Watching a fabulous sunset from one of our three private porches, followed by a homemade dinner of shrimp-on-the-barbie under a brilliant star-filled sky or a leisurely 10 minute walk to town for a great dinner at Mamacitas, are only a few reasons why Villa Preciosa, one of the uniquely charming two bedroom villas that are part of Harbour View Villas, was an ideal home for our 5-day stay in Culebra. The privacy, the open-air layout that resembled an exotic tree house, the convenient location that was an easy walk to Playa Melones (swimming and snorkeling), the attentive but non-intrusive style of Jane, the owner, and the outstanding value, additionally contributed to a truly memorable holiday. Given the fact that we were two couples, one whose daily routine included an early morning run to Playa Flamenco (2 miles each way) before picking up a loaf of fresh bread and the daily San Juan Sun at the PanDeli and the other who is still fun-loving and high energy after 53 years of marriage, the Harbour View Villa location is even more impressive as no one was bored even though we rented a car for only 24 hours. God willing, we plan to return.

A couple of things to keep in mind - 1) the Villas have no screens or air-conditioning, so bring mosquito repellant, 2) with several balconies and ladder-like stairs, this is not a kid-comfortable villa, and 3) self-reliant, adventurous people will love this place.

If you are ready to sleep with coackroaches, mosquitoes, and all kinds of bugs in your room then you are taking a chance in getting West Nile Virus or Duengue fever. Screens are broken, There are sick stray cats and dogs in the property and they will be in your room. The restaurant is good the kitchen is a mess with dogs and cats all over the cooking area. No sleep due to the mosquitoes and simply a nightmare vacation. DONT STAY AT HARBOUR VIEW VILLAS

As a last minute, one night side trip to a recent vacation on the main island we decided to go to Culebra to do some snorkeling. After some searching, we found Harbour View Villas and talked to Jane, the proprietor. We were happy with the price and location, and beyond pleased with Jane. She went well out of her way to help us with logistics -- taking many phone calls from us, helping us find a cheap flight ($50 roundtrip) when the ferry broke down and we almost had to cancel, to meeting us as the airport upon our arrival, giving us a quick tour of the island, etc.

The setting for the villas is breathtaking. We had a small complex consisting of separate rooms (each was its own small separate structure) with an adjoining private deck with an amazing view of the harbour and Vieques. There was a fully functioning outdoor kitchen -- gas cook top, fridge, sink, and either a toaster oven or a microwave (don't remember whick -- we were only there a night and didn't use it. The bathroom was discretely open (from shoulder height or so up) with a nicely tiled shower and sink area and more of those great views.

The rooms are not luxury, but they worked well for us -- A/C and a fan keep us reasonable cool during a big heat wave on the island.

Location was great -- quick walk to town and a quick walk to Melones Beach where we found the best snorkeling on our trip right off the beach.

When we were ready to catch our quick flight back, we called Jane and she dropped our luggage (which we had left with her in the morning) at the airport ticket counter before we got there.

Our only disappointment is that the restaurant on the property (Juanita Bananas) was not open the night we were there -- it sounds like something not to be missed!

Pros:
-5min walking distance from ferry.
-Clean sheets.
-Clean Towels.
-If after reading this you still decide to rent this place, you will be more grateful of what you have when you go back home.

Cons:
-Beware, you will be donating blood involuntarily when inside the house, even when using the bath, there's no screens anywhere in the house to prevent mosquitoes from getting in.
-Of course there's no A/C so if you want to breath and not be cooked inside the house you'll have to have the windows/doors open.
-No lock for the main entrance. No sense of security. see pic below.
-There will be cats, chickens, large lizards, flying cockroaches roaming inside the house, again no way to keep them from getting in.
-Very poor lighting on trail to get to villas, bring flashlights.