5 Most Beautiful Boutique Hotels In Puerto Rico

Sandwiched between the Dominican Republic and the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island with a big personality. The colorful colonial houses and cobblestone streets of the capital San Juan give way to rainforest and tropical beaches and it’s suited to all sorts of vacationers, from surf trippers to families to honeymooners. Here’s our guide to the best boutique hotels in the US territory.

# Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel

You’ve a world-renowned surf spot at nearby Domes beach, and a large pool for when you’re not out on the waves, at Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel. You can opt for a simple suite with garden or ocean views or for more space, spread out in one of the beach villas, which sleep up to six. Enjoy live music by the pool on weekends before dining at Déco Fine Cuisine Restaurant, featuring Caribbean specialities from Chef Josué Díaz.

# Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Popular with celebrities, the Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton Reserve offers a more intimate stay than the chain’s usual offerings. Once owned by Laurance S. Rockefeller, scion of the great US business dynasty, it offers private suites with ocean views, a private plunge pool and walk-in wardrobe. Luxury experiences you can book range from helicopter rides to kayaking through a bioluminescent bay. Top you day off with a glass of white from Puerto Rico’s largest wine cellar.

# Hotel El Convento

Located near San Juan Cathedral in Old San Juan, Hotel El Convento was the first Small Luxury Hotel of the World member in Puerto Rico, an exclusive community of boutique hotels across 90 countries. Built in 1646, you can truly embrace the island’s history here. Once a convent, as the name suggests, it was transformed into a boutique hotel in the 1990s and still embraces its Spanish colonial roots inside. You can dip into the rooftop plunge pool on a scorching day before setting out to explore Old San Juan on foot.

# Olive Boutique Hotel

The Olive Boutique Hotel was originally inspired by two Puerto Rican travelers and their trips to Morocco, Italy, France and Spain. Guests can book diverse tours through the hotel, for example to El Yunque Rainforest and the combination of an Old San Juan and Casa Bacardí tour. All of the rooms at the Olive Boutique Hotel are suites. The Sage Steak Loft, run by Chef Mario Pagan, mixes classic steaks with island flavors.

# Villa Herencia Hotel

Follow the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, between San Juan Gate and the Cathedral of San Juan Citadel, and you’ll find this Spanish colonial bed and breakfast. There are just eight rooms and the period features like vaulted ceilings, chandeliers and antique furniture contrast with the bright prints and modernist works of local artists on the walls. The hotel’s tiled private communal terrace has shaded seating areas, outdoor baths and plenty of colorful plants.