making exploratory trip/thinking of moving to PR need info thanks!

Last activity 27 September 2010 by NomadLawyer

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scottbasteMember26 June 2010 21:21:34

my wife and i are approaching 50. we are ready to make a lifestyle change. having been business owners (construction and others) we would like to maybe buy an existing business PR. my questions revolve around buying businesses and also location. i am really into sailing (i own a racing boat and love to race both big boats and dingys) and we both love to scuba dive. i also like to mountain bike. these activities are important to us so we will be looking for areas that these activities would be easier to participate in.

we are thinking about maybe purchasing a small hotel/guest house. we have been involved in the hospitality business and that seems like a good fit for us. i'm not looking for specific properties here but just a direction towards keeping the other activities close at hand. we will be coming down to visit at least 2 or 3 times before even making any kind of commitment. i realize that things run differently there than in the states. we have traveled throughout the Caribbean area but would like to explore PR first as it has the benefit of being loosely connected to the states.

GaryViP26 June 2010 22:16:37

1845

Sounds great!

The bulk of guest houses / hotels are close to the coast and since you're looking into that type of business, that's where you should look.

Much depends on how much you have to invest, of course.
In the metro area (greater San Juan) the prices are higher. It's also the most popular area for tourists.
I personally would prefer the West coast (Rincon, Cabo Rojo) or on of the smaller islands off the main island (Culebra and Vieques)

When you come to the island and have enough time I'd say take a round trip along the coast - a couple of days will do, spend some time in the metro area and visit the small islands. That will give you a great first impression.

On the next trip explore the areas that you liked the best.

scottbasteMember26 June 2010 22:32:16

thanks Gary, your ideas jibe with what we were planning to do. we have discussed the eastern islands too. if we did consider the smaller islands, would we be facing resistance due to us being outsiders?

GaryViP26 June 2010 22:41:37

1845

scottbaste wrote:
if we did consider the smaller islands, would we be facing resistance due to us being outsiders?

I don't think so. On Culebra live and work many Americans -- I know that for as fact. Although I never visited Vieques I think it's no problem there a well.

Of course a lot depends on your attitude. Gringos who come with a 'know it all' attitude and who don't want to learn Spanish will have a hard time anywhere on the island.
Most people here are friendly and open. You treat them with respect, they will respect you.

scottbasteMember24 August 2010 17:33:00

we are headed down next week. we are going to be renting a car to drive around the island. we will be staying in Ceiba, Salinas, Rincon, Arecibo, and Condado. We have already made a lot of contacts here and in PR. It seems like we are drawn towards Rincon. Not enough time to see Culebra and Vieques this trip. Looking forward to our first exploratory trip.

GreggKSerial expat24 August 2010 18:25:29

509

I would suggest getting in touch with the people at the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourist Association(PRHTA). They can lead you in the right direction if you are looking to get into the hospitality business in PR. Rincon is always a good choice. That's where we are headed.

Gregg

NomadLawyerSerial expat27 September 2010 04:13:13

693

You would fit in fine in Vieques as well. There are serious issues with the ferry system to and from both Vieques and Culebra, however, and it has gotten to the point of being a bit of a nightmare for the residents and visitors alike. Supposedly, these problems will not be fixed anytime soon.

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