Villa Cofresí Hotel – Feeling like a Tourist at Home

Sheila Berrios — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 19:41:29 +0000

Our visit to the Villa Cofresi Hotel, also known as Hotel Villa Cofresi in Rincon (Puerto Rico) was different than our previous visits. Going back to my home country for only a weekend it’s always hectic. Trying to see all the family and friends we can, while sacrificing not seeing others it’s never an easy task. Furthermore, for the last few years, we have only been traveling to Puerto Rico for weddings (and there are only a few things more hectic than a wedding). This time, we decided we were going to the island to enjoy ourselves, just like tourists do.

Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.

Yes, that is a Pirate Ship.

We arrived in San Juan on a Saturday, with a schedule in our minds that was altered because of a terrible car rental experience, traffic, and the mandatory stop for ‘frituras’ (fritters). After our hunger had been satisfied, we started the “two” hour drive to Rincón. However, on a weekend afternoon, this is only an approximation, and you should never bet your life or a major event on it.

Tip: If you are driving towards the west in the afternoon remember your sunglasses.

Finally, we arrived at Villa Cofresí Hotel in Rincón, a little bummed out because we have missed the sunset. Sunsets are an event in Rincón. So much so that it’s known as “The Town of the Beautiful Sunsets.” However, the night in the Hotel looked like it was just starting. The bar, restaurant, and lounge were packed when we got to the hotel. Tired and all, after getting our luggage in our room, we went back to enjoy live music, eat some snacks, and drink something.

Cofresí Pirate: The Hotel is named after Puerto Rican Pirate Roberto Cofresí, better known as the Cofresí Pirate. Legend says he was the “Robin Hood’ of Pirates.

Room at Hotel Villa Cofresí

The night we arrived, we knew we were in the right place because besides the delicious food and drinks, the bartenders, even with the place incredibly full, were always attentive and delivered a fast and impeccable service. After a Pirate Special and a Chicken Kebab (ok, I can’t call it Chicken Kebab, it’s a ‘Pincho de Pollo’), we were ready to go to sleep, and with the sound of the ocean waves filling the room, I dozed off with no problem.

Morning View from the Room Balcony – #NoFilter

When we woke up, the place felt completely different than it did during the previous night. It was quiet, with the majority of its guests having breakfast or still sleeping. We also went for breakfast and finished our coffee outside the Hotel Restaurant while glancing at the sea and appreciating the beauty we had taken for granted for years.

Courtyard

There are Pool and Ping Pong Tables to enjoy with Family & Friends

We decided to stay there all day because there was still a lot to do at the Hotel. Maybe we also didn’t want to deal with traffic. A friend was visiting us, and Villa Cofresí was a perfect place to host his visit. To start the day right, I had another Pirate Special, and my husband had a Mojito. They tasted even better than the ones we had during the previous night, if that was even possible.

The Famous Pirate Special

While waiting for our friend, we headed for the beach behind the Hotel. Beaches in Rincón tend to have bigger than average waves, at least compared to other beaches in Puerto Rico. This has cemented Rincón’s status as a surfer town. Nonetheless, if you are careful, going for a swim should be no problem, but a better idea is to go bodyboarding.

Surfboard promoting the Pirate Special

Staring at the waves. Purchase Sand Cloud merchandise and donate 10% of your purchase to Save Marine Life.

It was time for lunch already, and I ate a Burrito with ‘Arroz Manposteao’, which is yellow rice with beans (in this case even yellow plantains) & Skirt Steak. It was so good that by the time I remembered to take a picture, it was too late.

Beach just before sunset

Our friend arrived, and we separated our space to enjoy the sunset. It was cloudy, but the view was gorgeous, even with the sky full of clouds. As I was watching the sunset, I started to feel nostalgic. Yes, I am lucky to live near Siesta Key (Florida), also home to beautiful sunsets. However, this one felt more personal. It was “my” sunset. I had probably seen the sunset countless times but never stepped back to experience it. A sunset that made me wish for a moment to feel not like a tourist but just as another local at home. Sometimes, more often than not, dreams do not come true, but that night mine did.

Cloudy Sunset. Still Beautiful.

Click Here to Book this Hotel!

Don’t forget to Share & Pin!

The post Villa Cofresí Hotel – Feeling like a Tourist at Home appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

Puerto Rico Archives - Golden Age Trips

Villa Cofresí Hotel – Feeling like a Tourist at Home

Don’t forget to Share & Pin!