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Frequently Asked Questions

The Estate & How It Works

Q: Is the property part of the resort?
Yes. Our estate sits inside the gated Dorado Beach East community, on the same lush, guarded grounds that are home to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve. You get the privacy of a custom-built luxury compound while staying immersed in the Dorado Beach lifestyle, without hotel crowds.

Q: How is the estate arranged?
A renowned Dorado architect custom-designed the estate as a modern Hawaiian 'Ohana-style family compound, a private, secluded "resort within the resort." The Main House (5 BR / 6 BA, ~6,500 sq. ft.) sits at the front. The Guest House (3 BR / 3 BA, ~2,100 sq. ft.) sits at the rear, with its own side entrance, beyond the pool terrace, hot tub, and gardens. Both homes have dual blackout privacy blinds and sound- and hurricane-rated windows, and tropical foliage borders the grounds for complete seclusion.

Q: Will other guests be staying on the estate?
No. We host one guest group at a time, so for your dates, yours is the only reservation on the property.

Q: Is the pool private?

Yes. The resort-scale, 60,000-gallon stone-tile pool, wading area, and hot tub (room for twenty-plus) belong to the estate. They are not resort facilities, are never open to outside resort guests.

Beaches, Resort & Community Amenities

Q: Do we have beach access?
Yes. All beaches in Puerto Rico are public, including the palm-lined coastline inside the resort. Barlovento Beach is a quick golf-cart ride away, with lounge chairs and a beachfront water-sports center (kayaks, paddleboards, kite and surf gear). Beach towels are stocked in the laundry room, so grab them and go. (The beachside Barlovento restaurant is reserved for Club members, but the beach itself is open to everyone.)

Q: What's included with our stay, at no extra charge?

  • 🏖️ Every public beach in the resort: miles of pristine, palm-lined sand
  • 🏊 The estate's private pool, wading area & hot tub: never shared with another guest group
  • 🎾 The resort's brand-new Pickleball & Tennis Center, recreation lawn, and sports fields. We're happy to handle your court reservations.
  • 🏀 Bunker Pool & Park (basketball, beach volleyball, tennis) and Livingston Park (playground and kiddie pool for little ones)
  • 💪 The 24-hour Residents' Gym and the Rockefeller Nature Trail rainforest path (closed 7 PM–6 AM)
  • 🛺 Dedicated golf carts to cruise it all

Q: What about the Ritz-Carlton hotel amenities and dining?
The Reserve's three signature restaurants, COA, Flor de Sal, and Positivo, welcome our guests with advance reservations, as does the world-famous Spa Botánico. A few areas are reserved for registered hotel guests and Club members: Encanto Beach Club, the hotel pools, the Watermill water park, and golf. With beaches, pools, and trails everywhere you look, most guests never miss them.

Getting Around

Q: How far is the property from San Juan and the airport?
About 30–40 minutes west of San Juan and SJU International, an easy drive along the coastal highway.

Q: Should we rent a car, or do you offer transportation?
A rental car is handy for island day trips, but it's entirely optional. Our trusted driver Miguel offers private SJU pickup and drop-off for $150 per trip (cash or Venmo), a hassle-free way to start your vacation. Inside the resort, no car is needed: golf carts cover the beach, parks, restaurants, and scenic drives. Dorado town (groceries, pharmacies, local dining) is minutes away by car or taxi.

Q: Tell us about the golf carts. Are they included?
Yes. Dedicated golf carts come with every booking, matched to the home or homes you reserve, with seating for your whole party. A few rules:

  • Licensed drivers age 16+ only (a strict Dorado Beach safety rule).
  • Obey community speed limits.
  • Keep carts plugged in and charging in the garage when not in use.
  • The Rockefeller Nature Trail cart path closes 7 PM–6 AM, so use the main roads after dark.

We also offer two bicycles ($25/day) and one Segway scooter ($50/day).

Q: Are there restaurants and grocery stores nearby?
Beyond the resort's restaurants, Dorado offers everything from casual local spots to fine dining; ask us for recommendations. A supermarket is a 10-minute drive, and a convenience store sits just outside the gate. Want to arrive to a stocked fridge? Our pre-arrival grocery service is $350 plus the cost of groceries, and Instacart delivers to the house.

House Policies

Q: What are the check-in and check-out times?
Standard check-in is 3:00 PM; standard check-out is 10:00 AM.

  • Early check-in and late check-out are not guaranteed. They depend on the property's turnover schedule, and requests via Airbnb or VRBO messaging do not constitute approval.
  • Guaranteed Early Arrival and Guaranteed Late Checkout can be purchased in advance for $100 per hour, up to 24 hours either side. They are subject to availability at booking and non-refundable once confirmed, including for flight changes. Partial hours are billed as full hours.
  • Without a confirmed Guarantee, access outside standard times is not permitted. Unauthorized early entry or late departure may result in charges through the platform's resolution systems or other remedies, including cancellation without refund.
  • Luggage storage may be offered at management's discretion and does not constitute early check-in or late check-out.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi?
Of course. High-speed Wi-Fi is free throughout the estate.

Q: What is the pet policy?
We welcome well-behaved pets case by case. Tell us in advance so we can approve and note the $250 pet fee for extra cleaning. Please pick up after your pet and keep them off the furniture; the community is wonderfully pet-friendly.

Q: Can we smoke at the property?
No. No smoking anywhere on the premises, inside or out. It keeps the homes fresh and allergen-free for every guest.

Q: What are the house rules?

  • We rent the estate to one guest group at a time, never to separate groups simultaneously. Maximum overnight guest occupancy is set in your rental agreement.
  • Every guest is pre-registered by legal name with community gate security before arrival, and photo ID at the gate must match the registration. No name changes or substitutions: the person who arrives must be the registered guest.
  • No visitors beyond the registered guest list without prior written approval and gate registration.
  • No parties or events. Quiet hours follow community rules.
  • Guests agree to the Dorado Beach East community rules and security procedures.

Q: How do we handle trash and housekeeping?
Community trash pickup runs daily around 8:00 AM (except Sundays). Tied bags go in the bins by the garage, with a larger dumpster there as backup. The home is professionally cleaned before arrival, and daily touch-up housekeeping is available at $250/day. Spare linens are plentiful, and there's a full washer/dryer.

Q: What should we do at check-out?
Follow our simple Checkout Checklist:

  • Timing: Check-out is 10:00 AM unless a Guaranteed Late Checkout was confirmed in advance.
  • Belongings: Check all rooms, closets, drawers, and bathroom hooks; chargers love hiding.
  • Dishes & trash: Start the dishwasher, put used towels in the hamper, and take trash to the green garbage cans.
  • Lights, A/C & doors: Turn lights off and A/C to modest or off, close windows, and lock doors.
  • Keys & carts: Leave keys on the dining table. Park carts in the garage, plugged in, power off, key in the cart.
  • Linens: If possible, start a wash cycle with used sheets and towels.
  • Furniture: Please return any moved indoor or outdoor furniture to its original spot.
  • Final look: One last glance, and we'll handle the deep clean.

Flying out later in the day? You may store your packed luggage until departure; just coordinate with me.

✅ Optional Services: Rates

  • Daily Maid Touch-Up Service: $250/day
  • Private Chef: $1,500
  • Private Airport Pick-Up / Drop-Off: $150
  • Guaranteed Early Arrival: $100/hour (up to 24 hrs before check-in)
  • Guaranteed Late Checkout: $100/hour (up to 24 hrs after check-out)
  • Pre-Arrival Grocery Stocking: $350 + cost

📋 Contact & Services

🏠 Your Host: Yajia Schwartz. Call or text me day or night at (773) 750-1109, or text (224) 844-7532. Our house manager handles anything on-site, any maintenance visit is scheduled with you in advance, and we make your arrival seamless while respecting your privacy throughout your stay. I'm also happy to help with spa appointments, tee-time intel, restaurant picks, or a last-minute babysitter.

I live in Dorado and love sharing it. Say the word and I'll send you my Island Explorer Guide to Old San Juan's 500-year-old forts, El Yunque rainforest, and bioluminescent-bay kayaking. Planning is my favorite part. 🌴

My goal is five-star hospitality. Thank you for choosing our home. Safe travels, and see you soon!

110DoradoBeachEast.com