You can’t miss this brilliantly white three-building complex, with painted purple and pink trim, in the center of town. Ms. Celi McCorkle opened this hotel almost 50 years ago, the first on the island, and the operation has the same festive and lively air that it’s had for years. This despite the fact that the hotel lacks some of the amenities of other options in this price range—there’s no swimming pool and not all rooms have televisions.  We think the lively island vibe and friendly service make up for those shortcomings, as do the immaculate rooms, each of which comes with air-conditioning and a private balcony (most also have excellent ocean views and small refrigerators). On-site are a full-service dive shop, a popular bar and restaurant, and a small gift shop.
Barrier Reef Dr. www.sanpedroholiday.com; [tel] .. 17 units. Amenities: