Where to Stay in Puerto Rico, by a Local

12 Best Cities, Towns & Areas to Base Your Stay in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an archipelago divided into 78 municipalities. San Juan is the capital city. San Juan has many Puerto Rico hotels and accommodation options, but it isn’t the best place to stay if you’re looking for breathtaking, uncrowded beaches or nature adventures. Let’s look into the best spots to stay around the island.

Old San Juan

👉 Best Area For Sightseeing | ✨ Best Old San Juan Hotels: El Convento • Caribe Hilton • CasaBlanca Hotel

Old San Juan is the most popular destination in Puerto Rico and the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy historical landmarks, delicious food, lively nightlife, and Puerto Rico’s local culture all within walking distance from your hotel.

San Juan is home to famous attractions like El Morro, Paseo de la Princesa, and the San Juan Gate.

El Convento is a luxury and historical hotel centrally located among all of these attractions. 

If you’re also looking for the idyllic beaches that characterize Puerto Rico, San Juan also has a few to offer. Out of them, the most popular is Escambrón Beach, next to which you’ll find the renowned Caribe Hilton. Not only do you get a beachfront location but also lots of extra amenities like a spa, a swim-up bar, and reef tours.

If you’re on a budget, you won’t have to break the bank to stay in Old San Juan. CasaBlanca and El Colonial offer great amenities at an affordable price. Female backpackers can stay at Juliette Hostel.

The neighborhood has plenty of bars and clubs where night owls can party until sunrise.

Pros of Staying in Old San Juan:

• Attractions within walking distance
• Lots of fun restaurants and bars
• Great Puerto Rico nightlife
• Variety of hotels for all types of travelers
• Options for public transportation
• Renting a car isn’t necessary
• Easy access to famous Puerto Rico festivals

Cons of Staying in Old San Juan:

• Gets crowded
• Restaurants and hotels can be pricey
• Limited on-street free parking
• Heavy traffic during peak hours
• Noisy at night

Rio Grande

👉 Best Area for Adventure | ✨ Best Rio Grande Hotels: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach and Golf Resort • St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort • Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

Rio Grande is home to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States, which makes it the perfect place for adventure travelers to stay in Puerto Rico.

Outdoor activities include hiking, ziplining, horseback riding, ATVs, and cliff jumping.

But don’t be fooled! Despite being an adventure and outdoor destination, this town on the east coast has some of the most luxurious hotels in Puerto Rico, including the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, and the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, both with numerous pools, restaurants, and mesmerizing gardens.

That doesn’t mean you won’t find options on a budget! There are many apartment rentals in the area, like this cozy apartment rental for two, near Rio Grande’s main plaza.

Besides being home to a rainforest, Rio Grande has one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, Las Picuas. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach and Golf Resort, another luxury hotel, is right in front of it. 

Rio Grande is also close to Luquillo and Fajardo, two great cities with beautiful beaches.

Pros of Staying in Rio Grande:

• Access to El Yunque’s main attractions
• Outdoor activities
• Close the Luquillo Beach
• Variety of accommodation options

Cons of Staying in Rio Grande:

• Far from San Juan’s main attractions
• Rains frequently
• Not many attractions besides El Yunque

Condado

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Condado Hotels: Condado Vanderbilt • La Concha Renaissance Resort • Condado Ocean Club

Condado is one of the best places for families to stay in Puerto Rico. It has some fabulous oceanfront resorts and some of the top San Juan restaurants.

The neighborhood is conveniently located between the coast and a lagoon, which offers many things to do, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and biking.

Although the area has plenty of accommodation options for families like La Concha Renaissance Resort, you’ll also find adult-only hotels like the Condado Ocean Club and business-friendly hotels like Forbes’ four-star hotel, the Condado Vanderbilt.

Keep in mind that although the community is by the coast, the area isn’t considered safe for swimming.

Pros of Staying in Condado:

• Family entertainment
• Lots of restaurants and bars
• Close to Old San Juan
• Close to the airport
• Oceanfront location

Cons of Staying in Condado:

• Restaurants and hotels are pricey
• Heavy traffic
• Limited free on-street parking
• Not much exposure to local culture

Isla Verde

👉 Best Area For Honeymooners | ✨ Best Isla Verde Hotels: Fairmont El San Juan Hotel • The Royal Sonesta • TRYP by Wyndham

Isla Verde is a luxurious resort area that offers honeymooners and couples a taste of the Caribbean while staying close to San Juan Airport and Old San Juan’s attractions.

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel ranks as one of the best in the area, combining elegance with a tropical vibe. The Royal Sonesta follows in elegance and popularity.

While it doesn’t have a beachfront location, the TRYP by Wyndham offers more mid-range fees per night and is close to popular restaurants in Isla Verde, which serve everything from authentic Puerto Rican dishes to international delicacies.

The bars and clubs in the area offer top-notch nightlife for night owls. Isla Verde is also next to Piñones, known for its food kiosks, beaches, forest, and culture.

Pros of Staying in Isla Verde:

• Close to airport
• Lots of restaurants and bars
• Thriving nightlife
• Public transportation available
• Beachfront location
• Plenty of accommodation options

Cons of Staying in Isla Verde:

• Gets crowded
• Hotels and restaurants are pricey
• Not the best area to experience Puerto Rican culture

Fajardo

👉 Best Area for Offshore Adventures | ✨ Best Fajardo Hotel: El Conquistador Resort • Sueños del Mar

If you want to stay near some of the clearest waters of Puerto Rico, book your stay in Fajardo.

Fajardo is located on the east side of the main island and it has one of the best hotels in Puerto Rico, El Conquistador Beach Resort. The resort has breathtaking coastal views and great amenities like a waterpark and a private island.

Sueños del Mar offers vacation rentals near Kayak Village, where you can take kayaking tours to the bioluminescent lagoon. This same neighborhood has numerous apartment rentals like La Casona Beach House, which is great for large families. 

You’ll also find plenty of excellent beaches in Fajardo, like Seven Seas Beach, one of my favorite beaches in Puerto Rico.

Check out my full guide to staying in Fajardo for more specific hotel and area suggestions.

Pros of Staying in Fajardo:

• Clear water and sandy beaches
• Good location to visit Vieques and Culebra
• Lots of restaurants
• Has camping sites
• Easy access to a Puerto Rico bio bay
• Tours to offshore islands
• Access to great diving and snorkeling sites
• Lots of tours and equipment rentals

Cons of Staying in Fajardo:

• Far from San Juan
• Few indoor attractions
• Limited hotel offer
• Restaurants and bars are pricey

Ponce

👉 Best Area For History Lovers | ✨ Best Ponce Hotels: Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino Resort • Aloft Ponce • Boutique Hotel Bélgica

Ponce, located on the south coast facing the Caribbean Sea, is a great place for people looking for a similar place to Old San Juan.

Ponce has multiple landmarks that take visitors back in time to the island’s Spanish colonial era. It’s also home to multiple museums where you can learn about Puerto Rican art, music, and culture.

Boutique Hotel Bélgica is located right in the town center, allowing you to explore the neighborhood on foot, where you can also experience Ponce’s restaurants.

In its countryside, you’ll find the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Park, where you can walk in the lands that our indigenous inhabitants lived on.

But, if instead, you want to hit Ponce’s beaches, stay at Hilton Ponce Golf and Casino Resort, where you’ll also love the extra amenities like the golf course. 

To have easy access to the highway and make daytrips to other cities, Aloft Ponce and Caribe Hotel Ponce are great alternatives, plus they are more budget friendly.

Pros of Staying in Ponce:

• Lots of restaurants
• Central location to visit cities in the south
• Many interesting things to do in Ponce for history lovers
• Access to beaches
• Has both luxury and budget-friendly hotels
• Nightlife options
• Has one of the three Puerto Rico international airports

Cons of Staying in Ponce:

• Far from San Juan
• Food can be pricey
• Heavy traffic in some areas

Isabela

👉 Best Area For All-in-One | ✨ Best Isabela Hotels: Parador Villas del Mar Hau • Royal Isabela • Villa Montaña Beach Resort

If you want to stay in a city that’s tourist-friendly but not touristy enough to ruin the local cultural experience, then head over to Isabela.

Isabela is a coastal city with a prime location in the northwest that gives you easy access to other Puerto Rican cities like Camuy, Aguadilla, and Arecibo.

I love the local vibe and beachfront location of Parador Villas del Mar Hau, especially because Isabela’s beaches are the main attraction of this town. But, Royal Isabela offers a more upscale stay with incredible views of Playa El Pastillo, my favorite remote beach in Isabela.

Not far from there, Villa Montaña Beach Resort sits at the coast, between Isabela and Aguadilla, making it ideal for traveling between the two coastal towns.

Besides the beautiful Jobos and Montones beaches, Isabela is home to the Guajataca State Forest, ideal for hiking. But, even if the outdoors call you, don’t miss out on the towns’ cultural attractions and museums, like Museo del Tren.

Pros of Staying in Isabela:

• Lots of restaurants and bars
• Prime location 
• Great beaches
• Luxury and budget-friendly hotels available
• Home to surfing contests

Cons of Staying in Isabela:

• Far from San Juan
• Beaches have strong currents and riptides

Cabo Rojo

👉 Best Area For Beach-goers | ✨ Best Cabo Rojo Hotels: Combate Beach Resort • Douglas Highway Inn Hotel • BOHO Beach Club

Cabo Rojo is home to colorful sunsets, beautiful beaches, and landmarks filled with natural beauty.

Located in the southwest of Puerto Rico, Cabo Rojo is the ideal getaway for young couples or groups of backpackers who want to experience the best beaches on the main island of Puerto Rico. 

In the city, I recommend the BOHO Beach Club, which is centrally located in one of Cabo Rojo’s most lively neighborhoods, Boquerón. Combate Beach Resort is a short walk from the popular Combate Beach, where you can rent jet skis. Or stay at Buye Apartments, just by my preferred beach in Puerto Rico, Buye Beach.

Don’t sleep on the endless things to do outdoors. Some of its main highlights include Los Morrillos Lighthouse, Cabo Rojo’s National Wildlife Refuge, Boquerón Beach, and Buyé Beach.

Pros of Staying in Cabo Rojo:

• Access to some of the top beaches of Puerto Rico
• Lots of free things to do in Cabo Rojo
• Budget-friendly
• Many accommodation options
• Lots of restaurants and bars
• Camping sites

Cons of Staying in Cabo Rojo:

• Far from the metro area
• Far from all main airports
• Beaches get crowded

Rincón

👉 Best Area For Surfers | ✨ Best Rincon Hotels: Villa Cofresi • Casa Verde Hotel • Rincon Beach Resort

Rincón is a beach town on the west coast, home to the best beaches in Puerto Rico for surfers.

It’s the ideal place to stay for people who want a vacation full of gorgeous beaches (although it also has a waterfall!), surfing, and small-town peaceful vibes.

It also makes for an affordable base if you’re doing Puerto Rico as a budget traveler, as it has plenty of budget-friendly hotels like Casa Verde Hotel near Sandy Beach and Villa Cofresi.

Rincon’s town center has restaurants, souvenir shops, bakeries, and art galleries ideal for exploring on foot.

On the first Thursday of the month, Rincon’s Art Walk takes place in the plaza. During this festival, you can enjoy live music, buy local crafts, and eat typical food.

Rincon is also the best town in Puerto Rico for whale watching during the winter and spring. The Rincon Beach Resort is a more upscale option located officially in Aguada, but a short drive from Rincon.

Read my full guide to where to stay in Rincon for more info.

Pros of Staying in Rincon:

• Beaches for surfing
• Home to great Puerto Rico snorkeling spots
• Budget-friendly hotels
• Lots of fun things to do in Rincon
• Amazing sunsets

Cons of Staying in Rincon:

• Far from San Juan
• Hard to move around without a car
• Not the best city to experience authentic local culture

Culebra Island

👉 Best Area for Relaxation | ✨ Best Culebra Hotels: Club Seabourne Hotel • Palmetto Guest House • El Navegante de Culebra

Culebra is one of the smaller islands that belong to Puerto Rico, and it’s the perfect destination to relax and disconnect from the daily rush.

With the lack of resorts, shopping malls, and tall buildings, the island’s main attractions are its paradisiacal blue turquoise beaches. The Club Seabourne Hotel offers guests that relaxation and tropical vibe in Culebra.

But, you’ll also find hotels on the more budget-friendly side, like Palmetto Guest House and El Navegante de Culebra.

Flamenco Beach and Tamarindo Beach on the west, and Zoni on the east coast, rank as some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. You can also take day trips to some of Culebra’s cays, including Cayo Luis Peña and Culebrita.

Culebra’s unpolluted coasts are teeming with marine life, making the island one of the top places in Puerto Rico to swim with sea turtles.

For more, see my full guide to where to stay in Culebra.

Pros of Staying in Culebra:

• Uncrowded beaches
• Relaxing getaway
• Easy access to smaller cays
• Top-notch snorkeling and diving

Con of Staying in Culebra:

• Multiple transportation methods to get there
• Mostly outdoor attractions
• Lack of nightlife

Vieques Island

👉 Best Area For Nature | ✨ Best Vieques Hotels: Bravo Beach Hotel • El Blok • Blue Horizon Boutique Resort

Nature lovers should definitely include Vieques on their list of where to stay in Puerto Rico.

Vieques is a small island located off Puerto Rico’s east coast. Similar to Culebra, Vieques lacks shopping malls and large resorts.

But worry not! The island has numerous options to stay at, like the family-friendly Bravo Beach Hotel or the beachfront-located Horizon Boutique Resort. If you’re willing to stay in Vieques interior, then the Old Crow Hotel and Suites are definitely your best option in Vieques.

A national wildlife refuge covers more than 60% of the island, making it a paradise of wild and raw nature that is hard to believe was once a bombing range.

It’s a destination nature lovers can look forward to, with some of my top Vieques’ attractions being the Black Sand Beach and kayaking in Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. El Blok Hotel is centrally located near both.

If you’re staying in Vieques, be sure to bookmark my full guide to where to stay in Vieques.

Pros of Staying in Vieques Island :

• Access to the brightest bio bay in the world
• Lots of restaurants and bars
• Natural breathtaking landscapes
• Great Puerto Rico diving and snorkeling spots

Cons of Staying in Vieques Island:

• Located offshore
• Multiple transportation methods to get there

Utuado

👉 Best Area For Mountain Views | Where to Stay Guide | ✨ Best Utuado Hotels: Casa Grande Mountain Retreat

Utuado is located in Puerto Rico’s mountainous region and is a great place to stay to experience Puerto Rico’s peaceful countryside.

Although many travelers shy away from the town due to the curvy roads in the area, Utuado’s charm and relaxing vibe are worth the drive.

Things to do here include caving, river tubing, kayaking, and swimming in rivers. It’s also one of the best places to camp in Puerto Rico. Casa Grande Mountain Retreat is the best lodge in the area to stay near all of them.

If you wan;t to immerse in these town’s outdoors, stay glamping at Finca Remedio Eco Farm.

The mesmerizing landscapes, the relaxing atmosphere, and the warm locals make Utuado one of the best places to stay on the main island.

Pros of Staying in Utuado

• Relaxing and secluded place to stay
• Lots of natural attractions
• Free things to do
• Great camping sites
• Fresh temperatures all year

Cons of Staying in Utuado

• Need a rental car to get there
• Difficult roads to navigate
• Limited hotel offer
• Far from the beach

Tips for Staying in Puerto Rico

Choose the Right Location in Puerto Rico

To get the most out of your trip to Puerto Rico, I recommend choosing where to stay based on your goals. While Old San Juan is central (and the ideal base if you only have 3 days in Puerto Rico), it won’t fit every traveler’s taste. There are many places worth visiting in Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico offers different accommodation options for surfers, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and beach bums.

Rent a Car if You Can

Old San Juan is a great city for walking on foot without the need to rent a car or take a taxi.

However, if you’re thinking about visiting other parts of the island, you should rent a vehicle in Puerto Rico. Public transportation is mostly limited to Puerto Rico’s metro region.

Be sure to read up on Puerto Rico’s driving rules, and use Discover Cars to find the best prices for car rentals.

Go Outside San Juan’s Touristic Zone

While Old San Juan, Isla Verde, and Condado are great places to stay, they don’t do justice to Puerto Rico’s culture and beauty.

Some of the island’s greatest destinations are in non-touristy municipalities like Utuado, Arecibo, Isabela, and Orocovis.

If you don’t dare to go on your own, hire a local guide who takes you to Puerto Rico’s best-kept gems.

Travel to Puerto Rico in the Off-Season

Puerto Rico can be an expensive destination, especially during the high season around Christmas. Visiting the island off-season can save you money on hotels, tours, rental cars, and even restaurants.

Puerto Rico has nice weather all year round, and you can visit the beaches in other seasons besides summer.

For more, see my guide to the best times to visit Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Doesn’t Have “All Inclusive” Resorts

While many people associate a Caribbean island vacation with an all-inclusive resort, you may be surprised to learn that there are no true “all-inclusive resorts” in Puerto Rico.

Yes, you can find some Puerto Rico resorts and hotels that offer packages including some meals or drinks, and even some entertainment options.

But you won’t find a full “all-inclusive” resort like you might in the Dominican Republic or other Caribbean islands.

I wrote a whole article explaining why Puerto Rico lacks all-inclusive resorts, if you’re curious about the topic.

Want More? Listen to My Puerto Rico Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Puerto Rico episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Puerto Rico”). 

I talk about where to stay in Puerto Rico at minute mark 13:16.

The host, Nate, and I also discuss things to do in Puerto Rico (20:03), language & cultural tips (32:32), how to get around Puerto Rico (28:01), why more people should visit Puerto Rico (31:09) and all the other common questions about travel to Puerto Rico. 

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Puerto Rico.

FAQs

What is the best area of Puerto Rico to stay in?

The best areas to stay in Puerto Rico include Old San Juan for sightseeing, Rio Grande for adventure lovers, Rincon and Cabo Rojo to surf and find the best sunsets, Vieques to see the bioluminescent bay, and Culebra to relax on the beach.

Where should you not stay in Puerto Rico?

In Puerto Rico, visitors shouldn’t stay in any caserio or La Perla, as they aren’t areas for tourists. People who want to stay close to the beach or who don’t drive well on curvy roads shouldn’t stay in the mountainous region of Puerto Rico.

What side of the Island is best in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico’s west coast is best for beach bummers, surfers, and nature lovers. Puerto Rico’s north coast is best for people who like the buzz of the metro area but also natural escapes. The east side is best to find luxurious hotels and clear beaches.

What is the most beautiful part of Puerto Rico?

The most beautiful parts of Puerto Rico include Old San Juan, Ponce, and Arecibo for history lovers. Cities like Manatí, Isabela, Aguadilla, Rincón, Cabo Rojo, Vieques, and Culebra sport beautiful natural landscapes and beaches.

Which is better, Condado or Isla Verde?

Isla Verde is better for visitors who want to stay close to the airport, but still want to enjoy the beach and the local cuisine. Condado is better for people who want to stay away from the crowd of Isla  Verde, but still want to be close to the landmarks of Old San Juan and the beach. Condado is also a more family-friendly destination.

Is it better to stay in Old San Juan or Condado?

Old San Juan is a better location for visitors who want to be close to Puerto Rico’s top landmarks within walking distance. Condado is better for families that want to enjoy the beach, but still want to be close enough to Old San Juan’s landmarks.

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Thanks for reading! I hope this helps you find the best place to stay for your Puerto Rico vacation. While you’re here, don’t miss my complete guide to the 71 best things to do in Puerto Rico.