Cofresi Beach Hotel

Admittedly, there's not much to this hotel, as it's best used as a cheap and cheerful home base for exploring Puerto Rico's gorgeous western reaches. The style throughout is entirely simple, and a bit dated, starting with the cream and teal exterior and continuing to the old rattan furniture in the apartments. There's really nowhere for guests to gather beyond the hotel’s rooftop deck, which affords lovely views of the village and sea, and feels like a step above every other aspect of the property. The small, narrow pool and adjacent bar provide the only on-site social space. With many apartments featuring multiple bedrooms, guests are just as likely to be families as couples or adult singles looking for a basic, inexpensive place to sleep at night.

The hotel is situated in the center of Boqueron, just a few blocks from local restaurants and touristy beach bars. The beach itself is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Fifteen minutes away in “downtown” Cabo Rojo are a supermarket, pharmacies, and a modern shopping center. The municipality’s most famous sights -- Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo lighthouse and Playa Sucia -- are both less than 30 minutes away by car.

The two nearest airports -- Eugenio Maria De Hostos (MAZ) in Mayaguez and Rafael Hernandez (BQN) in Aguadilla -- are 40 and 80 minutes away respectively. The latter offers more flight options, especially for international travelers. Taxi service can be expensive over such long distances. For many travelers, renting a car may prove the better choice. Brand name agencies are available in the terminals of both airports, and weekly rates are inexpensive relative to other tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

Room decor is bright, but simple and dated. The white rattan furniture, ‘90s-era bedpreads, and fading wall photography are all could use an update. We appreciated the bright upholstery on the seating in living areas, which at least perks things up a bit. One-, Two, and Three-Bedroom configurations are all available, and all include a living room, a small dining area, and a fully-equipped kitchen with a stove, microwave, and refrigerator. Three-Bedroom units add a wide, private balcony that curiously lacks any seating or furniture. These apartments also house up to eight guests. Other features include small flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning is likewise standard. Bathrooms in every category are plainly decorated with basic fixtures, and feature typical shower/tub combos. Small hairdryers and generic, pump-style soap are standard.

The hotel’s rooftop deck is its only notable common amenity. However, it’s surprisingly spacious for a basic, two-pearl property. There's a shaded bar and the pool is big enough for a quick dip (but not much else), and the terrace offers near-panoramic views of Boqueron village and the Caribbean Sea in the distance. Off-street parking is limited to just a couple of spots, though the lot is secure. Once full, additional parking is only available on the street. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.