in search of darn good digs

Puerto Rico offers far more for travelers than just all-inclusive resorts and high rise hotels. A simpler, more laid back Caribbean thrives all around the island – in mountain retreats, island guesthouses, and beach-side inns. Here’s our starter list of original hotels in Puerto Rico for budget-minded travelers:

Casa Grande Mountain Retreat

We had the good fortune to visit the first two spots ourselves. The first, Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, lies high up in the mountains far outside of the nearest town, Utuado. With its network of private cabins weaving through the lush mountains of central Puerto Rico, Casa Grande is green. We spent most of our time chilling – hanging out and reading on our own private balcony, taking a dip in the refreshing pool, and enjoying meals at the outdoor restaurant. We did manage to make a couple of day trips too though, including a boat ride on Lago Dos Bocas and a cave tour in the Rio Camuy Cave Park. (Rooms start at US$95)

Mary Lee's by the Sea

The second truly original hotel that we uncovered during one of our Puerto Rico trips was Mary Lee’s by the Sea. Mary Lee’s felt like our own little hideaway on Puerto Rico’s south coast. We relaxed, did our own thing, and hardly saw a soul. Bright and colorful fabrics covered the couches, beds, tables, curtains, chairs, you name it, in our gigantic apartment. Most of the apartments, including our own, have several rooms and would be great for a family or a big party. When we felt like getting some fresh sea air, we relaxed in our private outdoor sitting area near the mangroves or we hopped on a boat to the nearby beach. (Rooms start at US$100)

Casa de Amistad

Years ago we had considered going to Vieques for winter break, but instead we chose Culebra, one of Puerto Rico’s other Spanish Virgin Islands. While Culebra didn’t disappoint, we now have TWO good reasons to visit Vieques, because there are two Darn Good Digs on this small island. We added the friendly guest house Casa de Amistad based on a tip from Peg in Massachusetts. Peg writes, “Casa de Amistad is a true island oasis at a great price. If you want to feel so comfortable that you can get coffee in your pajamas, then this is the place for you! With their house just next door, your hosts, Owen and David, are at your call, yet completely unobtrusive. They have stocked their guesthouse with everything you might need for the perfect beach vacation, including snorkeling equipment, beach chairs, and coolers for a picnic lunch. We just came home from a seven day stay and already want to return!” (Rooms start at US$75)

La Finca Caribe

The other hideaway we found on Vieques, thanks to our friend and teaching colleague, Matthew, is La Finca Caribe. Matthew writes, “La Finca Caribe is incredible! We loved hanging out with our fellow travelers and soaking up the beautiful scenery. This place really attracts great people and we made fast friends. Plus, the outdoor showers are amazing. The guesthouse sits on a hill in the middle of Vieques, and the views of the forest down to the Caribbean Sea are fantastic.” (Rooms start at US$90)

Casa Libre

The last hotel on our list is Casa Libre, on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast. A scuba diving enthusiast from Hurley, New York wrote, “A bed and breakfast on a hillside overlooking a bay, a pool with a waterfall, a lovely bedroom and bathroom, any breakfast of your choice AND the absolutely best host and hostess you could possibly imagine… within hours you consider Josue and Patti friends. I was charmed with this little tucked away oasis. I enjoyed a day in the sun by the pool, an afternoon with the hostess walking two beaches, a local cafe lunch, and then cocktails. Casa Libre is an experience I will share with all my friends traveling to Puerto Rico, and I plan on returning there on my next dive adventure in the area.” (Rooms start at US$90)

We’re always on the lookout for more original hotels in Puerto Rico, and around the world. If you have any places that you’d like to nominate, please take a moment to fill out our Nomination Form, or join our email list to stay up-to-date on the new digs we add.