Contents
- 1. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- 2. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
- 3. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
- 4. San Juan Marriott Resort
- 5. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
- 6. Royal Sonesta San Juan
- 7. Hotel El Convento
- 8. Doubletree by Hilton San Juan
- 9. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
- 10. Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
- 11. Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan
- 12. Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa
- 13. Villa Cofresi Hotel
- 14. Combate Beach Resort
- Map of Family Resorts in Puerto Rico
- More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com
Beautiful Puerto Rico is a wonderful island destination for families with numerous lodging options for all budgets and styles of traveler, from family beach resorts to all-inclusive vacation packages. When it comes to where to stay in Puerto Rico, the capital city of San Juan is the number one area, home to many of the top hotels with kid-focused amenities.
There are a few different areas to look for accommodation in the Greater San Juan area, including Old San Juan if you’re looking for a historically rich holiday and don’t mind not being directly on the beach.
For a vacation right on the beach, check out the hip Condado district if you want a beautiful beach, backed by a vibrant neighborhood filled with shopping and dining options. Just outside San Juan, the Isla Verde coastline is another top vacation area, home to three of Puerto Rico’s best beaches, as well as some of its top resorts.
Puerto Rico’s southwest coastline is also an option for families, especially if you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path holiday. This area is home to some resorts, as well as lots of smaller guesthouses and country inns. It is also where you’ll find some of Puerto Rico’s top attractions like the world-famous Bioluminescent Bay and the Guanica Dry Forest. Puerto Rico’s west coast also has lodging options, especially around Rincon Beach.
Also note that after Hurricane Maria tore its destructive path across the island in 2017, Puerto Rico is open for business again. Plan your vacation with our list of the best family resorts in Puerto Rico.
1. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Accommodation: Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Built in the 1950s, Dorado Beach is one of only a handful of Ritz-Carlton Reserves in existence around the globe. The historic luxury property sits on 50 acres of the Rockefeller estate in a remote beachfront location surrounded by unspoiled landscapes.
The 5-star resort is a great place for a family vacation in a natural setting. Accommodation is in suites or residences. All have views of either East Beach or West Beach. Suites come in one- or two-bedroom configurations, so there is plenty of room for the kids. All have stylish modern decor and lots of outdoor space.
There are four restaurants on-site serving Puerto Rican and global fare. One dining option is COA, which is known for its wood-burning-oven cooked signature dishes. There is also a culinary center offering cooking classes showcasing local and seasonal ingredients.
Parents can send the little ones to the kids’ club or a babysitter for an adult dining experience or a little pampering in the classy spa.
You can also hit the fairways at two on-site golf courses. There are also a number of experiences offered at Dorado Beach that can incorporate the entire family. These range from hiking, biking or golf carting along the 11-mile Rockefeller Nature Trail on the grounds or booking an underwater adventure like sea kayaking.
Address: 100 Dorado Beach Drive, Dorado
2. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Accommodation: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
In San Juan’s buzzing Condado district, with direct beach access, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is a top luxury choice. It features beautiful old-world elegant rooms and suites, with dark wood furnishings and early 20th-century antiques throughout.
Families will like the suites that add kitchenettes and 24-hour butler service. Away from the rooms, there are two swimming pools, six restaurants, a gym fronting the ocean, and a spa with some unique treatments, such as LED facials.
Address: 1055 Ashford Ave, San Juan
3. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Accommodation: Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Set on 15 acres of beautifully manicured grounds facing the ocean just 15 minutes from Old San Juan and only five minutes from the airport, the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is a top family-friendly resort. The 4-star property features yesteryear elegance paired with distinctly Puerto Rican style throughout.
The contemporary rooms and suites have been recently renovated and there are family and interconnected room choices available. Located on gorgeous Isla Verde Beach, many rooms also have direct ocean views.
Amenities are plentiful. Besides direct beach access, there are four swimming pools to play in, including one with a shallow end for kids. Other child-focused amenities include playground equipment. You can also book luxury cabanas by the pools. For dining, choose from more than half-a-dozen restaurants. There is also live entertainment on some nights. The state-of-the-art fitness center and spa is also perfect for a workout followed by some pampering.
Address: 6063 Isla Verde Avenue, Isla Verde, Carolina
4. San Juan Marriott Resort
Accommodation: San Juan Marriott Resort
In San Juan’s vibrant Condado district, within walking distance of numerous restaurants and shops, this Marriott is a top family choice. This large resort is right on a pretty section of Condado Beach and has more than 500 rooms. All are clean, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. They also come with furnished balconies. Families should look at the upgraded rooms with separate living spaces and sleeper sofas.
On-site amenities include two large pools-one is for kids and has its own waterslide. There are also a number of on-site dining options, including a grill by the beach and a gelato shop that is a hit with little ones. Finally, a spa, tennis courts, and a gym round out the amenities here.
Address: 1309 Ashford Ave, San Juan
5. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
With direct access to a gorgeous white-sand beach, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort is a 4-star hotel about 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Rio Grande. It is a good choice for families seeking a destination resort experience. Rooms and suites are spacious and stylish, and some come with wraparound balconies. Suites have separate living spaces and pullout couches for kids.
Away from the rooms, there is plenty to do on-site. There are two championship golf courses to play, a huge tennis center with 13 courts, two swimming pools (one is adults-only), hot tubs, a spa, and fitness center. The hotel also runs kids’ activity programs. For dining there are nine restaurants on-site, and all-inclusive packages can be booked.
Address: 6000 Blvd Rio Mar, Rio Grande
6. Royal Sonesta San Juan
Accommodation: Royal Sonesta San Juan
The luxe Royal Sonesta San Juan overlooks beautiful, palm-lined Isla Verde Beach and offers plenty of amenities for families. There is a kids’ club on-site with an outdoor playground and a fun lagoon-style swimming pool with a waterfall. The location on one of San Juan’s top beaches is another perk.
This four-star hotel has nearly 400 rooms and suites that are spacious and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows. All have been recently renovated. Many feature ocean views. There are four restaurants on-site, as well as a spa, gym, and hot tub.
Address: 5961 Avienda Isla Verde, Isla Verde, Carolina
7. Hotel El Convento
Accommodation: Hotel El Convento
In the heart of the medieval Old San Juan, Hotel El Convento is a four-diamond hotel with a history dating back to the 16th-century, when it served as a convent. Today, this elegant, small hotel has just 58 rooms and suites, which are beautifully decorated with Spanish antiques and modern amenities like Bose sound systems.
This property definitely has a romantic vibe, but it also caters to families with family room options. On-site amenities include an outdoor plunge pool and hot tub, three restaurants, and a gym.
The hotel is within walking distance of everything in Old Town, including numerous shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Address: 100 Cristo St., Old San Juan, San Juan
8. Doubletree by Hilton San Juan
Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton San Juan
This is another option for families, but it is a five-minute drive in a free golf buggy shuttle to get to the beach. Still, it offers other amenities that may make up for the lack of direct beach access. This mid-range hotel in the vibrant Condado district is within walking distance of numerous restaurants and even a 24-hour supermarket should the kids need a late night or early morning snack.
The 184 rooms come in a variety of styles, including family-friendly options with Murphy beds that fold out of the walls for the kids. They also come with mini-fridges and microwaves. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, and a very good restaurant. The free warm cookies at check-in are a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Address: 105 Ave De Diego, Ocean Park Beach, San Juan
9. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
Accommodation: La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
Appealing to families as well as couples, La Concha has a great location on the beach in San Juan’s Condado district. It offers 332 rooms in two towers. All feature modern decor, with fluffy white duvets on comfy beds. The Ocean Tower is best for families, as it has suites with sofa beds and often partial or full ocean views from small balconies. The suites also feature kitchenettes.
There are three swimming pools, including one that is adults-only, and a terrace area with day beds. There are also a few different restaurant choices. There are not any kid-specific activities offered here, and this resort is known for its lively atmosphere, so this resort may be better suited to families with older kids.
Address: 1077 Ashford Ave, San Juan
10. Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
If you have an early morning or late night flight to catch, this Courtyard by Marriott property is a good choice, as it is quite near the airport. That said, it gets some air traffic noise complaints as well. Still, it sits on one of the top beaches in San Juan, Isla Verde, and you can relax in hammocks strung between palm trees here.
Rooms and suites are contemporary and comfortable. They are furnished with microwaves and mini-fridges, which parents appreciate for storing snacks. Many also have prime ocean views from the balconies that come with all rooms. Amenities include two swimming pools, a gym that stays open 24/7, and five restaurants.
Address: 7012 Boca de Cangrejos Ave, Isla Verde, Carolina
11. Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan
Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites San Juan
For budget-conscious families, the Hampton Inn & Suites is a reliable chain hotel within walking distance of beautiful Isla Verde Beach. The rooms and suites are kept clean and comfortable, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges.
The suites add separate living spaces and microwaves. Perks include a free buffet breakfast, a swimming pool and hot tub, a casual restaurant serving very good burgers, and a gym.
Address: 6530 Isla Verde Ave, Isla Verde, Carolina
12. Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa
Accommodation: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa
On Puerto Rico’s southwest coast, Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa is a mid-range family favorite, as long as you don’t mind an isolated location-you’ll need a car to explore. The resort has a laid-back vibe and offers a range of rooms, suites, and villas. The villas are a top choice for families, as they are spacious with multiple bedrooms.
When it comes to dining, the resort has two restaurants and offers all-inclusive packages, which are a good choice if you’re staying more than a night or two, as dining off the property is limited.
Other on-site amenities include four pools, a kids’ playground, volleyball court, fitness room, and a small spa. There are also sun loungers set up on the white-sand beach, and guests can take out non-motorized water sports equipment.
The resort is also near tourist attractions like the world famous Bioluminescent Bay and the Guanica Dry Forest.
Address: Road 333 Km 6.5, Cana Gorda Beach, Guanica
13. Villa Cofresi Hotel
Accommodation: Villa Cofresi Hotel
One of the most family-friendly hotels on Puerto Rico’s west coast, Villa Cofresi sits on Rincon Beach and has been run by the same family since 1965. It attracts numerous families who enjoy the swimmable beach out front and the outdoor pool that lights up at night, among other amenities. There is also a games room, ping-pong and pool tables, and a very good restaurant serving top-notch seafood.
There are 111 rooms and suites, and while not luxe, they are clean, comfortable, and well priced. Book one of the two-bedroom apartments if you also want a full kitchen.
Address: Rd. 115, Km 12.0, Rincon
14. Combate Beach Resort
Accommodation: Combate Beach Resort
One of Puerto Rico’s country inns, Combate Beach Resort is set next to gorgeous Combate Beach, which features a wide swath of golden sand backed by calm turquoise water. It also offers direct access to the walking trails in Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge on the southwest coast.
The 48 basic rooms are clean and comfortable but by no means luxurious; the experience here is more focused on the great outdoors. They also don’t offer ocean views, despite their proximity to it.
Amenities include a free continental breakfast and free kayaks and mountain bikes for guests to use. There is also a big swimming pool and a basketball court on-site. There is no restaurant, but you can walk to a number of local dining establishments.
Address: Carretera 3301 Km. 2.7 Interior, Playa El Combate, Cabo Rojo
Map of Family Resorts in Puerto Rico
More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com
Family Destinations in the Caribbean: The Caribbean is a favorite winter vacation destination, but some islands are more appealing to families than others. One of the best places for families, and offering plenty of choices for locations and resorts, is the Dominican Republic. Have a look through our article: Best Family Resorts in the Dominican Republic. Not sure where you want to go but looking for an all-inclusive? See our top picks for the Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the Caribbean.