Just east of Luquillo, Fajardo is known as the city that guards the sun of the Caribbean. For couples, Fajardo offers a beautiful beach and unforgettable sunrises. Beyond the beach, Fajardo is best known for its proximity to Bioluminescent Bay. A kayak trip through the mangroves of this gorgeous natural attraction is the perfect excursion for a romantic break in Puerto Rico. Your way will be lit by naturally luminescent plankton , and the rocky scenery only adds to the beauty.
Fajardo is a pretty small town, with most of the accommodation for visitors located along the coast. Nevertheless, we believe Fajardo is worth the extra expense thanks to the natural beauty and romantic atmosphere. This stunning apartment is perfect for couples or groups deciding where to stay in Puerto Rico on a budget. It offers great value for money when split between travelers, and boasts a full kitchen and dining area, a balcony, and unbeatable sea views.
This super secluded hostel only has 12 beds, making it a calm and easy-going accommodation pick for backpackers. The entire property is surrounded by Ceiba Forest, so expect to wake up to the beautiful sounds of local nature.
There are some great hiking trails in the nearby mountains, so make sure to bring your walking boots! La Casa is a popular apartment situated close to beaches, restaurants, and a waterpark.
It sleeps up to two guests and comes with a seating area, kitchen, and double bedroom. Only a short drive from San Juan, Luquillo offers many of the same attractions as the city but without the huge crowds!
The local beach, Balneario de Luquillo, is considered one of the best on the island, with golden sands and great local services. The town is right next door to Fajardo and is also where you can grab the ferry to Vieques. Though officially a separate town, neighboring Rio Grande is another excellent destination for visitors to Puerto Rico. Both towns are well-connected by public transport, and only a minute apart by car.
The Rio Grande is the main gateway to El Yunque Tropical Rainforest, a luscious and verdant national park with some truly unique attractions. Luquillo is surprisingly affordable, but most of the accommodation in the town center comes in the form of condos and apartments. This beachfront condo is stylish and features modern technologies — including mood lighting and state-of-the-art kitchen appliances.
This is a great pick for couples, and avid surfers will appreciate the great hire shops and waves within walking distance. This hostel has been recently renovated, giving you a modern style in the heart of Luquillo. It sits right on the North East Corridor, giving you endless opportunities for gorgeous walks and secluded beach retreats. The ferry to Vieques is only a few minutes away by car. Rooms are spacious, with limited guest numbers to ensure peace and quiet in the evenings.
This gorgeous four-star resort is located in the nearby Rio Grande — perfect for those interested in adventure activities and exploring the rainforest.
The hotel has its own golf course, as well as a private strip of beach away from the huge tourist crowds. Budget backpackers rejoice — as San Juan happens to be the most affordable as well as the overall best place to stay in Puerto Rico. That being said, the capital city has some surprisingly affordable areas — you just need to know where to look. Rio Piedras is home to the largest university in Puerto Rico and is therefore packed with budget-friendly restaurants and stores. Even if you want a private apartment, there are some great options available.
Studio living is a great way to save money on accommodation, and this central apartment means you get to stay within walking distance of the main attractions. Thinking about exploring Bioluminescent Bay? Guests are given a special discount on kayaking excursions as a thank you for staying at this property.
This is our top pick for travelers who are sticking to a tighter budget. It might be one of the cheapest hostels in San Juan, but the excellent reviews are a testament to how high-quality Villa Eshta is located along Calle Loiza, you will be surrounded by budget-friendly restaurants and bars — as well as a hip and alternative vibe. They run regular events from the outdoor patio, which also serves as a casual restaurant and cheap bar. Panoramic views, local artwork, and a rooftop terrace with stone bathtubs are just some of the features that make the CasaBlanca such a unique place to stay in Puerto Rico.
The contemporary hotel is beautifully furnished throughout, and each room features an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, and a flatscreen TV. Puerto Rico is a very fun place and one could easily get carried away while visiting. Read our safety guide for Puerto Rico before planning your trip so you will be extra prepared when you arrive.
If you want something completely off-the-beaten-path, Vieques is an excellent choice. There is a bioluminescent bay here that shines even brighter than its better-known cousin on the main island. Tourism is starting to make its way here though, so make sure to visit soon before that all changes. The main town in Vieques is Isabel Segunda — where the ferry stops, and where most of the population lives. Despite this, Esperanza is more popular with travelers.
The peaceful location and locally-owned restaurants make the town more attractive for those that want a truly rural experience. Unfortunate name aside, this is easily one of our favorite Airbnbs in Puerto Rico as a whole! This dreamy cottage has its own pool, which you can access via veranda doors from the master bedroom. The Lazy Hostel is located in Esperanza, the main tourist town, and directly backs onto the boardwalk.
Boasting beachfront access, a pool, and a bar, The Wave is one of the coolest places to relax in Puerto Rico. Rooms are contemporary and feature tiled floors and air conditioning to keep you cool at night.
The hotel also enjoys a convenient location close to top bars and restaurants. Arecibo is in the Northwest of the island, a little more secluded from larger tourist areas and best known for its former Observatory. Why is this great for adventure travelers? The hikes towards and around the observatory are among the best on the island. Cayo Icacos, a small islet off of Fajardo coast, is a part of Cordillera Keys Nature Reserve, and is a great spot for snorkeling and sailing. El Yunque Rainforest is a short drive from the town.
Officially, there are only 5 bioluminescent bays in the world, and Puerto Rico has 3 of them. Mosquito Bay, in Vieques, is not just one of the 5 bio bays in the world, it is also the brightest. Despite being home to one of the greatest attractions on planet earth, Vieques is the perfect opportunity to unwind, let go, and start fresh.
Walk along the pristine beaches, taste the best Puerto Rican delicacies, and admire the history of a town that is reportedly older than the original native Arawak tribes. Of course, the beach town also offers the usual — swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, biking, hiking and much more. Start the day with a delightful breakfast at the on-site restaurant and take a swim at the outdoor pool to refresh yourself before you head out to explore the city.
Afternoons can be enjoyed at the fully-equipped fitness center or at the world-class spa and wellness center. Great for all kinds of travelers. Hyatt Place San Juan — City Center — A short drive away from Old San Juan and Condado Lagoon, this classy hotel offers well-appointed, spacious guestrooms along with on-site amenities such as a swimming pool, a hour front desk, a business center, a beautiful terrace area, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Suitable for all kinds of travelers, including big groups of up to 5 members. A hour fitness center equipped with all modern equipment is a great place to enjoy a workout.
Complimentary breakfast is included in selected room packages. Perfect for all kinds of travelers. Isla Verde Source: booking. A complimentary American breakfast is served daily. InterContinental San Juan — A couple of kilometers from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, InterContinental San Juan features state-of-the-art guestrooms along with magnificent on-site facilities such as an executive floor, a full-service spa, a hour fitness center overlooking the sea, and 6 in-house restaurants.
A lavish buffet breakfast is served daily complimentary with selected room tariffs. Hotel Recommendations: Club Seabourne Hotel — Offering marvelous views of Fulladoza Bay, Club Seabourne Hotel houses fully-furnished villa units fitted with a private pool, seating area, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony that overlooks the ocean. Guests can indulge in water sports activities that can be accessed from the hotel dock or laze in a hammock in the garden.
A fabulous complimentary breakfast is served daily. Culebra Island Villas — A pleasant stroll from the beach, this charming property features well-appointed apartment units with ensuite bathroom and kitchen. Located on Culebra island, the property also offers boat access to other parts of Puerto Rico.
Suitable for all kinds of travelers. Villa Ensenada Honda — Boasting world-class hospitality, Villa Ensenada Honda features wonderfully-decorated apartment units with a balcony that come with a barbecue area, TV with satellite channels, seating area, kitchen with microwave and refrigerator, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries.
Perfect for families and groups. The well-appointed rooms and suites are fitted with brilliant amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with cable and pay-per-view channels, and private bathroom. Guestrooms here come with comfy double beds, private bathroom, and cable TV. Howard Johnson Downtown Mayaguez — Set in the center of Mayaguez, Howard Johnson Downtown Mayaguez features well-appointed guestrooms along with swanky on-site facilities such as an indoor pool, a Bonsai Sushi Bar, snack shop, business center, and a hour reception desk.
Mayaguez Cathedral is located opposite the property. Rio Grande Source: booking. The spacious guestrooms come with TV and satellite channels, private bathroom, and an exclusive view.
Guests can enjoy several activities, including water sports, Sea Turtle Nesting, and Iguana feeding. Great for all kinds of luxury travelers. Margaritaville Vacation Club Wyndham Rio Mar — Featuring fully-equipped, spacious deluxe studios fitted with ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, and cable TV, this extravagant property offers private beach access along with an on-site restaurant, a tennis court, a games room, and a casino.
Golfing and snorkeling are popular around the premises and bikes can be hired to explore the area at the hour reception. Puerto Rico is beloved by travelers around the world, and for good reason. From the bioluminescent bays to the friendly and welcoming locals — not to mention some of the most delectable food around — the colorful houses in Old San Juan to beautiful rainforests and beach resorts on the coastline, each part of Puerto Rico offers visitors a distinctly different experience.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. For people concerned about the recent earthquakes , tourism officials assure us Puerto Rico is very much open and eager for travelers to continue visiting the island, which relies heavily on tourism.
Last fall, I spent several days in San Juan and was blown away my trip. While I understand why people might be on the fence about visiting, everyone I met wanted me to spread the message that Puerto Rico is a great place to go. And after a few days there, I can wholeheartedly attest to the same. The cruise ports are still open — there was a five-day period after the earthquakes where we had almost 60, cruise passengers disembark in Old San Juan.
During our chat, Dean also recommended mofongo. Mofongo is a Puerto Rican specialty made of fried plantains and served with both fried meat and chicken broth soup. I tried it out for myself at Barrachina in Old San Juan, a colorful restaurant with a light-filled courtyard.
My meal a combination of mofongo-style beef, chicken and shrimp came out steaming hot and covered in broth and gravy. The mashed plantains even reminded me of the yams I grew up eating at Thanksgiving. TPG reader Liam C. When asked about what to try first, he suggested alcapurria, empanadillas, pinchos or bacalao. Marmalade , also in Old San Juan is a well-loved upscale restaurant with a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, and offers a four- or six-course tasting menu, complete with dishes like highly stylized dishes including pacific yellowtail poke, gnocchi and paella.
Frequent travelers also recommend Santaella in San Juan, where you can expect authentic Latin American cuisines such as alcapurria and calamares fritos.
Located in Cayey about 30 minutes from Caguas, in the center of the island , Lechonera El Rancho Original has been serving the people of Puerto Rico for four decades. You come here to enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and dance late into the evening. The Kioskos de Luquillo is a collection of Mom and Pop restaurants that are great for a casual bite after leaving nearby Luquillo Beach.
Just be advised that some trails and recreational areas remain inaccessible despite ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. The beach town of Naguabo, in the southeast corner of the island, also incredibly quiet, and palm trees frame the soft, sandy beach and turquoise water.
On the stretch known as Suroma, you might find egrets, and crabs. I flew down to Puerto Rico at the end of October in search of a quick, cheap getaway. I had three criteria for a beach vacation: the flight needed to be under four hours, the destination needed to have Hyatt resorts and, overall, the trip needed to be reasonably affordable. I then narrowed my choices down to the Bahamas, Aruba and Puerto Rico, finally choosing the latter because of a fantastic Hyatt resort I discovered.
During my stay in late October, the resort was pretty empty and I felt like I had the property to myself. Upon arrival, I received a complimentary upgrade — even without status! The room was stocked with luxury bath products and a Nespresso machine, and was just steps away from the beach. The best part of the hotel, though, is the price. As a Category 3 property, the hotel is just 12, Hyatt points a night, which you can earn from spending on the World of Hyatt Credit Card or from transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt at a ratio.
I spent most of my time reading on the private beach and drinking mimosas at the swim-up bar. What a steal! Since it was a new hotel, the service was still a little one the slow side, although very well-intentioned.
The only major downside is how far it is from San Juan, as well as the lack of places to eat near the resort. It has a hole golf course, as well as a large pool and tennis courts. An oceanfront patio room will typically set you back 50, Hilton Honors points a night. It features a world-class casino, spa, sundeck and infinity pool.
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