In the Caribbean, homosexuality is often viewed through a somewhat narrow lens. Finding places to travel and sleep where the gay and lesbian community are openly welcomed can be a challenge. Puerto Rico is one of the exceptions to this rule. San Juan neighborhoods such as Ocean Park, Santurce, Condado Beach and the island of Vieques are known as centers of the gay community in Puerto Rico and offer numerous lodging options.
The Atlantic Beach Hotel is on the waterfront in San Juan. Popular with both gay and straight visitors, this is the only available option for those seeking a small hotel on Condado Beach, the heart of the gay scene in the city. Guests choose among 36 standard single and double rooms on five floors as well as two- and three-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. Beach bar service delivers frozen cosmopolitans under your umbrella, and a penthouse sun deck is available for those who don't like sand between their toes.
Atlantic Beach Hotel
1 Vendig St.
Condado, Puerto Rico 00907
787-721-6900
atlanticbeachhotel.com
The Casa de Amistad Guesthouse is on Vieques Island, 11 miles east of the Puerto Rico mainland. Vieques has a handful of gay-owned and -operated hotels, including this guesthouse. Seven rooms that can accommodate up to 20 visitors include single and doubles with air conditioning and ceiling fans on two floors. Facilities include a bar, small deck and pool and patio for morning coffee. Also available is a common kitchen with stove, refrigerator and cutlery. Snorkeling gear is available for a small fee; beach chairs and coolers are free to guests.
Casa de Amistad Guesthouse
27 Benitez Castano
Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765
787-741-3758
casadeamistad.com
The Caribe Mountain Villas are located in Carolina, an 18-minute drive southeast and inland of San Juan. This gay-owned and -operated establishment offers visitors seven individually decorated villas with amenities that include full kitchens, wrap-around decks, covered patios and rattan furnishings. Facilities include a gazebo, gardens and barbecue area. Nearby attractions include El Yunque National Forest, a 16-minute drive east. Visitors who like to shop can drive five minutes to town to explore the enormous Carolina shopping court.
Caribe Mountain Villas
P.O. Box 20000 PMB 3000
Canovanas, Puerto Rico 00729
787-769-0860
caribevillas.com
