Puerto Rico's Best Boutique Hotels

Since I've named the Horned Dorset Primavera in Rincón my favorite hotel in Puerto Rico, and given you 10 reasons why I feel it deserves top honors, it stands to reason that it should headline my list of Puerto Rico's best boutique hotels. This place exemplifies the luxury, intimacy and special something extra that a boutique property promises; the Horned Dorset's smattering of lavish suites, tucked away along the westernmost edge of the island, offer a private sanctuary of unparalleled beauty, style and service. It's prices will intimidate many, but the experience of staying here will reward those who can afford it.

Best Attribute
The suites, with their stunning Mediterranean decor and private pools, are just fabulous.

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With 58 guestrooms, El Convento is the largest of Puerto Rico's boutique hotels. It's also by far the most iconic hotel on the island. A Carmelite convent in the 17th century, it has been lovingly and meticulously restored to fuse together the nostalgic romance of centuries past with the comforts and benefits of modern luxury. The end result is a lovely hotel which perfectly captures the magic of Old San Juan. The hotel lobby features a leafy courtyard, surrounded by arched colonnades. The rooms have antique accents and modern amenities. And ever since my sister's wedding here, it has a special place in my heart.

Best Attribute
Its unbeatable and authentic historical charm.

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Thirteen apartments. Three buildings fashioned out of bare stone, with no glass anywhere in sight, and following the purest geometric shapes: circle, square, and triangle. The Hix House is an inspired architectural tribute to natural beauty, and seemingly rises out of the earth itself. The eco-resort has no telephones, TVs, or anything else that will remind you of the modern era. But its ample rooms are comfortable, the homemade bread and fruit served each morning are hearty starts to your day, and the environment -- the dense tropical foliage of Vieques -- are all part of the experience.

Best Attribute
Without a doubt, it's the stunning architecture.

The definition of modern chic, Chateau Cervantes, named after the Don Quixote author, has a mere twelve rooms nestled into a small, stylish building in Old San Juan. The hotel's decor was fashioned by Puerto Rican designer Nono Maldonado, with contemporary artwork by native artist Carlos Davila. All this means that you, the guest, get sumptuous digs in the ancient heart of the capital, with luxurious touches including butler service, limo pickup from the airport, and a terrific lobby-level restaurant in Panza (Quixote's unflappable sidekick).

Best Attribute
The sumptuous styling of one of Puerto Rico's preeminent designers.

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Part studio, part hotel, part art gallery, the Gallery Inn has the imprint of its owners -- Jan D'Esopo and her husband Manuco -- all over it. They live here and entertain their guests with warm and welcoming hospitality. The sculptures that dot the grounds of this house, which is itself over three hundred years old, are all Jan's work. The rooms are elegant and comfortable, more reminiscent of a sumptuous bed and breakfast than a hotel, but it's the hotel's common spaces that are my favorite: the wonderful second-floor music room, the rooftop deck, the beautiful pool, and the main room where wine-and-cheese receptions in the afternoon allow guests and staff to get to know each other.

Best Attribute
The beautiful art throughout the hotel.

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With a beautiful view of the Caribbean, intimate chared cabanas, a gorgeous pool and one of the better restaurants in Vieques, there are no shortage of reasons to recommend the Inn on the Blue Horizon. Enjoy the rich plantation-style decor in your bedroom to the open-air atrium where you can lounge with a book and enjoy a tropical breeze along with a tropical drink, there are few places in Vieques that offer such a tranquil, indulgent escape. And the circular bar is one of the nicest places to be after the sun goes down.

Best Attribute
It has to be the open-air, fifty-foot pool, with its multicolored lights and view to the vast open horizon.