Where to Stay in Vieques (Best Places & Areas for 2023)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Vieques

Vieques features 8 big neighborhoods, divided into smaller areas often called sectores you can see on this map.

You’ll find multiple options of locations to stay in Vieques, from beachfront hotels to small apartment rentals on the hills of Vieques. The best option will depend on what you’re looking for during your trip.

Let’s look at 5 of the best places to stay in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Isabel II

👉 Best Area For Walking and Shopping | ✨ Best Isabel II Hotels: Bravo Beach Hotel • Casa Amistad Guesthouse

Isabel II is the place you’ll arrive at as soon as you get off the ferry. Known also as Vieques pueblo, Isabel II features amazing restaurants, supermarkets, banks, car rentals, and souvenir shops. This town center is walkable and it’s often lively, with both tourists and locals.

It’s also right next to Sea Glass Beach, perfect for the visitors that want to stay close to all facilities, the ferry terminal, and the beach.

 Pros of Staying in Isabel II:

• Some of Puerto Rico’s top beaches are within walking distance
• Supermarkets, shops, and restaurants are accessible
• Close to the ferry terminal

Cons of Staying in Isabel II:

• Far from the most popular Vieques beaches
• Traffic

👉 New to Vieques? Don’t miss the list of the top activities to do in Isla Nena.

Bravos de Boston

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Bravo Hotels: Bravo Beach Hotel 

Bravos de Boston is a nearby area to Isabel II. Located around Punta Mulas Lighthouse, here you can find some cheap hotels and apartment rentals. Bravo Beach Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in the area, perfect for families, and business travelers. This area is great to stay in Vieques for its central location close to the terminal and a few minutes away from the airport.

 Pros of Staying in Bravos de Boston:

• Close to the terminal
• Supermarkets, shops, and restaurants are accessible
• Family-friendly hotels

Con of Staying in Bravos de Boston:

• Far from popular beaches of Vieques

La Esperanza

👉 Best Area For Sightseeing | ✨ Best La Esperanza Hotels: El Blok • Malecón House Boutique Hotel • Blue Horizon Boutique Resort

La Esperanza is one of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in Vieques because of its vibrant nightlife and its prime beachfront location. Also known as El Malecón, la Esperanza features bars, restaurants, and popular hotels on the island. La Esperanza is also closer to Vieques National Refuge, where you can find the top beaches of Vieques island, like Playa Caracas and Playa La Chiva. 

 Pros of Staying in La Esperanza:

• Beach within walking distance
• Restaurants open until late
• Walkable area
• Close to the bioluminescent bay

Cons of Staying in La Esperanza:

• Far from the ferry port
• Hotels can be pricey

👉 Local Tip: If you’re staying in Vieques, you can’t miss a visit to Mosquito Bay, one of the three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico. You can read more about other great things to do in Puerto Rico here.

Sector Puerto Real

👉 Best Area To Relax | ✨ Best Puerto Real Hotels: Finca Victoria • Great Escape and Breakfast Inn 

Puerto Real is a bigger neighborhood in Vieques that covers part of the interior of Vieques. For people wanting to stay off the touristy coast, staying in the mountainous side of Puerto Real is a great solution. Most hotels include breathtaking views of the coast and the island, plus a more relaxing vibe than the hotels on the coast. Vacation rentals on the interior of the island also tend to have a focus on connecting with nature and relaxing.

 Pros of Staying in Puerto Real:

• Variety of hotels to choose from
• Central location
• Less traffic

Cons of Staying in Puerto Real:

• Possible insects and other animals in facilities
• Beaches aren’t within walking distance

📚 Related Reading: Is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico?

Sector Destino And Colonia Luján

👉 Best Area for Cheap Apartment Rentals | ✨ Best Sector Destino And Colonia Luján Hotels: Isla Hermosa Guesthouse

Sector Destino and Colonia Luján are two areas of Vieques located in the interior of the island. Although these areas aren’t right next to the popular beaches of Vieques, they offer some of the cheapest rentals on the island with an average nightly price below $175. Some of these rentals even sport an outdoor pool, air conditioning, full breakfast, and amazing views of the Caribbean Sea.

Pros of Staying in Sector Destino And Colonia Luján:

• Far from the buzz of the coast
• Relaxing ambiance
• Cheap rentals

Cons of Staying in Sector Destino And Colonia Luján:

• Possible insects and other animals in facilities
• Beaches aren’t within walkable distance

👉 Local Tip: If you’re staying in the center in the center of the island, you will be needing a rental car. Check out my guides to renting a car and driving in Puerto Rico to learn how to move around.

Tips for Staying in Vieques

Try a Vacation Rental

There are plenty of vacation rentals in Vieques island you can try out for your stay. Although prices vary, you can usually find vacation rentals for a cheaper price the night than most Vieques hotels. A vacation rental will also allow you to cook your own meals, and save money.

👉 Search Vieques vacation rentals on VRBO here.

Look for the Extras

If you would rather stay in a hotel, try to look for those that include the extra amenities and features in the price per night, like a full breakfast, beach chairs, free wifi, free parking, outdoor showers, or air conditioning. That way you’ll be paying less for more.

👉 Read Next: Is Vieques Safe?

Consider Your Transportation

If you’re visiting Vieques but you don’t want to rent a car in Puerto Rico, consider a hotel or a vacation rental close to a beach or Vieques attractions. You can also check if your hotel is one of the pickup spots for tours, so that way you can move around conveniently.

Also note that if renting a car on the main island, you’ll likely need to leave it at the ferry in Ceiba. Currently, only residents are allowed to bring their cars on the ferry.

See my guide on getting to Vieques from San Juan for more tips on how to plan your transportation to Vieques.

Plan for Where You Will Eat 

Depending on where you are staying in Vieques, you might not have nearby restaurants to eat. Unless you’re booking a rental apartment with a kitchen, when you pick a hotel in Vieques, see that you have options to eat nearby, so you don’t have to drive all the way to the opposite side of the island to eat something.

🏖️ Read Next: 15 Best Vieques Beaches

Try the Center of the Island

If rather than being close to the restaurants and shops, you want to enjoy the peace that Vieques offers, then you can look for a hotel or apartment rental in the center of the island, far from the coastal buzz. Finca Victoria, Hacienda Tamarindo, and Hix Island House are two of the alternatives you can choose from instead of the beachfront hotels.

Check if Your Accommodation is Adult Only

Some hotels in Vieques, Puerto Rico are adult-only, meaning you can’t choose them to spend your family vacation in Vieques. If you’re traveling with kids, check that your hotel in Vieques is kid-friendly to avoid last-minute cancellations and bookings. Locations like the El Blok and Blue Horizon Boutique Resort are adult-only hotels, while Bravo Beach Hotel is family-friendly.

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Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Vieques. Before you go, check out the list of the top things to do in Vieques, so you don’t miss any of the fun in this Caribbean paradise.

Have fun deciding on your Vieques accommodations!