Before traveling to Puerto Rico, I spent a lot of Google-icious hours trying to determine the most perfect part of the island for our young family. After our two week trip, I now have our answer: we liked the West Coast of Puerto Rico best of all!
The West Coast of Puerto Rico has a much more natural, relaxed feel than the built-up East Coast, and it’s just two hours from San Juan using a handy-dandy rental car to reach the town of Rincon: the prime West Coast destination for surfers and English speakers.
So where to stay? Whether on the West Coast or anywhere else, really, consider a vacation rental instead of a hotel for part of your time. For the same price as a hotel, a rental property usually provides a full kitchen, and numerous rooms instead of just a single hotel bedroom. These two elements are endlessly useful when traveling with a baby, particularly because it’s awkward to have to whisper from 7pm onward if the baby has to sleep in the same room as you!
We hit the absolute jackpot with our Rincon apartment. How did I find it? Having heard good buzz, I decided to try out the new online vacation rental site by TripAdvisor called FlipKey.
Now, as background, know that I have a rabid lust for oceanfront balconies. I’ve sought them out in Belize, Vietnam, Hawaii, and San Juan… but what I wanted in Rincon was to be RIGHT ON the water. Like, the ocean spray would get on my eyelashes. That kind of “right on the water.”
Delightfully, FlipKey has filters to narrow down your vacation rental options. I slid the budget option down low enough to suit our pockets, selected “Internet Access” (hey — a gal’s gotta blog!), then decisively clicked the “Waterfront” filter.
But here is the tip I have for you: Once you’ve selected all your preference filters, click on “View Larger Map” so you can actually see where each property is in relation to the town and its surroundings. Let me tell you, dear chum: Some places have a mighty broad definition of “Waterfront!”
The map helped me narrow the options down to four rentals that actually kissed the ocean. Next, I used the Reviews feature to rule out one rental which was described as “Good for party-hearty 20-somethings who don’t mind loud road noise and a terrible bed.” Phew!
Next, I studied the map and reviews to figure out which properties were within walking distance of food and fun. This eliminated one which required a car to get to anything. Finally, I corresponded with the owners of the final two options, and after much hemming and hawing, used the “Book Now” button to seal our date with what turned out to be the most gorgeous oceanfront balcony I’ve stayed at in my life.
Will I continue to use this vacation rental strategy? Without a doubt. The challenge is now on: Where in the world can I find an even more perfect oceanfront view? Challenge accepted.
We were guests of FlipKey, but all opinions and beach balcony obsessions are my own. If you enjoyed this article, consider doing your vacation accommodation search through this link, as you will find great deals, while supporting this site with a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
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Adrienne S. @ AdrienneAway says
beautiful! I’ve been to San Juan a few times and loved it, but never the west coast. Will have to check it out next time I;m there.
De'Jav says
Great suggestions. Puerto Rico is one of my favorite places.Can’t wait to go back. FYI looks like you had good views form the balcony.
Lillie says
PR is one of our favorite places now, too! :)
Annie says
This makes me want to jump on a plane to PR right now!
Lillie says
Mission accomplished, then!
Adrienne says
PR is amazing!
Mags says
That sunset is to die for! Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to check flipkey out. I’ve never heard of it before now.
Lillie says
I hadn’t heard of it before, either, and am glad I’ve found it now.
Gabi@TheNomadicFamily says
looks like you had great and successful trip. thanks for the tips sweetheart :) <3 Love from Gabi
Terry at Overnight New York says
Sounds like the West Coast of Puerto Rico is the way to go. It looks gorgeous!
Theodora says
Looks beautiful – love the notion of Flipkey having a waterfront option. And your boy is a cutie!
Lillie says
Thanks, Theodora!
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
Sounds like it was a great and successful trip! Beautiful views! Thanks for sharing!
Adam says
Great find! We stayed in a condo in the complex on Sandy beach. Great for a pregnant couple. Easy to get out of the sun when too hot. A nice wave, too. Pools had good surf, but underwater caves and creatures made it a bit of a creepy break. Ahhhh. I miss Route 413: the road to happiness.
Lillie says
Agreed — Pools Beach is very pretty, but not good for swimming. Sandy Beach is perfect, though!
nancy b. says
Wow – Gorgeous! I had heard from friends and family that area was beautiful and LOVE the balcony right on the beach!
Lillie says
Yes and yes!
Gran Canaria Local says
West-coast Puerto Rico looks like our kind of coast too. We prefer the unspoilt to the built-up too. Great choice and thanks for the tip.
Lillie says
We’re in agreement!
Jessie Voigts says
gorgeous photos!
Charles McCool says
Nice vacation rental.
Jose says
Great suggestions. I’m actually from Aguadilla but living almost two hours from there now. You have such a beautiful baby.
Lillie says
Thank you! :)
Lance | Trips By Lance says
Great views from that apartment. We love apartment stays and try to use them often. We didn’t make it to west coast of Puerto Rico this summer but will definitely make it that way on a return visit.
Caribbean Winds says
Wow the view on your balcony was perfect! Thanks for the tip Lillie! Your baby is so adorable too!