About time you set up something like this. The old bulletin board did not allow for users online postings and I think that was the reason nobody used it.

I'm looking to purchase a 1 bedroom condo in Luquillo, anyone know of any. As of right know I've looked everywhere since October, the real estate doesn't seem to be moving. I'm finding the same real estate, nothing new. Anyone have new information with new listings?

I am interested in buying a 3 bedrooms in building 2 or 3. I'd prefer a fixer upper to fix to my liking. Any information please post here with email so that I can respond to you. Thank you.

I am trying to find inexpensive transportation between San Juan and Fajardo. Does anyone have any suggestions?

/m4
Peggy, the cheapest way would be taking public transportation. If you are traveling 'light' and before 5:PM on weekdays you can take the bus going to Rio Piedras on the upper level of the airport. Then in Rio Piedras walk to the 'publicos car terminal' and take the publico to Fajardo. Total cost is about $3.25.

I will be renting an apartment in Playa Azul #1. What stores (super markets, Wal Mart) and restaurants are within walking distance or a short drive away?

/m6
Jay, You've made the right choice about renting a condo in Playa Azul. This is a beautiful area with a a coastline that's unmatched with crystal clear blue waters and still very close to San Juan. Here you will find a Supermarket 'Amigo' directly across from the condos. You will also find numerous places to eat like fast food or local restaurants with very reasonable prices. A short drive away towards Fajardo, about 10 minutes, you will find the Walmart shopping area where you will find Walgreens, Pueblo Supermarket, and many other shoes and clothing stores as well as other places to eat. Have fun and enjoy your stay in Playa Azul.

Message #8 from Tennant in 2003 was Deleted for the following reason. The message contains a RACIST Stereotypical label used to blame the people of Puerto Rico for the problem this tenant had with one particular owner.

Tenant from 2003: I am a Puerto Rican...I live here in Playa Azul and also have lived in the U.S.A. for many years . Like you, I had many bad experiences with many people including "americanos" when I lived in the States, but I would never generalize and say they are "typical americanos". I understand that you are very upset about what happened to you (I would be too) but I can assure you that this person IS NOT a "typical Puertorrican" as you put it and not all Puertoricans are after the american money. What happened to you is not because the owner was a Puertorrican, only an ignorant and racist person would think that way. In you e-mail I detect a disliking , or should I say prejudice against the Puertorican people, so I suggest that on your the next vacation you stay in the U.S.A. where there are plenty of "typical americanos" like you.....good luck !!!!!.....a proud Puertorican !

We are coming down in early April, staying in Bldg. #1. Our 9-year-old son will be travelling with us. Can anyone tell me what kinds of fun things he might find to do? Of course he will love swimming at the beach and at the pool, and we'll hike in the forest, but we're looking for other fun things for a kid his age. Any ideas?

/m12 Cynde,
You should contact the owner of the condo you are renting. I can tell you that the owners that advertise in this website are excellent in responding to questions from their tenants. I am sure you will get a lot of help and useful information about things to do for your 9 year old son. BTW, How long are you staying in Playa Azul and what type of activities is your son interested in doing while there?

Cynde, there is a surf shop in Luquillo called La Selva. You could rent a surf board or boggie board there and I think the owner gives lessons. if he has never tried surfing it would be something I know any 9yr old would love. The owners are Bob and his wife Sue. They are very nice people. You will have a great time.

Edited by author 03-04-2004 04:20 AM
Typical Puerto Rican? I spent a year in Luquillo and I can tell you from my own experiance what is a typical Puerto Rican. Very friendly and easygoing, It was one of the best years of my life. I would recomend a vacation to there for any of my closest friends and loved ones with no fear of how they would be treated. There are good and bad people in every comunity and common sense and caution should always be used when in a new envirnment. Someday I will bring my wife and new son back for what I know will be an awesome vacation.

I highly recommend staying in the Luquillo area especially Playa Azul Condo. My wife and I have been renting here on and off for the past six years. The beach at the Playa Azul is perhaps one of the finest that you'll find in P.R. Granted you are about 45 minutes from San Juan but there is enough nitelife in Luquillo being very close to the Western Rio Mar as well as the El Conquistador. As far as the people I have always found the native Puerto Ricans to be very friendly, warm, caring and humble. Although I may be partial since I am married to one.

Thank you to all friends working and living at Playa Azul for their hospitality and friendship. We have come to PR the month of Feb. for the past 25 years and love it more every yeat. Hi to our special friends in building 1 and to the guards and friends in our building number3. With good health, we will leave the cold winter in Minnessota and be with you all again in 2005.

Thanks for the advice! Surf and boogie boards sound great, and my son would love to learn to surf -- he snowboards and roller blades, and is a good swimmer, so he'd probably really enjoy surfing. I am looking forward to our visit, since it's been more than 5 years since we were last in PR. Last time, we stayed out in Rincon, which was absolutely gorgeous, and before that, we stayed in Condado. From what I've heard, Luquillo will impress us just as much, if not more! Thanks to all who responded.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Congratulations to the NEW Board of Directors of Condominio Playa Azul 3. It is indeed a pleasure to welcome the new PRESIDENT Mr. Campbell and the entire board. We know that the new board of directors will make the extra effort to make sure that the official business of the association is conducted in a proffessional and friendly atmosphere.

I haven't been to Playa Azul in over a year. Does anyone know if there is a gym that my wife and I could go to while we are on vacation here.

Thank you

I have been contacting Play Azul for a stay in june. I get no response. Can You respond with a e-mail giving me a telephone # because I would like to book my stay a.s.a.p. I thank you and hope your day is blessed.

To Stephen,
Please be aware that you will have to contact the owner of the unit that you are interested in renting directly. If you haven't done so already look at the condos for rent in http://www.playaazulpr.com/classif_forrent.htm and contact the owner of the unit directly.

I will be vacationing at Playa Azul next week. Can anyone tell me if there is internet availability nearby (e.g. an internet cafe, public library, etc.)? Thanks.

Hi!
I will be vacationing in the Playa Azul in August. Can anyone tell me what my options as far as transportation are from San Juan airport to the Playa Azul? How much does taxi cost? And is there any public transportation? I am not able to rent a car.

Thanks,
Nick

Edited by author 04-11-2004 09:10 AM
We just returned from Playa Azul, and we have to say it was a mixed experience. The beach is undoubtedly one of the finest we've ever seen, and the apartment itself was lovely, comfortable, and convenient. But we left the apartment early and moved to San Juan for the last two days of our vacation because we could no longer tolerate the noise -- a constant loud, obnoxious music thumping, thumping, thumping outside our apartment. It was coming from cars that were parked on the public road between the apartments and the beach, cars that have the biggest, loudest sound systems available. Our first night there was a Sunday, and the music from the cars' extremely loud sub-woofers literally shook the apartment -- 8 floors up -- until after 3 in the morning. Each night until we left, in order to avoid the thumping beat, we stayed away from the apartment from late afternoon until 8 or 9. This was awful, because it meant that we couldn't sit in the apartment and enjoy the late afternoon breeze, have some quiet time, and just generally mellow out. We knew that the end of the week would be worse because more people would be on the beach, so we left.
This is clearly not a new problem. We spoke with residents of the building, who assured us that this goes on all the time, with no police or other intervention. We are unable to understand why the condo board, or the residents, do not take political action to force the creation of noise ordinances in Luquillo.
When we return to Puerto Rico for vacation -- there is no question that the beach there is one of the finest, the people are kind, and the weather is wonderful -- we will think twice about staying again at Playa Azul.

To Cynde
Thank you for editing your message. I have personally experienced the same problem when I am there and I agree with you that this is a nuisance that should be dealt with by the Condo Associations. I hope that your message serves to alert the condo owners that live there to organize and to force a meeting with the local authorities, i.e., the police department and the town mayor. This is definitely a quality of life issue (noise pollution) that can easily be corrected. I would suggest that the owners that live in Playa Azul get off their comfy chairs pick up the phone and call the Luquillo Police Department when some jerk decides to park behind the buildings and blast his sound system away without regard for the people that live there and need to sleep. I can't stand the STUPID music(garbage) they play. This is definitely a disorderly person that the police should deal with.
Luquillo Police Telephones: 787 343-2020; 787 889-2020; 787 889-2727; 787 889-1130; 787 889-0909

Webmaster, this is another effort that was accomplished by ACUCPAPAL:

"On February 23, 2004 the Honorable Mayor of Luquillo, Jose "Nelo" Gonzalez, notified to the Association ACUCPAPAL that he no longer has any interest in pursuing the building of a vehicular bridge to cross the Mata de Platano creek. This proposed bridge would have brought cars and traffic on to Calle D of Vilomar and Ocean Drive of Luquillo Beach. This is a great victory for ACUCPAPAL and all the residents of Playa Azul,Vilomar, Luquillo Beach,and Solimar.

ACUCPAPAL is committed to improving the quality of life of our area and has fulfilled the first mission:STOP THE BRIDGE. Our Mayor has said "do not worry, sleep calmly, the bridge is not going to be built". We have sent a letter thanking the mayor for listening to the petitions of the residents of our area.........................
Cordialmente,
Mary Varela
Presidente ACUCPAPAL"
 
__________________________

I am running out of time to rent a place to stay in Mid-May. I am very excited about coming to Puerto Rico and about Playa Azul, since we are coming with 2 children ages 2 and 4 yrs and this seems the most economical and comfortable option. However, I have never rented a condo before, and don't know what protection I have if I show up and the condo is either not as advertised or not available or some other problem arises. Also, I have contacted one condo owner 2x via e-mail and gotten sluggish replies to my queries. Now I read about this noise problem from the beach and I am thinking of just giving up on this trip! What advice?

Cheryl,
I just came back from a 5-day visit to Playa Azul. We had a great stay in buiding #1. Regarding the noise situation, we were not bothered by any noise once during our stay. I'm told that it does get noisy, particularly on religious holidays (such as Easter). If your stay does not overlap with any big holiday you should be fine. The beach is beautiful and the people are terrific. Lots to do with kids.
Good luck.

Thank you, Webmaster and Condo Assn., for responding to my concern about the noise we experienced during our recent vacation at Playa Azul. Although the last writer states that she had no noise, I find it hard to believe, because the full-time residents told me otherwise. And the noise was on a Monday night as well, not a vacation day, until very late. I hope that the new efforts to get the town's police force involved will help. To be honest, the local police were chatting and laughing it up with some of the biggest offenders, which is why we did not dare say anything to them about it. I certainly hope that this problem goes away, because we loved Luquillo and the apartment, and we would very much like to return there.

Saturday, May 29 at 9:00AM
Great CLEAN UP & REFORESTATION Activity
"Reforest Quebrada Mata de Platano"
[The creek directly behind Condo Playa Azul III]
Help us rescue this green area - Give us a hand
Meet us at the Bridge that crosses the creek between
the Municipality cementery and the Texaco gas station.
Hope to see You! there.
ACUCPAPAL [ASOCIACION CIUDADANOS UNIDO PRO CONSERVACION Y PROTECCION AREA PLAYA AZUL IN LUQUILLO]

The destruction of the iguana habitat

The defenseless iguanas were running for their lives

This past week I witnessed how some humans with a bulldozer performed once again the ancient rituals of destroying and invading what does not belong to them.

The creek behind building Playa Azul 3 is known as 'quebrada mata de platano'. This body of water belongs to the people of Puerto Rico and not to anyone or any organization in particular. There should have been an environmental impact study done before anyone is allowed to trample on this beautiful iguana sanctuary and make any changes to the green natural vegetation of this creek. This was until recently a secluded area with almost no human access that was a perfect sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife. I have been following how the green iguana and other kinds of wildlife have flourished in this creek since 'Huracan Hugo' displaced them from the mountains in 1989. I have seen beautiful specimens of male and female iguanas survive and breed for many years.

The tall grass that grows on the sandy soil found on the west side of the creek is precisely what makes this the perfect sanctuary for iguana breeding. The iguanas hide in the tall grass to lay their eggs in the sandy soil away from predators. The tall grass protects their nests. The trees and vegetation on the other side of the creek provides them with food, shelter, and the tall branches are where they bask in the sun. The iguanas are cold blooded and need to spend most of their time in the trees taking the sun. The water in the creek is their swimming pond. I have seen how they freely swim in this creek to get from one side to the other.

I know that the trampling of the sandy soil and the razing of the tall grass by the bulldozer was devastating to this natural habitat. I know that most of the young and older iguanas survived this first attack because I saw them running for their lives as the bulldozer mercifully ran through their habitat. I know that a lot of nests were destroyed but hope that the iguana is strong enough to survive this and the next attack.

I'd like to remind everyone that we must be conscious about our actions so that the end results of our efforts are positive instead of negative. Please keep in mind that although we might mean well sometimes our actions might be counterproductive. The seclusion provided by the tall grass for the wildlife living here has been compromised until new tall grass takes root and grows again. In the meantime and because of the easy access provided by the razing of the tall grass we can expect vandals to walk into this area and kill the iguanas with stones. I hope this does not happen.

I LOVE IGUANAS

I have posted some photos of the bulldoze attack on the iguanas at: http://www.playaazulpr.com/iguanas.htm

US Fish and Wildlife is working with the Luquillo Municipality and the Department of Natural Resources and ACUCPAPAL to REFOREST Quebrada Mata de Platano. This IS a better alternative to building the vehicle bridge across the Quebrada Mata de Platano or building more condos on adjacent vacant land. Help us Reforest on Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 9:00 AM.

I am going to rent a condo in and was wondering how to verify the owner. She wants to meet me at the airport and this makes me slightly leary. I want to be sure I don't arrive and find that the keys are not to the condo. Can anyone tell me how to go about this? Thanks

To Gloria,
Your previous message has been deleted. Please use this message board to discuss general issues about Playa Azul, Luquillo, Rio Grande, and Fajardo. You can advertise your condo for rent in PlayaAzulPR.com.
Gracias,

First, sandra if you are still checking the forum did you receive a response to your inquiry or did you find out how to verify the owner? I would like to also ask the same question. I'm renting a condo for 2 weeks from the owner, and I am picking the keys up at her house in New York, how can I verify that she is really the owner? Please Help!

Does anyone know ANTHONY????? His wife is expecting a baby and he has a boat that he takes people out on. He is our computer friend and we are very concerned that he has not been on his computer is several days.

Does anyone know the name of the restaurant at the top of the hill in Luquillo? I thought it was the bamboo lounge, but I can't find it. The restaurant/bar/lounge sits on top of a hill looking out towards the Westin Rio Mar...please help!

I think you are talking about Monte Mar, which is up the hill from the Westin Rio Mar.

I'm not sure. Its sort of all by itself. The inside is all bamboo. Its owned by Yolanda, president of Wizard Studios. She also owns a horse farm that people can go horseback riding at. Thanks...

Scott, try Hacienda Carabali - i have not been there in several years, but i think by the description that could be the place.

Yes yes, that is the horse farm. I am trying to find the restaurant/bar at the top of the hill, above the horse farm. The bar has a lookout to the ocean, its on the side/top of the hill.

I would like to rent a 2 or 3 bedroom unit in Building #2 for one week in February, but the rental office doesn't seem to have anything available.
I've been coming to Playa Azul off and on for almost 20 years. I'd hate to skip a year. Does anyone know of any available units? Thank you.

Scott, the new name of the restaurant is BAMBOO LOUNGE RESTAURANT - this place has changed names frequently and it seems that every time I visit there is a new owner

I know all about the restaraunts email me if you would like to know Medevoy@aol.com

Intersted in maybe renting an apt for a week in early March with my wife and 14 month old daughter. Is there still a noise problem at the complex? Thanks for all input.

It could become quite noisy after March 18 and until April 3 (these are the 2 weeks during which many people enjoy their "spring break" in PR; that is, Holly week and the following week). Other than that, it should be like any other regular week that does not include a long weekend.

Is anyone familiar with the bioluminescent lagoon in Fajardo (not Vieques)? We will be visiting in Feburary and are looking for a boat to hire to take us there one night. Are there any boat-rental places who do tours to the lagoon?

Ann
Las Tortugas Adventures provides trips by kayak into the bioluminescent lagoon in Fajardo. Call 787-725-5169 and ask for Gary Horne or e-mail Las Tortugas Asventures at
infor@kayak-pr.com. The cost of the trip is $40.00 per person and participants meet at 5:30 PM at the water front park in Las Corabas. Enjoy, we did.

/m54 Ann
try to schedule your trip to any bioluminescent lagoon on a moonless night. the microorganisms seem to be a lot more active and can be seen much better when there is no moon light.

Saludos a todos:

Como parte de la labor que ha estado realizando la Asociación ACUCPAPAL en conjunto con el Municipio de Luquillo, el Alcalde anunció el establecimiento de una biblioteca electrónica que contará con los servicios de acceso a Internet y de recursos educativos. Se informó que ya se adquirieron las computadoras y también se finalizó la instalación de alambrado eléctrico. La Biblioteca Electrónica estará ubicada en el Centro de Bellas Artes de Luquillo.

Este proyecto es gracias a unos fondos federales que gestionó el municipio gracias a la excelente colaboración y trabajo voluntario de nuestra querida miembro de ACUCPAPAL: Joyce Moya.

Para más información al respecto: Periódico Primera Hora. Miércoles, 15 de diciembre de 2004.

*************************************************************************************************************

Greetings to all:

Part of the work that has been carried out by the Association ACUCPAPAL, as a joint effort with the Municipality of Luquillo, the Mayor has announced the establishment of an electronic library that will include a service of access to Internet and to educational resources. It was reported that the computers have been acquired and the installation of the necessary electric wiring is finalized. The Electronic library will be located in the Fine Arts Center in Luquillo.

Thanks to some federal funding that was negotiated for the municipality by the contribution and voluntary work of our very active member of ACUCPAPAL, Joyce Moya, this project is now a reality.

For more information on the matter: Periodical Primera Hora. Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows of any condos for sale at Playa Azul??? If so please contact me
andrea@cove.com
THANKS!!!!

Also, has the noise problem been resolved???
Who can I contact about condo listings in Playa Azul, BESIDES a real estate agent???
Any inout would be greatly appreciated!!!!
THANKS

Low water pressure - why is there such low water pressure especially during the holiday? We have a townhouse at Solimar and can never flush our upstairs toilet. This happened during 4th of July weekend and the Christmas holidays.

Dear Thalia,
Low water pressure could be caused by a number of things.
1. High comsuption during the holidays you mentioned could be a reason but I do not think so.
2. Faulty or inadequate main supply to the Solimar development.
3. Faulty or inadequate main and piping supply to your unit.
4. If the Solimar development is equippped with an emergency cistern? Is the pump and the cistern being maintained properly?
5. Are the toilet in question filling and flushing valves working properly?

I suggest you start eliminating the most obvious causes like checking the toilet in question. You should ask neighbors to see if they have experienced the same problem. If I am correct the townhouses in Solimar are about 3 stories high. I can tell you that in my condo which is 22 stories high I have not experience such a problem during heavy usage holidays like Holy Week, 25th of July and Christmas.

thank you for responding Felix,

We spoke to neighbors, who experienced similar problems in their two story units. We have had our toilet checked and the valves are flushing properly. How does one check for faulty or inadequte main supply to the Solimar development.
Solimar used to have great water pressure.

Thalia,
The next thing you can check is the piping inside your unit. Is it 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch or larger? Also and very important is to check the feed line from the street that connects into your water meter and the supply line from the water meter into your unit. If these are 3/4" or larger you should not be experiencing these problems. There has to be something else wrong for a two story toilet to not have adequate pressure. For a two story structure a 1/2" inside pipe should be more than plenty. And lastly, if you can get to see the MAIN FEED LINE from the street into the Solimar complex (this could be difficult). You and your neighbors should contact the AAA and the Solimar management office with your concerns and START ASKING QUESTIONS. You should not be having this problems in a pretty new development unless the contractors, subcontractors cut corners to save on building costs.
Hope this helps and I got to go now...

Low water pressure is due to the high water consuption during the holidays and on week-ends, in particular during the summer week-ends. This is a problem that plagues this part of the island. The infrastructure is not adequate to provide the necessary water pressure to the entire community. Most of the homes and apartments units that do not have cisterns and/or an additional pressure pump to move the water, will experience this problem. The Condominiums of Playa Azul are fortunate in having very large capacity cisterns with pressure pumps that move the water up 22 stories.

Translated and shared as requested by Mary Varela:

Vista Pública del Proyecto Ocean Village está pospuesta hasta nuevo aviso

La vista pública fechada para llevarse a cabo el miércoles, 19 de enero de 2005 ha sido pospuesta. La razón para esto es que la Junta de Calidad Ambiental (JCA) no anunció la vista en el periódico con 30 días de anticipación como requiere la ley y sus reglamentos. La JCA quedó en informar cuándo fije la nueva fecha para celebrar la vista pública. Le exhortamos a todos que estén pendientes y verifiquen con frecuencia los periódicos para cualquier novedad.

Hasta la próxima,

Mary Varela



Public Hearing On The Project Ocean Village Is Postponed Until Further Notice

 

The public hearing scheduled to be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 has been postponed. The reason for the delay is the Environmental Quality Board (JCA) did not announce the public hearing in the newspaper 30 days in advance as required by the law and regulations. The JCA is remanded to report as required when the new date is set to celebrate the public hearing. We ask everyone to be alert for the posting and verify frequently in the newspapers for any news [regarding the rescheduling of the public hearing].

 

 So long, until next time,

 Mary Varela

what is the ocean village project

The Ocean Village Project is a proposed condominium project to be built on land requiring a zoning change:

Granting permission for a variation to build outside the governing regulations requires a public hearing:

On July 2, 2004 the Junta de Planificación of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico certified under Resolution A-46-Z, January 13, 1994, that this property [Barrio Mata de Plátano, Parcel Num. 14 in the area of Playa Costa Azul in the Municipality of Luquillo, CRIM # 092-076-008-14-000, Account # 00101270174 owned by R.J. Development SE] is zoned as a District of Conservation Resources (CR-1). On December 30 1994 the Zoning Map of Luquillo adopted [CR-1] in resolution Z-46-A-1.
1. The documents provided for DIA-PRELIMINAR Case Number 00EA2-00000-05988 in 2000 gave reference to the property zoning being changed to RT-1, in September 1999. According to the above mentioned certification this statement was and is false.
2. There are no documents provided supporting any public hearing regarding any zoning change for this property at any time from December 30, 1994 through the date of July 2, 2004 to change the zoning from CR-1 to RT-1

Therefore, it is the position of ACUCPAPAL that any zoning variation without a hearing is illegal and since the property is still zoned CR-1, the Department of Conservation Resources land usage must be upheld for the purposes zoned, regardless of ownership.

Hope this answers you questions.

Hi all! I, like a few others it seems, am trying to figure out how to verify an owner of a Playa Azul condo. This woman does not accept credit or debit cards, only checks or money orders. The full amt being due 30 days prior to arrival. We've been emailing back & forth for quite some time now & I want to be trustworthy & send a check, but in this day in age . . . Anyway I'm a little hesitant. Is this the way it's normally done or do most people go thru a rental ofc & hold a reservation on a credit card. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Shannon,
Are you renting from one of the owners that list their units in this website? If you are I can assure you that we (www.playaazulpr.com) have received no complaints about any of the owners listing their units in this website. If you are renting thru someone else, then I couln't help you. The forms of payment accepted by owners varies and some do not accept CCs. Has the owner provided you with a rental contract? if so, then the requirements for payment should be part of the contract. I can tell you that most owners require full payment in advance and this is done because they are committing the apartment to you for that period of time and they would have to remove the aparment from the market to rent it to you. You see is different when you rent from a resort or a big hotel with lots of rooms to play with. In the case of owners renting their units often times they only have the one unit to rent out and they want to make sure that the renter is serious about renting. If you are the type that feels safe renting from big hotels and you have not beeen able to feel secure with one condo owner then I'd suggest you let your conscience guide you. I would stay clear of REALTORS that have lots of units to rent out. We have received complaints about renters going thru some REALTORS and end up stock with lousy and dirty apartments.

Does anyone have an update on the Electronic Library? Is it available yet? If so, what hours is it open? Is it open to anybody? Thanks!

Thanks Felix!

Hi.We are considering visiting Luquillo next winter for a month. Just a few basic question..Can we get by without speaking Spanish?Are there washers and dryers available at Playa Azul? Transportation options from Airport..Cost etc.Thanks in advance.Fred

Edited by author 02-18-2005 06:26 PM
To lucaya2000 Re: /m77
In my opinion you should have no problem with the language. You are going there for a month, a relatively short period of time, compared to some folks from the States that live in the island year around and dont speak and refuse to learn to speak Spanish and nevertheless get by very well. You see the people of Puerto Rico are known for their hospitality and many speak more than one language and will go out of their way to make your stay there as pleasurable as they can. I would not worry about not being able to speak Spanish. Your second question: Yes there is a Laundromat outside the Playa Azul complex and many of the condos have washer and dryers as well. And, thirdly, its very easy to get to the Playa Azul area from the airport. There is a Taxi stand outside the airport where you can check with the dispatcher as to the fare, this however, would be the most expensive way to get from the airport to Playa Azul, Luquillo. There are also all the major Car Rental companies and local companies at the airport baggage pick up area where you can shop around for the best rates. I can tell you that when I travel solo the trip costs me $3.25 from the airport by mass transit bus and then to Luquillo by "carro publico" public car. In your case I would suggest you keep checking this website to see if any car service advertise their services of private pick-up to and from the airport.

Hello,
I'm interested in staying in one of the Playa Azul condos but, am having a heck of a time trying to reach someone, how else can I get in touch with them?

Mike

Thanks, Felix

 A PH condo for sale has been advertised for a while.
I sent a couple of messages, but received no reply. If it is still available, I would appreciate receiving a response. If not, perhaps it should be removed from the website to avoid confusion.

IS ANYONE MONITORING THIS WEBSITE?
There was no ONE single reply to our e-mails!

Does anybody know if there are any places around Playa Azul where I can use a wireless internet connection, like an internet cafe?

/m84
To Dave L,
I am not aware of any internet Cafe in the Luquillo area. However, a short drive away at the Fajardo Walmart on Hwy 3 you will find a DMAX kiosk where you will be able to connect with your wireless laptop FREE. You will have to get as close as possible to where the kiosk is located inside the main entrance of Walmart and your laptop should be able to detect the signal. No need for a passcode to connect. I would suggest you go into the McDonalds inside Walmart get a coffee and a snack and sit as close to the entrance as possible so you can get a good signal from the DMAX kiosk. Here is the link for more information on DMAX locations http://www.telefonicapr.com/prtc/portal/ch...153_2638961,00.html
Hope this helps. BTW, I tried it and it works really good.

Hello,
I'm renting a condo in playa azul, they want the balance of the money upfront, I feel a little afraid is this safe? I don't want to arrive in PR and have no where to stay.

I have the same concern as Mike, I, too will be renting in Playa azul building 1, has anyone ever had a problem with the owners?

To Mike and Belle,
I answered this same question earlier. Here is basically the same answer. I hope it servers to help other users that might have the same concerns as well.

Are you renting from one of the owners that list their units in this website? If you are I can assure you that we (www.playaazulpr.com) have received no complaints about any of the owners listing their units in this website. If you are renting thru someone else like a realty office or thru a third party, then I couln't help you. The forms of payment accepted by owners varies and some do not accept CCs. Has the owner provided you with a rental contract? if so, then the requirements for payment should be part of the contract. I can tell you that most owners require full payment in advance and this is done because they are committing the only apartment they have to you for that period of time and they would have to remove the aparment from the market to rent it to you. You see it's different when you rent from a resort or a big hotel or a realty office with lots of rooms to play with. In the case of owners renting their units often times they only have the one unit to rent out and they want to make sure that the renter is serious about renting. If you are the type that feels safe renting from big hotels and you have not beeen able to feel secure with one condo owner then I'd suggest you let your conscience guide you. I would stay clear of REALTORS that have lots of units to rent out. We have received complaints about renters going thru some REALTORS and end up stock with lousy and dirty apartments.

Thank you Felix, yes, we are renting from an owner on this website & yes, we have received a contract. I feel much more relieved, thank you again.

Response To Dave L.
Hi Dave I have been to Luquillo for the last 2 years in the winter and will be buying a place this year. There is an internet cafe in Fajardo. Bascialy you go east on 3 and you take a left onto the road with the quiznos on the corner. It is down about half a mile on the right. They have decent food and serve coffee. The computers are okay I believe DSL there are about 6 if them. You will notice that many have spyware on them. I was there 7 days ago.

Message for belle. Hi I have rented before with a contract and without. Usually you send the money and they send you the keys and that is it. The owners want repeat business and word of mouth business so they are not out to take your money it would do them no good.

Edited by author 04-29-2005 04:16 PM
My family and I used to vacation at Playa Azul annually for spring break from the late seventies until spring 1988. I haven't been there since. I miss it terribly. I was there with an old girlfriend; we were about 15 or 16, and we felt very comfortable strolling through town at night. I hope Luquillo is still the same way. Some day I hope to get back there. PR is a treasure. Do they still have the festival by Sandy Hills like they used to? I think it was called La Pared. Bands and bikini contests. Very fun. I have great memories of my visits. Puerto Ricans are the best! My mother was born in Fajardo. She needs to get back... Ah, some day!

Sending money upfront is safe when renting a condo, at Playa Azul. The building with the greatest view is building 3. Especially the higher uo apartments. The view of Luquillo is fantastic. I recommend Luquillo forever.

c miller - "la pared" is the physical name by which an area of the town of luquillo is known; its the are where the surfers "hang-out" and prepare themselves to go surfing. the festivals in that area are either government or privately sponsored and there is at least 1 every year co-sponsored by both during the month of april. to avoid many hastles with local customs, no more wet bikini contests are held, but still the competition goes on and the music plays in the late afternoon for enjoyment. luquillo still has 2 festivals that are traditional: the one in november in which local cooks sell their tasty treats and the running competition in march (maraton malelo). as to safety, like everywhere, it got a little out of hand, but with the help of the municipal police apparently things have gone back to the "good 'ol days" when walking at night was allowed.

Thank you for the reply. I hope to get back there some day. I also remember a snack truck that used to park by the beach in front of Playa Azul all the time. I think his name was Joe. Yummy! And during Easter, the people would crank tunes out of there cars in tremendous celebration. My grandfather hated it; but I thought it was just a fun display of culture. We also brought home a stray dog to the states. He was a great dog. Do they still have a large population of stray dogs?

>From: QT - jrvega <qtopic+25-9Gt9kD3SGS8@quicktopic.com>
>Reply-To: QT topic 25-9Gt9kD3SGS8 <qtopic+25-9Gt9kD3SGS8@quicktopic.com>
>To: QT topic subscribers <qtopic+subs@quicktopic.com>
>Subject: Playa Azul Discussion Forum
>Date: 6 May 2005 13:22:40 -0000
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

The population of stray dogs, depends. It had gone down due to the interest in "adoption" of several people in the mainland due to a kind soul who took all the steps in order to give them a safe home (they were groomed, vaccinated and sent to the states to their homes; the local vet vaccinated them at cost and AA paid for the trip, so what they had to pay was minimal). This family has not been able to come down due to family health problems, so the number of strays go up and down, but it appears not to be as huge a problem at is was several years back.

Edited by author 06-05-2005 01:10 PM
Can anyone tell me if the Horse back riding is done on the beaches close to San Jaun. I am planning a cruise on Oct 9th and will be in San Juan from 10Am until 10pm. The wife would like to go Horseback riding on the beach. I know there is Horse Back Riding available in Luquillo, however I do not know if it tours on the beach. I do not want to climb mountains. Did that already in St. Thomas

George, I really can´t tell you if you could find that activity in San Juan (if it exists, it would be in the Piñones area, it would be in the Isla Verde area, very near the airport). I recommend you contact the Puerto Rico Tourism Department and ask them. (sorry, I don´t have a link for them, but you could try by doing a search under Puerto Rico Government and you should come up with the official govm't site which gives you links to all the main departments and agencies). Good luck.

George,
It has been my experience that horse back riding on the beach has, in the past few years, been limited to cruise line only activities. However, with the "Codigos de Orden Publico" (municipal code of public order) riding of horses on the beach is now prohibited in a lot of the Puerto Rico municipalities. Your best bet is to check with your cruise line Activities Director for the most current information.
The riding of horses, on the beach in Luquillo, is now prohibited, however, the trail rides that are scheduled for over an hour are beautiful...take a camera and enjoy!

We will be taking a cruise out of San Juan and plan on staying after in San Juan for a few days before returning home. We would like to take a Carabeli Horseback Riding Tour but want a longer tour then the one offered by our cruiseline (1 hour). Where can I get more information on prices, availability and reservations?

We just gor back from 11 days in Luquillo and stayed at the Playa Azul condos. Weather was great and the locals were very welcoming. Just a rew words of caution for traveling tourists. The condos were built in the 70s and it doesn't seem that they've done much to them since then. Yes, they are clean and the grounds are kept up, but things like no chairs around the pool, grocery store shopping carts in the lobby, and plastics bags tied to the condo railings to scare away the birds reveal that it is not the luxurious destination some condo rental sites may have implied. Safety also might be a concern. One local said there was a gang-related shooting across the street from the condos two weeks before we arrived and advised us not to venture out on the streets at night.

We've traveled to several islands in the Caribbean before (BVI, Dominican Republic, Antigua and Monsterratt)so this post isn't the ramblings of American tourists on their first excursion outside the comforts of home. Just be advised that the condos are just that ... condos. If you're looking for a memorable destination our opinion is to keep searching.

I will be saying at playa azul building I in about two months with my family. I am a little concerned about the safety post. Can you venture out at night to eat or a stroll or are you taking a chance? Please tell me about places to eat local food as well.

Dear dgaschen,

Your message makes it obvious that you weren't too pleased with the LUXURIOUS accommodations you were expecting as "some condo rental sites may have implied". You are quite correct about the condominium complex. "....the condos are just that ... condos". May I suggest, next time instead of condos where you get to rent a complete apartment for under $900.00 per week try renting a villa in one of the LUXURIOUS resorts at perhaps $1000.00 per night.

About the safety concerns you raise I assure you that the Playa Azul area is a much safer area to vacation than many metropolitan and beach areas around THE WORLD.

I have read all the descriptions of the condos offered for rent in this website playaazulpr.com and do not find any description about LUXURIOUS accommodations in Condominio Playa Azul. You seem to have a “stone to grind” about your stay at Playa Azul. Why don't you take it up with the owner of the condo that lead you to believe that you were getting a LUXURIOUS condo for under $900.00 per week? One can see from your writing that you are the type of person that will never find a memorable destination and you will be searching for one all your life. Good Luck in your search.

I knew my posting might ruffle a few feathers, but I wanted would-be travelers to use some caution. When a local told me he wouldn't go outside the condo gates at night, I took that advice seriously and wanted to pass it along.

As my earlier e-mail indicated, I've had many memorable vacations in the Caribbean. I lived in Spain for three years and have a house in Baja California. I don't venture to any location with grand ideas of getting champagne services on a beer budget. As a previous post put it, "...the condos are just that ... condos." They are not a vacation destination.

The post also was right about taking up my concerns with the condo owner. I have personally, but didn't want to share the discussions in a public forum.

Dear dgaschen,

I feel compelled to respond to your follow-up post. Again you make it sound as if there is in fact a safety problem in the Condominio Playa Azul area. One, perhaps paranoid, local told you about an incident in the vicinity and you believe it and use this 'hear say' to justify that safety should be a concern of would-be travelers to the area. You did not witness any incidents. You are perhaps paranoid as well and refuse to accept the fact that when you travel to say, Miami Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and many other destinations you must always take certain precautions.

Also you are the one that said "...the condos are just that ... condos." And I was quoting you. And you said it to support your personal contentions and claims that you were lead to believe that you were getting "CHAMPAGNE for the price of BEER". BTW how much did you pay for your accommodations in Playa Azul and did you find the condo thru this website?

I have been an owner in Playa Azul condominiums since 1984, and a permanent resident since 1996. Any responsible travel guide will tell you of the basic steps needed for tourist safety. Luquillo is no different. I swim at night, walk at night and enjoy the beauty of this area without fear. The village is a wonderful place to stroll at night, and the local bars are, yes, loud and boistrous. As is any resort area do not flash jewely and money and respect the local customs. Come to Luquillo and have a good time. It is the best weather in the world, even when it is raining!

P.S. .....I am not into the real estate business and know of no rental availabilities. JPA

I have been going to PA since age 14 when my parents used to rent from friends in order to give me great summer vacation memories. In 1998 I decided to buy my own apt. in PA I and I have no regrets. My three children have been able to enjoy great times there and collect wonderful memories. We have spent from Summer vacations to Thanksgiving... to Christmas!! at the beach and have never had any incidents that make our stay unsafe. As in any other place, you must be careful when walking around, especially at night. I seriously plan moving to the apt. and selling my house in Guaynabo after the kids are all gone!!! ( a few more years ahead!)... that's how safe I feel there!!..

To all future tourists travelling to Playa Azul Condo's.
I have stayed in Playa Azul 1 several times in the past 5 or 6 years and always have had a great time. The Condo's are inexpensive Condo's, many with a million dollar view of the beach and the Rain Forest. Luquillo is a wonderful town. Don't expect to be dazzeled with expensive shops and disco's on every corner you can find all of that in San Juan, New York or LA etc. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beach, perfect weather and experience the local culture.

Ok and here it is, LETS TALK SAFETY. I have never felt unsafe when leaving the gated area of the Condo's. The locals that I have encoutered have been friendly and helpful. Sure a few bad apples may be around (sorry folks this is not snugly wugly crime free USA). Be aware of your surroundings same as you are at home. Don't walk around flashing large amounts money (do that at the cosino, thats where they'll take it for sure). Just go enjoy and have fun.

P.S If you have plastic bags on your balcony, it's OK you can take them down, trust me the building will be just fine.

James how are you doing? Thank you once again for your help in April when my kids were sick. I am still thinking of buying a place in your building.

Mike Malchiodi

now that the safety issue has been addressed and then some. How about places to eat ??? I am looking to eat what the locals eat.

one last thing about th