Comfort Inn & Suites Levittown

Cruising along the main coastal stretch that connects San Juan with the west, it’s hard to miss the Comfort Inn as it towers over its fairly flat, undeveloped surroundings. The grayish exterior is nothing style-wise, but just inside the lobby, a soft beachy look emerges. Sky-blue walls, stone tiling, an inviting lounge setup complete with raffia canopy chairs, bright beach-themed artwork, and tropical green foliage, all channel beach-house charm. There’s even an aquarium filled with neon coral and a rainbow of reef fish finishing the look. Common areas are fairly compact, so there’s an intimate feel here. Out back, the pool and garden area are popular and lively, attracting the families that tend to book this property. Poolside peace is not likely, but the sundeck does offer a calmer spot to take time out and get some rays. 

This hotel sits right on a main coastal road, Av. El Cano, directly across the street from Levittown Beach (which isn't recommended for swimming). It's an area that's set a ways off from San Juan and Old San Juan, which are about a 30-minute drive away. There’s not much to see or do within walking distance, though a handful of casual restaurants located right opposite the hotel (serving seafood and Mexican fare) seem to be popular with guests. Still, shopping malls and other beaches suited to swimming can be reached within a short drive. For instance, it’s a five-minute drive to Balneario Punta Salinas -- a tranquil beach spot set within the National Park that becomes a popular picnic venue with locals on weekends. Rio Hondo shopping mall, a seven-minute drive from the hotel, offers plenty of big-name stores including Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, plus cinemas, and a food court. Plaza Las Americans, the Caribbean’s largest shopping mall, is a 20-minute drive away. And the Bacardi distillery is 10 minutes away by car, toward San Juan. Budget about 30 minutes to reach Luis Munoz International Airport by car.

Set over six levels, rooms share a similar coastal style in their sky-blue walls and ocean-blue bed runners. But apart from their color palette, they're fairly dated, sporting wood laminate headboards and work desks, and generic tiling under foot. Suites upsize layouts with separate living areas, king-sized beds, kitchenettes, and much larger bathrooms. Lower-level rooms have garden views, while those on higher levels take in the pool and the ocean over the road. Some categories (including suites) open onto balconies, each furnished with a single chair. All rooms are well equipped with work desks, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, irons, ironing boards, and hairdryers. Bathrooms are equally simplistic with plain showers and individual toiletries. The property is set on a busy main road, and while the air-conditioning units seem to drown out road noise, it can bother some guests. 

While the Comfort Inn doesn't offer a full lineup of features for a mid-range hotel, it does have some amenities that add to its appeal. The property's outdoor pool tops the list -- there are a number of deck chairs and an additional sun terrace accessed from the pool area. A cosy garden setting with hanging chairs, jumbo Jenga, and outdoor seating offers another outdoor lounging space, but overall the place is pretty compact. Levittown Beach is located right over the road, but depending on the tides and conditions, it can become littered with trash, so swimming isn’t always recommended -- although some guests enjoy beach walks. There's no on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner, but a daily buffet breakfast is served in the breakfast room off the lobby and its included in rates. Free all-day tea and coffee are also provided in the lobby. Meeting rooms with views of the ocean are available, and vending machines along with a wine fridge are provided next to the entrance. There’s a public computer and a printer set up in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi is included. The Comfort Inn is pet-friendly without imposing any restrictions on animal size or weight. Pet-friendly services and packages are also on offer.