Accommodations in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has plenty of different styles of accommodations for everyone, from glitzy mega-resorts to cabins in the woods, and just about anything in-between. If variety is what you're looking for, head to Puerto Rico.

While you may be looking for variety, others may just be searching for something specific which is just right for them. Travelers with a good idea of what they want already may find that our Best Hotels pages offer just the information they seek. Star Ratings represent yet another option for those who want to narrow down their search. On the other hand, vacationers eager to learn about the whole range of Puerto Rican hotels may want to flip through the Alphabetical List of hotels and read through the details of those that seem most interesting.

Location

Location plays a main role in the decision making process for many vacationers.  Be aware that many on-line travel web sites will list a hotel as being located in a large city, when in fact it is located in a smaller town a short distance away.  If this is a concern for you, contact the hotel personally to find out where they are located.

San Juan

San Juan is the most populous location in Puerto Rico.  You can find everything you need here, from historic buildings to the business sector, plenty of shopping, fine dining, and of course, all the accommodations options you can dream of. The most interesting location for a hotel in San Juan is on the top floor of the hospital: Howard Johnson Centro Medico.

Ponce

On the opposite side of the island is another city, though smaller than San Juan, and that is Ponce.  Most of the hotels in this area are located away from the area's beaches, so guests who dream of views of the ocean may choose another location.

Throughout the rest of Puerto Rico, you will find many more areas that are less congested, making  for peaceful accommodations, and great home bases to return to after exploring the island.

Types of Accommodations

Hotels

Lodgings in Puerto Rico run the gamut from all-inclusive resorts with several hundreds of rooms, multiple restaurants, a variety of pools, and many activities for for vacationers to participate in.  Outside of all-inclusive resorts, there are regular hotels that allow guests a bit more independence. 

Additionally, Puerto Rico has a collection of hotels known as Paradores.  These locations are government approved, and certified by the Board of Tourism, letting vacationers known they they meet a certain criteria.  These Paradores are privately owned, and often located in special locations, like historic homes and plantations.  Villa del Mar and Hacienda Juanita are just two on the long list of Paradores. 

Condo & Villa Rentals

Rental properties are available in Puerto Rico. These locations are great for large groups, people planning special events, or staying on the island for an extended period of time.  These locations are most often self-catering, but some places offer daily maid services.  Casa Vista del Mar is one such property. 

Camping & Eco-Tourism

Puerto Rico is home to the Caribbean National Forest, a location at which vacationers are welcome to spend their days camping.  There are also numerous forest reserves and private campgrounds available.  Learn more about the topic when you visit our guide to Camping and Eco-Tourism in Puerto Rico. 

Personal Considerations

Planning your accommodations in Puerto Rico means taking a lot of different factors into consideration, especially if you are planning the trip for a large group.

Party Size

If you are traveling with a small party, it will be easy to find a hotel to accommodate you.  However, larger groups will take a little more effort.  One option is to reserve several cheap hotel rooms (hopefully near each other on the hotel's property), and split everyone up.  Another choice is to find a hotel that specializes in suites, or renting a villa or other rental property. 

Another factor to consider if the type of group you are traveling with.  Families should stick to hotels that are known for being kid-friendly like Hyatt Hacienda del Mar, while adults looking for a carefree getaway might want to choose a location that is adults-only.  Couples who crave romance will find that the intimacy of a small inn like Ceiba Country Inn suits them best.

Interests

Throughout Puerto Rico, there are a number of hotels that specialize in bringing guests closer to their interests.  Golf, casino gambling, watersports, and more are all available in package deals.  If you know you want to spend your days diving, be on the lookout for a hotel that includes the cost of a dive in the room. 

Length of Stay

The longer your stay in Puerto Rico, the greater your chances are of experiencing some home sickness.  This can be put off by selecting lodgings that make you feel as though you never left.  A rental condo will offer you private rooms, separate living space, and a kitchen – and will often be cheaper than an extended stay at a hotel.

Quality

Vacationers can satisfy any budget with lodging that suits their needs. Affordable accommodations are easy to come by, with prices for a basic room with air conditioning dipping as low as $50(USD) per night. For something with more amenities, prices will hover closer to $200(USD) per night. Top-notch hotels may run as high as $450(USD).

The high and low seasons also affect the cost of accommodations.  During the high season of mid-April through mid-December, prices are higher no matter where you look. At smaller inns and hotels, expect to pay approximately $20(USD) to $30(USD) more per night.  Luxury hotels raise their costs by $50(USD) to $100(USD) per night. Prices drop during the off-season in Puerto Rico, as they do around the Caribbean.

A better way to look for accommodations is by reviewing their Star Rating.  Each hotel's Star Rating is given based upon a number of factors that have nothing to do with the price, but instead the quality of service, amenities, décor, and more.  Because price is not considered, you may be able to find a number of hotels of varying quality that fit your budget. 

One and Two Stars

The 1 Star hotels in Puerto Rico are small; often owned and operated by one person or a family.  The rooms are sparse, with few amenities, but will work well for vacationers who just want a place to crash at night. Puerto Rico's 1 Star properties include San Juan Beach Resort, Hotel Milano, and Coqui Inn, and range in price from $50  to $200(USD).

The 2 Star properties are not too different, but do have some distinguishing features.  Perhaps they are a part of a small local chain, and they may be slightly larger.  These hotels might have room service, a bar, or a restaurant on property.  Puerto Rico's 2 Star properties include Hotel Casa Culebra, Vigias Guest House, and Luquillo Sunrise Beach Inn, and range in price from $75  to $400(USD).

Three Stars

Most 3 Star properties are mid-sized, relaively affordable, and just plain nice.  The amenities are what one might expect from a typical hotel, the rooms are well-appointed, and the staff is always helpful.  Puerto Rico's 3 Star properties are Hotel Casablanca, Villas at Palmas del Mar, and Water Club, and range in price from $100  to $600(USD).

Four Stars

Puerto Rico's 4 Star accommodations are very nice indeed.  At this rating, the amenities verge on luxurious, and the décor is carefully chosen.  You can always expect a great experience when you select a 4 Star hotel.  Puerto Rico's 4 Star properties include El San Juan Hotel & Casino, W Retreat & Spa, and Hotel El Convento, and range in price from$150 to $700 (USD).

Five Stars

Because hotel prices in Puerto Rico tend to be on the low end, many vacationers treat themselves with a stay at a 5 Star resort.  These rooms are impeccably kept, and beautifully decorated, with comfortable bedding, and many amenities. Extras include unparalleled views, jacuzzi tubs, and flat screen televisions.  Puerto Rico's 5 Star properties include El Conquistador Resort, Las Casitas Village & Golden Door Spa, and Ritz-Carlton San Juan Hotel, Spa, & Casino, and range in price from $175  to $1000(USD).

Hotel Search

We also have a unique feature called the advanced hotel search tool.  You can select some of your required amenities, and the program will generate a list of hotels with room availability that fit your requirements.