Costa Dorada Beach Resort

Set in a lush, leafy pocket, Costa Dorada comprises two distinct sections -- the older, original section containing hotel rooms; and the newer section containing villas. The lobby is located in the older section where it fairly swiftly emerges that poor maintenance and upkeep (and the resulting lack of guests) has more or less sucked all life out of this place. If it weren’t for someone manning the front desk, the place would almost seem abandoned; the grounds, the rundown open-air restaurant, and the tired pool located in this section all feel neglected. A short stroll (or drive) through the property, past lush wild greenery, reveals a much perkier vibe in the newer villas section. A lineup of three-story buildings dressed in Caribbean pastels add some much needed color and life to this place, and there’s activity in the pool (this one is much newer), where guests clearly prefer to swim. Local families and young couples seem to dominate the clientele. 

There’s a retro-ness to the original hotel structure; the grounds are lush and peaceful; and while it’s a little rough and rocky, there’s a public beach right across the road. Costa Dorada has the makings of a great little holiday hideaway, but there’s a lot of work to be done.  

The resort is located across the road from the public beach in Isabela, on Puerto Rico’s north west coast. While the beach makes a pretty backdrop, the immediate area is too rough and rocky for swimming, so guests must walk farther up the beach where it’s safer. Other nearby beaches include Middle Beach (a two-minute drive), Shacks Beach (a 13-minute drive), and Jobos Beach (a seven-minute drive) where the main drag is lined with an array of restaurants and bars -- many perched right over the water. Other highlights a short drive away include legendary rock formation, Pozo de Jacinto (six minutes), and Royal Isabela Golf Course (12 minutes). The closest airport is Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla -- a 20- to 25-minute drive, while Luis Munoz International Airport back in San Juan is about an hour and a half driving east. 

Rooms and villas occupy two different areas of the property. The older section contains 52 traditional hotel rooms, equipped with either one king or two double beds. While layouts are quite generous, decor is dated and basic. Colors are subdued with a muted, neutral palette seen in medium-toned wood furniture, beige floor tiles, and frumpy bedspreads in Autumn tones. The rooms' datedness also shows in their tube TVs. Other features include mini-fridges, coffeemakers (but no coffee), irons, and ironing boards. But their best feature could be their balconies that open onto leafy garden views. Bathrooms are purely practical and very plain, and could really use an update, as evident in unattractive water stains in showers, for instance. A couple of basic toiletries are provided.

Located in the new section, villas comprise Studio, One Bedroom, and Two Bedroom layouts and while these interiors are also dated, they’re a step up from the hotel rooms. All villa categories feature kitchens with microwaves, and layouts are more apartment-like in size. One and Two Bedrooms offer separate living and dining areas, plus generous open-plan kitchens with breakfast bars -- perfect for families seeking a home-away-from-home to self-cater. Villa bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. 

As with their rooms, Costa Dorada has fairly basic features. The property features two pools -- one is located in the older section of the property, while the other larger and more appealing pool is located in the new villas section. The Palm Terrace restaurant is only open for breakfast on weekends. Tennis courts are located on-site; free on-site parking is available; and massages can be arranged. Wi-Fi is free, but it's only available at the front desk area.