El Hotelito at the Rainforest Experience Farm

With limited road access, high up on a hill overlooking the El Yunque Natural Forest and only seven rooms, El Hotelito embraces its seclusion and tranquility. The open-air lobby is the main hub of the eco-lodge, with spectacular views of El Yunque Natural Forest. Centered by a skylight garden, the space spreads out with several common areas for guests to use. The room seems even more spacious, as it has no exterior walls and an open-floor plan leading out to the private pool patio. Decor is funky and stylish throughout the common areas, with wind chimes, surf boards, and vintage accent pieces. A small concrete bar and kitchen are situated off to the side of the lobby, where there are a handful of bar stools for guests to sip specialty cocktails or use the Wi-Fi.

With limited electricity in the rooms and Wi-Fi only accessible in the common area, most of the socializing is done in the main room. A handful of red couches and rocking chairs are scattered throughout the lobby, as well as a few concrete tables for eating dinner. The vibe is laid-back with a small of herd of the owner’s dogs usually lazing around the lobby and by the pool area. A handful of plastic lounge chairs sit at the edge of the hill, perfect for guests to watch sunsets and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the rainforest. With its intimate, romantic vibe, it's no surprise that couples make up the majority of guests here.

El Hotelito at the Rainforest Experience Farm has an enviable location overlooking El Yunque Natural Forest, granting spectacular rainforest views. Situated at the top of a hill, El Hotelito is away from main roads and guests should take note that the last mile of the drive is unpaved and should be navigated during the day. The hotel is a 15-minute drive to the shops and restaurants of Fajardo. The main visitor center for the El Yunque Natural Forest is a 30-minute drive from the hotel, and a 20-minute drive to Luquillo Beach. It's a 30-minute drive from Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport and a one-hour drive from the much larger Luis Munoz Marin Airport back in San Juan.

There’s a lot to like about the eco-friendly rooms at El Hotelito, though electricity is limited. The style manages to be sophisticated while simultaneously maintaining a simple, rustic charm. Expect to see hand-crafted wood shutters covering screen-less and glass-less windows, glazed concrete floors, and handsome mahogany beds (many with padded headboards). Rooms are spacious, made to seem even larger with high ceilings and limited accents. Guests can expect a few chairs and built-in shelves featuring funky pieces of art. All rooms have a terrace or shared balcony, most with chairs to sit and enjoy the spectacular sunset over the rainforest. Some of the larger rooms feature a pull out couch for more sleeping space.

Keeping in line with its eco-friendly ethos, El Hotelito operates on solar power so there are no fans or air-conditioning in the rooms. Guests should note that TVs, clocks, and outlets are purposefully absent from the rooms to maintain the tranquility of the hotel as well as conserve solar energy. Each bed has a small reading lamp as rooms tend to be dimly lit due to electricity being run on solar energy.

Bathrooms vary in size, with most being moderately sized and a few being spacious. All bathrooms feature a stone and concrete shower and plenty of vanity space. Many of the bathrooms feature a window in the shower opening to the rainforest. Towels and limited toiletries are provided.

El Hotelito offers an open-air restaurant and bar, private pool overlooking the rainforest, and serene common areas that round out a solid list of features for an eco-lodge. The restaurant and bar serves a free continental breakfast each morning -- coffee, bagels and jam, cold cereal, and fruit -- and a family style eclectic dinner option each night. Guests can expect Puerto Rican dishes of chicken stew, tostones, and rice as well as pork chops and pizzas. Travelers should note that advance notice is needed for dinner and lunch is not served. The open-air bar is situated overlooking the kitchen area and serves mixed drinks, beer, and a few specialty house cocktails during the afternoon and evening. 

Adjacent to the eco-lodge is a private pool overlooking the rainforest. A handful of lounge chairs are available around the pool for sunbathing and socializing. There is ample space in the common areas for guests to spread out and relax on wooden rocking chairs, a few red couches, and even a hammock. A small docking station is set up in the corner of the lobby for guests to charge their lap tops and phones. 

Additional amenities include parking, a handful of trails, and free Wi-Fi in the common area.