The English Rose in Rincón | A Hotel Review

Just a quick drive away from the center of Rincón, at the top of Piña Hill, overlooking a lush jungle landscape and the Caribbean sea, thrones The English Rose. A hilltop oasis boutique hotel with uniquely curated design elements and room features that support locally-based artisans and tradesmen to reflect the bohemian surf style of Rincòn.

The Hotel

Perched atop the hills of Rincon, overlooking a lush jungle landscape and the Caribbean sea thrones The English Rose. While the restaurant with the same name has been a staple of the Rincón community for nearly 15 years, a new project was started in 2019 to refresh the lesser-known guest house at The English Rose, focusing on showcasing Rincón-based artisans and tradesmen.

Thanks to its exclusive location in the hills of Rincón, this bed-and-breakfast has some of the best views of the Carribean ocean. The stunning pool, private gardens, and extensive movie library make the ten-minute drive into town a little consequence.

Rooms & Design

The owners, expats from the UK, authenticate the Inn’s English charm, enhanced by the pale blue exterior with white plantation shutters. There are five rooms, including a poolside king suite, a poolside king habitaciòn, a balcony queen suite with ocean views, and two balcony queen habitaciòns with ocean views.

Each room has its own name and is uniquely curated, highlighting locally-based artisans and tradesmen to reflect the bohemian surf style of Rincòn. It was very important for the designer, Phoebe Mackay, to curate as much local art, photography, and designs as they could, to eventually drive business to the artisans, e.g., provoking a trip to the local bookstore or art gallery in search of a vintage treasure or photograph to take home.

The English Rose Restaurant

Known for its fabulous breakfast (and brunch), The English Rose is open daily to visitors and guests of the hotel until 4 pm. The menu is British-inspired and houses favorites like the Dead Elvis (french toast with house-made bread topped with bananas), eggs benedicts (yum!), and the signature flight of top-shelf mimosas using fresh squeezed local juice. The drink menu is extensive and fun, and every drink I tried was great (except for the Bloody cntraveler summarizes the experience pretty perfectly: This is what mornings are made for: perspective and a plentiful repast.

Good to know

The English Rose does open up to non-guests (and is quite famous for that), and their pool is available to those staying for lunch, cocktails, and lounging during the day as long as they purchase a pool pass (available Monday through Friday from noon to 4 pm). The service remains relaxed, friendly, and attentive no matter how busy, but if you are looking for complete isolation or a more romantic vibe, this may not be for you.

The early morning view is really special. Calm before all the bacon.’

My Review

The English Rose is one of those places that one has to visit if one ever comes to Rincón. The breakfast is well-established, and the service is just incredibly hospitable and genuine. I typically find myself never sitting still while on holiday (too much to see, too much to photograph), but actually found myself relaxing at the English Rose. Something about the tranquility, sublime views, the food worth lingering over, and the genuine hospitality of the staff had me hanging by the pool far more than I imagined I would be. They have perfected the balance between keeping in touch with the local culture, privacy, and nature. Since the English Rose is, first and foremost, a bed and breakfast, one should be aware that the restaurant will be buzzing. Hence, it is unavoidable that it will be noisy during the morning. The tranquility at the pool, especially after 4 pm, will make up for it, though.

Hotel address: 413 Carretera Bo, Rincon, 00677, Puerto Rico
Price from: $370 for two nights