location, location, location
Submitted: February 16, 2013
Stayed: February 2013
Location is the best reason to stay here. Being on the Malecon in Esperanza eliminates the need for a car if you just want to have close proximity to a great beach (Sun Bay), excellent snorkeling and good restaurants. We did rent a car for 2 days to check out some other nice beaches not within walking distance, but we would have been fine without it. Views across the street to the ocean are spectacular!
UNFORTUNATELY - the spectacular view advertised in the photos of the unit - and the main reason I booked the apartment- were not available -and the apartment was dark and cave-like instead of bright and sunny as expected. The sliding glass door facing the ocean was blocked by a metal hurricane door which was broken and locked in the down position. The property manager did not give any dates or present any plans for its repair. The vibe seems to be when things are broken - thats it, they're broken. Oh Well. So to enjoy the view we had to be outside on the terrace.
Also the restaurant downstairs, which was supposed to be our source for ice, is shut down. So I ended up walking to a local restaurant with a plastic pitcher every day and buying ice from them.
To be fair, when we arrived and found only an almost empty roll of T.P. with no back-up, my husband called the manager to complain, and he did bring us TP and some ice. But without a freezer, that was just for the day and we were on our own for ice the rest of the time.
The apartment is spacious, and with the loud AC, we never heard any street noise or the many roosters in the neighborhood, so we slept well. Even on a Sat. night, we didn't find the scene too crazy.
The apt. has an artsy vibe with lots of paintings and we liked that. Just LOVED having coffee and cocktails on the patio enjoying the view. But the kitchen is sparsely equipped, and we actually like to cook, so that was a factor, though not a deal killer. However, we were shocked at the absence of fresh produce in Vieques. As vegetarians, this was a challenge! Farmers market on Tuesdays seems to be the main source for produce.
Our neighbors in the other rental unit next door had similar problems with broken equipment - they had no working refrigerator, and some other issues. So, I would question the manager before booking and get assurances that everything will be in working order when you arrive.
But we still had a great time, and for the money, it was ok. Vieques is awesome! The owner of the art gallery downstairs is helpful w/ local info.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Tourists without a Car,
Families with Young Children
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