Paradores in Puerto Rico

Hotels often located in a historic building

Paradores in Puerto Rico is a brand of small inns similar to bed and breakfasts that have government permission to call themselves paradores based on a set of criteria. These inns are scattered across the island countryside, outside the main metropolitan area of San Juan. Often called "country inns" in English, paradores in Puerto Rico are known for their hospitality, affordable rates, exotic locations, and traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. They are frequented by guests looking to enjoy the local customs and charm.

Traditionally, a parador in Spain and other Spanish speaking countries was an establishment where travelers could seek lodging, and usually, food and drink, similar to an inn. In Spain since 1928, a parador is a state owned luxury hotel, usually located in a converted historic building such as a monastery or castle, or in a modern building with a panoramic view of a historic and monumental city. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company established the Paradores de Puerto Rico brand in 1973 under the administration of Governor Luis A. Ferre, who wanted to enhance the tourism sector of the island. The company runs an enterprise known by the same name, Paradores de Puerto Rico, which are typically small, one of a kind, locally owned and operated hotels located in rural areas throughout the island commonwealth. The inns work with FEMA to provide temporary residence when a major emergency, such as a hurricane or earthquake, displaces people in Puerto Rico.

In Puerto Rico for an inn to be included on its list of paradores, it has to be a privately owned hotel participating in a special government program. This program assures a certain level of quality in the service, cuisine and other aspects of a tourist's stay. Currently there are 13 of these inns in Puerto Rico, with the biggest concentration around the west coast of the island. In 2018, the brand announced they had invested more than a million dollars in renovations. During the 2019 Easter spring holiday, some inns reported 100% occupancy rates, thanks also in part to local tourism.