El Yunque and Vieques
 

My husband and I and some friends (another couple and possibly a few singles) are planning a trip to Puerto Rico's El Yunque and Vieques for end of February 2009. We range in age from late 40s to late 50s and are interested in moderately priced accommodations (around $100-150/night) at B&B, hotels, inns, resorts. We don't want bargain basement, but we don't want to pay hundreds of dollars per night. Charming, clean, friendly, beautiful views and closeness to local attractions are important.

We're thinking of spending 2-3 nights near El Yunque and exploring it. Does anyone have a recommendation? We thought that Casa Cubuy Ecolodge, Rainforest Inn, Sue's Villas or Carole's Villa sounded like what we were looking for. Has anyone stayed at any of these or do you have other recommendations? En suite bathrooms are very important as well, but we might be able to share for a few nights.

In Vieques we're hoping to spend a week, at about the above rate. The following looked interesting to us: At the Waves in Bravo de Boston, Casa Ladera, Casa La Lanchita, Casita Del Mar. As above, en suite bathrooms are important, as are a pool. We enjoy snorkeling, sampling local cuisine, and we want to do a bioluminescent bay tour. A full kitchen would be nice, as we enjoy cooking.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. We're hoping to book soon.

For just a little bit more money than your listed budget, you could stay at Hacienda Tamarindo, a lovely B&B with a pool and beautiful ocean views in a great location near Esperanza. Their rates include a full breakfast, which might make it more enticing for you. The B&B is full of eclectic charm and is very comfortable--they have an honor bar system, so drinks are relatively inexpensive since you're not paying for a bar tender's wages nor for the ensuing gratuity. www.haciendatamarindo.com is their website.

For the rainforest you could check out coquishideaway - not stayed there, but have seen good reports about it.

for ideas when you are here, you could take a look at my travel blog/guide www.visit-the-coqui.com

no relation to the guest house above

HI... Ive been waiting to recommend Casa La Lanchita to someone. Right on ocean..beautiful pool..reasonable$.. full kitchen..great host that will help you out with suggestions.. Plus its located in ideal spot. Everyone that stays on Espernaza feels a bit isolated. this is up the hill from "town". If you want I will send you my beautiful photos. Have to rent a jeep to hit all the beaches..red beach green beach..etc..off road amazing! enjoy!!!!!!!!!

I'd second Casa LaLanchita - we stayed in their big unit in November and it was a perfect "home base" for us. You can find my review and photos on TripAdvisor.

Best of luck!