12 Great Paradores for an Authentic Puerto Rico Vacation
Save money and stay with the locals during your Puerto Rico vacation.
If you’re looking for an affordable and authentic place to stay in Puerto Rico, paradores are an excellent option. They’re really the sweet spot between a bed and breakfast and a hotel. It’s also an ideal way to personalize your visit to Puerto Rico, as well as familiarize yourself with the local customs.
What are paradores?
A network of small inns established by the Puerto Rico Tourism Board in 1973, paradores are rooted in the land and the local community. They’re structured like a resort, but on a smaller scale. To qualify for the government’s Paradores Puertorriqueños program, each parador must be privately owned and managed by a local family, be located outside the metropolitan area and have between seven and 75 rooms.
Most paradores cost anywhere from $85-$125 per night (for a double room). Many are all-inclusive, with a bar and restaurant featuring Puerto Rican cuisine. There are currently 12 accommodations that are part of the Paradores Puertorriqueños. Here’s a list of them by region.
West
This parador is situated near a private section of Motones Beach. Rustic individual color-splashed villas include air conditioning and a kitchen. There’s also an onsite restaurant, Olas y Arena, an airy dining space that overlooks the water.
Perks of a stay at Combate Beach Resort include its location on Puerto Rico’s longest beach and close proximity to Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. The 47-room boutique hotel boasts flat-screen TVs, in-room refrigerators, Wi-Fi and daily free continental breakfast. The resort features two pools—full-size and a dedicated children’s pool. Guests can also make use of the volleyball and basketball courts, or explore one of the many hiking and biking trails within the wildlife refuge. They also have a well-curated gift shop and wine cellar.
This 75-room parador is just steps away from Boquerón Beach. It’s also convenient to the Mayagüez Zoo and Proceres Museum. Each room accommodates two to four people and features air conditioning, a fridge, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. In addition, there’s a swimming pool and an on-site restaurant, La Cascada. A property-wide remodel launched in June 2021 will yield new doors, furnishings and beds, as well as reconfiguring three rooms to be fully accessible.
Opened in 1991, this 75-room resort stretches across a 16-acre estate lush with tropical plants. It’s just two minutes from the idyllic Crash Boat Beach, as well as popular Aguadilla restaurants. If you opt to dine in, you’re all set. Hotel El Faro’s on-site dining option, Tres Amigos Restaurant serves authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and international fare. Two outdoor swimming pools, free parking and 24-hour reception services are other amenities you can expect.
North
The only parador located in the Arecibo-Hatillo area, the 49-room El Buen Café is convenient to the Arecibo Lighthouse, Camuy River Caves, local beaches and other diversions. Hotel walls painted in varying shades of blue create a soothing tropical vibe. Amenities include a refreshing pool and well-attended gardens, Wi-Fi, a small fridge and a restaurant and cafeteria. The menu features authentic Puerto Rican dishes, international flavors and freshly-caught seafood.
Central
Open since 1970, this eco-friendly parador is tucked within the central midwest mountains of Adjuntas. Guests can choose from 34 rooms, many featuring a private balcony overlooking one of the two swimming pools or verdant gardens. The hotel restaurant, La Garzas, is open daily and serves varied Latin, Spanish and Caribbean dishes. This mountain enclave is a nature-lover’s dream, with convenient access to the Guilarte State Forest, El Bosque del Pueblo and La Olimpia School Forest. Guests can also tour the property’s working farm, Hacienda Don Jun, that provides fresh ingredients for many of the restaurant’s dishes.
South
Perched on the water’s edge with stunning views of the Caribbean, 74-room Villa Parguera is an ideal home base for day cruises and area excursions. It’s also convenient to Puerto Rico’s only swimmable bio bay, La Parguera. Enjoy international, Caribbean and Creole fare at the hotel’s Aqua Marina Restaurant, overlooking La Parguera Bay. Cool off in the sizable swimming pool with a shaded deck or walk to Plaza San Pedro for shopping and entertainment. Just steps away, the pier is a great fishing spot and serves as the launching point for water sports.
If traveling sustainably is an important factor in your lodging decisions, Turtle Bay Inn should be on your list. Nearly 90 percent of the property’s energy is solar produced, and has been since 2011. Each of the 13 rooms is spacious and well appointed. Amenities include a pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, parking and daily breakfast. Guests can also make use of the coin-operated laundry facilities. The atmosphere here is low-key and calm. However, the inn is close to popular El Poblado de Boquerón for restaurants, nightclubs and shopping if you crave more action.
Set on the site of a former sugar plantation, Guánica 1929 is just minutes from the Guánica Dry Forest (the only dry forest in the Caribbean). The original structure, called The American Hotel, was the first school hotel in Puerto Rico. Renovated in 1929, the historical property still boasts original hardwood features. It comprises 27 air-conditioned guest rooms that feature a microwave, refrigerator, in-room safe and a coffee maker. Guests also have access to a fitness center, basketball court, playground and arcade game room. Additionally, there are two separate pools for adults and kids. The hotel’s restaurant, Ensenada, is a favorite of both non guests and locals.
East
Yunque Mar Beach Hotel’s location on Luquillo’s Fortuna Beach is perhaps its main lure. Guests are just a shell’s throw from the ocean and within walking distance of Luquillo’s popular food kiosks. This parador offers 15 spacious double guest rooms, some of which include a private balcony. Two rooms are family bedrooms big enough for four and two suites provide ample space for up to six guests. Suites also come with a kitchenette, living room, refrigerator and other amenities.
Guests enjoy direct access to Lucia Beach or walk to El Negor Beach in just about 15 minutes. All 34 rooms include small furnished balconies that overlook the pool and gardens. Comfortable poolside loungers and hammocks are provided. Make use of the on-site fitness center, basketball court and volleyball court. The hotel restaurant serves Puerto Rican cuisine, vegetarian specialities and seafood dishes to be enjoyed indoors or al fresco. Breakfast is offered each morning for a nominal fee.
Its beachfront location, family friendly vibe and a large infinity pool that overlooks the ocean make this parador a popular option for various types of travelers. Area attractions like Punta Tuna Beach, the Sierra de Guardarraya mountain range and the Maunabo Lighthouse are easily accessible. Guests can enjoy meals in the restaurant or grab a snack at the poolside bar.
Map of lodging options in Puerto Rico
Get a better idea of where these paradores are located with our interactive map (paradores are orange on the map).
