous, outside-the-box sanctuary.
Two different moods are set at the two on-site bars, which include the cocktail hotspot ‘Rooftop’, and the street level ‘La Tertulia’ which offers a charming space for community members to gather.
- To book, check prices or availability for El Blok
3. Villa Herencia Hotel – a hip, ultra-creative and Insta-worthy boutique hotel that features an exotic setting
Step back in time at this quaint historic Bed and Breakfast, where 8 guestrooms are individually appointed, but all share access to a sunny courtyard.
The tasteful common areas blend old-world décor with eclectic modern accents which include zebra-print chairs and bright oil paintings.
Each room features high vaulted ceilings, hand-picked local artwork, and ornate light fixtures, complementing the original early 1900’s furniture to set the tone for a charming boutique experience.
Villa Herencia is beautifully positioned in the middle of Old San Juan, and the city’s artisan cafés and vibrant restaurants can be reached within a short stroll through the historic streets.
- To book, check prices or availability for Villa Herencia Hotel
4. Numero Uno Beach House – a tropical paradise where guests can have the ultimate relaxation
Numero Uno Beach House invites visitors to enjoy the comforts of home in a laid-back paradise, and reveals the subtle sights and sounds of the ocean from stunning private balconies.
The guestrooms are embellished with quirky décor and nature-inspired trappings, and exude a state of serene comfort through cloud-like beds topped with soft linens.
You can kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast in the newly renovated bar and kitchen, before embarking on a bountiful array of epic island excursions.
The hotel offers water sport activities, and invites you to draw your day to a close in the backdrop of a golden sunset.
- To book, check prices or availability for Numero Uno Beach House
5. Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – a stunning and wow-inducing upscale beachside retreat perfect for couples
Previously a plantation, Dorado Beach is now one of Puerto Rico’s most exclusive luxury resorts, inspired by the legacy of its original developer, Laurance S. Rockefeller.
It is distinguished from other ultra-luxury resorts by its serene seclusion, as well as its deep respect for the environment, and is set on a serene stretch of shoreline.
The resort offers a comprehensive array of facilities which include two spectacular 18-hole golf courses, a beach club, and a stunning nature trail.
Combining picture-perfect private residences with a harmonious island-inspired style, Dorado Beach is the perfect basecamp to dive into the stunning landscapes Puerto Rico has to offer.
- To book, check prices or availability for Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
6. O:LV Fifty Five Hotel – Adults Only – an ultra-chic design hotel perfect for partying millennials and Gen Zs
This design-forward boutique hotel is brimming with city swagger, and is styled from the ground up by sophisticated hues and contemporary flair.
A stand-out feature at O:LV Fifty Five is the Champagne Floating Deck, which will drift you out into the calm waters of the Condado Lagoon as you embrace a once-in-a-lifetime picnic date.
This unique experience is the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax with a glass of bubbles and a charcuterie box as you soak up the serenity of the lagoon and the city views.
The hotel’s dazzling restaurant brings the spirit of Asia to the heart of Puerto Rico, and is ready to welcome you into a vibrant world of fresh fusion cuisine.
- To book, check prices or availability for O:LV Fifty Five Hotel – Adults Only
7. Blue Horizon Boutique Resort -an adults-only refined resort that overlooks the sea
Idyllically situated on a bluff overlooking the waters of the Caribbean Sea, Blue Horizon Boutique Resort occupies a Mediterranean-style building, whose stunning communal space opens onto a breathtaking view of the blue horizon.
The guestrooms and suites are designed for a tranquil getaway, boasting whisper quiet fans, exquisite furniture and artwork, classic terracotta floors, and a plush king-size bed.
A few steps from your secluded sanctuary takes you to the untouched Coconut Beach on the coveted Leeward side of Vieques Island. The on-site restaurant is a culinary heaven offering exquisite dining experiences in front of the ocean, and serves colourful and flavourful dishes infused with a tropical flair.
- To book, check prices or availability for Blue Horizon Boutique Resort
8. Royal Isabela – a sleek oceanfront resort that provides a peaceful setting where you can unplug and unwind
Blessed with a stunning Atlantic backdrop and surrounded by dramatic cliffs brimming with native flora and fauna, Royal Isabela’s 20 casitas are spread out over a whopping 426 acres, so you will feel like you have the land to yourself.
Each free-standing unit is bedecked in a Spanish style, and reached by beautiful low-lit pathways. The shiny mahogany wood floors and Persian rugs enhance a feeling of refined elegance, perpetuated through lavish floor-to-ceiling windows peering out over the property’s expansive grounds.
The resort’s restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, offering a heavenly blend of warm sophistication and an open-air tropical vibe.
- To book, check prices or availability for Royal Isabela
9. St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico – one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Puerto Rico
Built on a former sugar cane and coconut plantation, The St. Regis Bahia Beach has undergone a huge renovation, with a twinkling elegance pervading the entire oceanfront complex.
Here, pathways wind through the lush, manicured gardens opening onto an expansive, two-mile-long beach. The 139 dolphin-grey and sandy-white rooms evoke a sensory combination of history, elegance, and tropical splendour, and feature huge bathrooms with rain showers.
You can explore the colourful wildlife at this blissful haven, with Puerto Rican parrots and other exotic housed within the property. The on-site dining offerings include a casual poolside option, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant, and a graceful lobby bar.
The latter is fronted by a mesmerizing mural by a local artist which stands as a symbol of hope and optimism, having undergone an impeccable restoration after Hurricane Maria.
- To book, check prices or availability for St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
10. The Fox Hotel – a colorful, kitsch, and fun party hotel to stay in Puerto Rico with quirky-chic art
Embellished with vivid colours, The Fox Hotel is designed to invigorate your inner sense of adventure.
Welcoming you to a unique and rebellious experience characterized by quirky Pop Art and modern décor, the hotel offers graceful spaces where you can sit and mingle with artistic visionaries and other discerning travellers.
The rooms boast vibrant decorations brimming with eccentricity, and are topped with high-end amenities to guarantee a soothing night of respite.
The property is housed in the iconic centre of Ponce Historic District, and is surrounded by a diverse ecosystem of monuments, museums, cafes, art galleries, and many more.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Fox Hotel
11. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel – one of the chicest luxury hotels to stay in Puerto Rico perfect for a couple’s retreat
Fronted by a classy façade framed by magnificent Spanish Revival architecture and dramatic ocean views, the Condado Vanderbilt caters to the traveller seeking a lifestyle of five-star luxury and leisure.
The hotel is a historic landmark restored to its original grandeur by virtue of a meticulous renovation, and stands as a timeless reflection of elegance and style.
Since opening its doors in 1919, it has been the destination of choice for generations of celebrities and political figures, creating a rarefied atmosphere of refinement and sophistication.
One thing hasn’t changed through the years, that is the Condado Vanderbilt’s steadfast devotedness to providing guests with incomparable service, exquisite culinary experiences, and trendsetting amenities.
- To book, check prices or availability for Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
12. Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham – Rio Mar – a fun and lively oasis getaway where guests can enjoy a peaceful private beach and a casino
Nestled between lush rainforest and a mile of secluded Atlantic beachfront is this Puerto Rican paradise, offering spacious studio and one-bedroom resort suites equipped with a full kitchen, separate living area, and flat-screen TVs.
This eclectic resort lies just across from the magnificent El Yunque Rainforest, and guests can enjoy epic hikes to the peak, as well as unforgettable swims beneath the falls. Landscaped in harmony with the island, the hotel offers a comprehensive array of excursions like snorkelling and zip lining, guiding you to discover the wonders of the beautiful bioluminescent bays.
This tropical oasis is replete with luxurious pools dotted by cabanas, a swim-up bar, swaying hammocks, and a cosy fire pit, presenting many spaces to kick back and soak up the island ambiance.
- To book, check prices or availability for Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham – Rio Mar
13. Puertas – a gorgeous and authentically designed intimate new guest house with striking decor
Lying majestically above the emerald Caribbean Sea in the lively village of Esperanza is this quaint, refined resort. The classy, hip spirit of the property reflects its charming surroundings, embodied through exquisite Caribbean artwork, Puerto Rican antique furniture, and lush natural elements.
Its timeless design enhances an atmosphere of friendly and fun, and one of the standout features is the stunning roof terrace where you can sit and watch the sunset over the shimmering sea.
Communal spaces are aplenty, and are all adorned with swinging hammocks in an open-air ambiance inviting you to surrender to the rhythms of coastal life.
The guestrooms reflect the tropics through natural hues and quirky artwork, and promote a blissful night through plush linens and state-of-the-art amenities.
- To book, check prices or availability for Puertas Puerto Rico
14. Fortaleza Suites Old San Juan – a rustic-chic aparthotel set in the heart of Old San Juan
Offering a flawless mix of value, comfort, and convenience, Fortaleza Suites boasts a charming setting, and is the small hotel of choice for many returning visitors to San Juan.
The hotel blends a colonial-style architecture with an array of amenities designed to add a traditional, elegant flair to your island vacation. Teeming with quirky paintings and bespoke, artistic embellishments, the property invites you to soak up the lure of Old San Juan, and features a handful of charming hangout spaces designed with comfort in mind.
Fortaleza Suites is an ideal choice for the budget-conscious traveller, owing in part to its supreme location in the heart of Old San Juan, a few steps from some of the trendiest restaurants and shops in the area.
- To book, check prices or availability for Fortaleza Suites Old San Juan
15. 4 Casitas – a modern and trendy B&B that provides a year-round outdoor pool
Situated on a farm with a mission to develop an urban-like, self-sustaining community, these casitas were designed to provide a unique environment in which to experience the beauty and bounty of Southwestern Puerto Rico.
Through high-ceilings, concrete walls, and careful window placements, the units welcome in a lush tropical breeze. These eco-friendly homes boast stylish living rooms, a gourmet kitchen, expansive bedrooms, and private patios with garden views, setting the stage for an epic island retreat
. Guests can indulge in a delectable home-cooked breakfast each morning, before soaking up the Puerto Rican charm by meandering through the property’s manicured grounds.
- To book, check prices or availability for 4 Casitas
16. The Tapia Haus 103 – a stylish creative boutique hotel that offers modern amenities
This urban boutique hotel boasts traditional hues reminiscent of a bygone era, and is nestled within the bustling and booming neighborhood of Calle Loíza, San Juan.
Situated only 5 blocks from the beach, this downtown gem invites you to experience a quaint local charm in a relaxed environment, with adventure on your doorstep.
Established in 2019, the 10 guestrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, as well as Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services available on the flat-screen TV’s.
You can kickstart your morning with a complimentary continental breakfast, and draw it to a close with sangria and cheese in the hotel’s vibrant courtyard.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Tapia Haus 103
17. Numero Uno Beach Apartments – a cool and unique beachside guesthouse where pets are also allowed
These trendsetting apartments invite you to relish home comforts in paradise, and are steeped in a laid-back ambiance.
You can enjoy the subtle sounds of the ocean from the comfort of your own room while the oversized windows frame the golden beach, setting the atmosphere for a blissful night’s sleep.
This contemporary lodging haven has been thoughtfully remodelled to cater to the adventurous traveller in need of a peaceful sanctuary to relax in after a day of canoeing, diving or hiking.
Numero Uno is located directly on Ocean Park Beach, a mere 15 minute venture from all major places of interest within the city of San Juan.
- To book, check prices or availability for Numero Uno Beach Apartments
18. EL Colonial Adults Only – a contemporary and trendy hotel close to popular points of interest
Merging the majesty of colonial architecture with the freshness of modern décor, El Colonial is an enthralling Adults-Only retreat located in the heart of Old San Juan.
The 33-bedroom boutique is housed in a 150+ year old, newly refurbished building, and is befitted with elegant touches to create a unique and wonderful experience.
A fun ambiance permeates the property, embodied by eccentric patterns and charming touches. A traditional staircase leads to the guestrooms which evoke an air of functionality through a minimalistic design. Playa Ocho can be reached within a 2.5km stroll, and several-well known attractions also lie around the periphery of the hotel.
- To book, check prices or availability for EL Colonial Adults Only
19. Hyatt Residence Club Dorado, Hacienda Del Mar – an upmarket resort that features a private beach surrounded by palm trees
Surrounded by warm tropical breezes and Caribbean elegance, this oceanfront gem invites you to soak up the beauty and charm of Puerto Rico along the famed Dorado Beach.
Exuding a sense of seclusion and intimacy, the 82 residential-style retreats offer the thoughtful touches of signature Hyatt care, which include tech-forward amenities and well-appointed home comforts.
The stunning pool area is girdled by cosy sun loungers, and separated from the pristine beach by a thin stretch of soaring palms.
An on-site dining extravaganza is offered to treat the palate to international cuisine, while the surrounding area further boasts a wide array of refined eateries. The neighbourhood is also a haven for golfers, with four legendary championship courses.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hyatt Residence Club Dorado, Hacienda Del Mar
20. AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado – a modern and chic design hotel that provides great facilities
Standing tall above the San Juan cityscape, AC Hotel embodies the sophisticated splendour of the Marriott brand through a host of contemporary eateries, a rooftop pool, and opulent guestrooms replete with sleek furnishings.
Before savouring a blissful night’s sleep in one of the super-comfy beds, you can sit on your private balcony and soak up San Juan’s colourful architecture as the sun sets over the city, or indulge in a fine dining experience in one of the lavish on-site restaurants.
The hotel is idyllically positioned so you can stroll the sandy shores of Condado Beach or visit one of the historical museums within minutes.
- To book, check prices or availability for AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado
Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
I’ve been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, express.co.uk, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and metro.co.uk. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
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