Casa Robinson

At any given time, Isla de Culebra hosts a fun, friendly mix of tourists, island natives, and mainland residents (many visit the island regularly). Guests don’t come to Culebra for luxe factor -- it’s much more of a laidback escape from the mainland where intimate guest houses are the main accommodation theme. Casa Robinson is indeed dated and simple -- but its serenity and stunning views are something special. By day, most guests hit the nearby beautiful beaches. By night, most action is centered near the ferry terminal in a modest but charming (and often lively) array of bars and eateries. Casa Robinson is poised high on a steep hill in a calm residential pocket, from what feels like the highest vantage point in all of the island with its lofty three-story structure that dominates the hillside. The site was obviously picked for its view factor -- a sweeping 180-degree panorama across Ensenada Honda Bay. Wide tiled verandas (that access rooms) wrap the soft-yellow rendered brick building with sunny open common spaces that capitalize on the view. The hilltop setting's energy is calm and tranquil -- with exposure to welcome trade wind breezes that take the edge off warm temperatures. Gardens feature local succulents out the front and lush tropicals around the side. Island native Elias Robinson (a retired chief of police who also goes by “Robinson”), built the property in 2005 and continues to reside on-site as its manager. Many guests appreciate Elias’ local insight and kindness (with free pickups and drop-offs to new and departing guests), while others seem to clash with him. 

Casa Robinson is located on the southern side of Isla De Culebra -- a small, relatively undeveloped island just off the east coast of Puerto Rico. There are a couple of transportation options to and from the mainland. The fastest is by plane from San Juan Isla Grande Airport. This option takes around 35 minutes and costs around $100, depending on the carrier. Alternatively, travelers can drive to Fajardo (one-and-a-half hours from San Juan), and take the regular ferry service departing several times a day, for about a five dollar ticket. The passenger ferry takes around 45 minutes, and the cargo ferry takes about an hour-and-a-half. These boats fill up quickly, so it makes sense to purchase tickets ahead of time and get there early, especially in busy seasons. Once on the island, taxis are available (but they aren’t cheap). Most visitors hire a Jeep or a golf cart to get around -- they’re available for hire right next door to the airport. Casa Robinson is a three-minute drive or a 13-minute walk (up a steep hill) from Culebra Airport, and about a five-minute drive from the ferry, where an array of vibrant bars and restaurants are on offer. From Casa Robinson, it’s a 10-minute drive to dazzling Flamenco Beach. There are also a bunch of food shacks serving cocktails and local delicacies just off the beach. Other island highlights include Zoni Beach (15 minutes’ drive) and Culebra National Wildlife Refuge (five minutes by car).

Set over three levels, Casa Robinson offers eight rooms -- and while they’re simply decorated with homey decor, each has its own persona. Tropical retro artworks and faded photo beachscapes scatter the walls, and mismatched wooden furniture is more practical than stylish. Subtle paint and fabric colors vary from room to room. Five rooms sleep two guests, and three of them (equipped with sleeper sofas) sleep up to four people. All rooms offer kitchenettes, and Room One  features a full kitchen. Kitchenettes include microwaves, a basic assortment of implements, and coffeemakers, although ingredients for tea and coffee are not offererd. Flat-screen TVs are provided, as is free Wi-Fi -- and while we had no trouble, some guests find it patchy. Bathrooms are on the small side with stand-up showers and a basic assortment of individual toiletries (although number eight has a whirlpool). Rooms open onto wide, sunny shared verandas that showcase sweeping ocean views. All rooms have air-conditioning, but it’s nice to simply open the doors to access the view and invite gentle breezes inside. 

Casa Robinson is a guesthouse, so on-site features are limited. Given the property’s high vantage point, the panoramic views are its main highlight. Guests receive 10-percent off at the nearby car rental joint which is a plus. Additionally, the hotel's owner provides free transfers at the airport and ferry -- which should be arranged in advance. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout, and there’s a shady pergola with a hammock and gas barbecue available for guest use in the front garden. Outdoor washers and dryers are on offer, and there are a few parking spaces (although the steep driveway can be awkward) Otherwise on-street parking is an option.