El Pequeño Hotel

We arrived early, check-in is at 3pm unless otherwise agreed. As we waited at the gate to be met I couldn’t fathom what I see and smell. The gate opened to the flora covered path that leads to the hotel as Joaquan calls it. Absolutely not a hotel or any place that I have ever stayed. This is a Joaquins beautiful home that he shares with travelers so they might appreciate all the things that Puerto Rico has to offer. The drive from the twisting mountain road to the property lens in excitement and anticipation. The gate opens and you are met with birds of paradise in various colors and palms that lead the way. Once in the parking lot the walkway is covered in flowers, plants and vegetables. The air is rich with a pungent perfume smell that never grows old. Lizards hop from leaf to leaf and the frogs echo happiness all night long along with the screech owls and cuckoo birds. Snails hang on trees, the path and wherever they can find a space. Perhaps they are saying go slow and take your time. Bees, millipedes and butterflies all greeting the flora day and night. Pepe runs to meet you. Will you pat him or play tug he seems to ask? The pool thoughtfully designed in the side of the mountain gets the late morning and afternoon sun. Joaquan is always creating things. A path, a shelf, a new hanger for a beautiful orchid. The outside patio flows into the kitchen dining living room. This is Joaquans heart that he shares with everyone. The upper hall is lined with 5 private bedrooms. They all have a bathroom. Theres also an efficiency room that is not advertised on any sites. (Next time) The front porch and side porch are draped with orchids, cacti and hibiscus. The handcrafted trellis is covered in purple flowers called bush clock vines that draw hummingbirds and warblers as well as birds traveling through the rainforest. Early morning rains bring rainbows. Sunrise and sunsets are amazing. The moon, stars and airplanes passing by make sky gazing exciting. The oldest bird, Amazilia of Puerto Rico can be found nesting in the side of the mountain but frequently resting on the electric wires, giant leaves or looking in your car mirror. For wannabe photographers like me you are never short on subjects. Will it be the seeds of a palm tree or the bright yellow warblers? Joaquan is undoubtedly one of the most interesting persons I have ever met. He can easily give you a salsa lesson, directions to anywhere on the island, a restaurant recommendation or tell you how to care for your plants. He speaks 6 languages cutting himself short saying he only spoke 5. He forget the most important language “love”. His gift of hospitality is a treasure. His home is not for everyone but those who want share in the richness of Puerto Rico while being surrounded in the splendor of Gods beauty. What a special place this is and I would stay again in a heart beat.

What a lush environment! You feel like you're part of the rainforest but within minutes of a small town that offers wonderful dining opportunities. Came for the birds and was not disappointed, with several endemics calling this place home.

We loved staying here! After driving up a steep, twisting road, you enter a gated drive leading to a tropical paradise. Colorful orchids, bromeliads, and tropical flowers frame a spectacular view over a peaceful swimming pool and across the valley to San Juan and the Caribbean Ocean in the distance. There are calming water features and gentle wind chimes in the courtyard and common areas. The owner, Joaquin, has designed something really special here. Only four rooms, so it’s private and quiet. The rooms are nicely appointed and there’s a kitchen area for coffee and snacks you can bring to enjoy in the gorgeous surroundings. Honestly one of the most memorable places we’ve stayed.

Didn't stay because of unfriendly welcome. Arrived 1:30 & told to drive around because check-in is 3:00. Couldn't even come on to the property & hang out. 3:00 greeted by a friendly but hyper dog that jumped on the side of our car to get his head in the window, stuck his wet snout up my skirt into my crotch & my husband had to kick at him several times to stop him from jumping. If your dog cannot properly behave, you should not have them running loose to greet your guests. I asked that his dog be put away while I took my service dog to our room. He seemed surprised. He asked me if I had read about his property. I told him that was a month ago so what was he getting at. He said he doesn't allow dogs, even service animals but we would work something out. Not sure about the PR but that is illegal in the United States. Interesting that he's scolding me for not reading the property rules when he admittedly didn't read my service dog note when I booked the room. He proceeded to complain about why he doesn't like Expedia.com booking. Dude, your customers don't care or want to hear this. I asked to use the bathroom. He took us to our dark, cramped and hot room. We decided to leave and had a wonderful time at the Wyndham Grand Rio!