Hotel Parador Joyuda Beach

The decades-old motel has a lot of potential -- indeed, it has one of the best beachside locations in the area. However, it’s clearly seen few, if any, updates since its opening days. The layout and design feel like a charmless blend of institutional and classic schoolhouse, while furnishings throughout feel homey and dorm-like, with the occasional addition of beach-themed posters. The lack of facilities (and no lounge seating) on the beach means that it receives little use. Consequently, the combined pool and restaurant provide the only gathering space from mid-morning until well after dark. Depending on the time of year, the atmosphere ranges from lively to downright raucous. Guests include a mix of families, couples, and singles -- all seeking a dirt cheap, beachfront vacation.

The hotel is situated on Route 102 -- a beachfront road that runs south from Mayaguez along a stretch of Puerto Rico’s western coast. That city is a 15-minute drive to the north, for those who want a taste of something more urban. However, dozens of local restaurants and beach bars are within five minutes of the parador by car. Larger chain restaurants and big box retail stores are 15 minutes away in Hormigueros. Eugenio Maria De Hostos Airport (MAZ) is 25 minutes away by car, while Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla requires a full hour to reach. Taxi service to/from the airports is readily available, however, it can prove expensive over long distances. Rental car counters are also available in the terminals of both airports. Weekly rates are reasonable relative to other Caribbean island destinations.

The rooms, like every area of the property, date back to the 1960s and it’s clear they haven’t seen many updates since. The furniture, fixtures, and flooring are dark, drab, and in desperate need of replacing. As of early 2016, rooms were being renovated one at a time, however, it appears that the process is slow-going. The room we visited had terra-cotta floors, bright turquoise walls, white bedding, and nominally modern dark wood veneer furniture. However, other units have old floral bedspreads and plenty of wear and tear.

Rooms are available in either Standard or Beachfront categories (with either a one- or two-bed configuration). Entry-level Standard Rooms offer a one-room layout with square footage typical of a budget motel. Beachfront Rooms offer similar floor plans with slightly more living space and private balconies with lovely views of the Caribbean Sea. Tiny, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are available in every room. However, we found the latter to be spotty and unreliable. Air-conditioners are likewise offered in every room, but most units are old, loud, and salt-worn.

The bathrooms are as dated as their respective rooms. Fit and finish is below what many would expect of even a two-star motel. The fixtures and counters have fallen into disrepair, with salt-worn faucets, chipped vanities, and rust-stained bathtubs. Generic bar soap is the only provided toiletry.

The hotel offers a surprising number of amenities for a relatively small, two-pearl property. Although the list looks good on paper, most amenities are hanging on by a thread.

The modest pool is reasonably clean, but the surrounding space is little more than a concrete slab. A dozen plastic Adirondack chairs provide less-than-adequate seating given the hotel’s capacity. The lack of umbrellas also means the entire space is exposed to the sun throughout the day. While there is no poolside drink service, cocktails are available at the adjacent restaurant.

Continental breakfast is provided daily, however, the selection is spartan at best. During our stay, we noted only a few loaves of store-bought bread, fruit spreads, and coffee. The restaurant is situated in a lovely, open-air space with excellent sea views. However, the menu is pricey, with a curious mix of Asian, Italian, and traditional Puerto Rican. There is no room service available.

Like all Puerto Rican beaches, the adjacent beach is technically public. However, with access restricted to one of two gates on the property, guests are likely to share the sand only with other hotel guests. The condition of the beach is mixed at best. Decades of erosion have taken a serious toll and, like the hotel’s buildings, the area clearly lacks routine maintenance. However, the water is typically calm, safe, and swimmable any time of the year, though no lounge chairs are provided.

The large off-street lot provides free, ample self-parking.