Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Puerto Rico

El Conquistador's reputation tends to precede it. The 984-room cliff-side resort provides some of the most epic views in the Caribbean, and its modern, beach-chic rooms are bright and clean, with plush white bedding, balconies, and sleek, spacious bathrooms. The hotel's beach is pristine and located on a private island (accessibly by a free ferry). But nightly rates are steep, and the remote location makes it hard for guests to venture off-site for cheaper dining and entertainment options. Guests that don't want to spend all of their time on property should consider renting a car.

Situated right on the beach in Condado, the Marriott Resort & Casino is a step above some other hotels in the neighborhood: The grounds and the hotel -- including the pools, the tennis courts, and the spa -- are well-kept, and the upscale rooms feature warm colors, flat-screen TVs, and large bathrooms with granite vanities. Though there is a casino on-site, the hotel also caters to families, with amenities such as a game room, laundry facilities, and a pool with a waterslide. But some have complained of hearing noise from the casino in the rooms on the lower floors, and fees for extras such as Wi-Fi and beach chairs are annoying.

This upper-middle-range, family-friendly chain hotel has 255 rooms and suites and a location near the hub of Ponce -- Puerto Rico's second largest city. The property boasts meeting facilities, an attached 27-hole golf course, and tons of activities to keep adults and young 'uns entertained. The small beach has dark, somewhat rocky sand and is not the highlight here, but most are happy to take advantage of the outdoor pool complex with cushy daybeds, fountains, slides, and swimming areas for both kids and adults. Dining options include pizza, sushi, and the modern, wine-focused La Cava restaurant. All rooms have bright, contemporary decor, balconies or patios, and free Wi-Fi.

Marriott’s top-tier hotel in the capital of San Juan offers 416 rooms and suites and is an easy five-minute drive from the airport along Isla Verde beach. Rooms are contemporary and upscale if a tad generic, and and most are without balconies. Most guests spend their time on the sand, or at the lively outdoor pool where attentive service is a focus. Just watch out for the super-pricey cocktails. In the evenings, the lobby bar is the place for small plates and pre-dinner cocktails before dressed-up guests (and some locals) make their way to their reserved tables at on-site restaurants BLT Steak and Il Mulino. The hotel attracts a mix of post-cruise goers, conference attendees, and leisure guests on long weekend getaways. 

The upscale, 910-room Caribe Hilton is a lively mega-resort with stunning views of Puerto Rico's Atlantic Coast between Old San Juan and Condado. Yes, it can be crowded and busy, but the cruisers, business travelers, honeymooners, and families that flock here don't seem to mind. The hotel's 17 acres include bird-filled tropical gardens, multiple restaurants, a lively bar, and gorgeous pools. The manmade beach isn't the best, and can be packed, but rooms are modern and comfy, with Hilton's excellent beds, and many have furnished balconies with ocean views. 

The 106-room Copamarina Beach Resort is an upper-middle-range property located along a half-mile stretch of white sand on Puerto Rico's southwestern coast. This peaceful property is reached via a serpentine road, and the remote location means that a car is needed to explore local restaurants and nearby sights such as the Guanica Dry Forest or Parguera’s bioluminescent bay. Rooms open to private terraces overlooking the gardens and the ocean while larger multi-bedroom villas cater to families. The resort has a fitness center, spa, tennis courts, and two restaurants on-site. 

Embassy Suites San Juan is a three-and-a-half-pearl hotel located in San Juan’s fashionable Isla Verde neighborhood. The hotel is within a six-minute walk of Isla Verde Beach, along with nightlife and entertainment options. Its 299 suites are large and cheerful, offering separate sitting areas with sofa beds and kitchenettes with microwaves. The decor throughout the rooms and common areas is generic and indicative of the chain, but the pool area is attractive and the free happy hour snacks and cocktails are a thoughtful extra.

This family-operated 111-room hotel opened in 1965 sits inches from Rincon Beach on the west coast of Puerto Rico. Today, four very involved siblings keep the family traditional going, attracting (no surprise here) other families with kids who run back and forth between the swimmable beach and outdoor pool. Grown-ups will likely love the adjacent and lively bar, and the indoor/outdoor restaurant serves gourmet cuisine including a standout Red Snapper. All rooms have mini-fridges while some units -- like the two-bedroom apartments -- have fully equipped kitchens. Decor throughout is clean, but in need of some updating. 

Opened in 1997, this budget-friendly chain hotel offers 201 rooms and suites close to the airport. Excellent freebies, including breakfast (which can get busy) and evening refreshments (including beer!) add to the value. Leisure guests can walk to Isla Verde Beach within five minutes, or hit the outdoor pool and terrace. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, work desks, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers -- though better coffee is available in the lobby -- and suites have more space and microwaves. The pool bar serves basic American fare (including great burgers) for lunch and dinner, and it’s not too far of a taxi ride to get to more buzzing city spots for more choice. Airplane noise might bother light sleepers. Wi-Fi is free, though parking will incur a daily fee.