Coastal Express Inn #1 at 681 Ocean Drive

I’ve stayed in the family-owned apartments twice while visiting Puerto Rico, most recently for nine nights. Both were cozy, with a private bathroom and full kitchen, and the price was very affordable. This isn’t a fancy hotel, so don’t expect more than what you’re paying for. Angel and his family are lovely, friendly, kind, and respectful. I’d recommend it.

We ended up here because our other place hadn’t been cleaned and its owner arranged it for us. I would never choose to stay here again. The online photos didn’t show the rooms we got, and the place was a mess: dead roaches, a shower that wouldn’t drain, a toilet that wouldn’t flush, a broken shower head, and broken AC. The sheets had cigarette burns, the rusty faucet looked like it had barnacles growing on it, and there was dirt, twigs, and seaweed on the floor. I was very unimpressed.

The place was cozy but a little worn, and it had AC. It was listed as having beach access, though the shoreline is rocky and you have to go through bushes to reach it. We had a double bed and a single bed, but the kitchen was short on utensils: just one spoon, two forks, and one butter knife.

Angel, the person in charge, was very friendly and always available to help. The place is also close to the beach and restaurants, about five minutes from the highway, with lots of nice places to visit around Arecibo. It’s acceptable for a short stay. There are two clean rooms that fit about seven people, with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. There’s also a kitchen with a refrigerator and small stove, plus one bathroom and a living room with a TV.