Robb M.
Yelp
My patented pre-review tip: I didn't want to withhold a star for these small issues, as overall the place more than makes up for it. I just feel like some warnings would be helpful up front.
Depending, I suppose, on the time of year, El Yunque Rainforest can be pretty hot and very humid, which to be fair is kind of their whole bit. That said, keep in mind that without AC, the rooms can get a little hot and humid in spite of the cross-ventilation created by windows and doors, along with multiple fans.
On that note, we found that in order to keep that air moving, we had to leave all windows and screened doors open and the blinds mostly open. This creates a potential privacy issue. While this is a small, remote, private lodging, keeping things more or less open might be something you're willing to plan for. Again, our other experiences more than made up for this, and if you're there at a different time of year, or in different weather, or have different tolerances for indoor temperatures, this might not apply. Just putting it out there.
Now, for the reasons you totally want to stay here!
First, as I said, the place is somewhat remote, which is great. You won't be lacking for amenities (aside from AC and TV, if that's important to you), and you're really fairly close to "civilization." There are two gates you'll be going through to get there, and between those and the out-of-the-way location, it's peaceful and safe.
When we checked in, we were greeted by the owners, Bill and Rene, who were as warm and inviting as you could ask. Rene made us pina coladas from scratch while Bill showed us around. We stayed in the villa, a large lodging with essentially two bedrooms, a kitchen area (toaster, microwave, kettle, no oven or stove), and an opulent bathroom with a shower and massive tub. Our bed (we only used the one) was comfy, which is about all I ask out of my beds. The unit was very clean and in great repair.
On the outside, you'll find a koi pond, a patio with numerous seats for quiet contemplation or what have you, well-tended lawns and gardens, and of course, beautiful views of the rain forest all the way to the sea. Although there is no smoking in the rooms, on the villa's patio was an ashtray and can for butts. I talked to Rene about this; smoking outside the rooms can send that smoke right inside, as the windows will probably be open. She said they were thinking about going totally smoke-free, so hopefully they go that way. (No one was smoking when we were there, but I saw it as a potential issue if there had been.)
Aside from the appliances, the kitchen area had all the dishes you could need, including utensils, a cutting board, wine glasses, a corkscrew, and cooking knives. There was also a French press (and directions) and an electric kettle so you can brew your own coffee, which, by the way, you'll find in the fridge, as well as sugar, a tea bag assortment, and milk. They ask that you compost your (non-meat) food scraps, and provide a can to collect it. There is also a grill you can use outside.
The second "B" in B&B had the best coffee and some of the best food we had during our entire visit to PR. Besides plain black coffee, they will brew you up a cappuccino (which I had), a latte (which my wife had), espresso, and more. On our first morning we also got mimosas.
The food they serve is vegetarian (not vegan). There is a set weekly menu, and our first morning was vegetarian crepes stuffed with sweet potatoes and who cares what else, because they were that good. We also got vegetarian "sausage" and fruit kebabs. All in all, a heck of a meal. Our second day saw us off early, so the day before they left a generous bag of mixed nuts, two English muffins, jam and marmelade that I'm guessing was house-made, and apples. It's the only time at a B&B that we've had a meal prepared for us when we weren't going to be there for breakfast. Can't beat that! Our last morning saw us served stuffed French toast and vegetarian sausage. Again, great meal.
On the property of the inn there is a trail you can hike into the forest. It's private, but challenging, at least depending on weather. The end of the hike is a gorgeous waterfall and pool you can take a dip in, but if it's raining, you risk a more treacherous trail and a flat-out dangerous doom pool at the end of your trek. We were lucky enough to avoid rain for the most part, but it started sprinkling while we were at the falls, and flash floods being all, you know, flashy and floody, we decided to cut our splashing around time short and head back. Very worth the time and effort, but be aware. That said, if you decide to go, you'll have to sign a waiver and will get a brief tutorial. If you have any doubts, ask Bill or Rene; they'll let you know if you should venture out or not. There is even an assortment of walking sticks and trekking poles to borrow before you go, and a boot-washing station for when you bring your muddy ass back.
Can't recommend enough!
