Vacation Rentals by Owner

Exactly as Promised!

Guest: Jon & Katie (Kansas City, MO, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/07/12 Review Submitted: 03/12/12

My wife and I booked a last minute getaway and the owner was very easy to work with and very helpful. The arrangements were handled over the phone and his group in Mexico was very informative with emails, directions, personally showing up at check-in and checkout and they called on us during our trip to make sure everything was ok. They helped us get a personal driver who was extremely nice and made us feel very welcome. We got off the plane, walked outside and there was a man holding a sign and calling out for us. They met us at the condo and gave us a full tour and even helped me figure out how to make phone calls on my cell. Needless to say the service was perfect---Now on to the Property... AWESOME. It was a beautiful three story condo and every bit as nice as it looks in the pictures. Very clean, very spacious, and had evrything you needed for convenience and comfort. The private rooftop deck was our favorite spot and we spent most of our time up there, even showered up there during the day when we wanted to cool off or rinse off the sunscreen. The other people in the property were very nice and gave us lots of local restaurant recommendations, our favorite one being a pasta restaurant that was a complete hole in the wall, where you eat in a gravel parking lot covered by tents and yet somehow it is very romantic and the owner and his son are very hospitable and made all the the guests feel like family. The condo had comfortable beds/linens, plenty of very soft/large beach towels and the air conditioning and bottled water were both very nice. The location was perfect and we were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go, felt very safe and would return at any given opportunity!! Thanks so much for a great vacation, we have been to Playa four times now but until this trip we had always done the All-Inclusive Resorts but this was by far the best way to go.

Owner response:Thanks you for your great review. I hope others will read this and know that they are getting a fabulous condo in the best location for a reasonable price. We love getting honest reviews like yours. Please come back anytime. We would love to have you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great condo!

Guest: Missy (Utah)
Date of Stay: 01/31/12 Review Submitted: 02/10/12

We just returned from Playa del Carmen. We loved this condo! It was very close to restaurants and the beach. You could walk everywhere you wanted to go in town. Simon was terrific to work with. Thank you, Scott and Simon, for all of your help!

Owner response:Our condo is located in the BEST location in Playa. Thank you for your review and hope you will return soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A PERFECT Thanksgiving & 3 weeks at the Hacienda San Jose "Fiesta Playa"

Guest: Merryplayatraveler (United States)
Date of Stay: 11/16/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

"An EXCELLENT CHOICE, wish it was longer!" Our stay at this San Jose Hacienda condo exceeded our expectation as to size, location, condition and amenities. We received GREAT service and timely communications from the Owner Scott and once in Playa, from "Mexico Escapes" (the local mgmt company) Many THANKS to SIMON!. This was our fourth trip to Playa del Carmen and this has been our BEST choice (so far). This is the 1st review we have ever written. Many other rentals we have used on VBRO really feel like "rentals" but not this condo! We were extremely happy that the owners clearly know how to provide the comfort, amenities, cleanliness and services so you feel like you are in a well cared for home. Please know if you are physically challenged with stairs this may not work for you. We are lucky to be healthy and the view from the top deck is simple motivation especially with a cold margarita at sunset or to hang out in the hammock and read a book or two! Thanks again to Scott, Dan and Simon (we wish you rental success, you deserve it and we hope to be back in 2012!)

Owner response:Thank you for your comments and hope to have you return soon. So happy our home exceeded your expectations. We do have a wonderful management team!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect beach getaway

Guest: BrooklynClasby (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

We had such an amazing time!!!!!  We are already planning our next trip back ASAP!  The house was amazing just as you promised and we fell in love with Playa. All of the advice and tips that you akk offered was perfect You were so right about going in October. It did rain but the house had umbrellas and the massages, bars, and shops were a quick and easy walk even in the rain and was surprisingly relaxing and a great start to our vacation. We basically took all of yall's recommendations. Kool was great the service was amazing if you go ask for gabriel or fernando. Erik was great we took his advice and he got us to tulum early before the crowds. When we finished he took us to akumal and had us rent the snorkels at the turtle place and then went to the lagoon and then back to the turtles. He was absolutely amazing and very knowledgeable. One night we even slept on the roof deck in the hammock! The roof top deck was by far the best part of the house. Also the concierge was extremely catering-they changed the code and forgot to tell us so on Monday they showed up with a bottle of wine. Simon was quick to give us suggestions and book a few things for us.  Thank you again for all of your help.

Owner response:Thanks for your great review. We offer a wonderful private driver and are so happy you enjoyed your stay. Our management team is the best in Playa.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We had a blast!

Guest: DN (Chicago, IL )
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/13/11

Our vacation was wonderful. We loved your place, clean, bright, breezy (had the windows open the whole week didn't need the air) and great décor. The location was great, we walked everywhere. Most of the restaurants we liked the best were not on 5th Ave, every place open late. The beach is just around the corner. Shopping just steps away. The pool and court yard are clean, quiet and well maintained.

Owner response:Our location can't be beat. Just steps to 5th avenue, shopping and the beach. Thanks for sharing!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful time at Hacienda San Jose

Guest: Family of four (Victoria)
Date of Stay: 03/10/11 Review Submitted: 05/02/11

My husband and I, along with our two teenage daughters, had a wonderful stay here in March of 2011. This was our first time to this coast of Mexico, and it was everything we hoped it would be. The condo is exactly as you imagine from the photographs and it is literally steps to both 5th Avenue and the beach. Fantastic restaurants are also just around the corner! We felt very safe in this neighborhood and our young teens enjoyed the freedom of walking up and down 5th Avenue by themselves to shop and explore, while we relaxed in the condo or sat in a restaurant on the avenue. The unit has everything you need with excellent cleaning service. The deck was an oasis and it was very quiet up there. Our girls also enjoyed the pool. The complex is small and everyone was very friendly. We also stayed in a top end all inclusive for a few days (as an experiment) and we all agreed that staying in Scott's condo was the highlight of our trip. We particularly appreciated all the help Scott gave us in terms of advice on where to go and sightseeing. Highly recommended.

Owner response:We are in a very safe location. Our private rooftop terrace is great for relaxing and enjoying the ocean views and breeze. Thanks for sharing your opinion of our property and gald it was all you expected.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wow! Wonderful location, stunning views, and all the amenities

Guest: Michelle (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 08/19/10 Review Submitted: 09/24/10

We stayed at this lovely penthouse in the middle of august. I went with my two kids and the nanny. The weather forecast was for thunder storms everyday. Don't let the forecasts scare you off. We had 20 minutes of rain on 2 different days out of 6 and that was it! Otherwise it was sun, glorious sun! This lovely penthouse was just what we needed for our stay and worked perfectly for the 4 of us. We used the grocery delivery service offered by the property management company which worked wonderfully. They were able to get everything we had requested including fresh spinach! The full kitchen allowed us to cook for ourselves when we felt like staying in and the amazing location gave us access to Playa's best restaurants! The top level patio afforded stunning views and a wonderful place for the family to hang out and BBQ in the evenings. The pool was perfect for the kids as there is a nice shallow area separate from the deep end. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Owner response:Our property manager lives in Playa. They have their own crew and are available 24X7. They all speak English and will make your stay a memorable one plus our location can't be beat!. Thank you Michelle and hope to have you again real soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Relaxing, Enjoyable Holiday

Guest: tanlines58 (Penticton, British Columbia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/06/10 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

I apologize for being somewhat tardy with this review. My wife and I -- along with another couple -- spent two weeks at Fiesta Playa in March of 2010. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time and the condo exceeded our expectations. The location is great. Only a block off Fifth Avenue, but away from all of the noise. Also a short walk to the beach, although with so much on our plate durung our stay, we only actually went to the beach twice. We usually walked to the Mega store (about a 15-minute walk) for supplies every couple of days. Getting away from Fifth Avenue also opened our eyes to countless smaller restaurants. The kitchen was great. Large enough for three people to work together The bedrooms were also very comfortable. Our favour spot in the condo was the roof-top patio where we gathered for our morning coffee -- to plan the day ahead -- and for our evening cocktails to wind down. There were a few minor bumps in the road, but they were handled quickly and efficienty by the property managers. All in all, if we decide to return to Playa del Carmen in the future, we would probably look at staying at Fiesta Playa again.

Owner response:Our condo is very spacious with over 2100 sqft and a huge private terrace. Our location can't be beat. So glad you enjoyed your stay and thank you for posting.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Heaven on Earth!!!!

Guest: Anita (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Date of Stay: 02/19/10 Review Submitted: 06/17/10

I could not have been more pleased with my stay in this condo. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the large roof top terrace. Ocean views and sea breezes make for a VERY RELAXING vacation. The property was well maintained with a fully equipped kitchen if you wanted to cook. However, with so many nearby restaurants we didn't find it necessary to do so. The location was ideal. Close to the beach and a block off of 5th Avenue. We discussed renting a car but it just wasn't necessary. Thank you for providing wifi. Can’t leave home without it. I look forward to many more stays in this condo and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a first class condo, in an excellent location, at a reasonable price. Thank you again!!!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Juan Varela (Markham, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 02/15/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/10

We just came back from Playa del Carmen where we stayed 1 week. Easily one of our top 3 vacations ever.Great location conveniently located; close to Quinta Avenida and the beach. One of the things we wanted was to drive around the Mayan Riviera; that is why we looked for an apartment rather than a Hotel. Paying for an All-Inclusive hotel makes you stay there…we looked for the freedom to hang around. It was worth it... we went to Akumal, Coba, Xcaret and Coconut beach; all beautiful places.As we heard multiple times, it was close to paradise.Great place; great food; amazing views. Unforgettable memories.Juan Varela and Family

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Guest: pat hutchings (omaha, ne)
Date of Stay: 02/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/10

We had a wonderful time at Fiesta Playa. The management team was helpful, the condo was fully equipped and very clean,and the location was perfect. Five stars!

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Guest: veronica10 (culver city, ca)
Date of Stay: 07/23/09 Review Submitted: 07/23/09

Our family loved Fiesta Playa! The condo itself is beautiful with very relaxing Mexican decor. It was very convenient to everything: the beach, restaurants, Mega and La Michoacana (yum!). The staff was wonderful and Hortensia the house keeper was amazingly thorough. We would love to go back next year (maybe for 2 weeks) and will definitely let you know. Thanks again for a beautiful vacation, Paul, Veronica, Elian & Lola Pellegrin

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/20/09 Review Submitted: 07/19/09

We had a lovely time staying at this condo. Everything was better than we could have hoped for. The staff was great. We look forward to stating here at another one of fiesta playas condos.

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Guest: Sean19 (Pittsburgh, PA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/09 Review Submitted: 05/27/09

My wife and I really enjoyed our time in your condo. It was quite spacious, beautifully decorated, and centrally located. We really enjoyed that we were only about 2 blocks from Mamita's Beach (where we spent many of our days)....and a block in the other direction from 5th Ave. Being first time visitors...we were concerned that the location would be good. We found out that we were on the more trendy and newer side of 5th Ave...a great spot! This was a big plus for us. The apartment was also equipped with a great visitors guide that we referred to on more that one occasion to find the best restaurants (all of which were in walking distance). Finally, we really enjoyed the nice pool out front, and the large roof deck upstairs. We had a nice view of the ocean from the deck, and we could also hear the live music from PG's down the street. It was very private and secluded up there. We would definitely stay there again, and plan to upon our next trip to Playa. As for the management team, they were quite helpful. When we arrived, there were a few people working in the apartment fixing the air conditioner (they had found out just before we arrived that it needed replaced). They were all quite friendly and got the job done by the end of the day. I'm glad they took the initiative to go ahead and get it fixed, because we definitely needed it. The property manager (cant seem to remember his name?) was also quite helpful. He told us about the hot spots to go to, and also some of his favorite places to eat. He also gave us a good idea for a day trip to Xel-Ha, the outdoor eco park. We had a great time there.....and he told us what to expect with the cab fare. Also, the maid service was great. We used the house very sparingly (we were outside most of the time), so it didn't require much cleaning. But it was nice to have the clean sheets and towels and she was very friendly. Overall I would recommend Playa and especially the condo Fiesta Playa to anyone looking to have a relaxing, safe, and carefree vacation. We'll be headed back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/23/09

We truly enjoyed staying at Fiesta Playa. The location was perfect for us...one block off the main prominade, far enough away for quite evenings and close enough to enjoy in a matter of minutes. The local restaurants close by were unbelievably good. Your property is very well maintained. The beds are comfortable with ample room in the closets. The terrace on the roof offers great views as well as a private area for sunbathing. The kitchen is huge, and all the appliances functioned very good. The living area is comfortable, as is the fold-out bed. The management was very attentive to our needs, and the maid service was very good at their work. Both Management and the maid service went out of their way to be cordial and make sure our stay was perfect. Thank you for a very hospitable time in Playa del Carmen. Thanks again, Steve & Lisa PS... We would highly recommend the Italian Restaurant at 24th and 10th. I believe it is called El Pascatore. The Swordfish Mediterranean was the best I have ever had. We also had the Grouper, as well as the Clams and Mussels with Fetticini. El Fogon was real true Mexican and very good, but not a fancy place. For Argentinian beef, the best place is 1/2 block up 10th from El Pascatore.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/19/09

I have stayed here 4 times so far in the last 4-5 years and cant wait to get back. I have traveled the world and this is one of my absolute favorite places to stay. 1 block to the best beach and 1 block to 5th Ave. The accomodations are perfect for a relaxing vacation get away. The roof deck with the view of the ocean is just outstanding. I CANT WAIT to get back. Recommend the local barber, massage therapists and dive shop right across the street. People are freindly and I always feel safe here. Great place!!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/12/09

I have stayed at this property 2x and I am planning my 3rd trip. The accommodations are clean, spacious, conveniently located and offers any service you could ever want or desire. The beach is close and is the most popular beach in Playa del Carmen. Any shopping you need is also within walking distance; so if you don't want a car you won't need one. I would highly recommend this property for your vacation or get away needs !

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Playa del Carmen condo

Guest: Suzanne and Peter (Kelowna, British Columbia)
Date of Stay: 12/10/08 Review Submitted: 02/20/09

This condo was lovely... well furnished, very clean and comfortable, with a Mexican flair. The location was excellent...very close to Mamitas beach club, great restaurants, and 5th Avenue in the northern part of Playa del Carmen. Our family of 6 adults including my two sons and their partners, were able to come and go as we pleased with no safety concerns. We have been to Mexico several times and still enjoy Playa del Carmen the most because it is clean, you can beach walk for miles, the swimming is great, and the town itself is great for exploring...not too big and not too small....and no hugh highrises. We like the north end because it is not as crowded, yet everything is easily accessed. That being said, I would not recommend this property for anyone with mobility problems because the outside spiral staircase [and indoor one] would be difficult to navigate, since the main entrance is one floor up. The rooftop patio was well utilized by all of us in the evenings and the hammock and lounge chairs proved to be popular. We did not use the pool much at all as it looked lovely, but there were no lounge chairs provided or good spaces to lie around outside. That was okay with us as we wanted to enjoy the zen of beaching it and being by the ocean..so no problem. We would love to come back again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/05/08

I have stayed in some wonderful VRBO houses all over the world -- this is one of the best for putting you comfortably in a cool location. 1)Private, yet with a roof top garden overlooking everything. 2)Perfectly in the middle: one block from the beach; one block from the 5th Avenue stroll. Quiet but near the action. 3)Deluxe comfort in a real townhouse, not a plastic resort. And nice people to work with. Thanks Scott.

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Guest: AE3
Date of Stay: 07/07/08 Review Submitted: 07/06/08

Comforts of Home Date of Stay: May 2008 We had a wonderful time. The location was great--away from the noisiest part of 5th Ave, and so close to the beach, where we spent the majority of our time. The condo was very comfortable and well equipped, and plenty large enough for the 5 of us (me--7 months pregnant, my husband, my friend--6 months pregnant, her husband, and their 2 year old daughter). I would definitely recommend it. It was like having all the comforts of home, on vacation in Mexico!

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Comforts of Home

Guest: AE3 (Salt Lake City, UT)
Date of Stay: 05/10/08 Review Submitted: 05/21/08

We had a wonderful time. The location was great--away from the noisiest part of 5th Ave, and so close to the beach, where we spent the majority of our time. The condo was very comfortable and well equipped, and plenty large enough for the 5 of us (me--7 months pregnant, my husband, my friend--6 months pregnant, her husband, and their 2 year old daughter). I would definitely recommend it. It was like having all the comforts of home, on vacation in Mexico!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/26/08

Hi Scott: The four of us that stayed at Fiesta Playa from Jan 19 - Feb 2/08 thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Your condo is in a great location. Nice and spacious, great full kitchen, bedrooms were cool, rooftop hammock relaxing, and the girl that came in to clean was a real gem. The other guests at the complex were great to socialize with while we relaxed some afternoons at and in the pool. We showed other guests of the complex your unit and they were quite envious of us. The north end of Playa is such a vibrant area yet it was not noisy while at the condo. The beaches, only a block away, are fabulous. Great waves to play in. We spent time at Kool where they know how to great their guests. We would definitely stay at Fiesta Playa again. Jocelyn Nanaimo, British Columbia

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Guest: Robert & Linda
Date of Stay: 01/03/08 Review Submitted: 01/02/08

Hi Scott: Just wanted to express our sincere appreciation for all courtesies extended by yourself & the Mexico Escape Team for our stay at Fiesta Playa ! We had an absolutely incredible time & loved everything about our stay there...from Maria...to Juan...to Mike...all of Jans' team were exceptionally attentive & accommodating...also many thanks for the wonderful information that you provided us with re restaurant, grocery, & sight seeing offerings...several times to La Siesta for phenomenal pizza ! Loved The Glass Bar...The Blue Lobster...Babes...Can certainly appreciate your attraction to Playa & your phenomenal penthouse !...it far exceeded our expectations...Robert & Linda Kelowna BC Canada

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Far Exceeded Our Expectations !

Guest: Robert & Linda (Kelowna, BC Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/03/08

Hi Scott: Just wanted to express our sincere appreciation for all courtesies extended by yourself & the Mexico Escape Team for our stay @ Fiesta Playa ! We had an absolutely incredible time & loved everything about our stay there...from Maria...to Juan...to Mike...all of Jans' team were exceptionally attentive & accommodating...also many thanks for the wonderful information that you provided us with re restaurant, grocery, & sight seeing offerings...several times to La Siesta for phenomenal pizza ! Loved The Glass Bar...The Blue Lobster...Babes...Can certainly appreciate your attraction to Playa & your phenomenal penthouse !...it far exceeded our expectations...Robert & Linda Kelowna BC Canada

Owner response:Thank you for your excellent rating of Fiesta Playa. Our goal is to enhance your vacation by offering unsurpassed service. Please come again

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Guest: DPJR
Date of Stay: 09/20/07 Review Submitted: 09/19/07

We had a wonderful time. The rooftop terrace was beautiful. We spent nights having an appetizer and drinks admiring the views and enjoying the cool breeze. We cooked in during our trip several times in the spacious kitchen. This condo was very spacious, you felt like you were in a single home. The location couldn't have been better. Close to 5th avenue and the Beach. We will definately be back and will refer Fiesta Playa to all of our friends.

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Guest: fishey2
Date of Stay: 08/21/07 Review Submitted: 08/20/07

Reality of condo and location even better than expected! Comfortable, beautiful, fully stocked and accessible. Grounds well kept, pool sparkling and area safe and quiet, yet close to beach and 5th Ave. action. Mamitas beach hands-down best beach in Playa. Perfect for 2 couples or family. Enjoyed the view and ocean breezes daily on the rooftop, siestaing in the double hammock

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Downtown Jewel

Guest: fishey2 (Eau Claire, Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/20/07

Reality of condo and location even better than expected! Comfortable, beautiful, fully stocked and accessible. Grounds well kept, pool sparkling and area safe and quiet, yet close to beach and 5th Ave. action. Mamitas beach hands-down best beach in Playa. Perfect for 2 couples or family. Enjoyed the view and ocean breezes daily on the rooftop, siestaing in the double hammock

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Wonderful Place

Guest: dpjr (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/19/07

We had a wonderful time. The rooftop terrace was beautiful. We spent nights having an appetizer and drinks admiring the views and enjoying the cool breeze. We cooked in during our trip several times in the spacious kitchen. This condo was very spacious, you felt like you were in a single home. The location couldn't have been better. Close to 5th avenue and the Beach. We will definately be back and will refer Fiesta Playa to all of our friends.

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