Guest: Cynthia (-)
Date of Stay: 08/01/10 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

I can unequivocally state that my week in Merida at the Casa Santa Ana was the finest vacation I have ever experienced. The house is a refurbished colonial structure on a street in the capital city of the Yucatan. Once inside its unpretentious doorway one walks into a cool, high-ceilinged apartment that feels airy and expansive and quiet. Its concrete surfaces are simultaneously cool and calming as well as warm and polished, with a feeling of its native country. Its walls are tastefully decorated with original art and its doors are tall and made with warm wood. There are two ample bedrooms, a foyer/dining room, a spacious kitchen and a sitting room that opens on a patio. They are all well-ventilated, furnished with antiques and very inviting. The kitchen is well-appointed with cooking and eating utensils that would serve the needs of anyone who enjoys these activities. The entire apartment is clean and breezy. Its patio features lounge chairs, a beautiful miniature orange tree with delicate leaves and blossoms, a wonderful swimming pool which has underwater lights for night and a waterfall that can be turned on at will—all surrounded by a high wall which completely isolates one from the outside world and affords the luxury of lounging and swimming naked at any hour—something that the balmy temperatures invite. There is a stairway to the roof to enjoy breezes and observation. The colors and textures of this lodging are exquisite. The premises were always clean and it was quite easy to obtain water and multitudes of local oranges. It afforded me an environment that was close to paradise and should be imitated everywhere. Our experiences outside the house were delightful and enriching as well. There was a great ease in being able to walk through the city, enjoy freshly made juices and fresh local food in the local markets—one of which is within walking distance of the house, The life of the city is friendly, relaxed and safe. We enjoyed plazas with music and dance, cultural galleries and beautiful local churches as well as being able to walk to a more modern boulevard with museums, banks, and restaurants. Our forays outside the city were exciting. I found the entire experience of arranging our trip and staying at this house very easy, warm and inviting. Should one desire an authentic experience in the Yucatan with honest, elegant amenities, staying at this house is likely the best way to accomplish this. Cynthia Cold Spring, NY 10516

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Great Private Pool. Enjoyed our stay.

Guest: Liz ( Quintana Roo, Mexico)
Date of Stay: 07/25/10 Review Submitted: 02/19/11

My husband & I have rented vacation homes from Andrea and her promanagement team for over 3 years, she did not disappoint with Casa Santa Ana. In fact, we are now repeat renters of Casa Santa Ana. Peaceful environment. wonderful location.

Recommended for:Pet owners, age 55+.

Great Stay

Guest: Phil (Merida/NY)
Date of Stay: 09/07/10 Review Submitted: 02/19/11

I had the pleasure of renting the house for two weeks while work was being done on my house. I loved the layout, location, pool, and helpful support staff. The set up of the den opening to the covered outside dining area looking over the pool was really great. Perfect indoor/outdoor living - I used this all the time. I also found myself constantly looking at all the great art work. An overall great stay and I would highly recommend this house.

Recommended for:

stunning and comfortable

Guest: Frank (New York)
Date of Stay: 02/01/10 Review Submitted: 02/17/11

The best part of our trip to lovely Merida-after all the Mayan ruins, charming church squares, great live music, food and tropical heat-was coming "home" to this house. It was very clean and comfortable and felt like a real home. We loved relaxing by the pool with a refreshing drink and enjoying the perfect night air in the garden. Would definitely go back.

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

A great play to stay

Guest: Joy (New York City)
Date of Stay: 11/18/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in this house. The house is conveniently located in relation to all the places you'd want to go in Merida-- while also an oasis of peace and quiet in the middle of the center. I found the house well-maintained, clean and well-equipped and even a lot nicer than the photos. I would heartily recommend it.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+.

It's not all bad

Guest: ethel the frog (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/09/11 Review Submitted: 02/06/11

My wife and I spent two weeks in Merida from January 9 to 23. We really liked the city and the people we met and are considering buying a house there. Since we had the occasion to see several homes with our Agent, some of our impressions of Casa Santa Ana are ‘by comparison’. The house is quite nice and large and is owned by two artists from the U.S. It is full of their own art and some local crafts. The street, Calle 66, is quite busy and noisy but there are lots of those in Merida. The location is quite good with short walks to all the key attractions and amenities in Centro. There is a thoughtful book of tips for finding things in Merida and lots of beautiful coffee table books of the Yucatan and of Mayan art. The owners have chosen to keep the house quite basic, almost cottage like and it therefore foregoes some of the comforts built into other renovated properties. The kitchen and bathroom are strictly concrete affairs. The bathroom is vented to the utility room through a screen window so if you are on the toilet, you do not want the pool boy to arrive. The utility room keeps, propane tanks, which leaked into the bathroom. The patio doors have large gaps which admit mosquitoes, which were a problem. There is a TV and satellite service as advertised but the TV itself is somewhat smaller than my laptop screen and sits on a book shelf far from where anyone would sit. Now, we do not travel to exotic locations to watch television but on a rainy night it is nice to relax with a movie. Forget it. The trees in the back yard drop oranges and flowers into the pool which then has to be skimmed every day. The biggest problem was the poor management of the property. The house was not ready for us. The pool was dirty but the cleaner was sent the next day. It was never again cleaned after that and by the end of the first week it turned bright green and slimy despite e-mail requests to send the cleaner. The shower was so limed up it hardly worked. It was repaired after several days. The maid did not come for the weekly cleaning. After requests, she finally showed up three days before we left but she was not even going to change the sheets until asked. When it came time to leave, management did not have our deposit to give us. I had to come home and set up a Paypal account to get my money back. Even then it took ten days and two e-mails to get the deposit back. Not the end of the world, but certainly the icing on the cake.

Owner response:Casa Santa Ana is a completely restored colonial style house in one of the most desirable areas of Merida. Real estate prices reflect this as any agent will confirm, and is quiet "by comparison". The house contains a collection of international art and antiques and is anything but basic. Hardwood furniture ( unavailable in Merida ) and antiques were shipped from our home in New York. This expense and hassle discourage most homeowners from this option. A unique lighting system illuminates the art by controlling the desired light. The, " concrete affairs " were intentional. Mexicans are master craftsmen in stone and concrete. The fully equipped kitchen contains state of the art appliances rarely found in a rental. The interior of bathroom cannot be seen from the pool, an absurd allegation. I refer you to the photo on our listing. Mosquitoes are a fact of life in the tropics and insect repellent an effective deterrent. If they poses a health threat we suggest you stay home. With cultural events ( often free), a well stocked library and high speed wireless we did not feel a TV a priority. If you require a large flat screen TV this is not a house for you. The pool has its own well and state of the art pool machinery. Water is replenished rather than recycled so cleaning is simple and efficient. The house is managed by a professional team that manages most of the better houses in Merida. Testimonials and listings can be provided upon request.. All guests are met at check-in to familiarize them with house operations and are lent a local cell phone with programed contacts to facilitate communication so problems can be immediately reported. If the house was dirty on arrival it would be evident then. It was reported that a house visit was made to assist this guest with the oven and bottled water. Any complaints could be made at that time. We have an excellent cleaning staff ( and a fully stocked linen closet, ) who unfortunately do not speak English. I was told that when these guests were met at checkout they became irate when their deposit could not be returned upon departure. No guests should expect this. Deposits confirm reservations and cover utility costs ( clearly stated in the rental agreement ). . Deposits are refunded after energy costs are known and a house inventory complete. This guest did not open a Paypal account to receive a refund. It is how he made the required deposit.. Rest assured all deposits are refunded or you would read it on this page.

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Guest: Wendy Matthews (Bethel CT)
Date of Stay: 12/04/08 Review Submitted: 12/04/08

We had a wonderful stay in this meticulously renovated house. All the comforts of home, combined with the exotic location -- who could ask for more? The house is comfortable and quiet, despite being in the middle of this fascinating and beautiful city.

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Guest: Claire Lofrese (Beacon, NY USA)
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/01/08

A friend and I had a wonderful stay at this Casa. The house is a beautifully renovated colonial filled with fabulous art, all of the modern conveniences (kitchen, laundry, internet, cable), a pool perfect for cooling off and space for al fresco dining. Its location is easy walking distance to the museums, markets, restaurants in the center of Merida. It is also an easy drive to historical sites in the area such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal and day trips to the Gulf of Mexico and surroundings are done on the many buses that are available. I highly recommend it!!!

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