Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tions. If you're used to upmarket resorts you might find paradores a bit old-fashioned and
pokey.
The benefits of staying in paradores are their location in attractive areas (often in historic
coffee haciendas), mostly local clientele and relatively low prices.
The disadvantages may include iffy water pressure, basic furnishings and overdue renov-
ations. Prices for rooms in both the endorsed and nominal paradores are comparable to the
cost of rooms in guesthouses, ie between $75 and $150.
For reservations, a complete list and pictures of the government-endorsed paradores,
contact
Paradores Puertorriqueños ( 800-866-7827;
www.gotopuertorico.com
)
. You can also check with
Puerto Rico Small Inns (
787-725-2901;
Vacation Centers
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico maintains clusters of rental cottages around the island
in Arroyo, Boquerón, Añasco, Humacao and Maricao. These
centros vacacionales
are pop-
ular with island families on weekends, holidays and summer vacations. Most of the accom-
modations are two-bedroom condos in attractive new duplex structures. These units are re-
stricted to 'bona fide family groups' only, so groups of friends traveling together may not
be accepted.
There is a minimum stay of two nights and a maximum stay of seven. Short-term rates
run about $85 a night for a unit that sleeps six, but you may get a special weekly rate from
September 1 to May 31 (when island kids are in school).
Bring your own sheets, though some rent them at $15 to $20 per set. Kitchen gear is not
included in the price.
Reserve up to 120 days in advance through the Oficina de Reservaciones at the Com-
pañía de Parques Nacionales (
Click here
).
Bargaining
Bargaining is not appreciated or widely practiced in Puerto Rico. There's nothing wrong
with asking if there's a discount available at a guesthouse or hotel - especially when there
are empty rooms - but full-on haggling over prices in stores is likely to get you nothing but
contempt from the shopkeeper.
