Puerto Rico is known as an island of charm, and rightly so. The island is included in the list of the most accessible Caribbean islands.
        The ways to explore Puerto Rico are nearly limitless, so check out our Puerto Rico travel guide for some inspiration. Walk through the historic landmarks of Old San Juan and taste (literally) the spirit of Puerto Rico at one of the many rum distilleries.
       Wish list items in Puerto Rico include kayaking in a bioluminescent bay (home to three of the world’s five) and hiking in the US Forest Service’s only rainforest, the El Yunque National Forest.
       Puerto Rico is also a US territory and is only a short flight from many gateways to the US mainland, and US citizens do not need a passport to visit or worry about currency exchange upon arrival.
        There are also many great hotels to stay at while visiting. From luxury resorts to eclectic guest houses, few Caribbean islands offer the variety of accommodations that Puerto Rico has. Here are some of our favorites.
       Situated on an impressive 3 km stretch of beach, Dorado Beach Hotel has a sustainable spirit that combines unbridled luxury with impeccable attention to detail.
       Originally built by tycoon Lawrence Rockefeller in the 1950s, the Ritz-Carlton still attracts celebrities, cryptocurrency investors and wealthy travelers to this day.
        The beautifully decorated rooms are surrounded by lush greenery, butler service and amenities such as ocean views, Nespresso coffee machines and Bluetooth speakers. Over 900 square feet of standard rooms feature natural wood furnishings and shiny marble tiles. The luxury suites have private plunge pools.
        There are swaying palm trees in front of two stunning pools and three golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s signature Environmental Ambassador program offers family activities. Participants can enjoy guided snorkeling, tending organic gardens, learning more about the local Taino people, and other activities.
       Restaurants to enjoy include COA, which serves dishes inspired by the region’s Taíno roots, and La Cava, one of the largest wine brands in the Caribbean.
       Accommodation rates at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve start at $1,995 per night or 170,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
        As soon as you enter this striking hotel, you will understand why it has been named one of the best boutique hotels in America. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it is located on a quiet street in San Juan overlooking the Condado Lagoon.
       Its design perfectly combines Caribbean exoticism with European elegance, and the décor is inspired by owners Luiss Herger and Fernando Davila’s long vacation on the Amalfi Coast.
        Although the palette of the 15 rooms is muted, they are artfully furnished with chic aged wood walls, upscale fittings and lots of antiques from Italy and Spain, not to mention colorful tiles. The bed has fresh linens, and the tiled bathroom has a rain shower. Other luxurious amenities include plush bathrobes, slippers, L’Occitane toiletries and a Nespresso coffee maker. Larger suite with separate living area and outdoor shower.
       The Sage Italian Steak Loft, run by local chef Mario Pagan, serves fresh produce and classic steaks.
        Head to The Rooftop for an after dinner cocktail. With stunning views of the lagoon and nature reserve, this is definitely one of the most peaceful places in the city.
        This classic resort, built in 1949, was the first Hilton hotel outside the continental United States. It also claims to be the birthplace of the pina colada, first created in 1954.
       For decades, the Caribe Hilton’s celebrity guest list has included Elizabeth Taylor and Johnny Depp, though its decadent 1950s vibe has evolved into a more family-friendly setting.
        Caribe, a city landmark instantly recognizable by its iconic neon signs, has just completed a multi-million dollar overhaul following Hurricane Maria. It includes 652 rooms and suites and is set on 17 acres of tropical gardens and ponds, multiple pools and a semi-private beach.
       The aptly named Zen Spa Oceano offers ah-inducing revitalizing treatments, such as four-hand massages, an aromatherapy Swedish massage with two masseurs at the same time.
        Guests can also choose from nine on-site restaurants, including Caribar, where the iconic pina colada was born. Order a mirin shrimp cocktail (with seaweed and sriracha cocktail sauce) followed by fresh wild mushroom ravioli cooked with white wine cream, bacon, fresh basil and parmesan.
        Tastefully furnished and spacious, the rooms offer a contemporary take on a beach theme with splashes of white and blue. Each room has a balcony with beautiful sea or garden views.
       Children’s facilities include a kids’ club, playground, private beach, mini golf, kids’ menu and a list of daily activities.
        Regis Bahia Beach Resort is located in Rio Grande on the northeast coast of the island. It’s about 35 km from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), making it a relatively convenient place to hang up your hat after your flight.
        Since the vast 483-acre oceanfront property is nestled between the El Yunque National Forest and the Espiritu Santo River National Forest, you can easily visit two of the island’s top attractions. In addition, a complete refurbishment following Hurricane Maria has revealed beautifully expanded common spaces with modern furnishings and island-style artwork, making this property an aesthetically pleasing place to live.
       The stylish (and completely refurbished) rooms, designed by Puerto Rican fashion designer Nono Maldonado, feature thin gray walls and bold blue accents on chairs and artwork.
        It might be tempting to retire to a spacious room (complete with comfy bunk beds and cashmere duvets, plus a marble-lined spa tub with a large deep soaking tub and luxurious Frette bathrobes), but if you haven’t already ventured the resort’s amenities. Highlights include a stunning ocean-view pool, the serene Iridium Spa, a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and three award-winning restaurants (don’t miss the upscale Paros, which serves modern Greek bistro-style dining).
       Nestled in the heart of Old San Juan, this historic gem is Puerto Rico’s first outpost of a small, world-class luxury hotel and the oldest member of the Historic Hotels of the United States.
        This historic building, built in 1646, served as a Carmelite monastery until 1903. The building was used as a boarding house and then a garbage truck garage until it was nearly demolished in the 1950s. After a meticulous restoration in 1962, it was reborn as a luxury hotel and a haven for celebrities such as Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, Rita Hayworth and Ethel Merman.
       El Convento retains features from the past, such as stately arched doorways, Andalusian tiled floors, mahogany-beamed ceilings and antique furniture.
       All 58 rooms offer stunning views of Old San Juan or its bay and are equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and Bose radios.
        Guests can also take advantage of the refreshing hot tub and Jacuzzi, the 24-hour fitness center and sample authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at the Santísimo’s restaurant. Complimentary wine and snacks are served each morning on the sun-drenched La Veranda patio.
        Set in a 500-acre nature reserve on Puerto Rico’s west coast, Royal Isabela is arguably one of the most unique eco-resorts in the Caribbean. It was co-founded by Puerto Rican professional tennis player Charlie Pasarell, whose goal was to create a beach resort with respect for the environment.
        Described as “Scotland in the Caribbean but with a pleasant climate,” the estate boasts walking and biking trails and 2 miles of pristine beaches. It also protects a micro-climate that protects a large population of native flora and fauna, including 65 bird species.
        The resort consists of 20 self-contained cottages furnished with natural woods and fabrics. Each is large – 1500 square feet – with a living room, bedroom, luxury bathroom and private outdoor terrace.
        Amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, library, renowned farm food restaurant and stunning golf course make Royal Isabela a destination in its own right. In addition, from January to April, guests can watch humpback whales cruising the Atlantic Ocean from the hotel.
       Housed in a 150-year-old building, this renovated 33-room hotel features an elegant, minimalist style that seems to blend seamlessly with the original Belle Epoque architecture.
        The floors in the rooms are covered with black and white tiles, and the muted color palette creates the perfect backdrop for the vibrant artwork. Some rooms have Juliet balconies overlooking the charming cobbled streets of Old San Juan. Book a room with a private terrace with a queen size bed for your own private patio with outdoor tub and shower. The rooms also have air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a large flat-screen TV.
        Although there are no on-site restaurants, there are some great restaurants within walking distance – Casa Cortés ChocoBar, Raíces and Mojitos are all three minutes away. The downside to dining at the El Colonial is the free 24-hour open bar, which is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Choose from a wide range of wines, vodkas and rums, local beers, fresh juices, sodas, teas and coffees.
        It is important to note that there is no lift here. The rooms start on the second floor and you have to walk to each room (the staff will bring your luggage).
        If you’ve arrived in Puerto Rico and decided you never want to leave, the Residence Inn by Marriott San Juan Cape Verde has exactly what you need. The hotel’s 231 suites feature fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas. They are designed for long stays.
        Daily breakfast is included in your overnight stay so you can enjoy your meal with confidence. If you choose to prepare your own meals, you can also use the hotel’s grocery delivery service. Alternatively, you can grab a bite to eat at The Market, a 24-hour takeaway food and drink store. Additional amenities include laundry, fitness center, swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.
        The Isla Verde beach area offers plenty of water activities, and guests here are ideally placed to take advantage of them. Various vendors offer jet skis, parachutes and banana boats.
        There are also plenty of local eateries to choose from, as well as lively nightclubs and a bustling waterfront. Families will love the nearby Carolina Beach, a public beach with a water park, sand volleyball court, restrooms and other amenities.
       Rates at the Residence Inn by Marriott San Juan Cape Verde start at $211 per night or 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points.
        Puerto Rico is probably best known for its stunning sandy beaches. However, tucked away in the island’s Cay mountain range, this idyllic farm and lodge might tempt you to leave your bathing suit at home. Travel to the south-central region of the island to find Puerto Rico’s first culinary ranch, inspired by local entrepreneur and self-proclaimed foodie Cristal Diaz Rojas.
        Combining rustic style, art and a contemporary sensibility, El Pretexto embodies Díaz’s commitment to sustainability. The site has native plants such as pines, palms and banana trees, and has its own agro-ecological garden and beehives. In addition, the house is solar-powered, collects rainwater and composts leftover food to reduce food waste.
        El Pretexto consists of five spacious guest rooms spread over two villas and a barn of just under 2 acres. The walls of each room are decorated with Diaz’s own artwork. Amenities such as flat-screen TVs are giving way to board games and outdoor yoga classes. Head outside the hotel to rejuvenate on nature hikes and discover hidden waterfalls.
        Breakfast is included in the rate – offer pumpkin fritters, multi-grain French toast, or other freshly prepared options. The restaurant uses local produce, many of which come from the hotel.
        This 177-room hotel is the first Aloft hotel in the Caribbean. The boutique hotel has all the hallmarks of the Aloft brand, including the take-away Re:fuel by Aloft cafe, the popular W XYZ lobby bar, and even a swimming pool on the third floor.