Every day is a new experience here at the Rainforest Inn. With guests checking in and out almost every day, as well as different interns and volunteers coming and going, you’re guaranteed to meet some great people and learn something new!
We start each morning by preparing and serving coffee to our guests, and of course, we have to make a cup (or two) for ourselves. We also help serve breakfast to our guests and help out with the preparation if it’s needed. Once all of the food and drinks are served and the kitchen is cleaned, we get to take a little break for ourselves to eat breakfast.
What comes next after breakfast depends on the day. There will typically be a few check-outs after breakfast since our check-out time is 11:00 am. Check-outs are very simple and only take a few minutes. This will also be the time to make any lunches or grazing boards that have been ordered. We also help the staff with cleaning out the rooms of guests who have checked out, as well as refreshing the rooms for our current guests.
After guests are checked out, lunches are made, and rooms are cleaned, we get to take a break for lunch, and then start up any special projects that might need to be completed around the property. There might be a room that needs a fresh coat of paint, or a garden that needs tending to. If there aren’t any projects that need to be completed, you will have free time until it’s time to get ready for check-ins. This would be a great time to work on any homework or internship-specific projects you may have (like for me, writing this blog!). You are also welcome to do the private hike we have here on the property or take a dip in the pool if there aren’t any guests signed up to use it during your free time.
Guests will start checking in a 4:00 pm, but there will sometimes be early check-ins (and sometimes super late check-ins close to midnight!). We have to get all of the paperwork ready, and put together any grazing boards or flower arrangements that the guests have ordered to have in their room upon arrival. Guest check-ins are also a very simple process- we prepare complimentary piña coladas, give them a tour of the property, and answer any questions they may have.
Once the all of guests are checked in, you will be free for the rest of the evening (unless something comes up, keep your work phone close by!).
Unlike breakfast and lunch where you are on your own, all of the interns, volunteers, and owners come together for dinner. We like to experiment with new recipes and take turns with the preparation and cleaning. It’s always something delicious and healthy, especially if Renée is cooking!
Every day here is going to look a bit different. Some days you’ll get to go into town with Renée to shop for supplies, some days you’ll have loads of free time, and some days you’ll be exhausted from a day full of work. The Bed & Breakfast is an extremely beautiful place, and getting days off each week to explore places like Luquillo, San Juan, and Culebra, makes this, in my opinion, one of the best hospitality internships you could find.