Coral By The Sea

Set on a calm corner just off a busy expressway, Coral by the Sea sports a '60s-style beige facade that's pretty hard to miss due to the blinding, brightly painted restaurants that sit below it. A tropical mural blankets Platos (the Puerto Rican joint), while Piebello (the diner-style gelato bar) glows in neon banana-yellow. The roar of planes taking off is a frequent reminder of just how close the airport is. Inside the hotel itself, the small lobby feels more subdued and somewhat retro with dark timber paneled walls offset with bright white contrasts in vinyl seating, shiny floor tiles, and the reception desk. It’s hardly a lobby for lingering -- the lack of common areas here make it feel more motel than hotel, so the main activity here is simply check-ins/outs; guests and staff meandering in and out of restaurants (both accessed from the lobby); and guests sitting around with their digital devices, as Wi-Fi works best in the lobby. The on-site restaurants have their own casual local flavor, but guests must otherwise venture up the road to get their fix of the area's beachy vibe.

The property is located in tourist hotspot Carolina, Isla Verde -- on the north eastern side of Puerto Rico, seven minutes by car from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, and 16 minutes from San Juan (and the historic Old San Juan). It’s a six-minute walk up the level road to Isla Verde Beach where lofty hotels line the beachfront. Deck chairs and sun umbrellas are available for hire right along the beach, and water sports like jet skiing and parasailing are readily available from private vendors. It’s also a nine-minute drive to the Puerto Rico Museum of Art; and there’s a Walgreens plus a privately owned gym on the next block. On-site parking is available (for a fee), the hotel can arrange taxis, and Uber is another popular local transportation option.

Set over four levels with stair and elevator access, rooms are available in three categories -- Standard Single (queen bed); Standard Double Queen; and Standard Double (with two double beds). Upholstered vinyl headboards in beige and a few pieces of dark timber furniture (like work desks and bedside tables) outfit rooms. But the overall look is rather generic and dated. All rooms feature cable flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. While some guests find their stays comfortable, others complain of poor cleanliness and cockroach sightings. Bathrooms are small with tiny sink basins with little ledge space, plus stand up showers and a selection of basic) individual toiletries. Lower-level rooms can encounter street noise and uninspiring views, so requesting a higher room on the sea side may makes sense. An iron and ironing board can be borrowed from the front desk, however the hotel lacks hairdryers altogether. Free Wi-Fi is provided, although on our visit it only worked in the lobby. 

Coral by the Sea unfortunately lacks a pool, so nearby Isla Verde beach is the main highlight here. Sun beds, umbrellas and water-sports rentals can be arranged through outside vendors, but guests should provide their own beach towels, unless they care to purchase them from the hotel’s front desk. The rooms are set above two restaurants providing guests with a range of eating options. Platos Restaurant and bar serves up a traditional Puerto Rican menu and a range of local cocktail concoctions that include seven sangrias and a mean mojito. Piubello Gelato is a diner-style eatery serving all meals with Western and local flavors, in addition to a good range of house-made gelatos. Both restaurants are clean, friendly, and frequently praised by guests for their quality. Rooms service is available as well. There’s a business center for guest use, and a small, privately owned clothing boutique neighboring the hotel’s main entrance doors. A coin-operated laundry is available to guests, and free Wi-Fi is provided -- although it only seemed to work in the lobby during our stay. Parking is available, but it isn’t free. There’s no on-site gym, however there is a privately owned fitness center just up the road.