alittlebitt

My boyfriend and I are going to Vieques July 3-8th, 05. We get in late on the 3rd and need to stay in Puerto Rico - any suggestions for one night? We are planning on flying (cape air) to Vieques on the 4th and stay at Hix Island House. I only see one post with no answer for Hix. Does anybody have any comments? I work for Gourmet magazine and we just had a wonderful article on Vieques & the author stayed at Hix and loved it. Also, what is the best place to rent a Jeep from? Will it be a great trip in July (Mon-Thur)? Vieques looks like an awesome adventure for us both. If anybody has ideas/suggestions they would be much appreciated!

MFletch

My wife and I returned last night from Vieques following a wonderfull week. We rented from Island rental without problems. Get something in advance since having a jeep type vehicle is a must. Regarding food, where ever you decide to eat, check the days they are open. Many close in the middle of the week. We were not able to eat some places just because of our not checking this out.
If you intend to do Bio bay whether by kayak or pontoon, check the moon calendar. Darker the better.
It is a wonderful location for beaches and I would recommend packing food and drink for the day and explore the various beaches. They all having something different.
Since you are flying from Vieques from San Juan you will miss the opportunity to see El Yunque. Go there next time because if you love beaches you will probably return.

JuliePA

If you are only in San Juan for one night - I would stay in Old San Juan. The El Convento or the Galleria Inn if money isn't an object. Have heard good things about the Milano (and it is reasonably priced). We are headed to Vieques in a couple of weeks for the first time can't wait! By the way - I subscribe to Gourmet and I read the article on Vieques - very good.

sharondi

We just returned from our first trip to Vieques and rented a vehicle from Maritza's - had a great experience. Very nice people. The bio bay was absolutely amazing. Don't miss it. Meal at Chez Shack was also incredible.

JuliePA

Sharondi: I heard that you must make reservations at Chez Shack for Monday nights - how far in advance did you need to make yours (if you did need to)?

MFletch

Monday is Chez Shack because of music and Tuesday is Happy Hour at Crow's Nest for free appetizers. Reservations are recommended for Chez Shack. Get them when you can and early. We had ours at 8:30 and they were out of a couple main courses.
At other places try the Red Snapper. It is locally caught.
Crow's Nest is a Steak place and the Churrasco was very good.

alittlebitt

Thanks so much for the great suggestions! I've booked the first night in OSJ at El Convento (thanks Julie!), it looks great for us! Did any of you stay or see Hix House? I can't decide which room to pick. I will definitely rent a Jeep the month before - is it $50 day? I hope we don't miss out on too many things closed mid-week. We will definitely do Bio-bay - I think this will be an awesome vacation.

owa

Oh, does this post interest me! What issue of Gourmet? I hope all of you that just returned will answer questions when I've done enough research for a possible trip for my family of 10 at Christmas. We love snorkeling and beach time. I've just started looking into accommodations. Thanks everyone. Owa

JuliePA

We booked a jeep for our March trip and it was $50.00/day - so I believe that is reasonable. I have heard good things about Hix House - the only draw back being that is was "remote" - but depending on what you want that may or may not be a drawback!

JuliePA

Forgot I wanted to add this before I posted - if you don't want to be in a "remote" area you may want to check out the Hacienda Tamarindo - that is where we are staying in March. You can check them out on www.enchanted-isle.com.

MFletch

I laughed when I saw the word "remote". The whole island is remote. The Hotels/ Inns / rooms/ are essentially in the middle of the Island. I don't think any of these are further than 10 min. away from one of the two villages. I didnt try it but guess you could drive the circumfrance of the island in under 45 min.
With respect to snorkeling, though my wife disagrees, it was a little disappointing. We did not take any of the tours or hire any one , but only found one decent location. Red Beach. In Esperanza you can rent kayaks and go to the small island in the bay. We did not do this but told it was decent and in fact where some of the tours go. We are not serious snorkelers, though we have our own equipment but this does not compare to Caymens which held us breathless.( But no scenary in Caymens, it's congested, expensive and touristy in my opinion)
Back to "remote". You need a vehicle and all will be fine.

alittlebitt

I know MFletch I laughed at the word "remote" too! I mean the island is only 22 miles long how far can everything be?! I spoke with Hix Island House today and feel we're making the best decision staying there, definitely looks like a gorgeous adventure - it's an incredible looking structure. OWA - it's the Feb issue of Gourmet - GREAT article on Vieques and that's what has convinced me to go now if only work would pay for my trip! If you can't find it email me and I'll send you a copy (goes for any of you). Hix told me that Vieques Car rental, Maritza and Island Rental Cars all good and have Jeep Wrangler (big is key - can't have small vitar) I'll probably do Island Rental since you had no problems MFletch. We are also taking Vieques Air Link from Isla Grande airport at $86 RT as opposed to Cape Air from SJU at $128 RT. A lot of traveling to get there and an expensive adventure but I'm sure totally worth it! I heard Aqua Frenzy (TIM) is the place to call for BioBay trip. Can you book Chez Shack 4 months in advance???! Back to shoveling, we just got about 4 inches of snow I'm in balmy Michigan.

MFletch

Maritza and Island Car rental sit next to each other and are next to Crow's Nest. I believe the Wrangler is a 2 door and the Suzuki Vitara we had has 4 doors.
When I started posting about our wonderfull vacation this morning , I think one of the mysteries my wife and I had were solved. First thing on Fodors I saw was a GREAT deal on flying from New York to San Juan for $75 each way. Unbelievable. We paid 3 times that from Chicago . I'd sign up again for that price . THe mystery was why were 90% of the people we met from NY area.
With respect to time getting to the island. We left Chi-Midway at 6:30 a.m. and were on the island after cab and ferry by 3:30.I would do the puddle jumper but no way for my wife. Ferry was an adventure though and I appreciate the efforts people make to get back and forth to work the main land. Nother form of commuting but view is great.
People that have visited often still take the ferry.
Not sure about how soon to book Chez Shack.
Another thought about the ferry vs. puddle jumper. El Yunque should not be missed. ONLY rain forest in U.S. and is unbelievable.Won't see it if you fly unless you make a day trip back and forth via same ferry. The people from JULIAN's limo service were extremely accomodating.
If and WHEN we return this will be an added 2 day visit for us.

sharondi

We did our bio bay trip through Island Adventures ($25/person) on an electric pontoon-type boat. They did a great job and it was easy getting in and out of the water via the boat ladder. Be sure to go in the water if you do the bio bay trip. It's an amazing experience. We rented a 4 door Suzuki that comfortably accommodated four adults with snorkeling and beach gear, cooler, etc for under $50/day. We were glad the vehicle was older and beat up because our travels took us on some interesting roads! Very fun. We didn't drop in to see Hix but the location is farther from "town" than Inn @Blue Horizon or Tamarindo, for instance. But nothing is far away, and, unless you stay right in Esperanza or Isabel, you have to drive everywhere anyways. You are going to love it!

marknrachael

My 2 cents. Been to Vieques 3 times. Have stayed at Tamarindo, Hix House.
Eaten everywhere, all very, very good! I think you are missing one of the true treasures in OSJ by not staying at the Gallaria Inn.
I promise, there is no place like the Gallaria Inn. I have not stayed at the Convento but I have eaten there. Just seems like any 4 star place to me.

re; Hix House. Is very cool in a modern-Spartan way. The showers are 'open air'. The whole place is made out of pour-formed concrete and WIDE OPEN. (meaning you'll have you some little lizard friends) They clean the place with a water hose. ;-) We liked it! Nice kitchen with high end appliances. We'd do it again.
Either of the car rental folks are good.
Snorkel on Green Beach in the mornings.
Explore the others in the PM.
Cocktails/lunch at Amapolas and Bananas in Esperanza. Media Luna is different and GOOD.
As other say DON'T MISS THE BIO BAY.
I have to stop....I'm stating to yearn.
PS. Sorry to hear about Cafe Blue at Inn on the Blue Horizon. It is probably our overall favorite bar and restaurant.
Hopefully they'll be up and running.
PSS. Last time we went to Vieques we stayed 3 nights at Hix, 3 nights at Tamarindo. Spread th wealth uh? Consider it. Mark

alittlebitt

marknrachel - what room did you have at Hix? I'm debating on splurging for the big loft #1 (with hanging bed) or Loft #5. My boyfriend is 6'7" and they told me some of the other rooms wouldn't be suitable for my giant and higher floor is better in July. Is it worth $30 more to do room #1? I can't wait for new lizard friends! (I stayed at a place in St. Lucia that was open like that - best morning was a bird on my OJ glass!) Is it best to do 2 nights at each hotel (Tamarindo)? Dread switching hotels so much. I've debated on Galleria - only one night though.

I see airfare is cheaper ($86 RT) from Isla Grande than SJU ($130-150). How far is it from Isla Grande to SJU? How much is cab?

We promise not to miss Bio-Bay - Golden Heron has a trip 2-8 including kayaking, dinner/bon fire and bio-bay for $90 each, might be worth it.

Blue Horizon said the rest. won't be open by July - so sad - big fire I guess.

All this planning and research and it's 4 mos away! I guess I'm just excited!

If you want the Feb Gourmet on Vieques, let me know! Thanks All!

NewcombGirl

Searched this thread and can't find any info on a recent fire at Cafe Blue. Please fill me in. Thanks!

dswl

Go to the IOBH website. It explains that the restaurant will be closed for some time.

signmeup

I have a few questions- is PR a good place for a weekend trip? I am going with my mom- just want to relax, walk- NOT be in the city. But decent place. Thinking of going mid March.

uhoh_busted

you could go and just stay at the hotel -- many people do. I loved the city of San Juan, but there are places you need to be careful. You may prefer going to one of the resorts on the West coast -- not near San Juan -- if you just want to relax There's also El Conquistador on the East Coast. My husband and I did a long weekend on Vieques a few years ago and LOVED it. Sad to hear of the fire at Cafe Blue -- we REALLY liked that place. Vieques is just so laid back and lovely.