Bahia Marina Condo Hotel

Bahia Marina Condo Hotel

January 22, 2010  momplansvacations

Upon arrival, to the airport we were fetched by the hotels shuttle. First thing that struck me was the silence of the place.

we rented an apartment with 2 rooms 2 bathrooms and a living room with a connecting kitchen.

my eldest daughter slept in the day bed there and we had a comfortable suite for ourselves while our 2 sons shared another room. within the master suite there is a full washing machine and drier (super handy after a beach day!!)

I took some goodies with us in the airplane but were able to shop for everything at local supermarkets, for us to have breakfast.

the place is glorious, people are BEYOND helpful, everybody speaks English, and we just had a relaxing 4 days going everyday to a different beach, and one of the days renting a catamaran from captain bill to snorkel and dive.

at night the place gets busy in the hotel bar and you can have dinner (very good food) and there is Wi-Fi for the computer freaks who need to stay in touch.

A MUST is renting a jeep to go around the island and the beach (automatic gear all of them) and don't miss the snorkeling in the natural reserve (you have to do some trekking to reach there and take food and water) There is a detailed map you can get at the hotel or airport.

The hotel provides for beach towels ice coolers and you can buy a bag of ice from them so all you will need is your bathing suits.

although I have 3 very active children they seem to bond with the atmosphere and we spent a lovely end of the year time.

MUST say there was no availability for the 31st and BOTH LISA and NELLY worked like maniacs for this trip to happen for us so we are very grateful to all of them and the Bahia Marina staff.

bring your books and there is TV and DVD in every room (they lend you some but you can bring your own)

I would add a kids playground or some swings to the hotel.
 

January 15, 2010 smsDorado

We visited Bahia Marina and Culebra last August. We've lived in Puerto Rico for 2 years, but this was our first trip to Culebra. I was totally impressed: no major traffic, beaches were beautiful, Captain Bill took us sailing, everyone was very courteous and respectful, and it was a wonderful trip. We were very pleased with the experience and the people at the hotel. Our daughter, future son-in-law and families will travel from Ohio to get married at the Bahia Marina next summer. They ( BH Staff ) are organizing the entire wedding and doing a very thorough job. I highly recommend this hotel.

January 13, 2010 DINNINGCRITIC

This was my third time there. Went to Seabourne and other places, but this one is the keeper. Service is great. Can't ask for more, they pick you up, car rental on site. Good local and international menu at their own restaurant. Food is very good there. Bar is nice in open air, high up on the hill top. I like taking my drinks around the back to the pool at night, nicest place to cool off. Very reasonable price for being on an island that depends everything from the mainland to import to. Remember that you are in a tiny little Caribbean island, don't expect anything luxury here. The place is rustic, homey. Staff are great, friendly like family. . It has small kitchen, frige, cable TV, shower, balcony, A/C, and it is nicely arranged. I could use some firmer beds though. Staying there needs a car. They rent them there. 10-20 minutes to most major beaches.
Me and my family loves it there and it is always a great time. 3-5 days will be most appropriate.

January 9, 2010 Buddy38

The Bahia Marina is on a wonderful site with great ocean views from the suite balconies and the pools. Our suite was well appointed and the sofa bed / two baths / separate entries it worked well for my wife and our 23 year old son. Staff service is exceptional. Angelica arranged everything for us, from our car rental to our flights back; even following up while on her days off. At one point I misplaced my sandals and Juan offered to lend me his while helping to find them (and we did). Everything is within easy driving range. We opted for the economy Kia sedan rather than a Jeep 4WD and had no problems. The main restaurant is very good and is popular with tourists and locals. On our first night there were no tables and we were able to take our food orders and dine at our suite. In addition to the beaches, I was able to take in a half day of great fly fishing for with a local guide Chris Goldmark (Bonefish in the 15 Lb. range). Buy some bug spray on your first grocery visit!
 

December 14, 2009 dam27

Couples We came to PR for a long weekend and flew to Culebra for a night. We chose Bahia Marina b/c it seemed like the cleanest, nicest place on the island. We really loved it -- they picked us up from the airport on time, were super nice, rooms were comfortable and totally fine, and we actually liked being away from town (rented a scooter). On the last day we did a trip with Captain Bill, which was a total treat and is highly recommended.

December 3, 2009 susyarcy 7

This is a great place to stay. The rooms are big, clean, great view. There is two amazing swimming pools, and the staff is very nice, social and approachable.
The inconvenient however is that it is far away from every beach and the 'downtown'. If you don't have a car, you are pretty much stucked there. Plus, remember to bring mosquito repellent, they will eat you there !!!!


November 21, 2009 dazzlingprincess

We stayed one night at the Bahia Marina, because we were visiting different places in and around Puerto Rico. Of all the places we stayed during our vacation it was the best by far. The service was incredible. The employees were always nice to us, they gave us rides to the ferry, rides to the restaurants, rides to the activities that we had planned. We rented a jeep there for a really great price, they gave us informations on the different beaches we should go... (by the way, zoni beach is the most beautiful one) The owner was very nice to us and a young man named Juan was just the same. We had supper at the restaurant and the food was excellent. Our room was just by the pool, with a great view of the bay and the mountains. We enjoyed it very very much.

 
November 4, 2009  FromNYC-NJ

Staying at Bahia Marina was an absolute pleasure and I wish I could have stayed there longer. We were there Oct 29 - Nov 1, 2009. The weather was spectacular, and the views from the hotel were so awesome; everyone said it was the first time in many months they could see all the way out to St. Croix which is 50 miles away.

The rooms here are clean and basic, with all of the modern conveniences you would want to enjoy (e.g., air conditioners, hot shower, dish TV, etc). We were in a villa with a bedroom, 2 bathrooms, living room with futon, kitchen, and wrap-around porch/balcony. We had no problems whatsoever. Check in and check out were a breeze. The food and drink was great, and the people SO nice. There is free coffee out all day I think, but definitely in the morning.

We rented a Jeep so that we could drive from beach to beach around the island, and to the restaurants and such. Bahia Marina isn't right on a beach (nowhere really is except the Culebra Beach Villas on Flamenco Beach but those rooms are hit or miss since each unit is individually owned), but the island is so small everything is within a 3-5 minute drive. From Bahia Marina you could walk down to Punto Soldado beach in about 15 minutes I would guess.

This is by far the best place to stay, definitely the cleanest, has amazing views, two great restaurants, a fun bar, two pools one of which has a swim up bar and grill... I will definitely stay here again when I return in January. And I will be staying longer that's for sure!!

 

October 23, 2009 denverroadtrip

What a great first impression! We were picked up promptly. David (I think that's his name), gave us a quick tour as we drove through town and gave us the lay of the land. I think he even said something about Scooby doo. We drove to the top of a hill and there was the beautiful property, with several buildings and two beautiful pool areas.

The general manager, Jose, immediately introduced himself and already knew our names. They checked us in quickly and because they were the Thrifty Car Rental agency, we had our jeep in minutes. Jose marked the map with where we should snorkel around the island and explained how to get there. He was great.

Our room had a wrap around terrace with an idyllic Caribbean view-a gorgeous bay below with anchored sailboats and colorful houses on the hill across. Our room had two full bathrooms, a separate bedroom, a kitchen, and an amazing living room overlooking the bay. Finally, the upper pool area was beautiful, and the lower pool was larger w/a swim up bar and cafe.

Kevin, Juan, Angelica, Nelly, and even Capt.. Bill, were all great. I'm terrible w/names, so I hope I'm close.

I would definitely stay here again.

October 3, 2009 ortiz_emy

I have my wedding a couple of month ago at Bahia Marina in Culebra. This was one of my best experiences. Bahia Marina Hotel prepared everything for the activity and it was 150 people wedding. The food was excellent, the service was awesome, and the ambience was so perfect by the nature at the top of the hill of the mountain that the hotel is located. The rooms were perfect for the activity because the people can choose from village with one or two bedrooms and the living room was convertible to a sleeping area with a queen size futon. The commodities were amazing because the rooms have a kitchen and the persons can choose to cook or go to the restaurants. The hotels have two restaurants, free parking, free ground transportation to the resort from airport or ferry, two main pools and whirlpool, public area free wireless internet, etc. I like to thanks all the personal of Bahia Marina for give me a wonderful time and unforgettable experience.

September 26, 2009 SwamiDDT

A friend and I flew to Culebra from the Isla Grande Airport in San Juan. To ease the nerves of flying on a small plane, my friend had a cocktail at the airport bar. The friendly bartender ends up being the son of the Bahia Marina owner. He comps us our first round. Great start!

The island of Culebra is really small. I recommend a jeep from one of the few rental companies. The BM location is great. It is outside the easy peak and valley crowd rushes that come to the island via the ferry. You have a great view of the bay from most of all rooms. While most flock to Flamenco Beach, there is a gorgeous spot at Soldier Point out by BM. Phenomenal snorkeling just off the beach.

All in all, the rooms are reasonably priced, the service is wonderful, they food is brilliant at the bar although a little more expensive than other restaurants. I recommend at least one meal there though. I think I spent $130 one night which also included 6 or so rounds of fruity cocktails from the bar for two. Just book it. Unless you have a great casita rental, this is the best you can get.... One last mention: WiFi is only at the bar. You really should drop the connectivity need in Culebra though and connect into some relaxation...

September 22, 2009 sererna

Recommended by a friend, everything she told me was true, wanted to relax and eat well...we were very pleased with the service.

September 22, 2009 drsiro

Best place to stay in Culebras. Excellent service staff. Very personal attention staff. Cozy hotel Great bar with relaxing atmosphere. You feel like family with the staff. Pool bar and grill was great.

September 20, 2009  GKDCMetro

There are not enough words to say how much we enjoyed our stay with our professional, knowledgeable, attentive and down-to-earth hosts at Bahia Marina. Thanks to Luis, Jose, Angelica (she has lots of maps of the island :) ), JI, Juan, Kevin and everyone else we didn't mention for making it a great chilled-out and relaxing trip.

This place is a perfect place to stay if you are looking for a comfortable base from which to explore the year-round natural beauty of Culebra Island (if you are reading this then I am sure you already know why Culebra interests you, Flamenco beach, snorkeling etc). The open-air bar and restaurant is a great way to end the day, and in our experience made for by far the best dining experience on the island serving delicious local seafood dishes often with an adventurous twist (please try the fresh conch salad, you won't be disappointed, the chefs are quite excellent).

August 22, 2009 Islandgeek

Mama I'm home.

That’s the way I felt when I got to Culebra Island.  I took the ferry from Fajardo early Friday morning and someone from the hotel came to the dock to pick me up.  When we got to the Hotel I couldn't believe my eyes.  One of the things you notice when you’re here is how beautiful it is.   The hotel is not on the beach but that’s okay because you can rent a car or call a taxi and in 5 minutes you're in the water.  The hotel is on a mountain ridge overlooking the bay.  And what a view! I fell asleep in a chair on my balcony one night just looking at the boats and water.  I woke up in the middle of the night and I saw a meteor shower. I think it happens every year at this time. I got lucky I guess.  My room was like a condo with a kitchen and a living room. There were plates and pots and pans. A stove and microwave and fridge.  You can cook in the room with groceries you buy in town.  Prices here were just great.  I went fishing with this guy named Captain Bill that for a little fee will take you out on his catamaran and does he have the life.  He’s got this house that you can only reach by boat. There are no roads to his house.  He made a nice lunch and we fished for a few hours.  Then at the hotel Natalia the chef cooked up that fish and all I want to do now is marry her.  The beaches are the best I've seen in a long time and I've been around.  They aren't far from the hotel and their just beautiful.  I stayed for a week and everyday my room was cleaned and the bed made and if I need anything all I had to do is ask.  Jose the manager is a great guy and knows his wines.  The staff is very helpful and polite. They have a DVD player in each room and a nice selection of movies.  I didn't bring my computer and they had internet access in all the rooms and at the bar.  Speaking of the bar... they make this green drink and I forget the name but is it good!  They also have a drink called a bushwacker and I had a couple of those.  In the morning there is hot coffee waiting for you at the bar.  A quick trip into town and I had a great breakfast everyday.   I really did feel at home here.  Thanks Bahia Marina. I’ll be there next year to see the sky show and drink those bushwackers.

 

July 14, 2009 Alex628

As we explored the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico, we knew we had chosen the perfect place to stay. The rooms are VERY comfortable and big. Ours had two double beds a futon that sleeps two and TWO bathrooms. The location is prime on the island and the views are breathtaking. The food at the restaurant was delicious and the menu has something for everybody. The staff was very accommodating with food choices for my little nephew. Thank you to Angelica, Nelly and the staff at Bahia Marina for their help in making this an unforgettable vacation.

June 16, 2009 Isabelita

If you love nature, beautiful views, peace and tranquility....Bahia Marina is for you. If you need to be next to the beach, then this is not your place. The only place you can stay at the beach in Culebra are the Villas at Flamenco beach or camping at Flamenco beach. The Villas are VERY rustic, you do not get room service every day and they give you very thin towels and soap. There is NO restaurant or cafe, NADA you are on your own, you need to buy food, all the Villas have small kitchens. But you are staying at one of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean, according to Conde Nast. I preferred Bahia Marina because the rooms are spacious, clean, housekeeping every day, wonderful food at night and magnificent views, also a very nice pool and great people to help you out. You need to rent a jeep, they run $50.00/day, but you can run around the island and visit ALL the beaches. There are economical taxis but the attitude in Culebra is "don` t worry be happy" so if you tell them to pick you up at 2:00, most probably will get there at 3:00, but......this is Culebra, people are happy and they have zero stress. Go....you will love it!

June 1, 2009 MCShelberg

We wanted a quite vacation, celebrating my 50th bday and our 12th anniversary! Room was clean and well appointed with 2 bath rooms. Restaurant was superb. Highly recommend whole red snapper! Jose and entire staff were warm & welcoming. We couldn't have asked for a more inviting place to stay! Almost forgot, the view from our room was perfect, looking onto the bahia! We will return for sure. Great memories!!!!!!

May 6, 2009 lilmomma76_2000

Ok I had visited the property on 4/29/09 to plan my wedding. I met with the manager Luis, who is the most gracious and friendly person... The property was beautiful... The views absolutely breath taking and the rooms clean and spacious, especially phase 2. I also met with Aileen, who is helping me to plan my wedding at the property. She took the time to meet me on her day off in San Juan. Everyone was friendly helpful and totally helpful with my limited budget... If you are thinking of staying here do yourself a favor and do it! The prices are fair and the people beautiful!

May 4, 2009 1snorkeler

We stayed there for nine days in March. We ate at the restaurant the first night , and most every other night the food was so good. it was quiet , clean friendly and a beautiful location,
overlooking a beautiful bay. The owner Jose is a charming pleasant guy who immediately made us feel comfortable. He has wonderful attitude, always ready to help in any situation. He
introduced us to Capt. Bill who owns a 33 ft. catamaran. Capt. Bill took us out for a day of deep sea fishing, sailing and snorkeling. It was the highlight of our trip. bill is a true gentleman with lots of knowledge, and a great cook. Lunch was a feast. Capt. Bill also cooked a fish we caught which was excellent.

Apr 29, 2009 Amber03

This is my second time I stay at the resort. I loved both times, peaceful, beautiful sunsets and the entire staff was every nice. I recommend for a vacation with family, solo and for honeymoon. Spacious bedroom and yes two bathrooms.

Apr 19, 2009 chrisclint

Do your self a favor and get down to Culebra as soon as possible; you'll be happy you did. Going to Culebra and staying at Bahia Marina is an affordable way to immerse your self in a tranquil and beautiful environment at an affordable price. The views are breathtaking, the food in amazing (both at the hotel and around the island), the activities are endless and the people are inspiring. Weather your exploring the island on your own (it has several award winning beaches that are virtually empty) or taking a private sailing cruise with Captain Bill the memories your sure to forge will endure. With that said, once you leave you'll immediately find your self trying to figure out how your going to get back to Culebra to plunge your spirit into what I think is truly a tiny island paradise!

Apr 18, 2009 islandhoppertoo

I’ve been living and working in Puerto Rico for about 5 years now. I love it here and I move about every 18 months to a new “pueblo”. I started in Aguas Buenas then went on to Old San Juan and now I live in Rincon. I have a client who owns a wireless internet company in Culebra and he asked me to come in for a day and help him out. He put me up at the Bahia Marina and just one day there I felt that I had come home. Culebra is beautiful and peaceful. Nothing fancy here, just sun and fun. The staff was great, the food is fantastic. Jose the manager brought me a couple of rounds at the bar where I traded secrets with his computer technician who likes Sam Addams and they just happen to have that beer. One other thing is I left my good Fossil sunglasses and they mailed them to me. Well I am not much of a reviewer so I’m just going to say if you come to Puerto Rico you have to visit Culebra and stay at the Bahia Marina.

Apr 5, 2009 MrT69

Absolutely the best place we stayed during our time around Puerto Rico. The staff is what stood out more than anything else. From Louis, to Jose, to Stephanie the staff made us feel like family (there are several others but their names escape me). Jose appeared to make it his express purpose to ensure we experienced as much of Culebra as possible in our short time there. He ensured we had towels, water, and a cooler before we headed out and when we returned he would take a minimum of an hour of his time listening to a debrief of our activities from my 9 year old girl, Sabrina. Then we can roll in to the food there that was truly excellent and exquisitely fresh. The rooms were very clean with a full kitchen with a balcony overlooking a magnificent bay, but we really didn't spend a whole lot of time in the room. Snorkeling on the island is world class.

Apr 1, 2009 jermey

Oh another addicted traveler to Culebra. Can't say enough good things about this place. I was pretty excited to have found it after listening to tourists on the flight back home complaining about how busy crowded mainland was. The definite gem of the trip was when we went to Bahia Marina. The service was MUCH MUCH more then I was expecting and you can not help but have a good time there. Jose, Luis, Juan, Nelly, Stephanie, Nicole, and Angelica all went way above and beyond to make it feel like they were not serving you but were good friends who were apart of your vacation and wanted to take care of you and Natalie, wow that woman can cook!!! It was a blast and I almost got that Medalla neon sign!!!! We met friendly wonderful people everywhere we turned. While relaxing with the fine looking ladies they hire to work there;) we happen to run into Captain Bill who talked us into going out on his fishing and snorkeling outing and it was outstanding! Although I was too man enough to take the Dramamine which caused us to have to come back to safer waters a little early it was still so much fun and would recommend highly spending the extra money to have him cook your meal for you. It was DELICIOUS!!!! Also you have to rent a Jeep on the island just to experience island driving...WOW that was something I won't soon forget!!! I could seriously go on and on about this place. Miss it already and can't wait to go back!! Keep up the good work. There is a reason you guys are #1. Only drawback was the chef that works the swim up bar no longer works there so it wasn't open but hey guys if you are looking let me know I am ready to come back!

Mar 28, 2009 malalola

Let me start by saying the service was excellent!! Jose the Manager, Juan the go to guy, Angelica the Front desk, Vilma the waitress, Stephnie the Bartender and Natalie the Chef were just amazing!! Jose really does a great job with instilling the true sense of good customer service. He is just kind to his staff and guest alike. I really judge a person on they treat their staff he passed with flying colors! The Bahia is truly a beautiful place you have to see for your self it is too much to explain.
 

Feb 28, 2009 traveler1234515

We stayed for five nights at Bahia Marina in Culebra and truly enjoyed our stay. We were in a one bedroom that overlooked the bay, and the views were even more remarkable than what we saw from pictures on the internet. The suite was clean and served our needs. The two pools were very nice, and one of the pools also had an incredible view from its deck. We had breakfast on our balcony each morning and enjoyed the views of the bay. Since the only meal served at the hotel is dinner, you need to plan on going to the store in 10 minutes away in Dewey for provisioning. As an American territory, most of the items at the store are very similar to what you would find in a small supermarket in the states, at generally the same prices, so no problem. The staff was very friendly, helpful, and by day two everyone seemed to know us by name, and was interested in our trip, and strived to be very helpful. The location in on a hill overlooking the bay, but the beach at Punta Soldado is about a 5 min. drive and then a 10 min. hike to some of the best snorkeling. The island vibe is somewhat similar to that of the British Virgin Islands, which we visited many times before coming to Culebra, except a bit more "American", which means more North Americans and better food, Culebra has less night life than places in the BVI like Foxy's and the Willie T, but Manacitas and the Dinghy Dock were fun nonetheless. And the main beaches, like Playa Flamenco and Zoni, are beautiful and secluded, as advertised. Although everyone has heard of St. Thomas, Its amazing that more people in the states have not heard of Culebra Island, which is within sight of the both the USVIs and mainland Puerto Rico. Kudos to the Bahia Marina hotel owners and professional staff for making our experience so enjoyable. We'll be back.

January 15, 2009 DrBirdWatch New York

I stayed at Bahia Marina hotel in Culebra, P.R. in January 2009. I enjoyed the usual Caribben things such as sun, pool, flowers, however I found the food to be beyond compare. The fish with lime sauce was fabulous. The chocolate mousse was the best I have ever had in my life. The staff was very friendly. Some fascinating people from all over the world were at the Shipwreck bar. The Villas were spacious and clean. A 30 foot catamaran took us out to an aquamarine sea where we saw two sea turtles. We also saw huge frigate birds soaring overhead. When you go, be sure to visit Flamenco Beach, about 10 minutes from the hotel. This is one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world.

January 6, 2009 digucf Wasington D.C.

From the minute we arrived to Culebra, we knew we made the best decision to get away for our 10-year wedding anniversary. The Island of Culebra is tranquil, laid back, and breathtaking to look at. And Bahia Marina is the perfect place to unwind.

A driver picked us up from the regional airport and drove us directly to the resort, where we were greeted by the most warm and friendly staff (Jose, Michelle, and others). From there, we went directly to their expansive pool area (with swim up bar & grill). Just gorgeous--the pool looked out into the plush landscape as well as the magnificent views of the bay and ocean.

The accommodations were equally fabulous. We stayed in the 1-bedroom, 2 bath condo--outfitted with stainless steel appliances, 2 showers, and again, another stellar view of the island from the wrap-around deck. The condo was very comfortable and clean--and close enough (yet far enough) from town.

Finally, the onsite restaurant and bar(s) were another asset to the location -- the friendly staff were very conscientious, personable, and went out of their way to ensure we had a good time. You can't beat the service--and we visited the other resorts on the island.

Overall, this has become one of our favorite secret get-away destinations and we look forward to returning!

 

July 27, 2008 MaryElise

June 22, 2008 Gaelic123

September 28, 2007 DetroitMarlinMan Detroit, MI