Where to Stay in Puerto Rico → 6 BEST Areas & Hotels in 2024

Hola traveler, welcome to your ultimate guide on where to stay in Puerto Rico! I’ve done some extensive research about this Caribbean gem to make all your trip planning easy peasy!

You’re in for a treat as I share the 6 areas worth laying your head. Plus detailed info about neighborhoods and the cream of the crop hotels for all budgets (that I personally hand-picked)! 

After reading my guide, you’ll have a clear idea of which part of the island checks all your boxes, and you’ll be ready to book your dream place in seconds!

Old San Juan is the best place to stay for first-timers (for at least 2 days), and then you can make your way further West, East, or South depending on your liking.

Before we start, please book your hotels and tours far in advance. The good options sell out in the blink of an eye!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Check out the best accommodation in Old San Juan, the best place to stay for first-timers:

Here is a handy map of all the great areas I will be talking about in this post:

1. Metro (San Juan) – where to stay in Puerto Rico for the first time

Welcome to the heart and soul of Puerto Rico, its vibrant capital! The metropolitan area around San Juan, together with San Juan proper, is called Metro. This is where most Boricuas (it’s how Puerto Ricans call themselves!) live. 

Metro is the commercial, economic, and cultural capital of the island, and it’s filled with attractions of all sorts: from the charismatic Old San Juan and its captivating fortresses to the wildest nightlife and the best bars and restaurants, everything a tourist would want, they’ll find here.

Chill in a beach bar of your choice sipping on Medalla Light (Puerto Rican signature beer) and try the best street food at chinchorros, local food stalls serving fresh delicacies. Then, go rum tasting at the iconic Casa BACARDI (map), and dance the night away salsa-style in all the dance clubs! That’s your Puerto Rican living in a nutshell!

PRO TIP: Ask any Boricua here what their favorite childhood memory is, and they’ll tell you going for lunch in Piñones, a local neighborhood known for chinchorros (like this one and this one) all aligned by the beach! Go for a ride on a weekend (it’s less than 20 minutes away from San Juan) for the ultimate cultural immersion.

NOTE: Please rent a car for exploring beyond the Metro area. Uber adds up quickly (plus it’s hardly available outside of San Juan), and public transportation sucks! Most hotels either come with free parking or charge up to US$15 per day for private parking. 

Now, San Juan has the largest variety of accommodations for all budgets, from luxury resorts to villas to hotels and hostels and private casitas (Puerto Rican homes). Below, I carefully selected the top-rated options that I’d personally stay in. We also have a separate guide where we discuss the best areas to stay in San Juan, check it out here for more inspo!

1.1. Old San Juan – for history buffs

With over 5 centuries of history, lovely cobblestone alleys, Spanish colonial architecture, and amazing castillos (forts), Old San Juan is the place to be for history buffs!

NOTE: Old San Juan is NOT THE SAME as San Juan! Old San Juan is the Old Town of San Juan.

I love how Puerto Ricans took 500-year-old colonial buildings and restored them into hotels, restaurants, and venues! Just being inside them makes you feel a part of all this history.

The two main forts in the old town, Castillo San Felipe del Morro (map, known as El Morro) and Castillo de San Cristóbal (map), are so fabulous, you have to check them from both inside and out! Can you believe that San Cristóbal is actually the largest fort the Spanish have ever built in the New World?

And when you’re done with all the history for the day, hang out with locals and fellow tourists on Calle San Sebastián (map), the favorite get-together spot in town!

SAFETY: Stay in well-lit and crowded areas when walking around Old San Juan at night just to be on the safe side.

TIP: Traveling as a solo female? Juliette is a female-only hostel in the heart of Old San Juan! Want to splurge in an adult-only hotel? Check out El Colonial!

Now let’s check out some of the most popular accommodations in Old San Juan for most traveler categories:

Other accommodation options in Old San Juan

1.2. Condado – best place to stay in San Juan for luxury

Condado is your ultimate luxury beachfront destination in the San Juan Metro area! It’s literally just a short walk from Old San Juan, you don’t even need a car to go from one place to another.

Plus, it has that perfect mix of city and beach life! When you’re not out in the sun enjoying the small golden sandy beach, go bar hopping or treat yourself to one of the many fine-dining restaurants!

TIP: For the best beach experience, go a bit further to Punta Piedrita (map), this is a much longer beach stretch where you’ll have more privacy!

Oh, a special note for solo travelers or those looking to make new friends, don’t skip La Placita (map), the ultimate hang-out bar for the occasion!

Also, some of the fanciest resorts in entire Puerto Rico are located in Condado (yes, Vanderbilt, I’m talking about you)!

Other accommodation options in Condado

1.3. Isla Verde – for the best beaches & near the airport

Isla Verde is located in the Carolina municipality of the Metro area, less than 7 km (4.4 mi) East of Old San Juan. This cozy seaside retreat is best known for some of the nicest beaches in this part of Puerto Rico. 

One of the best perks of staying at Isla Verde is that you’ll be just next to the airport. You can just crash in your hotel after that long flight and then, on the next day, hang out on those stunning beaches! Sounds like something I’d definitely look into.

The water in Isla Verde is ideal for jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and tons of other water sports activities. And if you’re traveling with families, you’ll love Hobie Beach (map)!

With all the amazing nightlife, luxury hotels, and cool restaurants, Isla Verde makes for a perfect vacation destination just a short drive from the historic Old San Juan.

Other accommodation options in Isla Verde

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For an affordable luxury experience, consider Embassy Suites by Hilton, it’s amazing!

Things to do in Metro (San Juan)

• Climb Castillo San Cristobal and San Felipe, two iconic forts
• Eat like a local in the local chinchorros or take a foodie tour
• Tour Casa BACARDI, the world’s largest rum distillery situated in Catano 
• Have dinner in the skies of San Juan
• Take a beginner snorkeling tour
• Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV ride through the lush landscapes
• Surprise your partner with a helicopter tour of San Juan

2. East Puerto Rico – where to stay for nature and adventure

As you head East from San Juan, in about 40 minutes, you’ll reach the Rio Grande area, home to half of the island’s 5-star resorts. If you’re short on time and you want to stay close to the airport but still experience Puerto Rico’s jaw-dropping landscapes, you can spend a day or 2 here!

Drive further East, and you’ll reach Luquillo, the hiker’s paradise with the only tropical forest in the US National System (yes, that’s El Yunque!), and Fajardo, the only place on the main island for bioluminescent water sightings.

Ideally, plan at least 2 to 3 full days here, depending on how much you want to do or see!

Most of the accommodation here is scattered along the coast, and there’s plenty to choose from! I picked the crème de la crème luxury options for each destination but also included top-rated places for mid-range and budget travelers under each of the area descriptions.

2.1. Luquillo – for El Yunque

One of the nicest areas in East Puerto Rico, Luquillo is home to El Yunque (map), the only tropical forest in the national US forest system! The now signature spot of Puerto Rico covers 29,000 acres (it’s among the smallest in size), but it’s super diverse!

NOTE: Entrance to El Yunque works on a first-come, first-served basis, and they allow up to 200 cars in the parking. If you visit independently, make sure to arrive early enough! And don’t forget your sunblock, water, snacks, and good hiking shoes!

Because of all its amazing landscapes, locals and tourists call this area the hiker’s paradise. You’ll find tons of trails suited for all levels, but you can also tour the forest on a horse, capture and swim in the bottom of some cool waterfalls (check out La Mina, map), and much more.

PRO TIP: Drive to the Seven Seas Beach (map), then go for a 25-minute walk through the mangrove forest until you reach the gem of the area, Playa Escondida (map, meaning “hidden” for a reason!). Just make sure to bring some trail shoes, as the flip-flops won’t do it!

SUNRISE SPOT: Luquillo Beach is THE BEST sunrise spot in the whole country! Absolutely magical!

Other accommodation options in Luquillo

2.2. Fajardo – for bioluminescent kayaking

Fajardo is a small town on the Northeastern edge of Puerto Rico, and it’s a great place to visit for many reasons. 

It’s the only mainland town in Puerto Rico where you can see a bioluminescent lagoon. It’s called Laguna Grande (map, and it’s less than an hour and a half drive from San Juan. For those of you who lack time for island hopping where the main bioluminescent bays are, Fajardo will do the trick!

TIP: Most tours to the lagoon take place at night, so that’s yet another reason to book an overnight stay in Fajardo.

Fajardo is also closest to the wonderful Cayo Icacos Nature Reserve (map). You can catch a charter boat to it and explore Puerto Rico’s postcard-perfect sand-covered islet! By the way, the Fajardo area hosts dozens of marinas, and it’s one of the hotspots for parasailing and catamaran chartering!

Other accommodation options in Fajardo

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Other places to stay

• Palmas Del Mar – beach resort community in the Humacao municipality with private rentals, golf courses, and a beach club, but mediocre beach quality

Things to do in East Puerto Rico

• Explore El Yunque on a guided tour with waterfalls and waterslides
• Join a full-day catamaran tour from Fajardo to Culebra island
• Go hiking from Seven Seas Beach to Playa Escondida
• Tour the bioluminescent Laguna Grande on this night kayaking tour
• Take on some of the best hiking trails in Fajardo
• Go ATV or horseback riding at Hacienda Carabalí

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3. Vieques and Culebra – where to stay in Puerto Rico for the beaches

Planning a longer stay in Puerto Rico? Then you should totally add the Vieques and Culebra islands to your bucket list! These two islands (the safest places to stay in Puerto Rico) are located just off the East Coast and are known to have the most stunning beaches in the country!

Tourists flock to Vieques for its Mosquito Bay (map), crowned the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world (it even made the Guinness World Records for it). In Culebra, the main draw is the jaw-dropping Flamenco Beach (map)!

TIP: Go kayaking in the bioluminescent bays on moonless nights for the BEST experience!

But how do you get to these islands in the first place? 

Well, the best option for a lazy traveler is tours. Most tours depart from Fajardo (but also other places in East Puerto Rico), but some are also available from San Juan.

You can also visit independently. The fastest option from San Juan is the 25-minute flight to Vieques and the 30-minute flight to Culebra. They have multiple daily flights that cost up to US$90 and depart from Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport. 

NOTE: The airport that takes you to the islands is different from the international one where most flights from the US arrive, so plan accordingly!

Another option is a ferry from the Ceiba Terminal (map), with the ride to Vieques taking around 45 minutes. PLEASE book your ferry tickets in advance to avoid all the stress and nuisances at the terminal. It’s not the best terminal when it comes to logistics. For schedules and ticket purchases, see the official Puerto Rico Ferry website.

TIP: For a beach vacation, Culebra’s beaches face North, while Vieques ones face South. If you can’t afford (time and money wise) to visit both islands, pick whichever has better weather conditions at the time of your visit!

3.1. Vieques – for beach hopping & bio bays

Vieques is the more commercial island of the two and the easiest to get to, lying just 7 mi (11 km) East of Puerto Rico’s main coast. 

Of course, the bio bay here is a must, but you can also go beach hopping and try many other activities! Think casual horseback riding along the beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, and also exploring fabulous natural refuges (map).

For a low-key, secluded beach vacation, try La Chiva (map) and Caracas (map), but just bring your own umbrellas if you plan to stay for longer, as there is no shade here!

TIP: Rent a car for ultimate convenience. Maritza’s, the leading car rental place on the island, will pick you up from the ferry and take you to the car, easy peasy. Golf carts are also popular, but some beaches aren’t as easily accessible, and you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the road wasting precious time. 

Other accommodation options in Vieques

3.2. Culebra – some more eco-beach hopping

Culebra is a small, laid-back island 17 mi (27 km) East of mainland Puerto Rico, and it’s a go-to place for travelers looking for relaxing eco-tourism experiences. It’s one of the few places where you can enjoy the raw, unspoiled (with commercial hotels and amenities) Caribbean scenery!

The most popular beach here is Flamenco (map) with its soft sand, an absolute must in Culebra! I mean, where else can you snorkel and be in awe of all the fish in knee-deep water? So cool for beginners who are afraid to go deep to explore the underwater world!

Oh, and don’t forget Playa Tamarindo (map), where you can swim with the sea turtles!

TIP: Rent an ATV or a jeep (here’s a good place, map) to get to these beaches as the golf carts can have a hard time on the island’s off-roads. 

Culebra also has tons of off-shore islets reachable by water taxi, especially Culebrita (map), with its natural pools.

You’ll also be happy to learn that Culebra is probably the safest place in Puerto Rico!

The island doesn’t feature any luxury accommodations yet, and really most of the places here are private rentals. Just in case the ones I recommend below are booked out for your dates, also check out Ulala Culebra and Coqui Beach Home.

Other accommodation options in

Things to do in Vieques and Culebra

• Take a tour of the Bioluminescent Bay in the evening
• Rent an ATV and visit Vieques and Culebra beaches
• Join a fun beach and snorkeling tour in Culebra
• Take a water taxi from Culebra to Culebrita offshore island
• Go kayaking in Mosquito Bay, the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay
• Swim with the turtles at Playa Tamarindo

4. West Puerto Rico – best place to stay in Puerto Rico for surfers

West Puerto Rico encompasses some of the most popular seaside resorts for surfer lovers (Rincon, Aguadilla), as well as some of the most unique natural landscapes (Cabo Rojo).

The ride to Rincon, the main city in the area, takes 2 and a half hours from San Juan. The road is pretty similar to your typical American Highway all the way to Arecibo (map), and then it changes to regional roads that are still in good condition. 

Overall, the area has a very laid-back vibe, pretty different from the Metro San Juan. Apart from typical seaside activities, you can also go hiking, especially around the Guanica State Forest (map), and explore some nice historic towns.

One of my favorite things about Western Puerto Rico is that you can catch some amazing sunsets from here, notably from Rincon’s Steps Beach (map)!

FUN FACT: La Parguera is home to the only bioluminescent bay that’s actually swimmable! Here’s the best place to book tours (map).

Accommodation in West Puerto Rico varies from luxury resorts and villas to cozy inns and even really cool glamping spots! I mean, check out Pitahaya Glamping and this Tree House, so unique! But more on accommodation a bit later.

4.1. Rincon – pro surfer’s paradise

Rincon is the place to be for water adventures! The waves here get up to 15 feet (5 meters), making the area super attractive for pro surfers! It’s no wonder the locals call it “Pueblo dal surfing” or the surfing town! Some even compare it with sunny California’s Malibu!

NOTE: Due to the high waves, only go surfing in Rincon if you’re experienced. For beginner surfers, nearby Aguadilla has better conditions.

Maria’s Beach (map) and Domes (map) are the best beaches in Rincon for surfers. Just be careful of sharp rocks near the shore! The beaches here are not really swimmable due to high waves, so if you’re looking for that, go further South towards Cabo Rojo!

Apart from surfing, tons of cafés, souvenir shops, restaurants, and art galleries await in Rincon. Plus, if you’re visiting from mid-January to March, you can even spot some humpback whales!

This area is home to many expats so expect lots of people to speak English. Also, you’ll find plenty of private rentals here and some nice mid-range resorts.

Last but not least, Rincon is the most strategic place to base yourself to explore West Puerto Rico because it’s a short ride from all other notable places here (Aguadilla, Cabo Rojo, Isabela, etc).

Other accommodation options in Rincon

4.2. Aguadilla – beginner surfer’s paradise + sightseeing

Agudilla is definitely the most interesting city on the West Coast for sightseeing, and it’s just a 20-minute ride North of Rincon.

The town has one of the nicest beaches for beginner scuba divers and snorkelers, Crash Boat Beach (map), but it’s also appealing to surfers. Its most popular beach is even called Surfer’s Beach (map)!

NOTE: The surfing difficulty levels here mainly depend on the day’s swells.

On Pena Blanca Beach (map), my personal favorite, you can snorkel and swim with sea turtles and see squids, tarpons, eels, and many more living creatures!

For those of you who have always dreamt of treehouses but never got to climb one, the impressive Casa del Arbol (map) awaits in Aguadilla!

Also, nice golf clubs, surfing schools, lighthouse sightings, and museums in Aguadilla will keep you busy for at least 2 full days!

TIP: If you don’t drive, you can catch a quick flight from San Juan to Aguadilla airport!

Other accommodation in Aguadilla

4.3. Cabo Rojo – for unique landscapes and pink salt flats

Cabo Rojo is one of those places that just leave you in awe of all the natural beauty, and you should definitely explore it if you make it to the West Coast. 

The drive from Rincon to Cabo Rojo takes less than an hour, and the area’s attractions spread all the way from the middle to the very Southern tip of the island. It’s the ideal spot for nature lovers after you’ve already seen all of East Puerto Rico’s forests and landscapes!

The Los Morrillos lighthouse (map) perched on top of white lime cliffs, pink salt flats (map) that are actually pink, and the lovely El Combate Beach (map) with quenepa trees are only some of the area’s highlights.

Cabo Rojo translates to Red Cape, and the name is due to the pinkish color of water here, especially around the Cabo Rojo salt flats.

Unfortunately, Cabo Rojo lacks luxury resorts, but you’ll find plenty of private accommodations with outdoor pools and free parking!

Other accommodation options in Cabo Rojo

Other places to stay in West Puerto Rico

• Isabela (map) – a quiet town with an incredible shoreline, nicely designed downtown, and horseback riding on the beach; also suitable for surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and lake activities
• Guanica (map) – the place to be for a little quiet, especially around La Jungla Beach (map); a historical town with amazing seafood and small mangrove islands

Things to do in West Puerto Rico

• Go surfing at the beaches of Rincon (for pros) and Aguadilla (for beginners)
• Hike in the Guanica State Forest (map)
• Swim in the bioluminescent bay of La Parguera by yourself or on a tour
• Get unique souvenirs during the Art Walk every Thursday in Rincon Square (map)
• Visit the pink salt flats of Cabo Rojo
• Go whale watching in Rincon from mid-January to March
• Explore West Puerto Rico from San Juan on a day tour

5. South Puerto Rico (Ponce) – where to stay in Puerto Rico to explore local culture

South Puerto Rico is a great place to experience the local culture and history in a more serene and peaceful setting compared to San Juan. The area is home to Puerto Rico’s second-largest city, Ponce, where the essence of the island is clearly reflected. 

From the beautiful colonial architecture, historical museums, and local eateries to beautiful vistas and unique attractions, Ponce checks every traveler’s boxes.

Start your visit from the central square, Plaza Las Delicias (map), crowned by the beautiful blue-washed cathedral, then stroll further through Plaza Luis Munos Rivera until Plaza Juan Ponce de León (map), and you’ll have seen the heart and soul of the city.

The highlight here is the Parque de Bombas (map), an old fire station that was turned into a museum in the 90s! See interesting artifacts and then treat yourself to delicious ice cream just across the museum!

Ponce also has some nice beaches, like the Pelican Beach on the Caja de Muertos islet (map), just a short boat ride from the coast. 

NOTE: Ponce has its own airport, so you can fly here from San Juan in case you don’t drive. If you do rent a car, the drive takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes.

In terms of accommodation, you’ll find quite a few resorts and hotels with casinos, and then some really nice 3-star hotels.

SAFETY: While Ponce is generally safe to walk around and explore during the day, some of its areas can get sketchy at night. Avoid being out late and stick to well-lit, crowded places.

Other accommodation options in Ponce

Things to do in South Puerto Rico (Ponce)

• Walk around the central plazas of Ponce
• Visit Parque de Bombas
• Take a short boat ride to Caja de Muertos islet
• Explore local art in Museo de Arte de Ponce

6. North Puerto Rico – where to stay in Puerto Rico for luxury and dramatic nature

Just a short ride from San Juan, the towns of North Puerto Rico await with many surprises. 

Think the largest underground cave system in the world in Rio Camuy Park, dramatic limestone cliffs, natural pools, and much more. 

And then, from the best shopping outlet in Barceloneta, to the country’s third oldest city of Aricebo, to the lavish golf courts of the golden Dorado, the North Puerto Rico area keeps getting better and better.

Even if you’re short on time, I recommend you squeeze a tour to the Rio Camuy Park (map) because I guarantee you’ll be talking about those amazing rock formations for weeks! There are tons of guided tours with trolley transfer, so you don’t even have to worry about all the walking.

This is a great area for families due to the vicinity of the capital and easy access to kid-friendly parks, tours, and beaches. It’s also a luxury traveler’s heaven since it’s home to one of the island’s most upscale resorts (more on that below).

FOODIE TIP: Don’t miss out on the iconic Puerto Rican restaurants called mesones gastronomicos! They’re traditional eateries that are guaranteed to have the best food! El Ladrillo (map) is the best one in Dorado, serving delicious seafood and meats!

All cities in the North are easy to get to and near each other, so you won’t get tired if you combine a trip to multiple towns in one day.

Other accommodation options in North Puerto Rico

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NOTE: Royal Isabela is another 5-star resort I just couldn’t resist not including! Maybe you’ll like it better or can use it as an alternative if Dorado Beach is fully booked for your dates.

Things to do in North Puerto Rico 

• Take a tour of the Rio Camuy Park 
• Go food tasting in El Ladrillo, one of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico
• Explore the outlet shops in Barceloneta (map)
• Enjoy the golden beaches and golf courts of Dorado (map)

👑 Luxury price:	US$350
Mid-range hotel:	US$180
🛏️ Budget:	US$120
📍 Best Area:	Old San Juan
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Hotel El Convento
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Casa Blanca Hotel
👛 Best budget hotel:	Fortaleza Guest House

BONUS: Where to stay in the Central Mountains

Want to experience another side of Puerto Rico other than its gorgeous beaches and coastal vistas? Say no more!

The Central Mountains region will reward you with the best mountain and agriculture experiences this small Caribbean country has to offer. From incredible mountain landscapes to coffee plantations at haciendas to Creole cuisine, this area could be just as exciting to explore. 

Best of all, it’s just a short ride from San Juan Airport (up to 1 and a half hours).

NOTE: Definitely rent a car when visiting the central mountains, and be careful on the road. There are tons of blind curves and very few shoulders.

For the most scenic landscapes, best coffee farms, river activities, and archaeological sites, go to Utuado. For nature, caves, waterfalls, and hiking, Ciales will deliver. And for zipline adventures in the very (geographical) heart of Puerto Rico, Orocovis awaits.

Now as for accommodation, definitely don’t expect anything super luxurious. The offer is mostly mountain retreats and haciendas that are in pretty good condition but still not as close to seaside resorts in terms of luxury.

TIP: VRBO is your best friend for finding places to stay here!

• Lake House ($$$) – Traveling with the whole crowd? Why not get yourself a home by the lake with a hot tub and tons of kayaking possibilities? It’s going to be a memorable stay!
• Casa Grande Mountain Retreat ($$) – An adult-only retreat in Utuado with cozy rooms and hammocks on the balconies, ideal for a romantic adventure weekend in the mountains.
• La Posada Mountain Retreat ($$) – Your home away from home in Puerto Rico’s mountains with a nice outdoor pool and sunset views just a short ride from Utuado’s city center.

FAQs about the best places to stay in Puerto Rico

Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Puerto Rico

Woohoo! That was a looong read, but we’re done exploring Puerto Rico for today, promise! If you’ve made it this far, then I certainly hope the info you found above helped you decide where to stay. 

Ideally, if you’re staying for 7 days or less, base yourself in one area that best matches your interest (but plan at least 2 days for San Juan). For the lucky ones planning a longer stay, feel free to hop from West to East all you want!

If you haven’t made up your mind yet, I’ll gladly share my 2 absolute favorite spots in Puerto Rico to give you that final push:

• Condado Vanderbilt Hotel – you’re saying there’s a 5-star hotel just minutes from the airport and the best beaches? I’ll take it!
• Rincon of the Seas – because nothing beats spectacular pools with swim-up bars and waking up to the sounds of the waves 

Remember to book ahead since the best resorts in Puerto Rico are in high demand!

If you have any questions about your upcoming trip, drop them in the comments below! I’d love to help!

Adios,

Darija

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