On Route 2, a five-minute walk from a few local restaurants and shops
A 20-minute drive to the golden sands of Playa Poza del Obispo
Rooms are spacious and feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges
Simple, spacious rooms include some with full kitchens and patios
Small, private pool with a few lounge chairs and a cabana
Restaurant serving traditional Puerto Rican breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Meeting room with flat-screen TV and plenty of sitting space
Plenty of free parking
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Many of the rooms could use an update
Not within easy walking distance of beaches or attractions
Located along a busy highway, the two-pearl Parador El Buen Cafe is within walking distance of a few Hatillo stores, and a 20-minute drive from the golden sands of Playa Poza del Obispo. The 49-rooms are spacious and clean, but dated, and feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges -- some of the villas have full kitchens and patios. With a small, private pool, ample parking, and an on-site restaurant and lounge, it’s a good option for families and business travelers. Unfortunately, it’s location along Route 2 means that there aren't many attractions within walking distance. The nearby Punta Maracayo is a three-minute walk to the beach and has similar amenities at a slightly higher price.
Scene
Relaxed and quiet hotel that's best for short-term budget-friendly stays
Parador El Buen Cafe is a simple budget hotel that manages to serve as something of a meeting place for locals and tourists, perhaps owing its location near the busy highway that traverses northern Puerto Rico. The cafe here is a popular destination for locals and tourists, and often hosts a vibrant crowd throughout the day. The adjacent cocktail lounge provides a quieter and more intimate scene for guests. With the hotel being separate from the cafe, guests can get away to quieter areas within the hotel as well if they want, though there aren't many places to hang out other than the pool. The style throughout the property has a dated tropical look, and its best used as a place to crash within a reasonable drive of the beach. With few kid-friendly activities, the hotel is best suited for business travelers and families that appreciate location over lots of on-site features.
Location
Located on Route 2, a 20-minute drive to the beach
Parador El Buen Cafe is located right on the well-trafficked Route 2 in Hatillo. Unfortunately, there are only a few local restaurants and shops within walking distance, and renting a car is recommended in order to reach the region's attractions. Popular among locals, the golden sands of Playa Poza del Obispo are 20 minutes away by car. For something a little more adventurous, the famous Camuy River Cave Park is a 25-minute drive from the hotel and is home to the third largest underground cave system in the world. Tours are offered in Spanish and English. The Plaza del Norte Mall is a six-minute drive from the hotel, and has over 130 shops and restaurants. Travelers should allow over an hour to reach both the Rafael Hernandez Airport or Luis Munoz Marin Airport, the latter of which is located east of San Juan.
Rooms
Simple and spacious, but dated, with flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning
Rooms here are spacious and clean, but dated, with tropical-print bedspreads and bamboo headboards. Furniture is generic, but there is ample space for storage in the beige dressers and rooms are clean. Across all categories, features include flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning -- remotes for both are handed out during check-in. In the main building, rooms feature queen-size beds, mini-fridges, tile floors, red curtains, and some rooms have couches. Villas are separate from the main building and have the same amenities, but also feature kitchens with stovetops, small dining tables, and outdoor sitting space. Some rooms also have microwaves. Bathrooms are moderately-size and include shower/tub combos, plenty of vanity space, and adequate amounts of towels. Some toiletries are provided for guests, as are wall-mounted hairdryers.
Features
Well-liked restaurant, small and private pool terrace, free parking and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Features here are slim, but what's on offer is nice, including its well-liked restaurant, El Buen Cafe, which is a popular breakfast and lunch spot for locals. Traditional Puerto Rican dishes tinclude chicken and rice soups, tostones, and mofongo. Travelers can expect American fare like pancakes, eggs, and burgers as well. The cafe has ample seating and several dining areas plus an adjacent cocktail lounge with wooden high-top tables, a full bar, and a few flat-screen TVs. Room service from the cafe is available. The pool terrace is situated adjacent to the hotel and is surrounded by a high concrete wall ensuring privacy. There are a handful of plastic lounge chairs for guests to use while hanging out by the pool, as well as a small cabana and bathrooms. A meeting room with a flat-screen TV can be rented as well. Additional hotel amenities include ample on-site parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.