Luquillo Sunrise Beach Inn

The local setting of this slow-paced Luquillo neighborhood, located right off the highway, might worry some guests upon arrival -- but that concern typically fades once the beach comes into view. Calm turquoise waves and whitecaps are a pretty contrast against beige sand. Surfers dot the landscape along with just a few beachcombers, but younger folks might find this part of town a little too quiet. The property mostly attracts families with little ones, singles toting a good book, and older couples in search of peace.

Guests will first park along the street and walk toward the simple three-floor coral and white building to check in -- a process that involves receiving a hand-held gate opener and short tutorial on how to park the car. The little reception room with a front desk is where a bright mix of beach towels and chairs are offered (for free); beer, wine, and water are also sold here for cheap prices. 

This is not a large property and it is rare to see fellow guests except during breakfast on the second floor. The communal terrace has a few sun loungers and tables with views of the ocean, and several dining tables under the shade. A small breezeway offers local information, as well as the main buffet table, where coffee and continental fare such as pastries and guava jelly are offered in the morning. A hot breakfast -- one special per day -- is served by the staff on the outdoor tables, and some guests may choose to socialize and swap travel tips. At night, most guests use the car to head to other parts of the area for dinner -- therefore, there is no evening action at the property -- just the sound of waves, or occasionally of guests moving their cars in and out of the parking gate.

Far from tourist crowds and city hotels is the sleepy town of Luquillo. It's a 45-minute drive northeast from the San Juan airport and offers easy access to a number of spacious beaches. The immediate neighborhood might feel run-down, with some buildings no longer in use, but those willing to seek out the specialness of the area will find an authentic slice of Puerto Rico. Case in point, a sunrise walk in the morning where one will feel like they have miles beach practically to themselves.

During check-in, guests receive a map of these beaches (some are not free) and what they are best suited for: snorkeling, surf lessons, or watching Leatherback turtle nesting. Guests who seek out Luquillo are also interested in making use of the nearby El Yunque National Forest for hiking and bird-watching -- a popular conversation topic at breakfast. The immediate area is quiet, especially at night, so those looking for nightlife will not find it here. There are plenty of restaurants within driving distance though, including the area's famous "kiosks," or food stalls -- more than 50 of them -- along the highway near the property.

This three-floor building has 17 rooms with basic Caribbean decor including patterned bedspreads and pale wood furnishings. All come with at least a two-night minimum stay. Rooms have AC units, coffeemakers, work desks, ice buckets, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, and balconies. Rooms on the second and third floors have better views, since the first floor leads to the parking lot. Balconies on these floors, though, tend to have high barriers that block the view when guests are seated.

Each Standard Room has either one queen bed or two double beds, as well as walk-in showers. Each Deluxe Room has either a queen or king bed, mini-fridge, and Wi-Fi (rooms with king beds also have microwaves; in other rooms, microwaves can be requested for an extra fee.)

The Casita Caribe Apartment is the largest unit on the property, with a private porch facing the ocean across the street. This has three bedrooms (two with queen beds and one with two twins) and two full baths. There is a three-night minimum.

The Green Room is the two-bedroom unit and is powered by solar panels. It has and has several other "green" features, including solar ceiling fans, solar LED lights and lamps, solar hot water and pump, and a rainwater shower.

The property does not have a pool, but the beach across the street is seemingly endless in either direction. With constant waves that are not too big, this is an ideal beach for swimmers who like a little wave action, kids who want to boogie board, or those looking to learn how to surf. The staff recommends one particular surf instructor who will set up shop right in front of the property.

Guests in search of solitude can walk in either direction and rarely run into another person, especially in the morning during sunrise. There are several more beaches in the area, each offering unique attributes -- during check-in, guests receive a map of these, along with nearby stores for essentials and restaurant suggestions. The front desk is where guests can pick up beach towels and beach chairs at no charge, or buy drinks from the small list of beer, wine, and bottled water. There are no laws in Puerto Rico against drinking on the beach, so it is common to see people enjoying a can on local beer on the sand.

Large pots of coffee and a simple continental breakfast spread featuring local pastries and jellies is offered in the breezeway. Guests are also able to sit down at one of the tables on the second-floor terrace overlooking the ocean and enjoy the hot daily special, such an omelette with home fries, scrambled eggs, french toast, or breakfast pizza. This is free for guests and there is a tip jar for service.

The owners have installed energy efficient additions to the property including low-energy lighting, recycling programs, and a compost system for the kitchen.

Parking is free, and guests can access free Wi-Fi in the common areas, namely the second-floor terrace and breezeway.