Condos Portico

Loved being just across from the beach.

We rented here through Airbnb for February and March this year, and quite liked the place. Ours was at the back, which was fine, though a front unit would have had a better view. The location, right across a divided road from the beach, worked perfectly for us. We spent a lot of time in the second-floor recreation area, sunning ourselves by the saltwater pool. There's a great workout room too. The building staff were all pleasant. Fernandez, the main daytime security guard, spoke excellent English, and Jesus from maintenance was great. We felt very safe, though since we're old, we didn't go out much after dark. For getting around, we used the green bus, pulonias, and taxis. We found English-speaking drivers among the last two, got their numbers, and they came when we called. The Taxi driver, Chi l'lido Chito, was the cheapest and simply great. Our unit had a washing machine, but the humidity meant clothes took forever to dry, so we found a great laundromat in Centro. She did an excellent job for a very reasonable price, 160 pesos round trip, and we could pick everything up within four hours. We also arranged for a cleaner who worked in the building during the day to come after her job was done. She worked hard for two hours and did a great job for 400 pesos. For shopping, the best and cheapest meat was at the Market in Centro, with other things from Ley Grocery in Centro and the rest from Sorianos. Santander had the cheapest fees for getting money. I read most of the reviews and thought the complaints were unfair. Carnaval was great!!

My Airbnb had an amazing view, so make sure you get a unit at the front rather than the back or a side. The security guards were friendly and chatty, and I liked the recreation area with its gym, meeting room, and very nice pool. The pool is a bit small, so don't expect to swim at an Olympic level. One safety issue could be addressed: I saw a family leave the pool dripping wet and get into the elevator. Aside from that, it was a 100/10.

We stayed in this apartment for almost a week and found it quiet, with approachable security guards and a pool with warm water right on the premises. The location is central for the boardwalk and right across the street. It works well for a family trip or a stay with friends.