Casa La Lanchita is the best place to stay on Vieques:
This was our second trip to Casa la Lanchita and we can say that on a trip to Vieques we wouldn’t stay anywhere else. Doug and Marikay are great tour guides and were truly helpful at answering all of our questions.
On this trip we looked at the resort on the island to see why people were paying so much to stay there. It was very nice, but for the price you’re paying I think you miss out on the real Vieques. When you stay at the resort all you get is the same weather.
We loved it so much in Vieques that we looked at real estate and rentals this time. We decided it is the ocean breeze and the constant white noise of the waves which is what makes Vieques, Vieques. That being said, Casa La Lanchita is our choice as the place to stay whether you want to stay a few days or a few months.


How to decide if Casa La Lanchita is right for you:
As far as our vacation choices go, we like a nice place, but we’re not into fancy. If you need your bed turned down every night this is not the place for you.
It’s got everything you need (including air conditioning, which I’m ashamed to say I turned on twice on this stay because it was a little too hot to sleep.) It’s better with the air off though because La Lanchita is one of the few places you can stay where the sound of the wave’s slooshing on the beach can be heard from every room.

These rentals were like efficiency apartments. The kitchen area makes it possible to make your own meals when you choose. While it had a stove, we didn’t use it much, but the coffee maker and the full size fridge were very convenient. We bought some of the great bread at the bakery just down the street and some necessities from the grocery store in town. Many times though we stopped for food at the roadside stands on the island. Can’t wait for our next visit so we can have more pastelillos and rellenos de papa. The roadside food was yummy, authentic, and you couldn’t beat the price. We often ate a meal for two from the roadside stands for about $10.00.

Casa La Lanchita is one of the few family friendly guest houses on Vieques.
I especially appreciated the laundry facility on site which made it possible for us to pack light.
The heated pool was a nice option on the rare occasion when the weather was drizzly or for a quick dip in the early morning or at night.


What to do in Vieques:
Our normal day trips consisted of using a Casa La Lanchita cooler (there are different sizes available to borrow) packing drinks, homemade sandwiches, chips and bimbos (these are cookies; no need for raised eyebrows) and off to a beach.

We rented a Jeep from Casa La Lanchita. Yes, you can rent an SUV right at the guest house. You can rent vehicles from other places too, but we found renting from Casa La Lanchita to be easy and cost effective comparatively.

Casa La Lanchita has all of the beach necessities; coolers, beach chairs, towels, and boogie boards. We brought our own snorkel gear, but they also have some to use.

The snorkeling was amazing. The water world with its myriad colors was so beautiful. We saw so many varieties of fish I couldn’t even tell you. My husband most enjoyed the stingrays and turtles though.

The variety of beaches is fun. From prime snorkeling spots in calm waters with lots to see to areas where you can wade out for 50 yards or more and still only be in about three feet of water, to a beach with perfect waves for body surfing or boogie boarding. We even saw some surfers in front of Casa La Lanchita.

The beaches we were at had anywhere from no other people to probably less than fifty on over a mile stretch of sand. No crowds here.

The owners of Casa La Lanchita will inform you of many options of things to do and see. In our opinion, if you only do one thing in Vieques, go see Bioluminescent Bay. Captain Mark at Island Adventures really knows his stuff and the experience is beyond words. It’s a naturally occurring phenomenon that you need to see to believe. Just get there early and wear your bathing suit.


Driving on Vieques:
The narrow roads can seem scary at first but after awhile my husband became a pro. The topic of ‘Island Time,’ should be mentioned here. People are not in a hurry. It’s common for people to make a road impassable while they chat, cars driver’s side window to window. While frustrating at first it was liberating when I realized waiting like that didn’t matter because there were no clocks, no places to be . . . just ‘Island Time.’

Speaking of driving, the horses have the right of way whether grazing by themselves or being ridden on the streets. They roam free around the island along with dogs, cats, and chickens.


I hope this review is helpful if you’re deciding where to stay.

Casa La Lanchita has found the secret. The owners, Doug and Marikay with their staff, are truly happy with their hotel and show it in the way that they care for their guests. They are also capable and willing to share the history of the island and recommend some great areas to visit. One of the notable benefits is the opportunity to rent a car at the hotel. Previous trips to Vieques, (before we found La Lanchita), left a lot to be desired in this area. The hotel setting is beautiful - look at the pictures - that is what you wake up to every morning. We can't wait to share the experience and recommendations with our friends. Thanks for a wonderful stay La Lanchita!!!

I really loved this spot. Casa La Lanchita was a great vacation rental located right on the ocean. Bring your own coffee and shampoo. I thought my room had a microwave from looking at the hotel video but it was a toaster-oven so leave the microwave popcorn at home but you can buy pre-popped corn at the small grocery store. There is a grocery store down the road if you need anything. The folks that stay at LaLanchita are super kind and nice. If you want maid service and room service stay at the W. But if you are looking for an awesome laid back place to stay right on the ocean then La Lanchita is a spot for you and they rent cars for trekking around to all the awesome beaches. Think Key West 30 years ago. I love Vieques - It is my new favorite spot.

I wish I would have written the review sooner, but I will say this place was absolutey amazing. Doug and his wife were very kind and hospitable. They live in part of the bed and breakfast so if you need anything at anytime, one of them is there to help out. They have everything you could possibly need including snorkel gear, portable charcoal grills, extra beach towels and beach chairs, books to read, and all of this with no extra charge. They also let you rent jeeps from them, which I thought was great rather than having to go somewhere else and rent one. All in all this place was awesome, right on the ocean front where you can hear the waves from your room at night. They also give you a little map and show you where there are hidden, secluded beaches and food vendors where you can drive to. I would recommend this place highly!