Bump. I would like to know as well. I saw a review form last year that stated it was not yet finished.

We decided to rent it but don't go until mid-April. I'll be glad to let you know how it is after that.

Thanks -- I look forward to hearing about it. Enjoy!

be very careful there have been reports of damage deposits never being returned even though there has been no damage. I would be very careful and document and take photos.

We looked at Casa Tropicana too. The owner wanted full payment up front as well as a damage deposit.

I had also read the review about the damage deposit not being returned. Although that was only one side of the story, it was enough to make us rethink and cross it off our list.

The owner did send pictures of the newly remodeled bedroom and it looked really nice. But there are too many "what ifs" for us.

Find another rental!

We stayed at Casa Tropican in Feb. 2008. Owner is miserable to work with. We did NOT get security deposit back. The house is not finished and would be dangerous for a family with children. It was musty, the kitchen sink leaked, there was no hot water in kitchen (we prepared our meals so heated water on stove to do dishes!!) Owner said there was never hot water! We were plagued all week by bill collectors looking for money for overdue satellite and phone bills. There is no property manager on the island. We rented the owners Jeep. He neglected to mention that the gas gauge and wipers do not work. Our stay in Vieques was wonderful but we would never return to Casa Tropicana.

We need to bump this thread periodically,to warn people. My understanding is none of the house managers will work for him.

Out of curiosity how much is the damage deposit he has yet to return to a single client.

I know this doesn't help you now and I'm so sorry you ran across such a terrible example of a VR owner. But as a VR owner myself I think it's important for us as a business to have reviews posted online for potential guests to read (and I realize these can be manipulated/faked), good advertising (IMO more than one website) and good communication with guests. I would caution future VR renters to do their due dilligence whether that's using TA or some other site to make sure your money is well spent.

I'm so glad to hear that this didn't ruin your trip overall but it's appalling that there are people out there that treat people like that! It's been a tough year, rentals have been down but that's no way to keep a business afloat!

Sorry, off my soapbox...

I have to chime in here.

We also rented Casa Tropicana and did not get our deposit back ($500). We even left the house cleaner than we found it!

DO NOT RENT THIS HOUSE!! The owner is obviously a scam artist who never intends to return people's deposits.

However, I would encourage you to visit Vieques. It is a wonderfully unspoiled place with warm, friendly people. There are probably many other nice houses to rent from legitimate people. Just be careful.

Feel free to contact me with any questions through this website.