Why are there no All-Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Rico?

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All-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico are often a disappointing experience for confused tourists visiting the island. 

As a local and former worker in the hotel industry, I’ve seen my fair share of Puerto Rico tourists frustrated with the “extra fees” for things they believed were included in their hotel packages.

Many websites list Puerto Rico hotels as all-inclusive when in reality, the archipelago doesn’t have all-inclusive resorts like other Caribbean destinations. 

What exactly are you booking then? Keep reading, and I’ll help make things more clear for you!

In this article, I’ll go over the reasons behind the lack of all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico, the alternatives for all-inclusive hotels, and what you’re paying for when you book your stay.

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Why Doesn’t Puerto Rico Have All-Inclusive Resorts?

Puerto Rico doesn’t have all-inclusive resorts mostly because of the island’s safety and the high production costs of all-inclusive resorts. Let’s break it down in detail.

The lack of all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico is due in part to the fact that Puerto Rico is safe. 

Many all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America exist in areas where tourists feel unsafe wandering alone. Since crime rarely affects the island’s tourists, they go out to explore Puerto Rico’s attractions instead of staying at a hotel, so there’s less demand for all-inclusive resorts.

The economy is also behind the lack of all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico. The production and maintenance costs for all-inclusive hotels would be a lot higher in Puerto Rico in comparison with its Caribbean counterparts. 

This type of business would be mostly unprofitable and tourists wouldn’t see the difference in price between booking things individually and staying at an all-inclusive resort. 

That doesn’t mean there will never be any all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico, but there aren’t currently any “true” all-inclusive options.

If you’re set on staying in an all-inclusive resort for your getaway, here are a few great options from other places in the Caribbean:

• Jamaica Inn (Jamaica)
• Jumby Bay Island – an Oetker Collection Hotel (Antigua & Barbuda)
• Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (Saint Lucia)
• Casa de Campo Resort & Villas (Dominican Republic)
• Jade Mountain (Saint Lucia)

7 Best Hotels in Puerto Rico

Ok, so you won’t find true all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing resort experience all the same!

Check out my full ranking of the best resort hotels in Puerto Rico, or book your stay at one of my 7 top choices below:

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

This breathtaking hotel sits between El Yunque and pristine beaches on the east coast.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 888 6000 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Resort

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The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort is a luxury beach resort nestled between Rio Grande’s coast and El Yunque National Forest. 

The resort offers multiple packages and special deals for its guests. Options include breakfast, golf, and spa packages. 

During your stay, you have access to free daily entertainment options such as yoga and CrossFit sessions, iguana feeding, and Latin dance classes.

The on-site amenities cater to both kids and adults. The three lagoon-style pools, casino, golf course, and spa are some of the resort’s main highlights. 

St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

One of the few five-star hotels in Puerto Rico, this resort exudes elegance and luxury in every detail.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 809 8000 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort on Booking

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The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is located on a former coconut farm, near all of Rio Grande’s attractions, including the El Yunque Rainforest. 

It has a prime beachfront location and offers plenty of complimentary amenities. 

Explore 483 acres of nature alone or take a tour with the in-house marine biologist. The hotel’s program, Iconic Occasion Experiences, adds entertainment to your stay.

For an additional fee, practice your golfing skills at the golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. or pamper yourself at the spa. 

The St. Regis’s eleven room types, distributed between twelve buildings with garden and ocean views, means that there’s a perfect fit for everyone.  Your stay here is guaranteed to be memorable.

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

El San Juan Hotel has fine dining options, family villas, and a wellness center all right by an award-winning Puerto Rico beach.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 791 1000 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Fairmont El San Juan Hotel on Booking

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Facing the beautiful Isla Verde Beach, Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is an elegant beach and casino resort conveniently located seven minutes by car from the San Juan Airport. 

This family-friendly resort has entertainment for everyone. Adults love Club Brava and the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino for a good time with music and a drink in hand. 

Besides splashing around in the outdoor pool, poolside activities like face painting, hair braiding, and volleyball keep your little ones busy every day. 

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel also has special packages that include breakfast and additional entertainment options during your stay.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve

The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Americas, this hacienda-style hotel combines luxury with Puerto Rico’s best features.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 626 1100 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Dorado Beach on Booking

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Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, sits on 50 beachfront acres in Dorado. 

Although it’s only a short 35-minute car ride from the San Juan International Airport, this resort feels secluded and hidden away in a tropical paradise.

Entertainment options are endless. Dorado Beach has golf courses, multiple pools, beach access, and a watersports center. The nearby Watermill Park ranks as one of the best Puerto Rico water parks.

The Ambassadors of the Environment program provides family-friendly entertainment with snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking tours.

Rest at any of the hotel’s 114 accommodations which seamlessly blend the indoors and outdoors all while providing a luxurious atmosphere. 

El Conquistador Resort

One of the best Puerto Rico resorts, El Conquistador includes entertainment options in its rates per night. 

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 863 1000 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for El Conquistador Resort on Booking

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El Conquistador Resort is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico (or at least as close as it gets).

Located in Fajardo, El Conquistador has easy access to all of Fajardo’s activities, including Laguna Grande, one of Puerto Rico’s bio bays.

The room rates at this hotel include access to El Coquí Waterpark and the resort’s private island, Palomino Island. 

During the weekends follow the hotel’s activity calendar which includes water games, arts and crafts, bingo, and live entertainment. The 18-hole golf course is available for an additional fee.

The hotel’s amenities include ten restaurants, a fitness center, tennis courts, and multiple pools. The rooms all have amazing views of Puerto Rico’s east coast.  

La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort

This fun and family-friendly resort has the ideal location for a memorable vacation.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 721 7500 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort on Booking

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La Concha Renaissance Resort is one of the best places to stay in San Juan. The resort sits in Condado, within Puerto Rico’s capital, a short ride from Old San Juan. 

La Concha Resort entertainment options cater to everyone and on-site amenities will keep you busy during your vacation. The hotel has an infinity pool plus two outdoor pools your whole family will love.

Visit the local Casino del Mar or the Fifty-Eight Club to experience Puerto Rico’s nightlife. 

Your room rate includes complimentary bike rentals and morning fitness sessions. To complete your stay, sunbathe at Condado Beach or kayak at the Condado Lagoon.

Copamarina Beach Resort

Located on a pristine beach, this resort has packages that include meals during your stay.

🛏️ Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 787 821 0505 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa on Booking

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The Copamarina Beach Resort is one of the best all-inclusive resort alternatives on the south coast of Puerto Rico. 

Situated in Guánica, this hotel has a secluded beachfront location.

The on-site amenities include two swimming pools, volleyball, and tennis courts, and a playground. For an extra fee enjoy other amenities like kayak rentals, snorkeling equipment, or charters to explore the Caribbean Sea within steps of the guest rooms. 

Copamarina Beach Resort offers multiple packages to save money. The breakfast and scuba diving packages are great picks for your stay.

Other Popular Resorts in Puerto Rico

Didn’t find the perfect alternative to Puerto Rico’s all-inclusive resorts above? Puerto Rico has great hotels all over the archipelago. I’ve broken down the options by some of the features that you’d find at all-inclusive resorts. Here are some other great Puerto Rico resorts and hotels you could look into for your vacations:

Complimentary Breakfast

• Club Seabourne Hotel – this villa-style hotel in Culebra has a view of Ensenada Honda.
• Parador MaunaCaribe – a locally-owned hotel with a beachfront location, pool, and restaurant.
• Hyatt House San Juan – this hotel in the San Juan area is near popular museums and restaurants.
• Bravo Beach Hotel – located in Vieques, this hotel is near the ferry terminal and just a short ride from Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.
• Parador Costa del Mar – settled on Yabucoa’s coast, Parador Costa del Mar is a budget-friendly local option. Check out nearby Lucia Beach.

Clubs, Casinos and Golf Courses On-Site

• San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino – have fun at San Juan Marriott Resort casino or relax at its spa.
• Royal Isabela – this Isabela hotel is located above coastal cliffs. It has a spa, golf course, and restaurant on-site.
• Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort – tee off on this resort’s golf course, or try your luck at the casino. The Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino has a whirlpool spa, playgrounds, and a gym.

Complimentary Add-Ons

• Villa Montana Beach Resort – get complimentary bicycles, snorkeling equipment, and parking at Villa Montana Beach Resort. 
• Caribe Hilton – this San Juan hotel has a private beach land and a historical fortress. Enjoy complimentary morning yoga classes at the hammock garden in the Caribe Hilton. 
• Condado Vanderbilt – this historical award-winning resort offers complimentary fitness classes and bicycle rentals. Don’t forget to visit its world-class spa.

FAQs About Picking a Resort in Puerto Rico

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Now you know all about the all-inclusive Resorts in Puerto Rico. See our guide to the top spots to visit in Puerto Rico to fill up your trip’s itinerary! Safe travels!