Puerto Rico Vacation Rental Spectacular View & Pool/Services

Casa Soleada: Spectacular views of the Carribean

Staying at "Casa Soleada," in the rural Candelero sector of Humacao, is easy and convenient. Everything you need is at hand. A five-minute drive to an outlying business district of Humacao, gets you a newspaper in English, a quart of milk, a pizza, or a take out dinner. A bit further is Humacao Centro, where many natives gather shop and dine a short distance from the town Plaza with it's historic church and umbrella treed Square. Just beyond is Plaza Las Palmas, where you'll find all conveniences of a small American shopping mall, including a Wal-Mart, Baskins Robbins Ice Cream, Pueblo Supermarket a Food Court, a Cineplex with current American movies playing, a Chili's plus number of other chain restaurants. Less than 5 minutes from our house, the world class resort of Palmas del Mar offers golf, a Casino and fine dining. And there's much, much more...

A safe, middle class community, Humacao is made up of friendly, helpful people. When you come and go from Casa Soleada you travel through the real Puerto Rico: kids going school school, the smell fresh bread baking in the local Panaderia (bakery), and you'll generally be immersed in the warm, inviting culture of a real Puerto Rican community. Less than a mile from the house, the neighborhood center called Candelero provides access to many services, including a small grocery, pizza shops, and local bars. Sit down with the locals for a cold "cervesa" and find out just how friendly the neighborhood folks are.

The small coastal city of Humacao offers shopping and services consistent with the expectations of Americans. Easily reached malls have large supermarkets selling all the food brands marketed in the US, plus Puerto Rican products such as unusual tropical fruit drinks, locally grown gourmet coffee, the Puerto Rican staples--plantains, Medalia Beer, and delicious baked goods with guava and mango preserve filling and more. At the same time, there is a local Wal-Mart with all the same products as in the States, major US drug store chains, ATM machines, Cineplexs showing first run American movies, J.C. Penney's, and dozens of modern retail stores.

Humacao restaurants at Plaza Del Palmas (on Rt. 3 near Rt. 53) include the American chains of Pizza Hut, Burger King, McDonalds, Chili's and Ponderosa. "Pollo de Tropical" a Puerto Rican chicken eatery has the look and feel of a sparkling, modern American chain, but serves authentic carribean chicken, rice and bean dishes. It's the best fast food on the island and is great for eat in or take out. In the Humacao mall Plaza Del Palmas, the Food Court provides a wide range of low price menus and a great chance to watch the locals out on the town. Order inexpensive Italian, Chinese, pizza, hamburgers or Mexican, and then get an ice cream cone from Baskin and Robbins across the plaza. A good place for sandwiches is the Palmas Bakery, on Rt. 3, just north of Rt. 906. Pizza can be found at Stone City Pizza, across the street.

In Humacao, for seafood, follow Route 3 north along the coast and you will come to Punta Santiago Beach area about 5 miles out of town. There, the Paradise Seafood Restaurant and the Restaurante Punta Santiago serve a wide variety of Puerto Rican seafood specialties. Check out the appetizers, they are very different than seafood served in the States.

For elegant dining, nearly a dozen restaurants can be found at the Palmas Del Mar Resort. At the gate just tell the guard you want to go to the commercial area and he will give you a pass and directions. Many restaurants of varying cuisine will be found in the Palmanova Plaza area. Olivas offers Italian near the Tennis Club and Sebastians Restaurant is located in the new Four Points Hotel and Casino. Others will be found down at the harbor, including Daniel's French Restaurant and Tapos Bar, for lighter fare. Prices will be higher than Humacao, but the setting will be quite special. If you would like to find an American steakhouse for dinner, a good choice is the Brass Cactus in Luquillo. About a 35 minute drive toward San Juan through Fajardo. At the traffic light for the town of Luquillo on Route 3, turn right and go into town. At another light, in two blocks, turn left. The Brass Cactus will be on the right (ocean side) of the street on the first floor of a high rise.

Head west to Caguas, 20 minutes, and find familiar Amerian Chains such as Macaroni Grill, Tony Roma's, Fudruckers plus many local establishments to chose from. On the way, stop in Juncos to dine at El Tenedor (The Fork) for steaks and seafood. Of course, San Juan is replete with great dining. Check out the free travel guides like Places, Bievendios, and Where Magazine (ask at your rental car company--they are not always out on display) to find many ads and review for them.

Unsafe Water: The tap water is the same standard as the US. You'll experience no health problems drinking the water. Puerto Rico is not Mexico.

Tropical Diseases: Puerto Rico has been an American Commonwealth for 100 years. All unusual tropical diseases have been eliminated. You're as safe in Puerto Rico as Florida.

Strange Currency: Puerto Rico uses US currency. No currency to exchange. No price calculation problems. All prices are stated in US dollars.

Required Passport: No passport is required for US citizens. Your driver's license and credit cards work as ID, just like the States. On your return, your bags must be checked by the US Agriculture Department. This is done outside the terminals. Look for USDA inspection signs. You are not allowed to bring home fresh fruit and other plants.

Bad Hospitals: Puerto Rico has completely modern medical facilities. Most Puerto Rican doctors are trained in US medical schools. The best nearby hospital is Ryder Hospital in Humacao, just ten minutes from the house. Modern drug stores are universal, as well.

Language Difficulties: Puerto Ricans speak Spanish. However, they all study English in school. Even store checkout clerks speak enough English to help you with your business. Most importantly, they are willing to help and very friendly as they do so.

Unfriendly Behavior: Puerto Ricans are extremely friendly and helpful. We have had strangers offer to do substantial favors for us. Expect to be treated well.

Crime: On our visits, we have experienced no crime. My father lived in Puerto Rico for 30 years mixing with the people and moving freely about the island. He did not speak Spanish well, nor did he look like a native. During that time, he was never accosted, burglarized or harassed. On the other hand, he received many acts of kindness.

Humacao is a safe town and our neighborhood exhibits pride and a strong sense of community. When in San Juan, take the same care as you would in Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, or Miami and you'll be fine.

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