Best Budget-Friendly Accommodations for Families

Best Resorts on a Budget

When looking for accommodations that deliver a lot of bang for your buck, resorts can present an array of enticing advantages. These include special offers, early booking incentives, and direct access to beaches and other on-site activities. Resorts can be especially good for multi-generational family trips when kids and adults can have different definitions of what a “vacation” means to them.

Set in the picturesque town of Guánica in Puerto Rico’s West region, Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa is a peaceful beachside getaway with calm waters, 20 acres of tropical gardens, and countless memories waiting to be made. Start your mornings together on the tennis or volleyball courts, take a cooling dip in the pool, splash in gentle ocean waves, and enjoy relaxing strolls or family bike rides through winding garden paths. For family experiences that capture the essence of the Island, paddle or book a private tour to Cayo Aurora, a renowned mangrove cove often referred to as Gilligan's Island,, or hike through the surrounding Bosque Seco de Guánica, the Dry Forest of Guánica. Choose from rooms and basic suites for intimate family trips to spacious villas with private balconies, chef’s kitchens, and room for up to 10 people. 

Experience the vibrant and lively vibes of San Juan at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. Take a convenient 10-minute taxi ride from the resort to explore the historic and alluring scene of Old San Juan, where you’ll discover imposing fortresses like the Castillo San Cristóbal and hidden relics of the Spanish colonial era, like the Puerta de San Juan. If you prefer to explore on foot and save on transportation costs, the city's parks, shops, and a plethora of restaurants are all within a leisurely 15-minute walk. Or, just stay in and relax at the resort! With complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, tennis courts, staff-run poolside activities, morning yoga sessions, and much more.

Family-Friendly Hotels

Are you looking for a homebase for all your Puerto Rico family vacation adventures? Go with budget-friendly hotel rooms. While they may not offer all the extravagant amenities of a full-fledged resort, you’ll spend more time out exploring the Island’s many wonders.

In the lush Central Mountains region, Hotel Hacienda Gripiñas in Jayuya gives you the perfect setting to embrace nature and strengthen your family ties with an unplugged family vacation. This mountain hotel boasts two pools, an on-site restaurant, and majestic mountain views from just about every angle — including its wrap-around porch. The area offers many excursion opportunities, from ziplining and hiking to the outdoor Museo El Cemí and easy walks around La Pierda Escrita (The Written Stone) — though having a rental car to get around will ease transportation.

If your family prefers a city-based vacation, try the Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical Casino Hotel in the south region’s town of Ponce. This is a great choice if your family group includes older adults or travelers with disabilities, as some of its standout features include wheelchair accessibility, visual alarms, and accessible bathroom controls. Additionally, kids ages 2–11 dine free when accompanied by adults at the hotel’s restaurant. The city is a short taxi ride away, and from there, you can explore landmarks, museums, shops, street art, and more on foot or by using the free public trolleys.

Family Vacation Rentals

If you’re planning a family trip that would require booking several hotel rooms – or you just want more space to spread out – vacation rentals are a great and cost-effective option. Renting an entire house or apartment often proves more budget-friendly than reserving multiple hotel rooms, plus you’ll have more family bonding and quality time opportunities. With almost 4,000 vacation rental properties across Puerto Rico, you’re sure to find the perfect lodging for your family.

Are you a nature-loving group? Then embrace the outdoors at Casa Gabriel, a house in the East region’s Río Grande. Here, you’ll be surrounded by the lush flora of the El Yunque Rainforest, the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, plus you’ll have exclusive access to a section of the river. Your family will love hiking through El Yunque and exploring its hidden wonders, cooking dinner together in the kitchen, and stargazing in the cozy backyard family area.

If you’re looking for a place as rich in history as it is in beauty, visit Vega Baja. This beach town has been voted one of the cleanest and safest in the Caribbean, perfect for activities like hiking, birding, and climbing. Consider lodging at the Salty Front, an oceanfront apartment that is a short 15-minute walk from Mar Bella Beach. Wake up to the sound of lapping waves before spending the morning at the beach.

Looking for cozy, beach-town vibes? Book a stay at the oceanfront Paradise at Sandy Beach in Rincón. This oceanfront haven is perfect for families, offering the entire second-floor apartment for your exclusive use. In addition, you’ll have access to the rooftop terrace for hanging out or enjoying the cool breeze while soaking up the sun. Enjoy breakfast on the wrap-around balcony with views of the ocean, spend lazy days on the beach, just a few steps away, or explore the waters with surf lessons or equipment rentals available at RD2H, right next door. The nearby town may be small, but you’ll find many dining options, as well as a gift shop across the street.