The Fajardo Inn

Set in a quiet corner of Puerto Rico best known for its ferry access to famous local islands  of Vieques and Culebra, it’s unsurprising that the Fajardo Inn is so calm, as this area isn’t considered resort-like at all. Unfurling across vast, hilly grounds (with wheelchair ramps), several two- and three-story buildings containing rooms are dressed in happy sunset orange and connected via walkways, gardens, and wide driveways that provide parking throughout the property. While the resort is clearly decades old, and decor is simple at best, the interiors and grounds are well maintained. There’s nothing shabby or unkempt about this place. During our stay, a mishmash of guests: singles, couples, mother and daughter duos, families, and friends -- chilled by the pool, and quietly ate in restaurants during mealtimes. Restaurant decor in both dining establishments feels fresh and contemporary, which echoes the vibrant quality of the food. The Blue Iguana is a colorful Mexican-meets-sports-bar venue; while Star Fish takes on a more nautical vibe. One pool is located just behind the main entrance building, while Coco’s Park dominates the rear of the property. Here, the huge freeform Bamboo Beach pool provides the centerpiece -- with its lagoon-style swim-up beach area, waterslide, and garden surrounds. There’s a also a swim-up bar, but it was closed during our stay. 

The property is located in Fajardo, a calm, laidback contrast to San Juan, on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico. Fajardo isn’t considered a resort area, but is known as the ferry gateway to local islands, Vieques and Culebra. It’s around a 13-minute walk or a five-minute drive to the ferry terminal itself, where cargo and passenger vessels transport guests to and from the islands several times a day. The drive to San Juan can take close to an hour depending on traffic, and it’s around 50 minutes to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, so self-driving can make sense as the cab fare can cost in excess of $80. The resort provides plenty of free on-site parking plus an on-site car rental shop. El Yunque Rainforest can be reached in less than a half-hour. Nearby beaches worth checking out include Seven Seas Beach (10 minutes on foot), Playa Escondida and Luquillo Beach (both a 20-minute drive). It’s also a three-minute drive or 15-minute walk to Castillo Watersports, and 12-minutes to the Villa Marina Yacht Harbor.

An array of room categories are on offer, including Standards, Singles, Doubles, and Triples. Suites range from Single to Honeymoon and Presidential. Rooms are spread out across the property, so those with mobility issues or who simply can’t be bothered with walking far should request a room in the main building. Parking is provided throughout the property, so self-drivers can quite often park right outside their room. The main building also features an elevator. All layouts are spacious and decor typically blends blond-wood pieces (headboards, dining settings, armoires, and bedside tables) with warm-hued walls, generic bedspreads, and tiling underfoot. Higher categories add balconies, DVD players, and kitchenettes (in Suites). Honeymoons Suites offer better quality bedding, with higher quality furniture featuring hard-carved details. All units include televisions (flat-screen or tube-style depending on the room), safes, irons and ironing boards, telephones, and large closets. Bathrooms feature stand-up showers (plus whirlpools in higher categories), hairdryers, and a selection of individual toiletries. Some rooms, especially the elevated ones, take in lovely area views. 

The Fajardo Inn offers an array of family-friendly resort features across its sprawling grounds. Coco’s Park -- the on-site activities area, features a mini-golf course (though it’s seen better days), a tennis court, half-basketball court, and a colorful playground for kids. The fitness center provides a vast layout of weight machines, although the cardio equipment is oddly hidden in the dark. Jaggery juice bar, located at the gym entrance, serves up a rainbow of blended smoothies and juices. Swimmers are well catered to. There are two outdoor pools on offer: a large rectangular pool just behind the main entrance building; and a huge freeform pool with a waterslide and a lagoon beach-style edge down near Coco’s Park. It adjoins an Olympic-size lap swimming pool with a desk filled with plenty of deck chairs, umbrellas, and al fresco dining settings. There’s also a swim-up bar, but it was closed during our stay. Two restaurants include Star Fish for Puerto Rican flavors, and The Blue Iguana Mexican Bar & Grill -- an expansive sports bar-like venue serving up Mexican favorites. Prices are reasonable for Puerto Rico and the quality is excellent. However, breakfast is not included. There are coffee, drinks, and snack machines in the lobby. Free Wi-Fi is provided in common areas, although some guests complain it only works in the lobby. Plenty of free on-site parking is provided throughout the property, in addition to the on-site Thrifty car rental office.