Parador Palmas De Lucia

Parador Palmas De Lucia is part of the Tropical Inn chain of hotels, a collection of four budget-friendly paradores, or small inns. With its dark color scheme and old-fashioned wooden furniture, the lobby of Parador Palmas de Lucia offers an accurate preview of what guests can expect throughout facilities and rooms. While the hotel may not be modern in terms of decor, its eco-friendly policies are more forward-thinking. Along with the other Tropical Inns, Parador Palmas De Lucia has been awarded a Green Suites Green Hotel certification. Guest rooms use compact and low-energy fluorescent lighting and the tissues and toilet paper here are made from at least 40% post-consumer waste.

The hotel mainly attracts families, including many travelers from Puerto Rico, as well as couples. It offers a few different all-inclusive packages with meals. These practical packages, along with the hotel’s modest on-site amenities, appeal to guests who prioritize budget over style. Its out-of-the-way location provides a quiet base for those with their own transportation; however, guests relying on walking or public transportation are better off choosing a hotel in a more central location.  

The hotel is in a somewhat isolated location, a 10-minute drive from the town of Yabucoa. The hotel backs onto a narrow stretch of Lucia Beach, which is pretty -- palm trees crest over the water -- but the sand can collect debris at times. There's little within walking distance apart from the beach, and with no dining options accessible on foot aside from the hotel’s own restaurant, guests without their own car are likely to feel isolated. El Yunque National Park can be reached in just under 30 minutes by car, while Fajardo and the ferries to Vieques will take about 45 minutes to reach by road. Old San Juan and Luis Munoz Marin International Airport are a one-hour drive away.

There's plenty of space in the hotel rooms at at Parador Palmas de Lucia, but on the whole they could use an update. Decor is characterized by dated floral bedspreads and matching curtains, plus sea green or wooden headboards. Rooms have off-white walls hung with pastel prints as well as terra cotta tile floors and simple furniture that's showing wear and tear. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and small dining tables in addition to mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Closets and plain dressers or armoires provide good storage space. Rooms also have balconies with plastic patio furniture overlooking the garden and pool area. The tiny bathrooms are equally dated, with walk-in showers and older fixtures. Small baskets are stocked with toiletries.

The hotel’s medium-size outdoor pool has a single fountain feature on one wall and is surrounded by a concrete deck with lounge chairs shaded by palm trees. There are also a few hammocks hung between the trees. The grassy lawn bordering the pool includes basketball and volleyball courts, as well as a children’s playground consisting of several plastic slides. The hotel sits directly on Lucia Beach, a thin stretch of sand. It's fine for a quick swim, but debris can wash up on shore from time to time.

Free breakfast is served in a generic dining room with wooden chairs and guests can choose between several different menu items or order larger meals available for additional fees. The restaurant has a simple, open-air bar area overlooking the pool. Lunch and dinner are also served here for extra charges. The small fitness center offers a few cardio machines, weight stations, and an exercise ball. There's also a game room and coin-operated laundry facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and free self-parking is offered on-site. Wedding planning services can be arranged.