Aquarius Vacation Club

In a town that's more well-known for its budget digs and dives, the Aquarius Vacation Club managed to stand out on our recent visit. While it's a fairly simple and straightforward place, this hotel is one of the more modern and put-together hotels in Boqueron. The two-tone pale blue and yellow color scheme pulls clear inspiration from Miami Art Deco design. The large outdoor pool area -- including an open-air restaurant/bar and a kiddy play area with slides and water features -- is family-friendly and resort-like. Overall, it feels like a larger property than it actually is. With multiple beds (or bedrooms) in most rooms, the clientele is often families traveling with small children. As such, there's not much in the way of nightlife here, which may put off some visitors. However, during peak season (particularly American school holidays), the vibe becomes substantially livelier, bordering on rowdy.

The hotel is situated on a relatively quiet access road that leads to popular Boqueron Beach. The location is a five-minute walk to the beach, as well as to a dozen restaurants, bars, and shops in Boqueron village. However, it might be worth renting a car to explore the area at large, as there is lots to see in southwestern Puerto Rico. Additional markets, restaurants, and services are available in the center of Cabo Rojo, as well as on the nearby Route 101 strip. The popular hiking, biking, and birding trails at Refugio De Aves De Boqueron (Boqueron Bird Refuge) are 10 minutes away by car. Eugenio Maria De Hostos Airport in Mayaguez is the nearest air strip to Boqueron. However, more international flight options are available 70 minutes away at Aguadilla’s Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN).

While decor is nothing to write home about, it's pleasant and modern enough for most of the guests that pass through here. Seafoam walls, IKEA-style blond wood furniture, and expected beach-inspired accents all provide a look and feel that’s clean and bright. Light tile floors keep things cool and bright, and everything is well kept and clean.

Entry-level Studio rooms offer one-room floor plans similar in size and layout to typical mid-range chain hotel rooms. They include kitchenettes with microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Two-Bedroom Villas offer spacious floor plans with apartment-style layouts. The upgraded rooms include an additional bathroom, dedicated living and dining areas, plus modern kitchens with stoves, microwaves, full refrigerators, dishware, and utensils. Large furnished balconies also afford lovely sea or mountain views. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and fast, free Wi-Fi.

Bathroom decor is bright and crisp. Creamy tile, teal walls, and modern fixtures are a clear step above most comparable area hotel bathrooms. Shower/tub combinations are standard in most rooms, while the large master baths in every Two-Bedroom Villa feature walk-in shower stalls and jetted tubs.

The spacious outdoor pool terrace is the hotel’s most noteworthy feature. Dozens of plastic lounge chairs ring the space. However, the limited number of umbrellas ensures much of the space is exposed to the harsh Puerto Rican sun during the day. Nearby, the open-air Piscis Cafe & Bar offers a full liquor menu of beer, wine, and cocktails. However, the food is bland and the selection limited to a handful of fried finger foods, chips, sandwiches. Although the property advertises room service, it was not available during our stay. A small, basement fitness room provides a handful of relatively modern machines and free weights. The adjacent game room offers a dozen arcade games, plus air hockey and a mini-basketball game. The off-street parking lot requires a daily fee but guarantees 24-hour security.