Why Puerto Rico Has No All-Inclusive Resorts (and where to book instead)

👉 Jump to: Why Puerto Rico Doesn’t Have All-Inclusives | Best Hotels | Popular Resorts | FAQ

All-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico are often a disappointing experience for confused tourists visiting the archipelago. 

As a local and former worker in the hotel industry, I’ve seen my fair share of Puerto Rico tourists frustrated with the “extra fees” for things they believed were included in their hotel packages.

Many websites list Puerto Rico hotels as all-inclusive when in reality, the archipelago doesn’t have all-inclusive resorts, at least not like those in other Caribbean destinations. 

What exactly are you booking then?

In this article, I’ll go over the reasons behind the lack of all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico, alternatives for all-inclusives, and what you’re paying for when you book your stay.

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Why Doesn’t Puerto Rico Have All-Inclusive Resorts?

Puerto Rico doesn’t have all-inclusive resorts for two reasons: safety and high production costs.

The lack of true all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico is partly because Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists.

Many all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America are located in places where visitors may feel unsafe venturing far from their hotels.

Since crime rarely impacts tourists, visitors tend to explore Puerto Rico’s attractions rather than staying confined to a resort. This lowers the demand for all-inclusive resorts.

Economic factors also play a role. The costs to build and maintain all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico are higher compared to other Caribbean destinations, making the business model less profitable. 

On the flip side, tourists wouldn’t see the difference in price between booking things individually and staying at an all-inclusive resort. 

That said, some resorts in Puerto Rico are evolving by offering “all-inclusive” packages, and with the growth of luxury travel on the island, several projects are underway aiming to cater to this market.

But there aren’t currently any “true” all-inclusive options.

Although if you’re set on staying in an all-inclusive resort for your getaway, here are a few great options from other places in the Caribbean:

• Jamaica Inn (Jamaica)
• Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (Saint Lucia)
• Casa de Campo Resort & Villas (Dominican Republic)
• Jade Mountain (Saint Lucia)

10 Best Hotels in Puerto Rico

Ok, so you won’t find true all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing resort experience all the same!

Check out my full ranking of the best resort hotels in Puerto Rico, or book your stay at one of my 7 top choices below:

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

This breathtaking hotel sits between El Yunque and pristine beaches on the east coast.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 888 6000 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Resort

The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort is a luxury beach resort nestled between Rio Grande’s coast and El Yunque National Forest. 

The resort offers multiple packages and special deals for its guests. Options include breakfast, golf, and spa packages. 

During your stay, you have access to free daily entertainment options such as yoga and CrossFit sessions, iguana feeding, and Latin dance classes.

The on-site amenities cater to both kids and adults. The three lagoon-style pools, casino, golf course, and spa are some of the resort’s main highlights. 

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

One of the few five-star hotels in Puerto Rico, this resort exudes elegance and luxury in every detail.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 809 8000 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort on Booking

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is located on a former coconut farm, near all of Rio Grande’s attractions, including the El Yunque Natural Forest. 

It has a prime beachfront location and offers plenty of complimentary amenities like bicycle rentals. 

Explore 483 acres of nature alone or take a tour with the in-house marine biologist.

For an additional fee, practice your golfing skills at the golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. or pamper yourself at the spa. 

The St. Regis’s eleven room types, distributed between twelve buildings with garden and ocean views, means that there’s a perfect fit for everyone.  Your stay here is guaranteed to be memorable.

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

El San Juan Hotel has fine dining options, family villas, and a wellness center near an award-winning Puerto Rico beach.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 791 1000 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Fairmont El San Juan Hotel on Booking

Facing the beautiful Isla Verde Beach, Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is an elegant beach and casino resort conveniently located seven minutes by car from the San Juan Airport. 

This family-friendly resort has entertainment for everyone. Adults love Club Brava and the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino for a good time with music and a drink in hand. 

Besides splashing around in the outdoor pool, poolside activities like face painting, hair braiding, and volleyball keep your little ones busy every day. 

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel also has special packages that include breakfast and additional entertainment options during your stay.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Americas, this hacienda-style hotel combines luxury with Puerto Rico’s best features.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 626 1100 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Dorado Beach on Booking

Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, sits on 50 beachfront acres in Dorado. 

Although it’s only a short 35-minute car ride from the San Juan International Airport, this resort feels secluded and hidden away in a tropical paradise.

Entertainment options are endless. Dorado Beach has golf courses, multiple pools, beach access, and a watersports center. The nearby Watermill Park ranks as one of the best Puerto Rico water parks.

The Ambassadors of the Environment program provides family-friendly entertainment with snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking tours.

Rest at any of the hotel’s 114 accommodations which seamlessly blend the indoors and outdoors all while providing a luxurious atmosphere. 

El Conquistador Resort

One of the best Puerto Rico resorts, El Conquistador includes entertainment options in its rates per night. 

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 863 1000 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for El Conquistador Resort on Booking

El Conquistador Resort is one of the best resorts you’ll find in Puerto Rico (and is as close as it gets to an all-inclusive).

Located in Fajardo, El Conquistador has easy access to all of Fajardo’s activities, including Laguna Grande, one of Puerto Rico’s bio bays.

The room rates at this hotel include access to El Coquí Waterpark and the resort’s private island, Palomino Island. 

During the weekends follow the hotel’s activity calendar which includes water games, arts and crafts, bingo, and live entertainment. The 18-hole golf course is available for an additional fee.

The hotel’s amenities include multiple restaurants, a fitness center, tennis courts, and multiple pools. The rooms all have amazing views of Puerto Rico’s east coast.  

La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort

This fun and family-friendly resort has the ideal location for a memorable vacation.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 721 7500 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort on Booking

La Concha Renaissance Resort is one of the best places to stay in San Juan. The resort sits in Condado, a short ride from Old San Juan. 

La Concha’s entertainment options cater to everyone and on-site amenities will keep you busy during your vacation. The hotel has an infinity pool plus two outdoor pools that your whole family will love.

Visit the local Casino del Mar or the Fifty-Eight Club to experience Puerto Rico’s nightlife. 

Your room rate includes complimentary bike rentals and morning fitness sessions. To complete your stay, sunbathe at Condado Beach or kayak at the Condado Lagoon.

Copamarina Beach Resort

Located on a pristine beach, this resort has packages that include meals during your stay.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 821 0505 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa on Booking

The Copamarina Beach Resort is one of the best all-inclusive resort alternatives on the south coast of Puerto Rico. Situated in Guánica, this hotel has a secluded beachfront location.

The on-site amenities include two swimming pools, volleyball and tennis courts, and a playground. For an extra fee enjoy other amenities like kayak rentals, snorkeling gear, or charters to explore Gilligan’s Island within steps of the guest rooms. 

Copamarina Beach Resort offers multiple packages to save money. The breakfast and scuba diving packages are great picks for your stay.

Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Boutique Resort

With a movie theater, an arcade, and a casino on-site, this hotel is a budget-friendly resort in the south.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 247 7979 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Boutique Resort on Booking

Another Wyndham hotel that’s a great option if you’re looking for an alternative to an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Rico is the Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Boutique Resort in Humacao.

This family-friendly hotel is located inside the exclusive Palmas del Mar community. The nightly fee includes access to the fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and resort pools. Guests can also enjoy complimentary bike rentals.

You’ll also have access to private hiking trails directly from the hotel. And for an additional fee, you can make your beachside horseback riding dreams come true, or join a guided fishing excursion at the hotel’s marina.

While food, drinks, spa treatments, and golf aren’t included by default, you can upgrade your stay with one of the packages. The “Inclusive Package”, for example, adds meals and unlimited alcoholic drinks to your vacation.

Hotel Vista Bahia & Marina

This simple, no-frills hotel includes your meals and drinks with your nightly fee.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 824 6688 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Hotel Vista Bahia & Marina on Booking

Located in Salinas, Hotel Vista Bahia & Marina is one of the rising stars among all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico. Founded in 2023, the hotel’s vacation packages include meals, drinks, and entertainment options.

Though it’s relatively small, the hotel packs in fun with daily events like karaoke nights and salsa classes. Depending on the package you book, you’ll enjoy access to activities like kayaking, jet skiing, ice skating, inflatables, and pedal boats. Some are included, others offer a discount.

Depending on the package you choose for your stay, you get some entertainment options included and get a discount on others, including kayaks, jet-skis, ice skating, inflatables, and pedal boats

Kids will love the outdoor pool, splash area, and playground. The hotel houses the  Vista Bahia Restaurant, a pizza place, and multiple bars.

Costa Bahía Hotel & Convention Center

With a movie theater, an arcade, and a casino on-site, this hotel is a budget-friendly resort in the south.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 835 3335 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Costa Bahía Hotel & Convention Center on Booking

Costa Bahía Hotel & Convention Center is one of the few hotels in Puerto Rico that offers free entertainment right on the property, without adding to the nightly rate.

Located in the southern town of Guayanilla, this hotel has bars and restaurants all on-site. It also features a convention center, so you can host or attend events without ever leaving the hotel.

But what really makes this place stand out are the entertainment options for the whole family. There’s a casino and a movie theater on the premises, plus an arcade room and kid-friendly pools. While it’s far from being a luxury resort, Costa Bahía is a great choice if you’re looking to enjoy Puerto Rico on a budget, with meals and some fun already included.

Family packages for two adults and two kids for 2 nights and 3 days typically fall in the mid-$400s.

Other Popular Resorts in Puerto Rico

Didn’t find the perfect alternative to Puerto Rico’s all-inclusive resorts above? Puerto Rico has great hotels all over the archipelago. I’ve broken down the options by some of the features that you’d find at all-inclusive resorts. Here are some other great Puerto Rico resorts and hotels you could look into for your vacations:

Complimentary Breakfast

• Club Seabourne Hotel – this villa-style hotel in Culebra has a view of Ensenada Honda.
• Parador MaunaCaribe – a locally-owned hotel with a beachfront location, pool, and restaurant.
• Hyatt House San Juan – this hotel in the San Juan area is near popular museums and restaurants.
• Bravo Beach Hotel – located in Vieques, this hotel is near the ferry terminal and just a short ride from Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.

Clubs, Casinos and Golf Courses On-Site

• San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – have fun at San Juan Marriott Resort casino or relax at its spa.
• Royal Isabela – this Isabela hotel is located above coastal cliffs. It has a spa, golf course, and restaurant on-site.
• Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort – tee off on this resort’s golf course, or try your luck at the casino. The Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino has a whirlpool spa, playgrounds, and a gym.

Complimentary Add-Ons

• Villa Montana Beach Resort – get complimentary bicycles, snorkeling equipment, and parking at Villa Montana Beach Resort. 
• Caribe Hilton – this San Juan hotel has a private beach and a historical fortress. Enjoy complimentary morning yoga classes at the hammock garden. 
• Condado Vanderbilt – this historical, award-winning hotel offers complimentary fitness classes and bicycle rentals. Don’t forget to visit its world-class spa.

FAQs

What areas of Puerto Rico is best to visit?

The best areas to visit in Puerto Rico include San Juan, Ponce, Rio Grande, and Cabo Rojo. 

Why are there no all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico lacks all-inclusive resorts mainly because they aren’t profitable and the island is safe to explore. In the Caribbean, all-inclusives are more common in places where tourists feel unsafe leaving the resort. Since Puerto Rico is safe, visitors prefer to explore. In addition, keeping an all-inclusive resort is unprofitable due to the economy on the island.

What are the top luxury resorts in Puerto Rico?

The top luxury resorts in Puerto Rico include the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, the Dorado Beach Resort, the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, and El Conquistador Resort.

***

Thanks for reading! See our guide to the top spots to visit in Puerto Rico to fill up your trip’s itinerary! Safe travels!