Excellent service, ocean front, good value
Review Submitted: December 23, 2008
Date of Stay: December 2008
Casa Porlamar was perfect for me and my boyfriend. We stayed there the week before Christmas and had a fantastic time. Donna Rivera was friendly, responsive and provided us excellent service. Casa Porlamar is a bit out of the way from the main area of town (El Centro) and from most supplies (it's in the residential neighborhood of La Gloria), but she made sure we weren't stranded by picking us up from the ferry, handing us a cell phone and her numbers, giving us maps and recommendations of what to do and where to shop on the island. She is originally from Georgia, so there is no language barrier. She offered taxi drivers who spoke perfect English to take us wherever we wanted on the island for $10 a trip. We never needed that service, since I spoke enough Spanish to get around.
There really is no need to rent a scooter, golf cart or car if you know just some bare bones Spanish. Taxis are less than $2 to the downtown area and Playa Norte. Occasionally we would walk to Garaffon de Castilla for snorkeling, or Punta Sur, where the ruins are. The walks were about 40 mins, safe and beautiful.
For just $60 a night, we enjoyed a quiet area of the island, with the sound of surf and ocean air in our bedroom, deck and living room every night. The road did separate us from the ocean, but it wasn't terribly busy. The beach nearby is somewhat swimmable and snorkle-able but mostly the waves were rough and we chose to go to Playa Norte for swimming and Garaffon de Castilla for snorkeling.
One thing I *did* appreciate about the place was that you could flush toilet paper down the toilet - you can't in most places on the island - it's not the best plumbing. The water is heated by solar power - we had some stormy and chillier weather so we weren't always able to have a hot shower - or if it was hot - not for very long. Also, the king bed is actually 2 beds pushed together - I put sheets in between to soften the hardness of the gap. The house was clean and decent, and for the price, a great value. We felt safe and had zero problems. We'd definitely return for another stay, both at Casa Porlamar and through Donna Rivera.
I don't know if pets are allowed, but if they are, it would be fine for them as well.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Tourists without a Car,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: It is pleasing to know others share our feelings for Casa Porlamar. The manager, Donna Jane, in her passion for excellence is a blessing to us all. Thank you
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Helpful votes: 16/16
