It’s no surprise that people love being outdoors nowadays. The pandemic has encouraged us all to appreciate the healthy pleasures of fresh, well-circulated air. And several hotels around the Spanish-speaking Caribbean have made it easier to do so, with rooftop bars and restaurants that offer inspiring views as well as lots of space to spread out and socially distance yourself from other travelers.
This post, actually, was inspired by a recent feature I wrote for TravelPulse, about hot new hotel rooftop venues around the United States. Now, it’s time for a look at what awaits in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. (Why only “Spanish-speaking,” you ask? Well, look at the name of this blog: LatinFlyer. That means we focus on Latin America, which — for our purposes — includes Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries and islands in the Americas.)
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While you might first picture silky Caribbean beaches when you think of vacation destinations like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, there are lots of other reasons to go, too. Some of the best hotels in Puerto Rico, for example, are located in neighborhoods like Old San Juan, which is one of the most historic destinations on the entire island, and Condado, a neighborhood known for its beach as well as sophisticated dining, shopping and nightlife. The city of Ponce, meanwhile, is home to diverse hotel options as well as excellent museums — including what’s described as the largest art museum in the Caribbean.
Santo Domingo, meanwhile, offers some of the most luxurious hotels in the Dominican Republic — as well as easy access to some of the most historic sites in the Western Hemisphere. There’s so much to see and do, regardless of the type of traveler you are.
No matter which of these Caribbean vacation destinations you choose, don’t forget to take in the view. Each of these hotels provide ample reasons to indulge in a luxury Caribbean vacation — and to take that elevator up to the top floor.
Palacio Provincial in San Juan, Puerto Rico
One of the Caribbean’s newest rooftop hotel venues has decidedly historic roots. Palacio Provincial, which opened in January 2021 as a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is set in a reimagined colonial building in the heart of Old San Juan. Guests can savor light food and drinks on the rooftop, which also has an infinity pool and whirlpool that overlook the city.
O:LV Fifty Five Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Swanky is just one way to describe the vibe at O:LV Fifty Five, a boutique hotel in San Juan’s Condado neighborhood. Head to the ARYA Rooftop for some of the area’s loveliest views of the city and the lagoon, and you can also enjoy breakfast, brunch, light evening meals and signature cocktails.
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Intercontinental Real Santo Domingo in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
I’ve personally had some of the best cocktails of my life at the posh Intercontinental Real Santo Domingo — especially at Blu, the upscale pool bar that sits next to the infinity pool. The inspiring views, tasty light cuisine and outstanding liquid refreshments are just one of the reasons this is one of the top luxury hotels in Santo Domingo.
Aloft Ponce in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Also new on the scene is the Aloft Ponce, which opens in Spring 2021 on Puerto Rico’s southern coast. The “urban chic” modern architecture is complemented by a rooftop bar and lounge that features an infinity pool and a menu of cocktails and culinary treats.
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AC Hotel San Juan Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Located in the always-cool Condado neighborhood in the San Juan metro area, the AC Hotel San Juan Condado is home to a rooftop bar with a decidedly clever name: Bar.C.Lona. This play on Barcelona ties in with the upscale tapas menu at the venue, which also features a wine list (including lots of Spanish varietals) and even a signature light-lager beer.
Ciqala Luxury Suites in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Located in the upscale Miramar neighborhood, Ciqala Luxury Suites is home to Eter, a rooftop lounge next to the pool that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tapas, Puerto Rican cuisine and creative cocktails are among the reasons to take a seat on this rooftop and enjoy the view.
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JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Perched atop the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel Santo Domingo, Vertygo 101 (so named because it sits 101 feet above Winston Churchill Avenue) offers spectacular views as well as sumptuous cocktails.
Stay tuned for my roundup of some of the top hotel rooftop pool bars and restaurants in Mexico, Central and South America — and be sure to share your favorites, too! You can also see more of my travels and pick up and share travel tips on my Instagram account as well as my YouTube channel, which is known for my unscripted, unfiltered hotel tours and other travel videos, where I show it like is. As the world slowly starts traveling again, I want to help you travel smarter!
COVER PHOTO: Bar.C.Lona at AC San Juan Hotel Condado in Puerto Rico. PHOTO CREDIT: Marriott International