Hi, We will be staying on the north side of Vieques for 5 nights in December. I would like to stay in Esperanza on the south side for two nights, but I am having trouble. It seems that there is much more variety in price and range of amenities on the north side.

Has anyone stayed in Esperanza and been happy? I am willing to pay $200/night. Some of the reviews say it is noisy, but others say it is the best location on the island.

I would really appreciate any experience, thoughts or advice. Thanks, Owa

I didn't think Esperanza was noisy. On weekend evenings people gather on the Malecon and there is usually music. I would recommend looking into Hacienda Tamarindo which seems to get good reviews. It is next to Inn on the Blue Horizon And Island Adventures which I recommend for the bio bay tour. I definitely would not stay ay Bananas although it is nice for lunch. Ate at La Serina which was quite good. Live music one weekend night. Forget which. If the Blue Macaw restaurant is open it is very good. Prefered eating in the bar area.

Howard, where do you stay on Vieques? I'm glad to see that you recommend Hacienda Tamarindo, as it's at the top of my list for a 3 night stay for January 2006 (wish it could be longer!).

Owa, where will you be for the first 5 nights?

Stayed at Wyndham Martineau Bay both times. The first they had a package stay three nights get 4th free so we stayed 8 nights. Second time won an auction on luxury link 6 nights for $1200 including breakfast, 2 dinners and massages. Since I belong to Wyndham By Reqwuest was upgraded to an ocean front suite both times and got bottle of wine and cheese.

Probably the two nicest places to stay on the Esperanza side (and two of the nicest on Vieques) are Inn on the Blue Horizon and Hacienda Tamarindo. Neither are actually on the strip in Esperanza. They're more like 1/2 mile away +/-. Therefore, noise is not a real issue. In any event, you'll love Vieques. It's a special place.

Howard, Thanks for your reply. I'll look at WMB.

ejcrowe, we are staying at Casa Ladera the first 5 nights. Jen was very prompt in responding to my requests and questions. All three of her units are booked our last two nights and the reason I'm looking.

Thanks ccc for your information. Owa

Just tried to do a search on Wyndham Martineau Bay and no results. May have been bought or closed. Will try and call wyndham tomorrow and see what the story is.

Thanks Howard. I can't remember where you are going next. Was it Anguilla at Thanksgiving? We leave for PI a week from tomorrow. I am so excited. Owa

The Wyndham is no longer a Wyndham. It's now operated by Starwood, who plan to re-brand it as the first W Resort. In the interim it's still open and can be booked at starwood.com as well as expedia.

Interesting--It was built by Starwood but opened as a Wyndham. Guess they've gone full circle.

OWA--We were on Anguilla for Carnival 31 july-8 August. Going to Provo 2-10 Nov. Coral Gardens had a stay one night get one free which I couldn't turn down.