The List: The Best Puerto Rico Hotels For ...

No hotel gives you quite the sense of the history of Old San Juan as El Convento. For one, it's set in a 17th century convent. For another, it's in the heart of the old walled city, just across from one of the oldest Cathedrals in the Americas. But more than anything else, it's the way the hotel has kept the essence of its past, from the arched colonnade around the courtyard to the tiled floors to the decor. The spirit of old Puerto Rico lives on at the magical El Convento.

When Condé Nast calls you one of the coolest hotels in the world, you tend to attract a cool crowd. The Water & Beach Club certainly does that, enjoying on an a-list clientele, but also equally welcoming average joes like me. The hotel keeps its guests (of any status) happy with ultra-modern rooms, nifty extras and terrific service, highlighted by the "Your Desires" program. Throw in a hip rooftop lounge, funky restaurant and beachfront access, and it's no wonder this place draws a sexy and well-heeled crowd.

This one was easy: the casino at the El San Juan Hotel is a swanky, stylish place to throw away ... er, try your luck. Set next to the opulent throwback lobby of this iconic hotel, it is the most fun place to be at night. The hopping bar scene and live band nearby help, but so does the crowd, which seems to know it's rolling the dice in the hottest and hippest casino on the island.

This category had its contenders, but in the end, I had to choose the unusual, dramatic and ingeniously designed trio of buildings that make up the Hix Island House, one of the best places to stay in Vieques. The geometric stone buildings (triangle, circle and square) rise up from the ground like natural formations, in complete harmony with their surroundings. It's not for people who want a typical hotel experience, but I love staying here, and it is architecturally the most inventive and creative of Puerto Rico's hotels.

The Gallery Inn is a boutique hotel in a historic house. But it's the prolific art of owner Jan D'Esopo that will really catch your eye. Sculptures and statues abound at this charming property, and the rooms and public spaces are tastefully decorated with an artist's eye. The hotel's artistic merit can be especially appreciated in its second floor music room, where a grand piano sits in a stately corner and where visiting musicians are known to give impromptu concerts. For art lovers and those with refined tastes, this intimate property should be high on their list of places to stay in Puerto Rico.

What puts the El Conquistador at the top of the list of hotels with amenities? Let's count the ways ... It's got an award-winning spa; a casino; a golf course; a marina; plenty of restaurants; its own private island; oh, and it's the got the only waterpark in Puerto Rico. Think that's good enough to earn top honors? So do I.

There were several contenders for this one, but in the end I had to go with the Horned Dorset Primavera for its elegance, remoteness, and intimacy. A small and pricey property in Rincón, this place exemplifies the romance of a boutique hotel. Its stylish furnishings, four poster beds, breathtaking views and refined luxury sets it apart.

Villa Sevilla, one of a handful of places to stay amid the mountainous greenery of the El Yunque National Rainforest, is so tucked away that I got lost twice trying to get there. But once I did make it, I was in for a treat. A small cluster of comfortable chalets with dramatic views of the mountain, hammocks on the balcony, and all the furnishings and amenities you need to feel at home, are here to greet you. The wonderful owners are only too happy to leave you alone and give you as much space as you need; and there's even a dirt trail down to a natural pool.

The Sheraton Puerto Rico is steps away from the ultra-cool, modern and stylish Puerto Rico convention center; it's got state-of-the-art meeting rooms that conform to the latest industry standards; over 500 comfortable and spacious rooms fit for conventions and events of virtually any size (along with 22 suites for the keynote speakers); a well-equipped top-floor business lounge that's ideal for business get-togethers; and plenty of on-site amenities for when the meeting is over. The excellent gym (with exercize regimens catered to the business traveler), extremely relaxing Zen Spa Retreat, beautiful infinity pool on the 4th floor deck, and largest casino in Puerto Rico provide plenty of ways to unwind after a long day's work.

 

When one of Puerto Rico's most prominent fashion designers does the interior decoration of a small luxury boutique, you can bet it's going to be done in high style. And that's what Chateau Cervantes gives its guests. The posh contemporary design makes each room in the all-suite hotel feel like a spread in an interior design magazine. And for extra style points, you can have a personal butler and limo pickup from the airport.