I can't believe that anyone had a bad experience in the Ocean Front. It is a lovely place with a good restaurant, a great outdoor bar, comfortable rooms, friendly owners and staff. I have stayed there 4 or 5 times over the last several years, and always enjoyed the stay. I no longer stay there, because we loved the area so much that we bought a nearby apartment, but I still make the Ocean Front my first stop on arrival for a drink and to see the people at the hotel.

I had planned a circumnavigation of Puerto Rico & knew I wanted to stop in Isabela. Using the Go To Puerto Rico website I located the Ocean Front and the price seemed reasonable and the location attractive; I booked two nights.

Upon arrival from Old San Juan I was a bit wary. The directions were horrendous and after getting lost several times I located the establishment. It is right on a busy street and you must park across the street after registration. It it is set up a bit like a brothel with a bar on the 1st floor and a long hallway on the 2nd floor with rooms on both sides. I knew I was in trouble when a large sign stated that no barbecues were allowed on the balconies -- the balconies jut out 2 feet from the room & a chair doesn't even fit.

The food in the bar/restaurant was passable and they do have a nice open-air bar next to the hotel. You cannot charge anything to your room and payment is up-front. The view is beautiful but you cannot swim on the beach -- take your pick as to why: 1) the surf is too strong, &/or 2) all the trash washes in right in front of the hotel.

When I retired to my room for the night the A/C didn't work, the TV was out of order & there were bugs in the bathroom. There wasn't anyone on duty to address these issues. Needless to say I only stayed 1 of the 2 nights (but I'd paid ahead & couldn't get a refund).

When I woke up the next morning I headed over to Mar Hau & thank god they had vacancies. Mar Hau is the best in the area, cheaper than Ocean Front, the food is better (the Mar Hau restaurant is a certified meson gastronomico), and has an ideal beach location.

I would only stay at the Ocean Front if my car had broken down & there were absolutely no options. Otherwise I'd head to Mar Hau or go on to the next town.