Beaches, surfing, and nature: the best all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an island with a rich history and fantastic natural beauty. Here, you can immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere where various cultures come together.
This destination is among the best for a family vacation on a tropical beach. Read the USA Today article to discover why Puerto Rico is so appealing and which all-inclusive hotel is the best choice.
If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport to visit the island, unlike other regions such as resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and Aruba.
1. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort
Rio Grande
The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar hotel on the island of Puerto Rico offers an incredible and spacious lodging experience. Situated in the northeast of the island, next to the El Yunque rainforest, the hotel features three swimming pools resembling lakes with a slide and a waterfall. Enjoyable activities for children, such as painting and braiding, are organized, while adults can indulge in a spa and two golf courses. Additionally, there's a casino with slot machines and table games.
Periodically, the Wyndham hotel presents special meal deals for guests staying three nights or more. Opting for this package grants you access to three meals a day, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (available in the restaurant and bar), and the opportunity to play tennis and golf. Moreover, there are additional promotions for hotel members.
2. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Carolina
The 388-room Fairmont El San Juan on Isla Verde Beach in San Juan seamlessly blends Old World elegance with modern conveniences. The concierge can assist you in exploring the history of the area and noteworthy attractions, while the 13 restaurants ensure you are well-fed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
With tennis, fitness facilities, a beach, and four swimming pools, the hotel provides diverse leisure activities. Although the hotel is not all-inclusive, there are special offers throughout the year, such as complimentary breakfast, to enhance your Puerto Rico vacation experience.
3. Royal Sonesta San Juan Resort
Carolina
On the shores of Isla Verde Beach is the Royal Sonesta San Juan Resort, providing easy access to San Juan and its beautiful beaches. Each room features a balcony, a mini-fridge, and a comfortable sitting area. Moreover, various room categories, ranging from junior suites to presidential suites, cater to spacious accommodation options for the whole family.
The resort's restaurants, offering both casual and luxurious dining options, provide a diverse range of culinary experiences, whether indoors or outdoors. Guests can also enjoy a lagoon-shaped pool and a fitness center with ocean views. Although Royal Sonesta's special packages are not fully all-inclusive, they do present the option to bundle breakfast, happy hour, and parking with the room rate, offering excellent value for your stay. The "Join us for breakfast" option can be a cost-saving choice for families.
4. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
San Juan
The La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort on Condado Beach in San Juan appeals to families with its three swimming pools. Stylish rooms and various special offers allow for resort credits and room category upgrades, including buffet breakfast in some packages.
The hotel organizes tours to the rainforest, horseback riding on the beach, and bioluminescent kayaking. La Concha is known for its friendly atmosphere with live music and activities by the pool or on the beach. Rooms range from standard to presidential suites, all equipped with microwaves and mini-fridges.
Featuring seven on-site bars, cafes, and restaurants, guests have a wide array of dining options. However, the hotel is also conveniently located near various restaurants in the surrounding area.
5. Copamarina Beach Resort and Spa
Guanica
Copamarina Beach Resort and Spa is a 20-acre beach resort on the south side of the island. It offers elegant rooms and stylish three-bedroom villas on an all-inclusive basis. Guests can choose from various inclusive packages that include breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, depending on promotions.
The Las Palmas open-air café often hosts recreational activities included in the nightly resort fee, such as the use of bicycles, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, ping-pong tables, and a family-friendly fitness center. Regular sandcastle building competitions and outdoor movies enhance the guest experience. However, the use of kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboarding requires an additional fee.
6. Parador Guanica 1929
Guanica
Paradors are small, family-run hotels spread throughout Puerto Rico. Parador Guanica 1929 is an example of such a hotel, offering basic rooms at affordable prices compared to all-inclusive resorts. Located in the southwestern part of Puerto Rico and built in 1929, the hotel is about a 15-minute drive from Copamarina Beach Resort. This is a great option for a family vacation, an overnight stay, and for exploring the island.
The Parador provides several food options: breakfast only, breakfast and lunch, as well as a full all-inclusive package with daily meals in the hotel restaurant.
7. Tropical Inns Puerto Rico
Yabucoa and Maunabo
Tropical Inns Puerto Rico comprises four hotels in the southeast of the island, providing a pleasant stay for budget-conscious travelers. The Parador Palmas de Lucia, Parador Costa del Mar, Parador MaunaCaribe, and Hotel Lucia Beach are four unique properties, each with its own special charm. Three of them are located in Yabucoa on the beach, and the fourth is in Maunabo, just 15 minutes away. Each hotel features an outdoor pool. All four hotels are the only ones on the island to offer an all-inclusive concept.
The all-inclusive family package at Tropical Inns Puerto Rico includes three-night and two-night promotions that encompass dinner on the first day for arrivals after 3 p.m., full breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the second day, and breakfast on the last day for departures before noon. The price covers gratuities for waiters, room charges, and soft drinks. Alcohol is not included in the package price. Children under 10 years old stay free of charge, making this offer even more attractive for families.
8. Club Seabourne Hotel
Culebra Island
Club Seabourne is a renowned mini-resort on the island of Culebra, located on the east coast of Puerto Rico. This island is home to one of the oldest nature reserves in the United States, hosting giant sea turtles and seabird colonies, along with endless beaches and coral reefs. At Club Seabourne, you'll find tranquility and a friendly atmosphere, away from the crowds of tourists at the pool or on the beach.
While the hotel does not operate on an all-inclusive basis, it provides standard amenities. The price includes a daily à la carte breakfast, airport and ferry transfers, Wi-Fi, and the use of kayaks and bicycles.
One-, two-, and three-bedroom villas are also available, making them ideal for families and groups, providing plenty of shared space.
What are some luxury all-inclusive resorts?
As for luxury all-inclusive resorts, Puerto Rico boasts prestigious options such as The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Dorado Beach. The Dorado Beach area spans the Rockefeller land, featuring ocean-view villas and suites and two golf courses. The St. Regis is nestled among the trees on a coconut farm, adjacent to the El Yunque National Forest. While these luxurious resorts offer excellent service, they do not operate on an all-inclusive system.
When is the best time to go on vacation in Puerto Rico?
The best time to vacation in Puerto Rico is during the summer and fall months, although they coincide with the hurricane season.
The peak season, from December to March, tends to be more expensive for airfare. The official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with a peak period from mid-August to October. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration monitors hurricanes and other weather events. Before traveling to Puerto Rico, consider checking travel insurance options that cover cancellations due to adverse weather conditions.