La Paloma Guest House - Puerto Rico

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Beware - you pay dearly for her kindness! Visited: March 2005 Posted by chino218 While looking for a place to stay in Puerto Rico for my family, (three adults and three kids), I thought I came across a deal of a lifetime. The price seemed better than right, the pictures looked like they were taken in paradise, and Nilda sounded like a saint. Well, it was true that the view was better than advertised, it was absolutely beautiful. However, that’s where it ended. Nilda was very pleasant and courteous; she even cooked dinner one night for us. The problem was it took us forever to try and find the place because it was so out of the way (even though she told us it was an easy drive from the airport). The other problem I had was the billing. When talking to her over the phone, I got quoted one price. When I got here, she quoted me a higher amount (even though nothing had changed). Oh, she did kick someone out of our room and put him in a smaller one, which made for a very awkward moment. It seemed like she just bombed the kitchen area because there were dead roaches all over the place. The superintendent was very nice and helpful, when we saw him. The main problem I really had was her honesty. She was vague about the price, she was vague about the sleeping arrangements, but she literally lied to us when I left a pair of expensive sunglasses in a room she showed us. I went back to retrieve them and she told me she didn’t see them (even though her superintendent said she had them). She finally admitted to taking them but forgot where she put them. Funny, she didn’t forget to overcharge me. I brought it up again just before I paid and was told that it was my fault for forgetting them and there was little she could do about it. Overall, for a very short stay for just a couple on a tight budget and one eye on your possessions, I would consider it. But for a nice comfortable family vacation without having to hide your possessions or having to clean up after the staff, I would not consider staying here. 11 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was a very big mistake! Visited: February 2005 Posted by glenda0101 The owner of the place (Nilda) did not tell us that her hotel was a 20-minute drive up the mountain. This drive at night was really, really bad. There was one road for two cars, and it was pitch black. When we arrived, we were welcomed like one of the family. Then, Nilda took us to the place, which was like a 40-second drive away from her house. It was a very nice and comfortable apartment. I had six people with me. The first room had a king sized bed; the second room, two full sized beds. The kitchen was downstairs, but we had to go outside to get to the kitchen. When we saw the kitchen, we were shocked. There were water bugs still (crawling) all over the kitchen (and some were dead). The pots - well I would not even call them pots. I had to buy my own pots. At this point I suggested we go somewhere else, but we were stuck here because every other hotel was booked. From that night on, there was no hot water because they used solar power to heat up the water. It was cloudy for two days, so there was always cold water. I had to heat up water every night to bathe my son (at the time he was one year old). The pool seemed to belong to the bugs. It was infested with bugs. Someone came to clean this pool only twice during the seven days we stayed here. I had to clean the pool for two hours one time so my kids could use it. The maid service was almost non-existent. She came once a week. I stayed here for six nights. And I suggest you not leave anything behind. If you forget something, and you go back for it, the answer you will probably get is "I don't know what happened to it". My advice is to spend a little more for better service. Don't get me wrong, the lady was very nice, but her place was very bad. I regret that I stayed here. The view sitting from the pool was awesome, the mountains were awesome. But the frustration we experienced, and the cleanliness of the place was not cool. I suggest you stay somewhere else. 6 users found this review helpful. 3 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? I feel like I was ripped off. Visited: February 2005 Posted by kittymeats The proprietess at La Paloma Resort seemed to be a caring maternal woman until the time for payment came. She preferred cash. And as I did not have cash on me, my partner gave her a debit card and we were told there would only be a hold for $325.00 if we could get her cash the following day. Well I paid her the cash the following day, and she said she would reverse the debit card transaction. It is now over two months later, and she has not reimbursed us. She has told us that her accountant did so, but the money never showed up in my partner's account. Also, everytime I have called, I seem to get the runaround. Last week she said she mailed it, but it hasn't arrived. I can't believe this has happened because she seemed so genuine. I have now filed complaints with the BBB of SE Florida and the Caribbean, and my bank was investigating this matter for fraud. But because she never gave me a receipt for my cash payment, I am probably going to lose my money. I have been so upset by this. It has ruined the memories of our trip to Puerto Rico. I would never return to this place. 6 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? La Paloma is a good base of operations -- and much more. Visited: February 2005 Posted by bwright2 We stumbled across La Paloma while searching the Internet for places to stay in Puerto Rico. We were trying to avoid the typical places tourists were steered into, the casinos, etc. We had a great time at La Paloma. It was in a rural area, but it was not too far from the town of Ceiba and Highway 53. The guest house was operated by Nilda Arocho and her family. Nilda was very knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, and the human history of the area. She was also generous and willing to share this knowledge. A typical day began with a pre-dawn walk along the road (there was very little traffic) in search of birds. We heard plenty, but the growth was so dense we were unable to see them all. Notable exceptions were the Puerto Rican Tody (San Pedrito), the Puerto Rican Woodpecker, the smooth-billed Ani, and the Orange-cheeked Waxbill. We resolved to bring a tape recorder next time. We then visited informally with Nilda and the other guests on the outdoor patio with great views in all directions. Nilda helped us fine-tune our plans for the day’s activities. The ferry to Vieques, El Yunque, the fishing village at Playa de Naguabo, Luquillo Beach, and the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve were all a short drive from La Paloma. We typically returned after dark, sometimes early enough to share experiences with Nilda and the other guests. We enjoyed our stay at La Paloma and we are trying to figure out a way to get back there. 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? La Paloma is a little paradise in the rainforest. Visited: February 2005 Posted by soizic_michel During a 12-day-trip in Puerto Rico, we spent three nights at La Paloma. We loved this special family guest house - the calmness of it, the wonderful views, and the kindness of Nilda, the innkeeper. It would be a real pleasant place for those who want to visit the rainforest and the mountains, and not to be far away from beach. It was one of our favorite places in Puerto Rico, and we will recommend it to our friends! 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? HOSPITALIDAD Y BUEN TRATO AL MAXIMO Visited: July 2004 Posted by dvr11 TAN PRONTO LLEGAMOS A LA PALOMA GUEST HOUSE NOS RECIBIERON COMO SI FUERAMOS FAMILIA Y ASI FUE DURANTE TODA LA ESTADIA. LES AGRADECEMOS MUCHO SU HOSPITALIDAD Y BUEN TRATO. ES COMODO Y DISFRUTAMOS MUCHO ADEMAS TIENE UNA VISTA MUY BELLA. 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Here there are amazing views and hospitable family. Visited: April 2004 Posted by mmck031 This guesthouse was very much removed from the commercialized aspect of Puerto Rico. If you love nature, mountains, and have a car, this is the place for you. I did not have a rental which made it near impossible to get around without the help of Nilda's family, which was very generous but admittedly a little awkward. The fact that you need a car to get around should be made clear by the family before you book the room. The rooms were very basic and could definitely due with some updating. Linens did not smell fresh and some eating utensils did not look clean. Nilda was a great cook, but bring food because there were no stores or restaurants within walking distance. The family was very warm and nurturing, but if you are looking for a private or romantic destination, this is not the place for you. This is a good place if you have a car and plan daily trips, because there was not much to do in the immediate area. Also, if you like animals and children, this place is a must. We spent much time with their grandchildren who were great, though at times, we would have liked more alone time. And I must admit that one trip to the local Westin, we practically baby-sat the grandkids for the entire day. It was a great price. This guesthouse is good for a short stop over if you are on your way to Culebra and Vieques. This could be a fantastic guesthouse if the rooms were updated, and if details such as the need for a car and food were made clear before arrival. 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Don't tell your friends; tell only your best friends. Visited: April 2004 Posted by balthazaar_ford Need an escape? Troubled by Home Depots and WalMarts along the Puerto Rico coastline? Dismayed with locals wearing Abercrombie & Fitch, listening to Britney, or chatting on cell phones? Experience the real Puerto Rico untouched by the McDonaldization of the planet. Stay at La Paloma. There are no cookie-cutter neighborhoods, fauxly manicured tropical scenes or hyperbolic Caribbean kitsch. Nilda will show you stunning mountain vistas, bananas and coconuts and tropical flowers growing real and everywhere and openly, with evening sounds only of rainforest showers on palm leaves and chirping and peeping coquis to make you forget who you are and where you come from, but not why you came. Nilda will treat you like honored royalty at this hidden place. Mr. Hilton and Mr. Sheraton and Mr. Marriott, wherever you are, eat your hearts out. 4 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Unmatched beauty - it is paradise in Puerto Rico! Visited: February 2004 Posted by charles_berry_jr I treated my wife to a Valentine's Day surprise in Puerto Rico. I luckily found this beautiful, quiet guest house called La Paloma at the tip of the rain forest and just a few miles from the coast. The room was clean, comfortable, air conditioned and had a small kitchenette and satellite TV. But, who cares! You just sleep there! The view from the house is breathtaking no matter what direction you look. The rainforest to the west and down the mountain to the sea to the east. We thought we were in paradise! This is a place to come back to again and again! Thanks, Nilda for a wonderful time! 3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Beautiful views, outstanding service, and a great place to stay! Visited: February 2004 Posted by reysworld Nestled in the mountains, this property is close to the edge of the Caribbean National Rainforest. It is about ten minutes from the coast and the ferris (in case you want to go to Vieques or Culebra islands). The atmoshpere is out of this world and the service is unlike anything you will ever encounter. Why go to Puerto Rico and stay in some corporate hotel? Experience what Puerto Rico is, and was, on this beautiful piece of property. The owner will go out of her way to help you in any way she can. I will never forget my experience here. For the price, you will not find a better place than this. Thanks Nilda. 2 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This must be Puerto Rico's best kept secret. Visited: January 2004 Posted by baisser We stayed at La Paloma for a month during the summer of 2003, and for two weeks in the winter of 2003/2004. Our visit in Puerto Rico was to do ecological research on geckos. Our stay at La Paloma could not have been more perfect. La Paloma was situated on the outskirts of the rainforest and was a gem in the mountains. The scenery of the cloud covered rainforest in the mountains to the west and the navy blue ocean in the East was just one the many highlights of La Paloma. The rooms were cozy and were equipped with everything needed for a more than comfortable stay. The property was lush with fruit trees and the air was fresh and clean. In the evenings, you can sit outside under a lit canopy and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and the breathtaking scenery. However, the scenery and rooms, though spectacular, were not what made this place a true jewel. Nilda and Michael, the hosts of La Paloma, both made our stay here a truly unforgettable experience. Their genuine kindness and hospitality would make anyone feel like family. We experienced such warmth and comfort in their company that leaving after the first month was tragic, and returning later for two weeks was a gift. We know that any time we return to Puerto Rico, we will stay with our new family at La Paloma guest house. Thank you Nilda and Mike, we can't wait to come back. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was a beautiful and quiet place to stay. Visited: August 2003 Posted by ffmbrook1 I recommend this beautifully kept Guest House to anybody who wants to get away from the noise and stress of the city. On top of the mountain, with a wonderful view, it was a nice place to stay. I was surprised by the cleaniness and friendly welcome we received by the owners. Nilda and her husband went out of their way to make our stay pleasant. If you want to eat a good Puerto Rican meal, Nilda will cook it for you. And whenever you get back from a trip to the rainforest or nearby beach, she will serve you a homemade meal. I was pleasantly suprised to find such a beautiful tranquil place for a reasonable price. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? Looking for peace and heaven? Try La Paloma! Visited: May 2003 Posted by feita_linda This place offers breathtaking mountains. The rooms are nice, quiet and air-conditioned with a microwave, refrigerator and cable T.V. This is the place to stay when you come to Puerto Rico. I recommend staying here! La Paloma made my vacation the best I have ever had. 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? A real "Puerto Rico experience". Visited: May 2003 Posted by trilliumkristy If you are looking to get away from the usual Americanized hotels, this is a great place to stay. We were picked up in San Juan and taken to the Guest House. On our way to the Guest House, Nilda took us to the rainforest. The rainforest was beautiful! The La Paloma Guest House had an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. It rained the night we stayed here, and we could hear the coqui call all night. It was very relaxing and peaceful. This guest house is not near town, so if you do not have a car, you might want to stop at the store before you begin your stay here. Our room had a refrigerator, microwave, cable TV, and air conditioning. I hope this review has been helpful. I would highly recommend staying here! 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? This was the best experience I've ever had on vacation! Visited: February 2003 Posted by jds2002woo This is the best place I have ever visited. They are such nice people and treat you like family. Also, the area is so beautiful, and the rooms are clean. Words cannot describe how wonderful it is here. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? La Paloma offers beautiful views. Visited: February 2003 Posted by dclary We enjoyed nice, clean, and quiet rooms - the only noise was the sound of nature. The owner was fabulous, she went way beyond the call of duty to make sure our stay was great. It was off the beaten path, but a wonderful place to stay. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? An excellent, quiet, warm and clean accommodation with a familial enviornment. Visited: February 2003 Posted by elcoqui3 I am still cherishing the beauty, warmth and comfort of La Paloma Guest House. I'm planning to stay here whenever I visit Puerto Rico. And I will tell all my friends about it. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? La Paloma is a great touring base in the hills. Visited: December 2002 Posted by rkl This is a very pleasant place in the hills, with long views on three sides and lots of fresh air. It is near Fajardo, and near enough to Luquillo Beach and the rainforest park (both beautiful) - can stay many days. It is a modern house with the units built in the ground floor, large rooms with fridge and microwave, surrounded by greenery outside. Furnishings are basic style. And although something might not work, problems are all solved by the big-hearted family who provide such a wonderful welcome that you will be very glad you stayed here. It is five miles west of Ceiba on a good road. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? A great and affordable place to stay. Visited: September 2002 Posted by tejayz Our host did everything possible to make our stay so pleasant. We enjoyed beautiful views from the property and a very peaceful atmosphere. The total package cannot be beat. 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful? The dream is here. Visited: July 2002 Posted by salsero62 If you are looking for a nice, quiet and private place, La Palona is the place to go. When we arrived, the warm welcome was real nice and overwhelming. The staff took the time to give us the history about the Tainos and the surroundings of the place. One thing you need to do, if you like to have wine under the stars - take a nice bottle of wine with you, and enjoy it by their nice pool with your loved one. Also, make sure to enjoy the beauty of the island. We will be back there real pronto! 0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. Did you find this helpful?

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