Vacation Rentals by Owner

Very Nice Villa/ Great beaches close by

Guest: mike (NYC)
Date of Stay: 03/30/12 Review Submitted: 04/11/12

We just returned from a wonderful week at Villa Gallega. We were a group of 2 families ( late thirties/ early forties) with small children ( ages 3,5 and 6). Over the past 3 years we have stayed at 3 houses on VRBO and this property was equal to our other rentals and similarly priced. PROS: The house is quite beautiful, situated on the top of a mountain. The house was delivered clean, The pool and jacuzzi were clean and worked well. The house manager was quite helpful with maps and local info and various troubleshooting. In my opinion, Vieques' strongest selling points are the beaches. There are many small beaches within a 8-20 minute drive and you could go to a different beach everyday. There are a few upscale restaurants, however if you are a "foodie" this island is not for you. Most restaurants serve american pub style food and the grocery stores are quite limited in their selection. There are 1 or 2 gourmet/organic stores where you can find produce but they are limited and quite expensive. CONS: This Villa is not really suited for small children. There are many balconies and steps with "wire" railings. Also, a major issue was that the internet did not work the entire time of our visit. Though the property manager and IT guy tried to fix it, it never really worked and we needed it for various work projects that we planned on accomplishing during our stay. The housekeepers came once during our weekly stay. In past houses, we had daily maid service which was nice, not having having to do the dishes and having the beds and linens turned over frequently was something that we missed from this rental. Finally, most houses offer some sort of "chef" that can cook for guests, this was not an option at Villa Gallega. Theses might not be issues for many, but for those in a large group or used to these services just a heads up. Overall we had a very pleasurable experience and not withstanding the internet issue, I would highly recommend this rental.

Owner response:Thank you for your suggestions and to offer the opportunity to clarify some points. Vieques has a very limited phone and internet service. The internet depends from a third party vendor (only 2 vendors are quite reliable). Joey came with the IT person and addressed the problem, the internet was back on monday. Your next concern was that it was too slow, that is right. You are absolutely correct, those friends, guests and educated travelers, like you, that must run their business while on vacation, normally bring their (or ask us for) internet card. We customary offer the internet for free and fun, sorry for the misunderstanding, we honestly though you needed to only enjoy some time off the BIg Apple. We do offer complimentary maid service to those that request the service. Again, we try to be respectful and not sending housekeepers every morning, most of our guests rent this home to enjoy that total privacy we are well known for. We welcome children and advice that they need to be supervised at all time. It would be discriminatory to claim that a hone is not suitable for children. I am sure you are well aware of these obligations, being a respected professional here in Manhattan. We can't thank you enough for your review, and valuable advice. Those new guests reading this will know that we do offer Daily maid service to those that wish for this service, an internet card to those that let us know on time, they need to conduct business while vacationing, and gladly even make arrangements for a personal chef, that we normally fly to Vieques from New York City or Rome, as the only chefs in Vieques, as per your words, can only cook 'pub-style' meals. We have guests that rent the Villa in the summer and bring their own chef along. It's a matter of preference and we are happy to please anyone. Cheers.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Awesome

Guest: Troy (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 09/08/10 Review Submitted: 10/02/10

The title pretty much says it. I loved this place. I hate resorts, and crowds of people. Vieques is a quiet and relaxed island, and this house made the stay perfect. It really felt like home. We had our own house, pool, tv, everything. The pictures in the ad are great, but really don't do the place justice. I can't wait to come back.

Owner response:Thank you for your review. We will have some more pictures taken.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway.

I didnt want to leave!

Guest: Sutton (New York)
Date of Stay: 08/08/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

The house was great the wheather was wonderful and the people are so friendly. I could not ask for more and the ower of the property could not have been more accommodating. Thank you (;)

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Exceeded expectations!

Guest: KellyandRobOhio (North Royalton, Ohio / USA)
Date of Stay: 01/31/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

We were here in Feb., 2010. The photographs are very accurate, but can't begin to convey the beauty of this location. From the private hilltop setting, spectacular unobstructed views from comfortable lounge chairs on expansive decks, stylish and tastefully-appointed villa with all the amenities of home (and then some), this was a very difficult place to leave. The local property manager went above and beyond in assisting us, responding to questions, and providing helpful tips about the island. We would recommend this to anyone, and expect to return ourselves. --Kelly and Rob (ohio)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Boutique

Guest: Ms Katee (London, England)
Date of Stay: 01/10/10 Review Submitted: 02/03/10

We enjoyed every moment spent at Villa Gallega, from the time we reserve it with their New York agents to the smooth arrival, they had their own driver picking us up and taking us to the car rental, a local manager assisting with everything and the house is just wow. Clean, immaculate, well maintained, charming, and even if secluded on this private hill, is centrally located. We loved the swimming pool with salt water, but was not expecting to be so big, looks more like a hotel pool. The services are definitely better that most hotels and our time was just too short. The house has a high degree of style and architecture, is finely furnished with taste and balance. The house is really quiet, peaceful and relaxing. We loved getting up in the morning and watching the ocean wiews. One plus is that Villa gallega has a pool and a nice outdoor SPA that we really enjoeyd. the island is a little simple, good restaurants, very cordial people. the beach is definitely the plus of Vieques and frankly you won't need beach chairs, most beaches have bungalows you can use for the day and free of charge, bring towels and something to drink. We will definitely return and recomend Vieques and this home to our good friends. Fairly priced.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/11/08

Serene and superb, minimal elegance and very peaceful, the villa is clean and close to everything, specially to the beach. this house is on a private hill very well protected and safe. Well equipped, great selections of movies, spectacular views from every deck. We loved the Italian touch and the espresso maker by Lavazza for our morning latte and cappuccino. I will come back.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/24/08

A great house, small kitchen but functional, large living room. Very clean. Lot of stairs, not suitable for old people but well designed for privacy. Everyone had its own deck. Bedrooms have AC, living room is comfortable if one or 2 AC are left on during the day. We loved the views and sitting on the decks to read or drink wine. The villa close to everything, I would definitely come back next year. The house is unique, modern and minimal but tastefully furnished. It was perfect for the 6 of us and the price was fair. No dishwasher but we ate out almost every day. Good housekeeping service. Fun outdoor hot tub, specially at night.

Owner response:Thank you, yes the kitchen is not a gourmet Kitchen, functional but definitely not a chef kitchen :) We managed to make Lasagna alla Bolognese for 10 people last summer and home made Tagliatelle, there is enough room to be creative.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/12/07

Original Message From: catherine dupree Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 4:54 PM To: troy Subject: thanks! Hi Troy, Just wanted to let you know we returned yesterday from our fantastic trip to Vieques. You were right, the island and the house were just splendid (although the weather could have behaved a bit better...). Both Romy and Vicky were incredibly helpful and kind. Romy really went out of her way to make sure we were having fun, and even invited us to her dinner party where we met all the local restaurant impresarios and learned straight from the horse's mouth just how maddening operating a business there can be! We were particularly impressed by the quality and sophistication of the Vieques restaurants (although sad to learn of the demise of FoodSpace). We think that Tropical Baby, which Vicky recommended to us, was far and away the best food on the island. Her BYO dinner was superb--akin to a meal in NYC or Philadelphia restaurant--and shockingly reasonably priced! Everyone was so friendly and we met a slew of fun folks, including, if can believe it, the guy we're subletting a Tribeca apartment from this summer. It also turns out my fifth grade art teacher runs a gallery there. Lots of small worlds colliding. Anyway, please give both Romy and Vicky our thanks for a glorious time. With any luck, we'll be back in Vieques in the near future. All best, Catherine

Owner response:Thank you for your nice coment, we are looking forward to see you again in Vieques. Romy Bianco

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/12/07

enchanting and immaculate, I would like to thank you for the wonderful time. Ivan and Milly are superb people, the house is clean, peaceful, we love this simple elegance. Tastefully furnished, not overdone. The kitchen is small but very functional, we ate out most of the time anyway. The views are spectacular and the peace of this house is magic. We will be back next year for another 2 weeks Lucien and Family Italy

Owner response:Lucien thank you for the Cd of Italian music, it was a pleasure to meet you Gabriella, Guido, Luisa and Linda. We are loking forward to see you again. Romy

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/22/07

I am surgeon, I love the peace and tranquillity of this house. Been renting it few times already of for a month at a time. I love the views, the sunset, the fact that I am in the middle of eeverything and at the same time away from noisy crowds. I got the feeling to be in a peaceful art gallery. Don't rent this villa if you love noise, roasters, people minding your business, and nosy neighbors. We want here to escape the City, sorry I am not looking for crowds and children screaming all day.

Owner response:thank for the coment and thank you for giving your professional opinion about Ivan's knee. It was a pleasure having you and your family again at Villa Gallega

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/26/07

Private with amazing views, lot of art, colour, nice outdoor hot tub, fine welcome package, very clean, modern and not cluttered. We come here all the way from Europe and rent the place for the month. This is a modern and quiet house, lot of green, flowers, good assortment of movies, hi-speed internet. Small kitchen but well equipped, we managed to bake pizza. We felt safe here and really pampered. It's just 5 to 10 minutes drive to every beach. The Villa's Views are breathtaking.

Owner response:Thank you Kathia, it was a pleasure to deal with people so well mannered and caring like you, your brother and your mother Giovanna. D. Thomas property manager

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/13/07

I've been to Villa Gallega to work on a movie. We rented the whole house, shoot for 6 days a 15 minute part, then enjoyed the house. AMAZING. Quiet like nowhere, relaxing, sexy, elegant. Just nothing like this on the island. this house has good positive energy. Its better than the hotel and definitely much cleaner. We loved the free espresso Cartridges and the maid service. We rented this place 6 times this year.

Owner response:Thank Sabrina, we value your business. D. Thomas ICARVS New York property manager

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