It’s been a slow climb but San Juan is reaping the benefits of a years-long post-hurricane and post-pandemic rebuilding effort. Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s destination marketing office, recently announced that 2025 was the fifth consecutive record year for tourism numbers, with Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport welcoming more than 6.8 million passenger arrivals added to nearly 1.6 million cruise passengers. While the phenomenon of reggaeton star Bad Bunny has a lot to do with what the agency calls “a moment of great momentum,” so does the hundreds of millions of dollars that have been invested in hospitality assets.
Some major overhauls are in store for Puerto Rico as well. Joining the recently unveiled Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, a 400-room resort located near El Yunque rainforest that boasts a $60 million overhaul by WATG and Jeffrey Beers International, is the $150 million reimagining of the 417-key Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, which is slated to open later this year. The transformation will touch just about every aspect of a property that never reopened after Hurricane Maria.
Even small developers on the island are willing to explore opening new properties. Juan Carlos Morales, CEO of Capital Jetset, for example, recently announced that after pouring an initial $1.5 million into converting an abandoned residential complex in the hip area of Santurce into the 11-key Patio Elba, the company has earmarked an additional $3 million for a 20-room hotel. “Santurce isn’t beachfront, and that nearly stopped me from investing,” he says. “But the modern traveler is looking for an authentic experience, and that’s where the neighborhood delivers. It’s the best area to discover the soul, history, and culture that Puerto Rico is known for.”
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico
A private residence at the Meyer Davis-designed Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico, the first from the brand on the island, opened in late November after a $40 million facelift of the St. Regis Bahia Beach resort. For a soft renovation focused on strategic updates of the 139 guestrooms, lobby, and 10 F&B options, New York-based Meyer Davis aimed to “reintroduce a more nuanced expression of luxury that feels connected to the surrounding landscape,” says firm cofounder Gray Davis. That’s achieved with a palette of moss green and washed blue tones, as well as a variety of artisan work, including handwoven tapestries, handcarved walnut and maple sculptures, and biomorphic clay ceramics.
One of the most dramatic improvements is the introduction of a new glass entry to establish a visual connection from the lobby to the ocean. “We redesigned the reception area to feel more residential through paired desks, layered lighting, and sculptural fixtures. We also relocated the lobby bar to a more central area to shift the flow of space,” Davis says.
Condado Vanderbilt
The updated look of Condado Vanderbilt references the Spanish Revival architecture of the original mansion that dates back to 1919
At the neighboring Condado Vanderbilt, which dates to 1919, HBA has completed a makeover of its 317 guestrooms and corridors that references the Spanish Revival architecture and oversized furniture, luxe marble, dark wood, and mirrored surfaces of the original Vanderbilt mansion. “The updated palette and architectural touches make the journey feel intentional rather than transitional,” says firm designer and associate Sarah Hullinger. “The combination creates a unique balance—residential, eclectic, and reflective of the property’s history.”
Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde
Espresso Lab coffee bar at Hyatt Centric San Juan Isla Verde boasts a laidback aesthetic that allows the lush landscape to take center stage
Recently, most of the action has come from international brands spiffing up their prized beachfront acreage or taking the opportunity to reflag aging or hurricane-devastated properties. On the latter front, the posh enclave of Isla Verde recently saw a $30 million transformation of the 50-year-old Verdanza Hotel into a 223-room Hyatt Centric, a collaboration between Baskervill, V Architecture, 3MG, and landscape architect EDSA. The influences of Puerto Rico’s calm waters and lush forests are interpreted “through layered textures, deep teals and sandy neutrals, contemporary detailing, and locally inspired elements,” says Emily Keip, Hyatt’s senior vice president of design and planning.
La Concha Resort
Levant oceanfront bar at La Concha Resort is located inside a seashell-shaped architectural marvel designed in 1958 by architect Mario Salvadori
For the $80 million rebranding of the 238-key La Concha Resort from a Renaissance to an Autograph Collection property, Marriott turned to New York firm Celano Design Studio Co. Influenced by the building’s history and the music and culture of its setting in the lively Condado neighborhood, the team established a narrative it labeled “Puerto Rican cool,” says CEO and founder Vincent Celano.
For example, a separate lounge and entertainment space within each guestroom aligns with the property’s narrative of entertainment and music culture. Another major update includes a redesigned lobby sequence “with carefully articulated zones for check-in, relaxation, cocktails, and socialization,” Celano says. “One of my favorite spaces is the lobby lounge and bar, where the material and color palette strikes a balance between sophistication and playfulness.”
Photos by Christine Gatti and courtesy of Celano Design Studio Co., Four Seasons, and HBA
This article originally appeared in HD’s April 2026 issue.