Vacation Rentals by Owner

best vacation ever!!!!!

Guest: Kim M.
Date of Stay: 04/21/12 Review Submitted: 05/03/12

What can I say except what a great time my husband and I had. We flew in from Philladelphia and my brother and his wife joined us from Ottawa Canada. The island is so enjoyable. Very laid back and to tool around the whole island all week on a golf cart and feel we were safe the whole time is something you can not say about a lot of islands. I thank Suzanne again for sharing her lovely home with us (strangers). When we arrived on Sat. in Cancun we took a cab up to the ferry. (Book ahead, it's cheaper) We paid 70 US and my brother booked ahead and it only cost him 40US. The house manager Ron was there at the house to greet us and give us the keys and go over a few things and recomendations in the area. The house is so big and there was plenty of room for the 4 of us. Very sound proof. The sound of the ocean at night while you are falling asleep was theraputic. The only thing that we could have done without was the rooster that started some morning at 4AM. But it added to the ambiance. The breezes were wonderful being on the carribean side of the island. There is no beach across from the house but a short walk down the road brings you to one. We snorkeled at Garrafon de castile which was only 50 peso's (approx. 3.60US) for the whole day. I had my own snorkel gear so did not have to rent. What fun, feeding the fish which would surround you in the water. On days we did not go to snorkel we went to Norte beach and relax on the beautiful sand and admire the turquise waters. Watch out for the 2 for 1 Margaritas. They sneak up on you and you'll end up in the water singing T.V. theme songs (my sister in-law and me) It was just another fun day in paradise. The restaurants OMG where do I begin. First of all Limon restaurant not far from the house is my favorite restaurant on the island. It has been open only about 4 months and is moving quickly up the ranks on Trip Advisor. I can see why. The avacado salad as a starter (to share it is so big) was to die for. So refreshing. All I can say is go there!!!! Mango cafe and Barlito's for breakfast are the best. I can't believe I only gained 3 lbs while away. I guess I worked it off snorkeling. All I can say is this island has so much to offer. We never cooked 1 meal at the house but it certainly has everything if you need to. A good local restaurant we came across by accident was La Bruja it is on Cherna. Best Chicken Tacos we ate all week. And reasonable price wise. What a great time, thank you again Suzzane!!!! Kim M

Owner response:Thanks for your wonderful review. It means a lot to us that you took the time to write! Hope you'll be back soon.

Recommended for:

Two weeks of complete relaxation!

Guest: Kelly I. (Acworth, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 12/25/11 Review Submitted: 02/04/12

This is overdue, and much deserved! Christmas and New Years on the lovely Isla Mujeres was wonderful, and was improved by staying in Escalera Blanca. Booking the home through Susan was nearly effortless, as was conversing with Ron before and during our vacation. My husband and I enjoy relaxing and avoiding tourists; therefore, the location of Escalera Blanca was perfect for us. We woke in the morning and enjoyed coffee while watching the sunrise. Later we often jogged to Punta Sur, would return to the casa, and then walk to Playa Norte or to one of the beaches on the East side. Several evenings were spent rooftop and the sunset over Cancun was thoroughly enjoyed. Hotels may be great for some, but renting a villa provides the experience of living on the island, and enables one to truly relax, kick back, and enjoy! My cousin and her husband joined us for part of the stay and they rented a golf cart; however, if you like to walk a golf cart is not needed, as my husband and I did not rent one. Two evenings we utilized a taxi, and the charge was three to four dollars to return to the casa from down town. Cooking in Escalera Blanca was great; the kitchen is larger than it appears in the pictures, there is basic cookware to meet most needs (although a few more bowls and towels would be great), and a great little market is close by. In addition, walk into La Gloria and enjoy local meals; this is where most of our dinners were enjoyed! In addition, we met very friendly locals, and purchased fresh tortillas to enjoy with meals cooked in the casa – at 160 pesos per kilogram (about $1.25 for 2.2 lbs.) they are quite a bargain! The casa is lovely, the views from the pool beautiful, and the rooftop is a great place to enjoy wine and cheese while enjoying the sunset. The only challenge to staying at Escalera Blanca is knowing that the stay is only temporary…leaving was difficult, and we look forward to a return visit!

Recommended for:

Escalara blanca week

Guest: Kelly K. (Dunnellon, Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/23/11

We decided on Escalera Blanca after our first choice ( the shell house) fell through due to lack of communication with the owner. Not so with E.B.s Suzanne Story. She provided accurate information that put my concerns at ease. However, getting to the Casa requires some planning. Unless you have your own plane or boat you must fly into Cancun...then taxi to the Isla ferry dock for the 20 min. ride to Isla...then another taxi to the Casa which has no house numbers. With a map showing the Casa location non english speaking driver drove by the Casa that I reconized from pictures. Once there we were delighted with the views, amenities & cleanliness. The location is such that makes markets & eateries easy walks. However, if you really want to cover the Island, a golf cart is your ticket. Since we did the whale shark trip & I did some scuba diving, the cart was a must. Our cart was almost $400 for 6 days. Also the rental company neglected to provide a cable lock & our cart was stolen overnight as it was parked in front of casa. That night 3 young women were robbed as they slept in a casa about a half mile from our casa. Keep everything under lock&key. Don't be put off though, this is a lovely place to relax & do things. Suzanne & property managers Ron & Gabby were there to provide assistance & awswer all our questions. I will recommend this propery to my friends.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Escalera Blanca - An Idyllic Retreat

Guest: oleander (minneapolis)
Date of Stay: 03/29/11 Review Submitted: 06/16/11

This is a late but nonethless heartfelt review of our stay at Escalera Blanca 3/29-4/08/11. We have been vacationing on Isla for 5 yrs., having stayed previously at Villa Vera on the Macax Lagoon, and also at Privileges Aluxes and Color de Verano at Playa Norte. While each of our other rental properties were terrific, Escalera Blanca afforded the most space and privacy. The house is visually appealing, both inside and out, and is as comfortable as it is attractive. We rented a golf cart for the duration of our stay and when we weren't out touring, we enjoyed sitting on our patio by the pool. House is well appointed, and we lacked for nothing, in terms of linens, dishes, kitchen equipment, etc. House has wi-fi and 3 flat-screen TVs. View from the bedroom & top level porches is gorgeous. We both spent a good amount of time just sitting and taking in the view of the sea. For those of you who are always on the go, staying at the house will slow you down, as you become aware of, and look forward to the sunrise and sunset, the comings and goings of the birds who visit the pool, (some became so familiar that we named them), and the sound of the waves. Suzanne was very helpful before we arrived & answered our e-mails promptly. Ron checked in to see if we needed anything while we were there. All was well - a perfect trip. There were only 2 of us - my husband and I - but the house could easily accommodate several more people comfortably, with 2 bedrooms & 2 baths. If you are new to Isla, do visit Peter & Annelise Krinsky's Asia Caribe on Ave. Hidalgo. We have been dining there since they opened, and recommend it highly. They are known for their sticky pork ribs, fish a la Bangkok & mango mai tais - all favorites of ours. And they are delightful hosts too. Wander around the colonias - you are sure to find a favorite little bakery or restaurant. Isla is wonderful - safe for women to travel to alone, as I and many others have done, charming, friendly, beautiful and just downright enchanting. And if you make Escalera Blanca part of your vacation experience, you are sure to come away with many magical memories.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sad to Leave Escalera Blanca

Guest: Verna (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 11/08/10 Review Submitted: 11/27/10

Our star was from 11/8/2010 - 11/15/2010. Escalera Blanca is a charming and beautiful house with an open feel. We were only 2 girls visiting, and there was plenty of room to spare. The washer and dryer was the biggest convenience, allowing us to pack light. And it was great to be able to call the U.S. from the house phone. The view was stupendous and breathtaking. I slept with the balcony door open every night and was lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Caribbean. I felt completely safe doing so. The grocery store is a 10 minute walk if you walk at a strolling pace and is open until 10pm. If you want to experience a beautiful island and live among the locals with a little bit of luxury, this is the place. The pool was on the cold side, but that's to be expected around this time of year as the sun goes down by 530pm. We still used it, of course. We couldn't resist. Ron, the property manager was always available and offered great advice on where to eat and Suzanne was great at answering questions over the phone and email. The only thing I would suggest you bring is shampoo and conditioner. Soap was supplied and there were plenty of towels to go around. I highly recommend this house because it is away from the touristy "Centro" but is roughly a $1.00 (US) cab ride to the center. My friend and I felt no need to venture off to Cancun as we are not into the big party scene, but if that is what you like, it is very convenient to take a day trip off the island. Rent this place. Be adventurous and walk around the neighborhood. There are plenty of little mom and pop restaurants which are inexpensive, offer great food, and is safe to eat. Everyone you will come across is friendly. Even the dogs. You'll have a great relaxing time.

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

Beautiful Villa

Guest: Sarah (Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/20/10 Review Submitted: 10/02/10

We just got back from a very relaxing vacation at Escalera Blanca. The property has beautiful decor and both Suzanne and Ron were a pleasure to deal with. Although there is no swimming beach nearby, the pool was great and it was easy to take a cheap taxi or a longer walk to the nearest beach. The island was charming- quiet and friendly- but still quite a few restaurants and bars. Would recommend to anyone looking for semi-secluded vacation.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

The perfect place on the island,

Guest: Darielle (Magog, Québec, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/15/10 Review Submitted: 05/19/10

The villa was better than I expected, all the infos were wright, but being there was so powerful in the sense that we felt so good, we did not want to leave the house. The view is one of the best of the island. You can see and ear the ocean in all the differant room in the house. There is so much details that makes you love this house. The layout is pure genius with symplicity. This has a feeling of an open house with the kitchen, bar , living room and dining room all on the same floor and the coziness of the second floors , with 2 gorgeous suite.The whole place is soundproof. You can listen to music and the other can do whatever. The stairs have beautiful tiles between the steps and the steps are made of cement.; so you can not slip as you go up and down the stairs. Love them! We enjoy the pool night and day ,we cooked fantastic meals,everything you need is there. The cork screw was broken.,the next day Ron 'the charming house taker', arrived early with a new one and some extra wine glass .He was very helpful. You could easily get in touch with him. The view is one of the best of the island. The little golf car would stop in front of the house and people would take pictures of the waves crashing into the cliffs 'It wont bother you because the little wall gives you all the privacy you need. we use to wave at them. This is were Jean and I would go snorkeling, If you can pass your fear of going down those rocks you will find the best little nook for snorkeling, shell collecting, I think there is one feet of shells to walk on and lots of beautiful fishes. Another great experience was snorkeling in the cenotes,ask Ron where to go. If you decide to go to XCaret. take the all include from the ferry on the island. We were also very lucky, a tropical storm just finish as we arrived, than we had beautiful weather. The Caribbean side is at least 10 degrees cooler. You will enjoy north beach, if what you love is a safe comfortable beautiful long white sandy beach, have a margarita, good food and meet nice people. There is a lot of nice little shops to buy souvenirs, some more fancy than others. There is really good new designer in mexico. If you want to buy fish you have to do it between noon and 2pm ,take that advice seriously. I reserve a fish and was there at 4pm. All the fish were send to Cancun. Than you can get a cab for 2$ and go back to your villa in paradise listen to the waves. Thank you Susan!

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

Great week on Isla Mujeres.

Guest: Island Escape (Madison, WI)
Date of Stay: 03/16/10 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

Just got back from spending a week at Escalera Blanca. We couldn't have been more pleased with the house. It's just like the photos show- if not better and the view of the ocean is spectacular. Going to sleep and rising to the sounds of the waves crashing on the coast was awesome. The location of the house on the middle portion of the island is also great. We rented a golf cart for the week and it was only about a 10-15 minute ride to either end of the island. The house has everything you need. We made breakfast several days and the kitchen was well-equipped for cooking. Plenty of clean linens and beach towels. Having a washer and dryer in the home is also a nice plus. The wireless internet and satellite t.v were also appreciated and helpful for keeping up with March Madness. Suzanne, the property owner, is fantastic to work with and is very responsive to emails. Ron, the property manager on the island, is also great. He was friendly and helpful and gave us a list of recommendations for restaurants to try. Overall, it was just a very relaxing vacation. We'll look forward to returning in the future.

Recommended for:

Simple Luxury

Guest: WYHT SOX (Des Plaines (Chicago suburb) IL)
Date of Stay: 08/09/09 Review Submitted: 08/16/09

We stayed at Escalera Blanca from Aug. 9-14, and couldn't have asked for better accommodations. This was our first vacation using a rental property as we usually go the all inclusive route, but the privacy and uniqueness to having a private residence was unmatched. We were on our own schedule and the pool never closed. Suzanne and Tony were a joy to work with and their home is simply beautiful. The decor is traditional Mexican Hacienda with tiled floors and vibrant Mexican/Caribbean colors and textiles. The artwork that graces the walls are beautiful and fit the theme of the home well. The air conditioning, Directv, and wifi were welcomed creature comforts as was the ipod dock and stereo which I enjoyed poolside on a nightly basis. The home was clean and everything worked as expected. There are many options on Isla Mujeres but if you want a lovely home with all the amenities expected from a luxury property then Escalera Blanca is an ideal vacation option. We were a group of 5 adults and were very comfortable. Rent a golf cart so that you can come go with ease and try the dining options outside of the Centro as there are many nice eateries all over the island. Ron is the house manager and lives on Isla and is very knowledgeable about the island and has a wealth of information to make your stay even more enjoyable. Isla Mujeres is truly a gem in the Caribbean and staying at Escalera Blanca only makes your stay better. Note to the next renter: I left half of a bottle of Tequila to get you started.

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

ESCALERA BLANCA - THE BEST TRIP OF OUR LIVES!!!

Guest: Anna (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/10

A beach holiday is only good if you have the following: sunny weather, a comfortable place to spend your time, close to the beach and a great group of people. Escalera blanca delivered way above our expectations. It was definitely love at first sight. The place was perfect; it felt like walking into a well-to-do relatives second home with pleasing colors and plush beds throughout. Ron, the property manager, made sure we had everything. He even ensured we could celebrate our friend's bachelorette party properly despite the island being dry the weekend we arrived. We couldn't recommend this place more. Mexico is one thing, but Isla Mujeres and Escalera Blanca are a step above. Don't walk, run and book this. But only if we haven't already rented it before you. Ron & Suzanne we love you: Lori, Anna, Julie, Danielle, Carrie & Natalie

Recommended for:People with disabilities, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

ESCALERA BLANCA - THE BEST TRIP OF OUR LIVES!!!

Guest: Anna (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/29/10

A beach holiday is only good if you have the following: sunny weather, a comfortable place to spend your time, close to the beach and a great group of people. Escalera blanca delivered way above our expectations. It was definitely love at first sight. The place was perfect; it felt like walking into a well-to-do relatives second home with pleasing colors and plush beds throughout. Ron, the property manager, made sure we had everything. He even ensured we could celebrate our friend's bachelorette party properly despite the island being dry the weekend we arrived. We couldn't recommend this place more. Mexico is one thing, but Isla Mujeres and Escalera Blanca are a step above. Don't walk, run and book this. But only if we haven't already rented it before you. Ron & Suzanne we love you: Lori, Anna, Julie, Danielle, Carrie & Natalie

Recommended for:People with disabilities, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Stay!

Guest: De nada (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/22/09 Review Submitted: 04/01/09

Escalera Blanca is a delight! The accommodations were perfect for two couples. The home is equipped with all the amenities and then some. (I don’t have three flat screen TVs at home!) Susanne, the owner, was warm and friendly- very helpful as we planned our trip. The on-island caretaker, Ron, was helpful and responsive throughout our time on la Isla. AND we loved Isla Mujeres’ laid back style. Overall, we had a wonderful trip!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Beautiful Place to Escape

Guest: DGB (Columbus, OH)
Date of Stay: 11/22/08 Review Submitted: 12/15/08

This was our second stay as Escalera Blanca and it was just as wonderful as the first. The house is beautifully decorated and has every modern convenience. A great location away from town. But unquestionably, the best part of the Escalera Blanca is the view that greets you every morning as you look out the window from bed... the brilliant blue ocean is right there! And both bedrooms have the same view. We started each day with coffee and pastries from the local shop around the corner, sitting by the pool, gazing at the ocean, feeling the ocean breeze. We will be back soon!

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

Corporate Lobotomy

Guest: EPF (Arkansas, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/05/08 Review Submitted: 11/06/08

We loved our three week stay at Escalara Blanca on the beautiful Isla Mujerres. The only reason I could not give a 5 star rating is due to some mechanical difficulties during our stay. In all fairness, we visited during low season and this is the time that property owners allow for repairs of their homes. However, the owners, Suzanne and Tony, did everything they could to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. We love the island and the home is wonderful and met all of our needs. We invited our son and our moms for the first week and all had a great time. The following 2 weeks were just for my husband (who needed the corporate lobotomy) and myself. The sites, the food, the beaches, the relaxing atmosphere, the locals, the friendliness, the absolute beauty of the island and the unforgettable view of the Carribean are forever etched in our minds. If you are looking for a beautiful secluded island, a fully equipped and oh so lovely Mexican villa, a never ending view of the Carribean, great beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and all the fine dining and activities you could want, Escalera Blanca would be my recommendation.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Family Vacation

Guest: Margarita Girl (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 06/23/08 Review Submitted: 09/24/08

We loved this house. We were there in June. It was wonderful. The house is beautiful. The view is spectacular. The house is set up with everything we needed. And Suzanne is a joy to work with. We would stay there again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.