What a dissapointment. Why would anyone pay $500/night plus airfare to go to a Carribbean Island to sit in a villa all day? That's what I ask myself with regards to the Horned Dorset. Lesson learned. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful place to stay. But Puerto Rico is full of beautiful beaches, great food, amazing rain forests, and a lot to do and see. The Horned Dorset offers great rooms, nice grounds, and a few pools. That's it!! The beach is terrible; rocky, dirty and small. The place is like a tomb all the time. There is never anything going on. It just seems so out of place in such a warm, latin country full of vibrant music and flavors. Definitely do not come here if you are young, energetic and fun loving. It's geared more toward older folk or boring people.

It was a bit tricky to find the entrance, but a friendly neighbor in the area pointed us to the place. We went during summertime for an incredible rate of $250 p/night for a two-story villa. When I told my sons that I paid equal or more at other average hotel rooms elsewhere (we were touring the Island), they complained why we didn't stay at Horned Dorset instead. We couldn't stop talking about our great experience!

As soon as we walked in, the wood trimmings and furniture made beautiful contrast with the impeccably white walls. Their was a deliciously elegant, yet subtle fragrance in our villa that I can't precise if it diffused from this wood, as of aromatic oak or exotic sandalwood. The marble floors in checker/diagonal pattern, the gorgeous, arched wooden doors, the beautiful spanish/mediterranean furniture with silk covered pillows, imported vases, persian rugs, exquisite lamps, attested to the fact that this is genuinely a special place. We could not believe our eyes as we toured our spacious villa, every time we walked into a room. On the second floor... OH MY GOD! The canopy king-size bed with the immaculate white bedspreads was the best bed I've ever had the treat to sleep in (which elsewhere very rarely measures up to our own sumptious king size bed!). The master bathroom with marble finishings had a large antique style tub and a separate shower with glass doors. My boys were excited for having their own bathroom/shower downstairs. One slept comfortably in the sofabed downstairs, the other chose to sleep in an extra wide, plush futon located in a seating/living area across our bed upstairs. The villa was also equipped with a kitchenette, a refrigerator with ice, and an Nspresso machine (which unfortunately didn't work).

Regretfully, though, we arrived late to this gorgeous place, so we ordered room service. The waiter catered to us in a professional yet very friendly manner. Since we were still stuffed from big local fare we had elsewhere, we decided to order at least appetizers, dessert, & wine, it was "very" good (specially the ice cream). Their restaurant is highly prized as one of the finest in the Caribbean, and it did not disappoint us. Quality comes with a price tag, though, but splurge if you can.

I savored a glass of dry rose wine in our private dipping pool, listening to the "coqui, coqui" and the lovely sound of nature, contemplating the starry night, overhearing from afar the restaurant's piano. All these elements conspired to make me feel grateful for being alive: it was a magical moment. We can hardly wait to go back, next time to actually visit the restaurant and have breakfast overlooking the beautiful sea. We walked around the premises, barely populated (or so it seemed), it was so peaceful, we were mezmerized by the natural beauty of the area complimented with the facilities. I thought that with my two teenage sons I would have a hard time, but they enjoyed this place tremendously, as much as my husband and I did. This place is definitely the perfect place for a romantic anniversary or honeymoon: LOVELY! I guarantee that you'll have a memorable time for years to come.

Honeymoon Vacation: June 25, 2008-July 2, 2008
Traveling from: Laguna Beach, CA

The hotel is beautiful, the service is wonderful, the food is fabulous, the beach is soooo warm and clear with no waves, and the room was to die for. The owner, Wilhelm, chose room 15 for us. It is a two-story ocean view villa with a large patio and dipping pool. We enjoyed relaxing out there as well as at the beach kayaking. The entire hotel is soooo quiet; the only noise comes from the tropical birds, frogs, and crickets. The weather does not feel as humid as San Juan. It is clear every day until about 3:00 when it rains for an hour, so get started early. We actually did have a TV, phone, and Bose system to hook up to an Ipod. There were two bathroooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a huge bedroom with the most comfortable canopy bed ever, a walk-in closet, and an extra bedroom. The air conditioning is pretty loud, but it didn't keep us awake. The rooms are cleaned every day with turn down service at night. I would definitely eat at Restaurant Aaron for dinner at least once. We only spent $150 for two people. I have attached some photos. We would definitely like to return!!!

We just returned from a long weekend at the Horned Dorset Primavera in Rincon, Puerto Rico. First, the good parts.... The setting, grounds and accommodations were spectacular. We felt like we were in Marbella, Spain. Looking at the property on line does not do it justice. The property houses guests in bi-level suites. The downstairs has a living room, kitchen, and bathroom with a shower. Upstairs is the sleepiing area with a large bathroom, shower, and huge tub. Each suite has a small private plunge pool and sitting area. The other very positive experience was dining. Whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, the food was well prepared and presented. The wait staff was very professional.

Unfortunately, we found that service and attention to detail at the hotel was seriously lacking. Personally, I'd gladly trade spectacular accommodations, for spectacular service. The downstairs bathroom had no soap. There was an Espresso machine, in the kitchen. In the afternoon, I made some espresso us, and put the used cups in the sink. They were still in the sink after we returned from dinner, although there had clearly been turn down service. If we wanted coffee the next morning, we'd have to wash the dishes ourselves. There was no bath gel to use in that beautiful huge tub. One morning I got up early and decided to go outside by our pool. When I went to look for the pool towels, which are supposed to left in the rooms, there were none to be found. There was no directory in the suite explaining how to use phones; which rarely worked, book sightseeing, spa services etc.

There was a lovely infinitey pool, with a few lounges. In the same area, was an umbrella table with a wicker basket filled with towels. next to the table was a cooler with water. I asked one of the hotel staff if it would be possible to get an umbrella for myself. He just kind of mumbled that they don't do umbrellas there, even though there were several umbrellas in the storage area beside the pool. At least the towels were shaded and cool. If a guest wanted a drink or something to eat by that pool, there was neither a hotel staff person, or even a phone to make such a request.

Every afternoon it would rain. No one bothered to cover the lounge cushions, so by the time the sun came out again, everything was soaked, and no one could sit outside.

Although they were never rude, the staff was just indifferent. Soap, pool towels for our plunge pool, and an umbrella are not outrageous requests. I would not recommend this hotel, nor will I go back.