Barrio Pueblo, Calle Julio Soto, Rincon, Puerto Rico | (618) 248-8274
10-minute drive to the restaurants, bars, and services in Rincon
Rooms feature full bathrooms, lovely forest views, and kitchenettes
Eco-friendly design and architecture
12 acres of hiking trails exclusively for guests
Free self-parking in an off-street lot
No Wi-Fi or electronics (a plus for some)
Insects are a constant issue
Difficult to find even with GPS
This property sustained significant damage during Hurricane Maria in September 2017, and all treehouse structures were tragically devastated. It is currently closed for repairs. We will update our review as soon as we have more information. Less than 10 minutes from “downtown” Rincon, Tropical Treehouse offers a rustic chance to commune with nature. It's all about the outdoors here, and with just two room options available things stay quiet and quaint. The two rooms -- "hooches" designed to minimize their impact on the environment -- differ only in size, but offer identical amenities including a full outdoor bathroom, solar power, and a kitchenette. The property intentionally omits all technological amenities -- there is no Wi-Fi, TV, alarm clock, or phone in either room. However, there are several acres of private hiking trails, helping to make this one of the most unique places to spend a night or two in the area.
Scene
Rustic, two-room property with a quiet, secluded atmosphere
The two-pearl property consists of little more than the owner’s house and two identical “hooches” (guest rooms). There are several acres of private hiking trails available exclusively for guests. There's nothing in the way of shared amenities here, so those looking for a lively social vibe will want to head elsewhere. However, those wanting to feel like they've really escaped into the jungle are in luck, as the property feels genuinely secluded. There are also acres of jungle to explore right on-site. As both hooches feature only a single queen bed, it’s unlikely that guests will find any children on-site and the majority of guests are couples seeking an intimate night in the woods under the stars. The hooches are set back from the main road and neighboring properties ensuring the overall vibe is quiet and relaxed.
Location
In the jungle, 10 minutes from the center of Rincon
The hotel is several hundred feet off a moderately trafficked back road. There's not much development in the immediate area, and the property can be challenging to find even with GPS. Dozens of shops, restaurants, beaches, and grocery stores are five to 10 minutes away by car. Rincon’s most popular tourist attractions, including Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and Playa Domes, are both reachable in less than 15 minutes.Eugenio Maria de Hostos Airport (MAZ) is approximately 25 minutes southeast by car. However, the airport offers limited flights through San Juan International (SJU). Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) provides additional flight options, however, it requires at least a 45-minute drive. It's best to rent a car at the airport of entry in order to explore the area.
Rooms
Back-to-nature tree houses with eco-friendly design
Do not come here expecting rustic-chic ambience -- instead, the two humble hooches are meant to put guests right in the middle of nature while keeping their environmental impact at a minimum. The hooches are built primarily of long bamboo reeds with thatched roofs that blend seamlessly into the forest. Furnishings and decorations are almost non-existent, creating a look and feel that’s more functional than flashy. A few pieces of bamboo art -- like lampshades -- add a bit of personality (as does the Buddha statue that welcomes guests to the Buddha Hooch). Otherwise, these feel like rustic cottages up in the sky.Both rooms feature a similar three-story floor plan but differ in size. The Sunset Hooch is the smaller of the two but offers water and sunset views. The Buddha Hooch is at least 50% larger with a penthouse bedroom that’s surprisingly spacious. The kitchenette in each room offers a solid list of appliances and essentials, including a propane stove, coffeemaker, cooler, and a small selection of dishes and utensils. The beds are widely reviewed as comfortable and include adequate mosquito netting. Solar-powered outlets are provided for guests to charge their small electronics (cell phones and tablets). However, there are no other technological amenities -- Wi-Fi, televisions, alarm clocks, or phones -- of any kind.Bathrooms include sinks, hot/cold showers, and flushing toilets. The Sunset Hooch toilet is enclosed in a separate, semi-private room while the shower and sink are exposed to the surrounding trail. The outdoor shower and bathroom facilities at the Buddha Hooch are completely exposed. A mishmash of shower amenities -- soaps, gels, and hair products -- is sometimes provided, though not guaranteed.
Features
Acres of private, secluded hiking trails, but nothing else
The ultra-rustic property feels far more isolated than it actually is. This allows for 12 acres of private hiking trails available specifically for guests to explore. A dirt lot provides plenty of free self-parking. Otherwise, there are no other features on-site.