La Jamaca Hotel

It's hard to find a more apt word to describe this small property than "quaint." With just 13 rooms and not much in the way of features, everything feels just right size for a simple boutique stay. Add style that blends beach-cottage and modern details, and the result is a pretty charming little place to crash for the night just a few blocks from the Caribbean sea. Framed in plain dark wood with white and teal accents, the property looks like a cozy inn. The garden-style property is set amid tropical trees with a central pool area that feels more secluded than it actually is. A tiny pool and adjacent cafe/snack bar provide the only real social space at the hotel, although a second-story deck is set to open in 2016, with room for several dozen guests. While some rooms offer dual beds to accommodate families, the property has an adult-oriented atmosphere, in part due to its intimate size and quiet, no-frills vibe.

The inn is situated on a quiet, residential dirt road. While it’s set back from the action in La Parguera, the tourist strip -- with dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops -- is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Caribbean coast is eight minutes away on foot, though that stretch of coast isn't swimmable. The best nearby beach -- Playita Rosada -- is eight minutes away by car. Guests looking to venture farther afield will find Cabo Rojo lighthouse, Guanica’s Dry Forest, and Playa Sucia (one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful beaches) all less than 30 minutes away by car.

The nearest airport -- Eugenio Maria De Hostos Regional (MAZ) -- is almost an hour’s drive away in Mayaguez. However, it offers limited flight options in comparison to Aguadilla’s Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN). The latter is almost 90 minutes away by car and taxi service to either can prove expensive because of the long distances involved. Car rentals are affordable and readily available at both airports via several brand-name providers.

While decor varies a bit from room to room, all feature a tasteful, beach-inspired look. Terra-cotta-esque tile flooring, a neutral color scheme with plenty of sandy hues, and subtle nautical accents all create an atmosphere that’s homey and inviting. We love details like the rustic wood-plank ceilings in the Sencilla Room that we visited, and eclectic sea-inspired art -- like weathered ropes strung with bottles and seashells -- gives everything a softer finish.

Rooms are available in one of two categories -- Sencilla or Doble -- with similar, compact one-room layouts that only differ in the configurations of their beds. First-floor rooms include small, semi-private patios with hammocks and chairs -- some do look out onto the parking lot, unfortunately. Most second-floor rooms, however, offer only Juliet balconies overlooking the neighboring vacant lot with limited water views. All feature a solid list of amenities including flat-screen TVs and fast, free Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning is also standard throughout.

Bathrooms in every category are done in plain tile and are small, bordering on cramped. They feature walk-in shower stalls, and generic bar soap is the only toiletry offered. While some offer tiny pharmacy cabinets, there is little additional counter space.

A small pool anchors the center of the hotel, serving as its de facto social hub. Several hammocks and a row of benches provide relaxed seating amid the surrounding canopy of tropical trees. A tiny kiddy pool integrated into the main pool offers a bit of family-friendly play space.

The on-site cafe and snack bar is situated in an open-air space adjacent to the pool. A half-dozen tables and stools provide room for a dozen guests. Opening hours are limited to the weekends, however, and the menu is likewise short. Entrees typically consist of sandwiches, burgers, fried bar favorites, and traditional Puerto Rican selections such as skirt steak stuffed plantains and chuletas (pork chops). Coffee is free throughout the day and free, simple continental breakfast is provided in the morning.

A small collection of local artisan crafts and gifts are available in a tiny shop inside the lobby. Free self-parking is available in an open, off-street lot. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.