Lodging Facilities

Welcome visitors

The VSQ Office welcomes and invites you to familiarize yourself with the lodging facilities and services offered by the Arecibo Observatory (AO). The AO operates (23) twenty-three on-site VSQ rooms that are available for visiting telescope users, official Arecibo Observatory visitors, as well as visiting scientists.


RESERVATIONS

Lodge reservations have to be made through the Lodge Request Form

CHECK-IN

Check-in 3:00 pm. Upon arrival on site, AO Security will complete your Check-In Registration Form, give you your room key and escort you to your room.

CHECK-OUT

Check-out 11:00 am. If needed, please contact Juan Alcaide ( jalcaide@naic.edu or vsqreservations@naic.edu ) at ext. 609, to request a late checkout. Keys are to be returned to AO Security upon departure.

BILLING

Payment for lodging expenses should be made prior to departure from the AO. Juan Alcaide – Customer Service Representative, is available in office #02 of the Visitor Center Trailer, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 4:30p.m. If your departure date is on a weekend, or holiday, please settle your bill in advance for payment. You can also settle your payment at The Galaxy Shop in the Visitor Center with Thalia García or Yazmin Santiago.

TRANSPORTATION

The AO does not provide airport transportation. However, if transportation is needed, we can assist in arranging taxi service with an external resource. Fee will vary. Request for this service should be included in the housing reservation form, included in the comments section.

HOUSEKEEPING

The Visiting Scientist Quarters (VSQ) will be made-up prior to visitors check-in and will be provided with adequate towels, wash cloths, soap, and other necessities. If nay requests are to be made, you may contact our housekeeping personnel at extension 609 or 397. Please report any situations or maintenance problems to AO Security at extension 222 or 609.

ADDITIONAL ROOM ITEMS

All room keys are paired with a led flashlight for use during your stay. Also available in the rooms is an umbrella for rainy days. As established at check-in, additional charges may be applied for lost items or damaged.

Atmospheric Sciences
Planetary Sciences
Astronomy
Telescope Schedule
Dining Services
Lodging Facilities


Submit your reservation using our new lodging request form.



At the airport

There is no need to schedule a ride as plenty of cabs are available at the airport. Please inform your driver that you are heading to Arecibo Observatory. Get on Expreso Román Baldorioty de Castro/PR-26 from Ave. Aeropuerto

​Directions

Take Expresso José De Diego/PR-22 W to Carretera 10 in Arecibo. Exit from Expreso José De Diego/PR-22 W
Take PR-652, PR-651, PR-635 and PR-625 to your destination

​Arecibo Observatory
Puerto Rico 625, Arecibo, 00612

For our visitors

Amenities

Laundry area

Coin operated washing machines and dryers are available for use. Hours: weekdays, after 4:30pm; weekends, all day. Laundry detergent is available for purchase. Please contact Housekeeping personnel at extension 397 / 609.

Kitchenette

A kitchenette is located in proximity to the site cafeteria. Open during all hours. You may use the refrigerator during your stay but, please, be sure to remove all of your items at the end of your visit. It is very useful to label your items, as other visitors may be using the facilities, as well.

Swimming Pools

Two swimming pools are located on site and are available for use by visitors. Hours: Monday through Sunday, 12:00pm until 10:00pm. Pool towels are available upon request. Please notify AO Security if you will be using the area at ext. 222.

Basketball Court

A basketball court is located on site and is available for use by visitors. Open during all hours. Please contact AO Security at extension 222 for more information.

Cafeteria

The AO site cafeteria is located in proximity to the Administration building. Hours of service: Monday through Friday, 7:00am – 3:00pm.

Telephone

A telephone access code may be requested for legitimate calls in connection with AO business, within reason. Please contact AO Security at ext. 222 for more info.