Beach Rental Tips, and Rincon, West Coast of Puerto Rico
Before traveling to Puerto Rico, I spent a lot of Google-icious hours trying to determine the most perfect part of the island for our young family. After our two week trip, I now have our answer: we liked the West Coast of Puerto Rico best of all!
The West Coast of Puerto Rico has a much more natural, relaxed feel than the built-up East Coast, and it's just two hours from San Juan using a handy-dandy rental car to reach the town of Rincon: the prime West Coast destination for surfers and English speakers.
So where to stay? Whether on the West Coast or anywhere else, really, consider a vacation rental instead of a hotel for part of your time. For the same price as a hotel, a rental property usually provides a full kitchen, and numerous rooms instead of just a single hotel bedroom. These two elements are endlessly useful when traveling with a baby, particularly because it's awkward to have to whisper from 7pm onward if the baby has to sleep in the same room as you!
Note: Some links here are affiliates that provide a small commission at no extra cost to you, but all opinions are my own.
We hit the absolute jackpot with our Rincon apartment. How did I find it? Having heard good buzz, I decided to try out the new online vacation rental site by TripAdvisor called FlipKey.
Now, as background, know that I have a rabid lust for oceanfront balconies. I've sought them out in Belize, Vietnam, Hawaii, and San Juan... but what I wanted in Rincon was to be RIGHT ON the water. Like, the ocean spray would get on my eyelashes. That kind of "right on the water."
Delightfully, FlipKey has filters to narrow down your vacation rental options. I slid the budget option down low enough to suit our pockets, selected "Internet Access" (hey -- a gal's gotta blog!), then decisively clicked the "Waterfront" filter.
But here is the tip I have for you: Once you've selected all your preference filters, click on "View Larger Map" so you can actually see where each property is in relation to the town and its surroundings. Let me tell you, dear chum: Some places have a mighty broad definition of "Waterfront!"
The map helped me narrow the options down to four rentals that actually kissed the ocean. Next, I used the Reviews feature to rule out one rental which was described as "Good for party-hearty 20-somethings who don't mind loud road noise and a terrible bed." Phew!
Next, I studied the map and reviews to figure out which properties were within walking distance of food and fun. This eliminated one which required a car to get to anything. Finally, I corresponded with the owners of the final two options, and after much hemming and hawing, used the "Book Now" button to seal our date with what turned out to be the most gorgeous oceanfront balcony I've stayed at in my life.
Will I continue to use this vacation rental strategy? Without a doubt. The challenge is now on: Where in the world can I find an even more perfect oceanfront view? Challenge accepted.
We were guests of FlipKey, but all opinions and beach balcony obsessions are my own. If you enjoyed this article, consider doing your vacation accommodation search through this link, as you will find great deals, while supporting this site with a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!
beautiful! I've been to San Juan a few times and loved it, but never the west coast. Will have to check it out next time I;m there.
Great suggestions. Puerto Rico is one of my favorite places.Can't wait to go back. FYI looks like you had good views form the balcony.
PR is one of our favorite places now, too! :)
This makes me want to jump on a plane to PR right now!
Mission accomplished, then!
PR is amazing!
That sunset is to die for! Thanks for sharing. I'll have to check flipkey out. I've never heard of it before now.
I hadn't heard of it before, either, and am glad I've found it now.
looks like you had great and successful trip. thanks for the tips sweetheart :) <3 Love from Gabi
Sounds like the West Coast of Puerto Rico is the way to go. It looks gorgeous!
Looks beautiful - love the notion of Flipkey having a waterfront option. And your boy is a cutie!
Thanks, Theodora!
Sounds like it was a great and successful trip! Beautiful views! Thanks for sharing!
Great find! We stayed in a condo in the complex on Sandy beach. Great for a pregnant couple. Easy to get out of the sun when too hot. A nice wave, too. Pools had good surf, but underwater caves and creatures made it a bit of a creepy break. Ahhhh. I miss Route 413: the road to happiness.
Agreed -- Pools Beach is very pretty, but not good for swimming. Sandy Beach is perfect, though!
Wow - Gorgeous! I had heard from friends and family that area was beautiful and LOVE the balcony right on the beach!
Yes and yes!
West-coast Puerto Rico looks like our kind of coast too. We prefer the unspoilt to the built-up too. Great choice and thanks for the tip.
We're in agreement!
gorgeous photos!
Nice vacation rental.
Great suggestions. I'm actually from Aguadilla but living almost two hours from there now. You have such a beautiful baby.
Thank you! :)
Great views from that apartment. We love apartment stays and try to use them often. We didn't make it to west coast of Puerto Rico this summer but will definitely make it that way on a return visit.
Wow the view on your balcony was perfect! Thanks for the tip Lillie! Your baby is so adorable too!