Hotel Perichi's

Listen, we don't have anything against budget motels -- in fact, we've seen tons of quaint two-pearl hotels and motels around the world. However, it's never a good thing when a hotel embodies its budget status without intending to do so, as seems to be the case here. Rather than quaint and shabby, things just feel neglected and tired. The hotel features a plain, motel-style layout with a two- and three-story design and exterior hallways. The overall decor is dated, with mismatched budget furniture and a color scheme that was popular in the ‘90s. While every aspect of the hotel’s common areas -- including the pool, restaurant, and lobby -- is functional, all are maintained at a minimum level. The overall feel is of a mid-range hotel that feels distinctly below the level of comparable area properties. Aside from the on-site restaurant, the pool and adjoining veranda provide the only gathering spaces. Even at capacity, the vibe is mostly quiet and relaxed, with an even mix of families and couples.

Cabo Rojo’s Route 102 is a modestly trafficked road dotted with guesthouses, small homes, and mid-size hotels. Although Hotel Perichi’s is across from the Caribbean Sea, there is no direct beach access and no swimmable stretch of sand within walking distance. It is within walking distance of a number of small restaurants, bars, and a grocery market. Dozens of additional chain restaurants, big box retail stores, and other services on Route 2 are less than five minutes away by car. Those looking to enjoy the more natural side of Cabo Rojo will need to get in their car and drive south. Stunning Bahia Sucia is a 30-minute drive away, while Playa Buye will take 20 minutes to reach by car. There's also an excellent nature reserve next to Bahia Sucia, with amazing bird watching.The closest airport is Eugenio Maria De Hostos (MAZ) in Mayaguez, 30 minutes north by car. Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla offers more flight options, but requires a full 60 minutes to reach. Both offer brand-name rental car counters with reasonable weekly rates comparable to other Caribbean destinations. Taxi service is the only viable public transportation option, but long-distance fares can prove expensive. Like most area hotels, no airport shuttle service is available.

There's no other way to say it: Room decor is reminiscent of ‘90s-era motels. The faded (frequently floral) bed linens, floral window treatments, and chipped budget furniture all feel well past their prime. Occasional wicker accents and tropical colors add a touch of local flair, but there’s little to remind guests that they’re actually in the Caribbean. Overall, the look and feel is dowdy and drab -- an effect not diminished by stained green carpets.The hotel’s 49 rooms are divided among three categories -- Deluxe, Super Deluxe, and La Hacienda -- that offer similar amenities and differ mainly in size. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms offer pool views and floor space comparable to a budget motel. Super Deluxe Rooms provide additional living space with a small breakfast table and a loveseat. The property’s largest La Hacienda units accommodate up to six guests and offer in-room mini-fridges. The limited amenities in every category include old, tube-style televisions and air-conditioning, but little else. In-room Wi-Fi isn't offered.Like their respective rooms, bathrooms are dated and in clear need of maintenance. Aging fixtures, chipped tiling, rust, and fading paint are evident throughout. Generic bath amenities and shower/tub combos are standard in every category.

Hotel Perichi’s offers a decent number of amenities on paper, though nearly all fail to deliver. Adjacent to the lobby, the Steak N’ Sea Restaurant serves lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere. The space is done in a curious blend of Mediterranean and Wild West decor. The menu consists of steak and local seafood dishes, such as grilled lobster, octopus salad, mahi-mahi, and Argentinian-style skirt steak.The outdoor pool deck is clean and mostly well-maintained. A dozen plastic lounge chairs surround the space and a handful of umbrellas provide modest shade. However, the pool itself clearly needs to be drained and repainted -- same for the hot tub. The nearby veranda offers a small pool bar with a full menu of beer, wine, and cocktails.Free self-parking is available in a large, off-street lot. While there is no gate or security staff, the surrounding area is reasonably quiet and safe. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the hotel's lobby.