Family-Friendly Hotels in Puerto Rico: Your Homebase for Exploring this Caribbean Paradise

Terri Marshall Avatar

The beach and palm trees at the Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico
The beach at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan Puerto Rico. Photo credit: Caribe Hilton.

Home to white sand beaches, tropical breezes, vibrant culture, and a wealth of architectural gems in Old San Juan, this is Puerto Rico. Spend your days soaking up the sun as you discover the wonders of this enticing Caribbean island. Take a tour of Old San Juan to explore the military history, colorful architecture, mouth-watering dining, and boutique shopping. Venture beyond San Juan to uncover more island treasures.

Lace up your hiking boots and explore El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico’s most beloved natural gem. Splash about with fish on a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. Indulge in all your favorite water sports including surfing on the island’s west coast. Then spend an evening kayaking through a bioluminescent bay. When you’re ready to rest and recharge for more explorations on your family vacation, these family-friendly resorts and hotels will take good care of you no matter where you roam in this island paradise.

San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

1309 Ashford Avenue,
San Juan 00907-1324 Puerto Rico

844-631-0595

Situated just five miles from Luis Munoz International Airport in the prestigious Condado neighborhood of San Juan, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino provides a beachfront location only steps away from numerous bars and restaurants.

Accommodation options include 513 spacious guest rooms and 12 suites, most with spectacular ocean views. For recreation this beach resort offers the 24-hour Stellaris Casino on site, two outdoor pools including one with a waterslide, two lighted tennis courts, and the Ocean Club Wellness Center featuring a full spa menu and a fitness center.

San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino features restaurants with a variety of cuisines including international fare to American dishes. The newest offering, Terrazzo, serves delicious Italian classics.

Steps away from the hotel entrance lies Distrito T-Mobile, San Juan’s premier entertainment hub with dozens of restaurants, an urban park, and more. Free shuttle service is available to whisk you and the family to Old San Juan for explorations.

Why Families Love San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

  • Valet parking ($25 daily)
  • Self-parking ($20 daily)
  • Free wifi
  • Pools
  • Fitness center
  • Beach access
  • Bicycle rental
  • Children activities
  • Suites
  • Hearing accessible rooms
  • Mobility accessible rooms
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • On-site laundry (coin-operated)

CHECK PRICES/AVAILABILITY

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

1055 Ashford Avenue Condado,
San Juan 00907 Puerto Rico

787-721-5500

Opened in 1919, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel provides the ultimate in grandeur and five-style luxury. A beacon to those who love Spanish Revival architecture, opulent interior design, and dramatic ocean views of Condado Beach, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel remains one of the most storied hotels in Puerto Rico and is widely regarded as one of the Carribean’s finest beach resorts.   

Boasting 317 luxurious rooms, including 100 exquisite suites, the accommodations’ interior touches include 300-count linens, plush bedding, and a spa-inspired bath, featuring marble showers and stone-topped vanities. Family suites are available with one, two, or three bedrooms. Choose from a view of historic Old San Juan or a view of the Atlantic Ocean with an oceanfront terrace. Your suite even comes with butler service. 

The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel’s oceanfront fitness facility offers a variety of exclusive, relaxing spa treatments, as well as wellness and fitness classes and cardiovascular and strength equipment by Technogym®.

Named for the year the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel was founded, the 1919 Restaurant is the place to go for a luxury dining experience. Chef Juan José Cuevas returned to his native Puerto Rico after spending two decades working at top restaurants in New York, San Francisco, and Spain. His contemporary tasting menus showcase locally produced fruits and vegetables such as plantains, carrots, pumpkins, and passion fruit.

Traveling with the family’s furry member? Your dog will be well taken care of at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. The property offers water and food bowls, dog bed and a Pup Joy Dog Package, all available upon check-in. Your pet is also included on the room service menu with dog entrees created by the hotel chefs.

Why Families Love Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

  • Wide variety of accommodations to choose from
  • Dog-friendly
  • Stellar views of the Atlantic Ocean and Old San Juan
  • Kids’ Pool
  • Babysitting
  • Cribs and extra beds available

CHECK PRICES/AVAILABILITY

Caribe Hilton

1 San Geronimo Street,
San Juan 00901 Puerto Rico

855-605-0316

Welcoming guests since 1949, the recently renovated Caribe Hilton is a Puerto Rico icon. Idyllically situated on an exclusive peninsula, Caribe Hilton boasts 17 acres of beachfront tropical gardens, a secluded beach, three oceanfront pools, an outdoor playground, a full-service spa, a sun-filled fitness center, and several restaurants, including Morton’s The Steakhouse and Caribar. There’s truly something for the whole family. If younger kids are in tow, check in at the pool towel stand for daily kid’s activities. Free childcare services are also available.

For lodging choose from 652 island-inspired rooms and suites with either a garden view or the coveted ocean views. Two-bedroom suites are available for more space. All accommodations include a full range of amenities, including coffee makers and mini-refrigerators. Note, a $42 daily resort charge will be added to the room rate and includes internet access; fitness center and tennis court access; exclusive beach access with chairs and umbrellas; pina colada tasting; daily recreational amenities and activities; 20% off spa and other discounts.

Why Families Love Caribe Hilton

  • Daily kids’ activities
  • Free childcare services
  • Multiple restaurants to choose from
  • Coin-operated laundry
  • Tour and guest activity /recreation desk
  • Gift shop and snack shop
  • Secluded uncrowded beach

CHECK PRICES/AVAILABILITY

The Royal Sonesta San Juan

5961 Isla Verde Avenue,
Isla Verde, Carolina 00979 Puerto Rico

800-766-3782

Located in Carolina just east of San Juan overlooking palm-fringed Isla Verde Beach and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, the recently renovated Royal Sonesta San Juan provides an ideal home base for your family vacation. This family-friendly resort features seven on-site restaurants and bars offering a variety of cuisines and a lagoon-style swimming pool with a swim-up bar. Bright, elegant guest rooms come with views of the ocean or San Juan.

Located within walking distance to the hotel are La Plazoleta De Isla Verde, Teatro Francisco Arriví, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico. The Ocean Lab Brewing Company in Carolina is just one mile away. Historic Old San Juan and the El Yungue National Forest are also nearby for your exploration.

Why Families Love the Royal Sonesta San Juan

  • 24/7 Fitness center
  • Zen Spa Brisas – a full-service spa
  • Free-form lagoon-style outdoor swimming pool
  • Dry cleaning services
  • Self-parking ($25 per day)
  • Valet parking ($32 per day)
  • In-room dining

CHECK PRICES/AVAILABILITY

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

6000 Rio Mar Boulevard,
Rio Grande 00745 Puerto Rico

855-451-9982

Located on Puerto Rico’s northeast shoreline nestled between a mile-long stretch of secluded beach and El Yunque Rainforest, guests of the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort enjoy golden sands, tropical breezes, and turquoise waters. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort recently completed a multi-million dollar revitalization. The resort includes 500 incredible acres with awe-inspiring ocean and rainforest views. The resort’s 400 guestrooms with private balconies provide an ideal place to rest up for your next family adventure. Daily activities are abundant with two championship golf courses, a tennis center, beach volleyball, a full-service spa, a fitness center, two nature reserves, a lively casino, two nature reserves, and a guest experience program.  

When hunger strikes indulge in authentic Puerto Rican flavors at Roots Coastal Kitchen, sample the fish tacos beachside at the Tiki Hut, or check out one of the other options – you have 10 on-site restaurants to choose from.  

Why Families Love Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

  • Abundant activities including golf, tennis, beach volleyball, and more
  • Easy access to El Yungue Rainforest for waterfalls, hiking, and more
  • Three lagoon-style pools
  • A 20,000-square-foot sundeck by the beach
  • Private balcony
  • Complimentary wifi
  • Eco-Friendly Thermostat
  • Coffee/Tea Maker (With Specialized Puerto Rican Coffee)
  • Accessible rooms
  • Dog-friendly rooms (with fee)

CHECK PRICES/AVAILABILITY

El Conquistador Resort

1000 El Conquistador Avenue,
Cabezas,
Fajardo 00738 Puerto Rico

Sitting 300 feet above sea level overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and adjacent islands, the El Conquistador Resort is back in business after a three-year closure. This iconic Puerto Rico resort includes dramatic views, the private Palomino Island, the 18-hole Arthur Hills golf course, and Coqui Water Park. El Conquistador Resort also overlooks a ribbon of beachfront just steps from the ocean. Located on the east coast of Puerto Rico, El Conquistador Resort makes an ideal home base for those choosing to explore the islands of Culebra and Vieques.

Among the best family hotels, the property currently offers 368 rooms and suites and is expected to return to its original 750-room footprint by 2025. Each of El Conquistador Resort’s spacious guestrooms and suites features a private balcony along with in-room luxuries including deep-soaking tubs, free wifi, flat-screen TVs with cable and satellite, mini-refrigerators and more. Babysitting services are also available for a fee.

Perched just above the El Conquistador Resort, Las Casitas Village provides a balance between the upscale resort and the familiar comforts of home. The village boasts 42 air-conditioned villas each equipped with a full kitchen. Choose between a one, two, and three-bedroom villa.  Private amenities of Las Casitas Village include three private pools and Vinos and tapas. All resort amenities are also available for guests staying in Las Casitas Village.

Why Families Love El Conquistador Resort

  • Option to choose between a resort room or a villa
  • Coqui Water Park access to expand fun in the sun time
  • Access to the resort’s marina
  • Babysitting services
  • Spa
  • Golf Course
  • Tennis Courts
  • Fitness Center
  • Scheduled daily activities

CHECK PRICES/AVAILABILITY

Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort

1150 Caribe Avenue Suite 201,
Ponce 00716 Puerto Rico

855-605-0316

Discover the southern shore of Puerto Rico in the island’s second-largest city, Ponce. Also known as the Pearl of the South, Ponce boasts an abundance of historical and cultural riches. Here you can visit standout art museums, tour a famous castle, tour standout art museums and stroll the streets of the colorful town square Plaza Las Delicias. Outside of the city center, Puerto Rico’s stunning southern beaches beckon. Situated on that southern shore, Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort is a tropical resort ideal for a family vacation.

The beach resort sits just 10 minutes from Ponce’s Mercedita Airport (PSE) and 90 minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan (SJU).

Property features include one of the largest casinos in Puerto Rico, free-form pools, a whirlpool, a beach, a full-service fitness room, a tennis court and massage rooms, a children’s play area, mini golf, and four restaurants.

Golfers enjoy teeing off on the resort’s 27-hole championship golf course surrounded by views of the Central Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The course also features putting greens, a chipping area, and lit-up driving ranges. Perks include custom group packages and use of the 32,000 sq ft beachfront Clubhouse with pool, restaurant, and indoor/outdoor events space.

Why Families Love Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort

  • Extensive accessibility features throughout the hotel
  • Accessible rooms
  • Connecting rooms and suites
  • Room service
  • Free wifi
  • Self-parking ($12 daily)
  • Valet parking ($22 daily)

CHECK PRICES/AVAILABILITY

Rincon Beach Resort

Road 115, Km 5.8,
Caguabo 00610
Puerto Rico

Known as Porta de Sol, the west coast of Puerto Rico touches the Caribbean Sea and is home to some of the world’s best beaches and surfing areas. For families seeking a beach destination with plentiful watersports, the Rincon Beach Resort delivers. Whether your crew prefers to relax on the beach or tackle the ample waves, there’s truly something for everyone here.

Choose from ocean view, garden view, or poolside guestrooms and junior suites featuring Caribbean coastal decor. Ideal for families seeking more space, one or two-bedroom villas boast a separate living room with a queen sofa bed, a dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen. The Rincon Beach Resort features an infinity freeform swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and a swim-up bar overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Dining possibilities include the Brasas Restaurant serving a fusion of Caribbean, Spanish, and Mediterranean flavors on its extensive dinner menu. Brasas is also open for breakfast and includes a kid’s menu offering pancakes, a kid’s egg scramble, and more. For poolside dining, the Pelican Beachfront Grill serves up a variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. The kid’s menu features Rincon wings, chicken strips, a 4 oz. burger, and mozzarella sticks. The Boutique Bar in the hotel lobby is the place to go for cocktails, wine, beer, and tapas.

Why Families Love Rincon Beach Resort

  • Free Parking
  • Free wifi
  • Pool
  • Fitness Center 
  • Beach access
  • Kids Club

CHECK PRICES/AVAILABILITY