The best gay-friendly hotels in Puerto Rico

Old world charm meets ultramodern amenities at the four-star Hotel El Convento, housed within a seventeenth-century convent building in the heart of Old San Juan, close to a number of the capital’s main tourist attractions. In addition to rooms rich in atmospheric lighting and classic wooden interiors, guests also have access to a fine seating area in the internal courtyard, a plunge pool, and Jacuzzi. Don’t forget to check out the guest lounge either, which is the perfect spot to enjoy the hotel’s complimentary snacks and drinks each afternoon. Almost immediately next door to Hotel El Convento is Decanter Hotel. Ideal for fully immersing oneself in the island’s centuries of history, Decanter sits within a lovingly restored nineteenth-century colonial building whose airy shared spaces and rooms are perfectly finished in the period’s trademark subdued colours. Perhaps Old San Juan’s most exclusive place to stay is at Villa Herencia, a bed and breakfast of just eight rooms. The works of local artists hang from the plain plaster walls, while beautiful antique tiles decorate many of the floors, together with period hardwood flooring. Each room in Villa Herencia has its own patio space, with a hidden rooftop terrace also available to guests.

There’s no hiding the colonial stylings that pepper Horned Dorset Primavera, situated on a secluded stretch of coastline outside of the town of Rincon, on Puerto Rico’s western shore. The duplex apartments that form the Primavera come with four-poster beds, hand-carved furniture, and bespoke tiles, as well as a private plunge pool. A larger shared pool can also be found within the expansive wooded grounds. As the only place to stay on Almirante Beach in Anasco, Rincon Beach Resort offers another intimate west coast stay, ideal for couples and families alike. Home to some of the best surfing areas not just in Puerto Rico but also in the world, the resort lies right on the beach front, giving its rooms fantastic views across the Caribbean Sea. The fully air-conditioned rooms are large enough to include a dedicated seating area, a flat-screen television, and a small fridge. However, you’re far more likely to spend your time outside of your room and beneath the palms on the outdoor terrace and swimming pool.

Located on the island’s southwestern corner, Isla Las Mañanitas combines the spirit of Robinson Crusoe with the luxury of a five-star hotel. The open-sided shared space invites the surrounding gardens in, while the minimalist rooms appear to hover over the ocean as if at the bow of a ship, acting as a fine backdrop to the natural landscapes the hotel blends into. Situated on the neighbouring island of Vieques, Casa de Tortuga Guesthouse provides homely bed and breakfast rooms around a small shared outdoor pool. Additional facilities include a kitchenette, separate dining and seating areas, and balcony, all less than four kilometres from Bioluminescent Bay, Vieques’ most popular attraction.