VACATIONS!!!!!!!!
After a long and difficult 2010, that fortunately ended much better than it started, we were READY for a get away. Puerto Rico was on my mind. I looked, and looked, booked our tickets and went down to work. I chose Tradewinds as our place to stay on Vieques because:
- it was in Esperanza
- it was in our budget
- breakfast was included in the price of the room, and was highly praised.
Didn't need anything more.
We stayed three nights, from Saturday to Tuesday morning and had overall a pretty mixed experience.
- the location: perfect, at the end of the Malecon, right by the water. It's a cute place and the first floor is off the street, with a little patio area, trees and even a hamac. The dining room is on the second floor and has a direct view of the ocean.
PERFECT.
- the room: we stayed in room 10. I was not expecting something crazy nice but was still a little disappointed by the rundown aspect of our quarters. It's big enough but really dated. The bathroom is very minimalist - which is fine - but the shower head was not working very well and that is a problem when you want to really clean up after a day at the beach. Not worth the $85/night IMO.
- the breakfast: it is indeed included in the price of your room but you will have to choose from a limited menu of four options. No access to the whole thing. Adequate, portions rather on the smaller side but nothing to really complain about. Great coffee. Bottled juices, which is always a bit of a let down in the topics. Oh well.
- the lunch: nothing to talk about. Very classic options that you can find anywhere at home. Think Reuben sandwich, wraps, Ceasar salad and hummus. Nothing even remotely local - which is really a let down.
- the dinner: what a nice surprise. They have many great options and what we tried was delicious, especially the conch fritters. Great consistence, spicy, rich in conch....a great starter. My shrimp monfongo was good as well even though not very traditional. The choice of beer is limited but go island style and sip on Madella.
- the service: that was my main complaint. Some people were very nice, smiling and welcoming, some were almost rude and totally unwilling to help us out. The cleaning crew was adorable, and a little Spanish goes a long way. Do it.
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