Though Puerto Rico is a small island (roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island), and it is located in the Caribbean; it is not an island as characterized by the likes of St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia, and other caribbean vacation spots. Puerto Rico sits by itself as a unique mix of Spanish and American culture with a little African history thrown in to spice things up. The Puerto Rican people are very proud of their heritage, but maintain a uniquely distinct form of conducting their lives and living in the island.

If you are visiting Puerto Rico for the first time, do not expect the amenities provided by other resort islands and properties. There are very few, and very expensive, resort operations in the island. For the most part, accomodations are modest by US standards. Very few vacation homes have private swimming pools. Most vacation homes are located along beaches, with varying amounts of amenities. Many homes are located in Puerto Rican beachfront communities made up mostly of lower to middle income homeowners. These proud communities represent average life in Puerto Rico. If you do not mind 'living with the locals' during your vacation, then renting a home in these commuties will allow you to experience the fascinating experience of beach living ...
Puerto Rico style!!

Is Western Puerto Rico an Industrial Area?

Historically Western Puerto Rico was an Agricultural area mostly centered around the production of sugar. The area at one time had vast sugarcane fields and many sugarcane processing plants. This is no longer the case. Today, Western Puerto Rico mostly contains clean industry. Many electronics plants, medical labs, and textile plants currently do business in Western Puerto Rico, lending to an environment with little if any pollution.

What are the neighborhoods like?

The neighborhoods in the Northwest and Southwest are quiet and laid back, very green and hilly. Mayaguez itself is undergoing an extensive renovation effort both in its city center and outlying areas. The city will however still maintain its Spanish culture and charm.

Is there a lot of crime?

We do not place customers and clients in areas that could be considered 'High Crime'. We do however caution our customers to exercise common sense and always secure their property and belongings wherever they go.

Do I require a visa or a passport to visit?

Puerto Rico is a US Commonwealth. As such, no visa or passport is required for US citizens to visit. Currency is in US dollars.

Is it easy to obtain cash from my US bank?

Puerto Rico has an extensive network of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) that support all major US ATM systems. There should be no difficulty in obtaining cash or financial services.

Do I have to know Spanish to get around?

Knowledge of Spanish would be nice, but not necessary. Most Puerto Ricans have excellent bi-lingual skills, capable of speaking in both English and Spanish. Stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and government facilities, all have employees that speak both languages. Road signs however are in Spanish. Gaining familiarity with some of the basic road signs would be beneficial.

What are the roads like, are there highways?

The roads in Western Puerto Rico are in excellent shape. Highway 2 (known as Carr. 2) is currently undergoing an extensive widening effort through the Northwestern section. The road is considered a major highway with speed limit at 55mph. The road sometimes goes through a small town where the speed limit must naturally decrease to a safe level. Distances and road markers are based on the metric system.

Can I call home from Puerto Rico? What is the phone service like?

Puerto Rico is US Area Code 787. You should have no difficulty reaching home. Some vacation home owners however require a phone deposit before you are allowed to use their phone. This is in order to protect themselves against high phone bills after a customer has left the home. The deposit is returned 30 to 60 days after departure, minus long distance charges, if any.

What golf courses are available in island?

There are many good 18 hole golf courses throughout the Puerto Rico. There is one located at the former Ramey Air Force base in Northwestern Puerto Rico called 'Punta Borinquen Golf Club '. Green fees are $10-$12, rating 70.4. The other 18 hole golf course is located in the municipality of Cabo Rojo as part of the 'Club Deportivo del Oeste' (Western Sports Club). Green fees $10, rating 69. Both golf courses were professionally designed and are well maintained. Others are located in Dorado, Humacao, San Juan, and Fajardo.

How long have you been in business?

We have been in business since October of 1996. During this time we have established ourselves as one of the primary vacation home rental services providers in Western Puerto Rico, and are rapidly becoming the main vacation rental home and apartment provider for the entire island. We have established relationships with many area businesses, including Property Managers; Resort Operators; Restaurants; Car Rental Agencies; Recreational Services providers; and many others.

Are you registered with the Tourism Bureau?

We are active members in good standing of the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association (PRHTA), and the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau. We are also have an activate association, and work in cooperation with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC).

What is the quality of your services?

Our business arrangements are set up so that we facilitate and coordinate the services provided by individual business for the benefit of our customers. We ensure that services are provided in a timely and professional manner. Customer satisfaction is of top priority in order to assure repeat business.

Do quotes include all taxes?

Yes all quotes include taxes, except for applicable 9% lodging tax.

What deposits are required?

Rental of Resort Cottages, rooms in Paradors, and rooms at Inns, require a two night deposit (@$160 - $220) if individuals are staying for a week or more.

Rental of Vacation Homes, or privately owned Vacation Cottages, require a 50% deposit based on the total rent amount (@400 - $600).

Does PRwest make the flight reservations, and can I choose my airline?

Yes we can book airline reservations for you. You may certainly choose your own air carrier if you like. Generally we quote the lowest fare regardless of airline. We encourage you to find the least expensive air fare on your own though. Internet travel booking engines are very popular now.

What airport do I fly into?

Depending on the location of the lodging destination, we recommend either Aguadilla or Mayaguez airports. These airports are located in the west coast. We do not recommend driving out of San Juan due to the long road time.

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