We've seen plenty of budget hotels in our travels, and these days there are any of inexpensive options that manage to look pulled-together and polished. Unfortunately, while WesternBay has an awesome central location, it falls short in almost every way. The decor is bright but dated. Burnt red tile floors, occasional mosaics, and ornate stone accents add a touch of Spanish-inspired design, though it's canned and unmemorable. There's also little reason to hang around the property, as the hotel’s outdoor pool terrace constitutes its entire social scene. In high season, though, the space can be downright raucous, as vacationing American twenty-somethings flood the Boqueron area. Guests visiting during low season are instead likely to find local families quietly enjoying the pool.

Located just a five-minute walk from the beach, the hotel is ideally located for checking out the village of Boqueron. A dozen restaurants, bars, and shops are within a few blocks in either direction. It's worth picking up a rental car for exploring Puerto Rico's gorgeous western reaches. In the center of Cabo Rojo, just 15 minutes away by car, guests will find additional chain restaurants, plus a supermarket, Walgreen’s, and a full shopping center. Two of Cabo Rojo’s most famous attractions -- Playa Sucia and the Cabo Rojo lighthouse -- are within a 30-minute drive of the property. The area’s closest airport, Eugenio Maria De Hostos (MAZ), is 40 minutes north in Mayaguez. However, it offers limited flight options compared to Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN), 75 minutes away in Aguadilla. 

The decor in every room category is cheap and uninspired. The flat-box furniture, brown tile flooring, and budget wicker bed sets are all mismatched and bland. Add to this frequent maintenance problems -- including unreliable hot water -- as well as cleanliness issues, and the result is a fairly underwhelming stay.

Entry-level Single Rooms feature one queen bed and a tight floor plan that’s just large enough for one adult to move around. Double Rooms upgrade to two queen beds and a bit more floor space. Some rooms also offer narrow, private balconies without any furniture. Mini-fridges and air-conditioning are standard. All rooms offer televisions, however, some house old, tube-style sets. There is no Wi-Fi in rooms. 

Bathrooms might be the most unappealing part of the rooms. All feature either a one-room or split-design, with the sink in a separate room from the toilet and shower. Walk-in shower stalls and generic bar soap are standard, and we spotted plenty of mildew in the tiling when we visited.

The hotel’s outdoor pool is its biggest draw and the only real social space. The adjacent pool bar, kiddy pool, and hot tub are all nice to have, though the entire space is awash in drab tile and metal fencing, creating a cold, industrial vibe. A dozen lounge and plastic patio chairs line the pool -- the quantity seems woefully inadequate given the size of the property.

A free continental breakfast is served daily in a small hallway adjacent the lobby. Keep in mind that the selection is frequently limited to just cereal, white bread, and coffee.

Free self-parking is available in a large, off-street lot, and free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby -- it can be unreliable.