Harry Alvarez

We had a great one week winter get-a-way to Puerto Rico. We knew we wanted to visit the islands of Culebra and Vieques but didn't know anything about either one. After just a brief conversation with our agent, Harry, at KimKim we knew we had the right person to create a memorable trip for us. Harry fully understood our travel preferences and delivered transportation, lodging, and excursion options that absolutely hit our sweet spots. Everything was great and the entire trip transpired very smoothly. Besides the excellent trip plan, we were very pleasantly surprised with how our travel team stayed in touch with us during the trip. They made themselves available to answer any questions we had. The trip went so smoothly that we didn't need much help, but it was nice to know they were always available. This was our second trip to Puerto Rico and we really enjoyed it. It is an easy place to travel, the Puerto Ricans are super friendly, and the scenery is beautiful. We really enjoyed Vieques. It has a super laid back vibe but with all the amenities and services you could need. The beaches were great and easy to access. And the snorkeling was good. We would definitely consider another vacation to Vieques. Thanks to the team of travel experts for putting our vacation together and for the excellence service they provided during our time in Puerto Rico.

Hotel Review

El Blok

Vieques,

El Blok is a very nice hotel in a great location in Esperanza on Vieques. We loved the vibe of Esperanza. The staff at El Blok were super friendly and helpful and could answer any questions we had about Vieques. We rented a 4-wheeler right across the street from the hotel and Banana's Restaurant just down the block was one of our favorites. There is a nice beach right across the street from the hotel and it is a perfect place to watch sunsets. Would definitely go back to El Blok.

Authenticity & Character

It seems like a newer hotel. It has a cool layout and very well maintained. Nice restaurant that was also open for morning coffee and breakfast.

Location

Right across the street from a nice beach and close to many restaurants and food trucks.

Staff

The front desk staff were all very personable and helpful and seemed like they liked their job. The make the hotel a very friendly place.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Seems like a new hotel. Super clean, great beds, the rooms were well appointed and everything was completely up to date.

Activity Review

Mosquito- Vieques Bio Bay

Vieques

The year before we visited a different bio-bay on the main island near Fajardo that we found absolutely amazing. So we were very excited about visiting the Vieques bio-bay. Although the bay itself was very cool, the overall experience was a little disappointing. First off, the long road in and out of this bio-bay is extremely rough. As in "what in the hell are you thinking" rough. Holy moly, smooth the road out! Also, I get the profit motive, but once at the bio-bay we felt like cattle being processed. The different venders were absolutely speeding people off the buses to the kayaks and then out of the kayaks back to the buses. The Fajardo bio-bay was a way more relaxed experience and in our opinion a much better experience. I would recommend the bio-bay but shame on the vendors for the crappy road and the rushed experience. But, I must also add that it was our anniversary the day we went. And somehow the KimKim team told the Bio-bay provider. So, a very sweet woman named Mayra (or maybe Maya?) who worked for the vendor actually made us a Wedding Anniversary cake and gave it to us on the excursion. That was amazing and delicious! So, thank you thank you thank you Mayra, you are an amazing baker. (Tell your boss to convince the powers that be to smooth the road into the bay)

Quality of Experience

Transport

Excellent trip and allowed for us a lot of flexibility. The hotel El Bock in Vieques was excellent and highly recommended for comfort, close to action ie beach and restaurants yet quiet and comfortable with a great spot to relax in the lobby area. Snorkeling was fun. Kim Kim staff were very responsive to questions though we didn’t have many since trip was smooth. The people of PR are ‘muy amable’. Now back in MN awaiting a winter storm.