Villa Coral Guesthouse — Hotel in Isla de Vieques

We booked three nights over New Year through hotels.com as part of our Puerto Rico trip, the highlight being to see the bioluminescent bay. Getting to the island itself was hard work - a long taxi, a choppy ferry and then another taxi - so we were glad to arrive at the lodgings. Despite the front desk "being open 9-5" according to the hotel info, no-one was there. A couple of neighbours said that "Yami" should be around and tried shouting him to no avail. Another group turned up, but they had had a message from the owner telling them where the keys were, so I grabbed the number from them and texted him.||||After providing him with all the details, he told me that he had us booked for tomorrow and he was fully booked for tonight. The hotels.com booking clearly said today. My phone was not working for calls, so I tried messaging hotels.com via their online chat and eventually they said that "the owner could not accommodate us." Hotels.com wanted to call me to arrange "relocation" but my phone wasnt working, and anyway, there was nowhere available on hotels.com for New Years Eve. I texted Yami again - his phone was now no longer accepting text messages. He had clearly decided it wasnt his problem, even though he had obviously noted down the wrong dates. Hotels.com had us booked on the correct dates and they would have messaged him with them.||||I found somewhere else on a different site for one night - we were desperate by then - and eventually hotels.com emailed to say that Yami had said we could have 'free cancellation' on our three day booking. Considering that he had messed up, this was the absolute least he should do. Just before we left the property to walk a mile in the searing heat with all our bags to the next property ( my phone didnt work, I had no option ) "Yami" turned up. Seemed surprised to see us. Asked if we were the people who had texted him, then shrugged and walked into his property and shut the door.||||In the end, as the only option offered was "free cancellation of the original booking" we had to book three nights at different places at hugely inflated last minute prices. We were out of pocket by over £500. Hotels.com, who havent covered themselves in glory either, gave me a voucher for £100, but Yami and Villa Coral get off scot free. If I was being cynical, I might think that Yami had given our room to some of the large party who arrived to check in on the same day. ||||Either way, from what we saw of the property, I would probably rather have slept...

I reserved the two-bedroom apartment and five guest rooms for a vacation with friends to celebrate my 40th birthday. We could not have picked a better place to gather and celebrate together. ||||The rooms were clean and comfortable and service from Mireya and the whole staff was friendly and attentive. Upon arrival, they made sure we felt at home and helped us understand the lay of the land for Esperanza and around the island of Vieques. They were ready with recommendations for good breakfast with a view and the best beaches. We were there off season, so it was really helpful to get advice regarding businesses that were open, those closed since the hurricane, or those closed until high season.||||The patio on the second floor was our go-to hang out space in the mornings and afternoons/evenings. The roof deck is closed due to damage from hurricane Maria, but we didn't miss it. The patio was ideal - plenty of space and seating, gorgeous views, coffee and the ever important bottle opener for our cervezas. ||||Note: if you like to go to bed early or sleep late, ask for a room other than #2 that has a window over the patio. They do have quiet hours in place from 10pm to 9:30am. ||||I stayed in the apartment and it was exactly what we needed. It gave us a space in doors to gather as a group during rain or share a quick meal. It was also great to have a full-size fridge and other kitchen amenities. ||||Speaking of amenities, my group of 9 people got lots of use out of the beach towels, beach chairs and coolers provided for guests. Also, the free wifi was very reliable during our stay. ||||I cannot say enough good things about the Villa Coral Guesthouse. Wonderful people, comfortable, safe rooms and an...

Villa Coral isn't on Esperanza's main drag, and that's all the better. A nice 10 minute walk from the malecón, you'll stroll through a sweet residential district to get to and from the beach and the nightlife. Chickens, ponies, and dogs roam, and salsa blares from passing cars. This is Puerto Rico! People wave on the street. You're staying in a real neighborhood. It's safe, neighborly and friendly.||||The guest house itself is well-kept, with very friendly and helpful staff to check you in, give you tips and otherwise make you feel at home. Coffee is served on the patio in the morning around 8am (You can make your own if you're an early riser). ||||I was really happy to take advantage of the beachy extras the place has to offer--they understand what draws people to Vieques. Rooms come equipped with nice beach towels in addition to the bath linens. Also, a couple of portable chairs and even over-the-shoulder coolers are provided in each room to encourage long, lazy picnicky days on the island's absolutely stunning world-class beaches. ||||Vieques is one of the truly great islands in the Caribbean. I love Esperanza for its quiet beauty. If you want to stay close to the nightlife, it's there for you on the malecón. But if you want to chill and don't mind working off your mofongo with a little stroll now and then, Mireya and her team will provide you with a lovely place to crash and dream...