First of all, Cathy Seda is the best host I have ever encountered in a rental home. Both before and during our visit, she often responded to questions within minutes.
I encourage viewers to read all the reviews about both Cathy and Aquatika. There is a lot of good and accurate information but I would like to add more of a measured perspective from my recent stay with a family of 8 in unit 2601 during Christmas Week 2019.
Some reviews criticized the neighborhood. Yes, Loiza has some signs of poverty, but also signs of families, sports, and churches. Other reviewers made comments about no local restaurants or grocery stores - also not completely accurate. There are mini marts, gas stations and a few restaurants all close by. Our best meal of the week was at El Parrilla, just blocks from Aquatika's entrance. Additionally, 15 to 20 minutes east towards Fajardo, gets you into one of the island's most upscale areas.
Aquatika is not a 5 star property like Disney or Hilton and you're not paying the prices that premier properties would charge. So reviews that compare to full service resorts are not fair. This is a rental home that has amenities like pools, basketball, mini golf and tennis, and a private ocean beach. There are no onsite services like a bar or snack bar so bring your own and save money for offsite experiences. Aquatika could improve it's appeal by updating the pool areas, including the sharp stones used for pool decking (bring water sandals and you're fine) but again, this is a great property for the price. I think the owners should push Aquatika to open the water slide more often. Vacationers expect those amenities to be on every day, not just weekends.
Onsite security of Aquatika was great! It looked like a minimum of 3 or 4 guards at both the entrance, walking and biking around the property all the time. They were friendly and also not over-policing.
Unit 2601 is almost in the center of everything. Parking was simple, the unit was clean and included a washer and dryer, which our group of 8 really appreciated. My grandkids noticed that other kids on the beach had "boogie boards" which were not in our unit. Cathy had stopped in to meet us and they (boldly) asked for boards and she provided them within minutes! Everyone in our unit slept well, we used the kitchen to make meals and were able to watch and chat with our kids from the ground floor patio.
We would definitely consider this place again.