Puerto Rico has had a rough couple of years with hurricanes, earthquakes, and of course, COVID. However, its position in the northern Caribbean provides particularly easy access from North America, and its top hotels have some spectacular suites and residences worth a look.
Here’s the country’s top suites:
1. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
2. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
1. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Awards:
• Fodor’s Choice
• AAA/CAA Five Diamond Awards 2020
• Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards 2020
• Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020
• Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
US News reports: “Reopened in 2019 after an extensive renovation following damages from Hurricane Maria in 2017, this elegant Ritz-Carlton property sits on an eco-friendly reserve on Puerto Rico’s northern shore and features amenities galore. The resort offers access to a mile of sandy shoreline and numerous nature trails. While adults are teeing off on the two impressive 18-hole golf courses or indulging in a spa treatment amid the leafy canopy, kids can get acquainted with fellow resort goers while participating in supervised Ambassadors of the Environment activities.
The waterfront COA restaurant offers locally inspired cuisine, including various dishes made in a custom wood-burning oven. Or, visitors can savor grilled meats and seafood at Encanto Beach Club Bar and Grill or fresh sushi, ceviche, and tapas at Positivo Sand Bar. Overall, past guests praised the resort’s cuisine and accommodations, although several warned that everything, from the dishes to the spa treatments to the room rates, is expensive. However, the property’s daily resort fee covers perks like in-room Wi-Fi access, snorkeling gear, and bikes.”
4-Bedroom Residence
Overlooking the ocean from the top floor, this 6,960 sq. ft. penthouse features a rooftop lounge with a private pool; four bedrooms; a den; living and dining rooms; a gourmet kitchen; indoor and outdoor showers; a deep soaking tub; laundry room; walk-in wardrobe and golf cart for getting around the resort.
View more rooms and suites at Dorado Beach.
2. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Awards:
• Fodor’s Choice
• AAA/CAA Five Diamond Awards 2020
• Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards 2020
• Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020
• Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News reports: “Luxury is the name of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort’s game. Occupying a former coconut plantation along Bahia’s shoreline in northeastern Puerto Rico, this property boasts 100-foot palms and enviable beach access. Accommodations feature beamed ceilings, private terraces or balconies, minibars, butler service, and Wi-Fi access (which is part of the $99 daily resort fee).
To get the lay of the land, travelers recommend venturing outside your gorgeous room or suite to check out the flowing fairways of the Robert Trent Jones Jr. Golf Course and the resort’s expansive seaside pool. If you’re looking for more action, a concierge can help you arrange hiking, biking, and water expeditions. Or, you can unwind with a massage or body scrub at the spa. When hunger sets in, dine on bistro cuisine at the poolside Seagrapes Restaurant or fresh Mediterranean fare at the Paros Restaurant.”
4 Bedroom Oceanfront Residence
The 7,694 sq. ft. 4-bedroom Oceanfront Residence offers impressive views of the azure seas. The guest rooms boast private terraces with spectacular views of the lush nature that has been preserved in Bahia Beach.
You’ll find custom-designed furnishings, 55” HDTVs, high-speed wireless internet access, honor bar, mini-refrigerator, and spacious five-fixture marble bathrooms with an oversized tub, separate shower, and double vanity.
View more suites and residences at St. Regis Bahia Beach.
3. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Awards:
• Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awards 2020
• Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News reports: “Named after the Condado district in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Frederick William Vanderbilt (the hotel’s original owner), the Preferred-affiliated Condado Vanderbilt Hotel has welcomed notable guests like Charles Lindberg, Bob Hope and former President Franklin D. Roosevelt since opening its doors in 1919. Featuring Spanish Revival-style architecture, the hotel combines modern amenities – such as multiple pools (including a beautiful infinity pool), a fitness center and a spa – with traditional touches like luggage porter service and tray ceilings in the lobby.
Contemporary perks, including C.O. Bigelow toiletries, French press coffee makers, flat-screen smart TVs, and 300-thread-count Rivolta Carmignani linens, are also available in the property’s 319 accommodations. Plus, the property’s daily resort fee covers extras like in-room Wi-Fi access and bottled water. For amenities like 24-hour butler service, a whirlpool tub, and multiple balconies, guests can upgrade to a one-, two- or three-bedroom suite. Overall, travelers rave about the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, citing its superb customer service, central location, and picturesque ocean views as highlights. Visitors also praise the food served at Tacos & Tequila, Ola Oceanfront Bistro, and 1919 Restaurant, although some caution that meals in all three eateries are pricey.”
Vanderbilt Presidential Suites
Located atop each of the Condado Vanderbilt towers, the 2,590 sq. ft. Vanderbilt Presidential Suites offer unparalleled and exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the unique San Juan coastline and cityscape of the Condado area.
Each bedroom sports its own balconies: the master bedroom’s balcony features both a chaise lounge and an armchair with an ottoman with the ocean as the horizon. In addition to a king-sized bed, the master bedroom offers an oversized bathroom with a separate tub and shower, as well as its own custom-made dressing area. For added privacy, rooms connect through a vestibule and each guest room has its own bathroom. The expansive living room is ideal for entertaining guests, whether for casual cocktails or a formal dinner.
See more suites at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
4. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Awards
• Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News Reports: “Located in the trendy Isla Verde District of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fairmont El San Juan Hotel boasts enviable beach access and a refined resort atmosphere. Accented with eye-catching blue and gray decor and modern furnishings and amenities, such as free Wi-Fi access, mini-fridges, and LCD televisions, this property’s accommodations are difficult to beat.
Specialty suites offer luxe extras like Steinway pianos, private whirlpools, and kitchenettes. Outside your room, you can lounge in a poolside cabana or laze along the 2-mile-long beachfront before retreating to the Well & Being Spa. And by night, you can grab dinner at one of the resort’s four restaurants before dancing the night away at BRAVA nightclub.”
Presidential Suite
Experience the essence of elegance and space in the 2,051-sq. ft. Presidential Suite, boasting legendary ocean views from breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows. Positioned on a high floor within the Grand Tower, this unique suite has been redesigned with contemporary décor and features a living area with an oversized LCD TV with cable and movie channels. The separate dining area includes a kitchenette and mini-refrigerator. The spacious bedroom offers an expansive bathroom with a designer tub. Please note that all Fairmont El San Juan Hotel guestrooms are non-smoking.
Casa Del Mar
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel’s only two-story suite offers a completely private atmosphere. Situated directly on the beach with stunning ocean views and a spacious 1,590 sq. ft. Casa Del Mar Suite is perfect for entertaining. The suite features a separate bedroom, spacious living room, bar with seating for four, dining table for six, 55-inch flat-screen TV, and an oversized relaxing sofa.
View more suites at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel.
