Villa Cofresi Hotel

This three-floor property is fronted by busy parking lot, where signage markets the hotel's 50-year history and its locally famous Pirate's Special cocktails. Coconuts for these rum drinks are often stored next to the lobby in a massive pile that needs constant replenishing -- a strong indication of just how popular this drink is. The family presence is a big part of the continued success of this hotel, which first started out as a restaurant in 1965. Next to the front desk is a portrait of the original owner who passed away. The four siblings still run the show and work to maintain the mission, namely keeping the atmosphere lively and fun for all ages. They succeed, and the restaurant and bar are not only popular with guests staying here, but also other tourists in Rincon, as well as locals, so expect a crowd. The bar stays open until midnight daily so rooms located near it can expect to hear noise, especially during Karaoke Night (every Thursday), but there is a section of rooms farther away and in a quieter section.  

The compact property has an outdoor pool next to the bar and also the beach. Kids love to splash around for hours on end and at night, they stay entertained by playing video games in the arcade, or billiards or ping-pong, which are conveniently set up next to the bar and restaurant (and within eyesight). Up on the second floor is a separate deck area with tables and chairs, and it is not unusual to see a family of four playing a card game. 

Most evenings start with sunset happy hour drink specials, and the best seats are the bar stools that face the ocean.  

Villa Cofresi is in an area of Puerto Rico known as Porta del Sol, "Doorway to the Sun", which also makes up the entire west coast of the island. In the middle of the west coast is a municipality called Rincon recognizable on a map for the fact that juts out ever so slightly. There are eight miles of beaches here -- many that are smaller, but also less populated. Some of these beaches are great for surfing and some have calm water. This hotel offers a mid-range (not too small, not too big) section of the beach compared to neighbors, with calmer waves that make it safe for kids. Area excursions include scuba diving, deep sea fishing and whale watching. 

Guests can quickly arrive to the west coast via the town of Aguadilla, where Puerto Rico's second largest airport, Rafael Hernandez, receives daily flights from the U.S. (mostly from the east coast). It is an easy 30-minute drive from this airport, or visitors can fly into San Juan airport and drive two hours to get here. Either way, it is recommended to rent a car so that guests can have access to other attractions in the area, which tend to be less touristy and more true to Puerto Rican culture. A car is needed. 

There are 111 rooms total in the following categories: Efficiency, Standard, Standard with Kitchen, Deluxe, and Apartment (these latter units have two bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens). The Caribbean decor will not appeal to those seeking modernity, especially not the outdated patterned bedspreads. Rooms are housed in a three-story complex along the beach -- some with direct ocean views, and others without. The poolside rooms will be better for kids and partiers, while there is a section farther away that is best suited for those who want to sleep before midnight (when the bar closes).

All rooms have AC units, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, tub/shower combos, and work desks with free Wi-Fi. Standard and Efficiency rooms do not have balconies, except for those on the first floor that lead out to the pool. All rooms except the Efficiency Rooms include breakfast. 

One of the standout aspects of the hotel is the restaurant and bar. In fact, the restaurant was here before the hotel came to fruition. La Ana de Cofresi is one of the first restaurants in Rincon and serves local specialties for dinner such as seafood (the whole Red Snapper is a specialty), Angus beef dishes, chorizo, and mofongo dishes. Lunch offers more casual fare like sandwiches, burgers, and kabobs. Breakfast is included in the price for most rooms and is prepared in the dining room. It includes eggs cooked to order, a continental offering, coffee, and juice. 

The outside bar overlooking the beach and ocean — El Bohio — is the center of action from the time it opens at 10 a.m. until it closes at midnight. There are nightly happy hours and a collective toast during sunset, when most are consuming beer, house wines, and rum drinks. There are stools around the bar, as well as along the edge overlooking the beach. Several tables and chairs are here for those who want to dine outside with the La Ana de Confresi menu. Thursday nights are karaoke nights, and there typically is entertainment on weekends -- this might be bothersome for the rooms located nearby.

The compact outdoor space also includes an outdoor pool -- popular with kids -- and several access points to the beach, which also has lounge chairs and calm waves for swimming. Along the beach is a vendor renting water sports equipment such as banana boat rides, kayaks, jet-skis, and stand-up paddle boards. The lobby has an arcade room, and a ping-pong table is on the terrace. Excursions can be arranged for scuba diving and sunset cruises.

Free parking and Wi-Fi are available.  Those who would like to do laundry will find one just a block away on the main strip.