Amazing views!

Guest: Paul (MN, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/13/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

We just got back from Isla Mujeres and this was our most pleasant vacation yet. We normally rent a house in the Playacar neighborhood of Playa del Carmen, but decided to return to Isla Mujeres again after 10 years away. Luckily we found Casa Marlena for rent. I cannot describe how nice the views out the deck and pool area are. If it were up to me, I would have just sat there for a week strait staring at the sea. We only went downtown once during our stay. We personally like getting away from crowds so our preference was in the area of the house and the whole Punta Sur area. It was in the high 80's for our stay but we never once needed air conditioning. The ocean breezes were perfect and cooled the house nicely (A/C is available if you want it). If you do want a change of view, walk 10 minutes to the oposite side of the island and you are almost in a different world. Several nice places to eat, drink, and hang out beachside are within a few minutes walk from the house. We were not able to swim right off the beach from the house, but we walked north along the beach for a couple minutes and there are several nice spots to swim there. I was slightly disappointed the first day because there was quite a bit of garbage on the stretch of beach just north of the house, but the next day went back and somebody had gone out and cleaned and raked the whole beach by hand. I assume the garbage washed up in the heavy waves before our arrival. We travelled with our 11 y.o. son, and felt completely safe our whole trip. We were planning on just using taxis to get around the island, but after renting a golf cart from Ciro's we decided that was the way to go. They were about $40 per 24 hour period, but we found the freedem of just hopping on the cart and going somewhere and easily finding a spot to park anywhere we went to be really nice. I would also recommend hiring Carlos for the airport transfer to the port and back. He was precisely on time each time we met him. We did not do it, but he also offered to stop at Sams Club on the way if we wanted to pick anything up. We just bought groceries on the island for the meals we cooked at the house. As for the house, it is just what you see in the pictures. It is clean, comfortable, and has washer and dryer. We packed everything we needed in just one regular backpack each, and did laundry as needed, thus avoiding checking (losing) any baggage. We would definately recommend this house just for the views and privacy alone.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

privacy and relaxation

Guest: Robin (-)
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/02/11

Comment: My husband and I vacationed to Isla Mujeres in May, 2011. We were looking for privacy and relaxation. Casa Marlena was just what we were looking for! We spent our days mostly by the pool. The first few days, the ocean was calm and we were able to snorkle in front of the house. We were pleasantly surprised at what we saw. We have paid to see much worse. Even saw a ray. We rented a golf cart for 2 days, to get a feel for the island, but the taxi service is the way to go. Some days, we walked to a nearby restaurant and caught a taxi back for about $2. The beach below the house is a little tricky to get to, but is a pretty comfortable climb down. The limestone cutouts below are a great place to read or take a nap. We enjoyed the iguanas as well. While I have been to prettier islands, the combination of cheap air, reasonable lodging, private pool with ocean, and reasonable good food makes a trip to Casa Marlena something I would like to do over and over again. Thanks for a great week. Robin

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Airline pilot

Guest: Jerry (New Haven, Mo)
Date of Stay: 02/08/11 Review Submitted: 02/16/11

First let me say that I would come back. Our stay was very pleasant. Here are my thoughts on pros and cons. PROS Very private....house next door no problem unless you have really noisy neighbors. No other house on the coast for 1/4 of a mile. Cell phone was nice touch. I had a cell phone that works in Mexico so I didn't need it , but for others, nice Pool is a great addition, although a solar heater would be nice for those colder days. Still very nice. Great location away from most of the tourists! Only home renters and day sightseers come by. Works well if you bring a car and use the ferry. [save a lot over overpriced golfcarts, and it is easy to drive the island] CONS The first is not so much a con as a clarification. Although there is a beach of some sort right out the back door, the climb down from the sharp rocks would not be recommended. Since it is on the windward side the waves and current make it way too dangerous most of the time to swim or snorkel. If you look at it thinking you will be doing much swimming off your back porch , I would reconsider. Swimming and snorkeling are only 5 minutes away at Playa del la castilla del Garfon. Cute place where the "knowing" people and the locals go. If your a light sleeper know that the waves on the windward side here are not gentle "lapping" waves. It can be a "crashing thunder". Most times what you might find at a California beach. Wind can also come whipping in off the Carribean and make things noisy. Otherwise, like I said, I think I would still go back.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers.

Guest: Fred and Linda (-)
Date of Stay: 12/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/14/11

"We really enjoyed Isla Mujeres! The vistas from island are very beautiful. Unfortunately, we did pick a cold weather time where for four days the temperatures stayed at 70 during the day and from 48-60 at night. And the wind howled. We met many Minnesotans, Iowans, and Canadians and they all said that the weather was the worst they had experienced, but to a person, we were all glad we were on the Isla. Our last two days on the island were perfect, low 80s but still a little windy.Our itinerary was a little shaken by the wind, temperature, and our son and daughter. Neither of them wanted to get up earlier than 9AM so many times our days did not start until 10:30 AM, if we were lucky. Now for the things we did and enjoyed. We ate – (in our order of preference) – Olivias (everything was good, we all shared meals), Mango Café (egg quesadillas, Jamaican Benedict), Sunsets, Jax (great hamburgers, Vikings, bowl games, and WiFI), Bamboo, Rolandi Café, Argentine Steakhouse, and Mama Rosa’s (they are forgettable and learning how to be a restaurant, but prime location). We also ate, 3 of us, at the Hotel Rolandi on the west side. Beautiful dining room, expensive but very, very nice.Beaches – Zama, Playa Norte, and Playa Tiburon – all great.Sites -- Turtle farm, Punta Sur the walkways around the ruins the views and wave action, floating house, both towns, food stores, and the New Year’s celebration was very cool. Golf carted all over the island, and I still have places I want to explore. Casa Marlena is very comfortable and roomy. Nicole may have told you by now that we had trouble with the shower heads and the TV. But we made everything work for us. We did have our portable DVD players, so no big deal. Lastly, an extra set of keys would be good because of teenagers (see below).What we would do differently. We would probably stay at the Playa Norte, if teens are with us, because of being able to walk to some things in the morning and not being so dependent on taxis et al. But taxis are part of the experience of the Isla. I did not know that some of them gave tours. When you come home, in our case to MN, you really are impressed by the roomy interior of a minivan. True American culture shock. We would pack lighter, but always bring at least one polar fleece and/or a sweatshirt. And do not bring teenagers (especially those who fight and yell). Thus endeth the vacation summary. Now I am trying to figure out how to go back

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Guest: Fred and Linda (-)
Date of Stay: 12/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/14/11

"We really enjoyed Isla Mujeres! The vistas from island are very beautiful. Unfortunately, we did pick a cold weather time where for four days the temperatures stayed at 70 during the day and from 48-60 at night. And the wind howled. We met many Minnesotans, Iowans, and Canadians and they all said that the weather was the worst they had experienced, but to a person, we were all glad we were on the Isla. Our last two days on the island were perfect, low 80s but still a little windy.Our itinerary was a little shaken by the wind, temperature, and our son and daughter. Neither of them wanted to get up earlier than 9AM so many times our days did not start until 10:30 AM, if we were lucky. Now for the things we did and enjoyed. We ate – (in our order of preference) – Olivias (everything was good, we all shared meals), Mango Café (egg quesadillas, Jamaican Benedict), Sunsets, Jax (great hamburgers, Vikings, bowl games, and WiFI), Bamboo, Rolandi Café, Argentine Steakhouse, and Mama Rosa’s (they are forgettable and learning how to be a restaurant, but prime location). We also ate, 3 of us, at the Hotel Rolandi on the west side. Beautiful dining room, expensive but very, very nice.Beaches – Zama, Playa Norte, and Playa Tiburon – all great.Sites -- Turtle farm, Punta Sur the walkways around the ruins the views and wave action, floating house, both towns, food stores, and the New Year’s celebration was very cool. Golf carted all over the island, and I still have places I want to explore. Casa Marlena is very comfortable and roomy. Nicole may have told you by now that we had trouble with the shower heads and the TV. But we made everything work for us. We did have our portable DVD players, so no big deal. Lastly, an extra set of keys would be good because of teenagers (see below).What we would do differently. We would probably stay at the Playa Norte, if teens are with us, because of being able to walk to some things in the morning and not being so dependent on taxis et al. But taxis are part of the experience of the Isla. I did not know that some of them gave tours. When you come home, in our case to MN, you really are impressed by the roomy interior of a minivan. True American culture shock. We would pack lighter, but always bring at least one polar fleece and/or a sweatshirt. And do not bring teenagers (especially those who fight and yell). Thus endeth the vacation summary. Now I am trying to figure out how to go back

Recommended for:

Guest: a&a (-)
Date of Stay: 03/01/10 Review Submitted: 09/07/10

We stayed at Casa Marlena for a week in March 2010 and had a fabulous time! The house is private (appx 4 miles from town), easily reached by golf cart or taxi. We especially enjoyed our morning walks along the ocean, down to the sculpture garden park and the spectacular views. The pool is new and very well done (very private) - great for cooling off in during the warm days. The house is well laid out and spacious (we were with another couple) - it is clean and well stocked with appliances, dishes, etc. It was very quiet and peaceful, and we felt safe at all times. We would definitely return for an extended stay!

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Great Location

Guest: Boyntonhaus (Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/21/09 Review Submitted: 08/26/10

Shae, sorry it took so long for us to write a review. We loved the place! It is on the windward side of the island and almost at the south end of it. Very much secluded and beautiful. Great snorkeling right outside the back door. The view in the morning was incredible. Saw dolphins swimming one morning. The house itself was just great. The swimming pool was just being built when we were there but I can imagine it will be awesome. The roof of the house was most enjoyable. Donna and her husband were Johnny-on-the-spot when we needed something. Our stay was pleasant and relaxing. You are far enough away from town to enjoy it and close enough for it not to be a problem. We enthusiastically recommend this relatively inexpensive vacation place.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

Guest: Theresa39 (-)
Date of Stay: 03/19/10 Review Submitted: 03/19/10

Hi Shae, Just wanted to tell you what a great vacation we had at Casa Marlena and at Nautibeach. The house was beautiful and we really enjoyed being there. It was a little quiet for us after a few days. So the day we had to return the golf cart we moved to Nautibach. Thank you for allowing us to do so. It was good to be able to see both rentals. We were really impressed with how beautiful the beach was. And how easy it was to just walk to town. I plan to book Nautibeach for a future vacation. Hopefully next March again. It was by far our best Mexico vacation. We have some friends that are interested in your rentals so I will be passing the info on to them. Again thank you and be looking for our next reservation. Teresa and Bill Bernard

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Guest: M and M Harman (North Liberty, Iowa USA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/09 Review Submitted: 10/01/09

Amazing!! the Casa Marlena is so private and the pool is great! The Casa Marlena was perfect for the "get away from it all" we wanted. We had never been to Isla before and were afraid we might get bored. We rented a golf cart and never left the island for 8 days. We got in the pool every evening that we were there. We want to go back with our friends, soon!

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Guest: Dave and Barb (-)
Date of Stay: 04/09/09 Review Submitted: 04/09/09

Hi Shae: We had a blast and everything went great. The Isla house is wonderful and your pictures do not do it justice. I will send one of mine and see what you think. We ended up with a golf cart and explored Isla thoroughly. We introduce ourselves to Izzy and have a photo. I would make a bigger deal on your website about the coastal walk that literally begins at your home. It is spectacular and for the well informed none of the parks opens early so you can walk through the sculpture garden and all the way into Garrafon without any trouble (or fee). Carisa(this guest stayed in our Cancun condo too.) balcony was fantastic for our schedule. The college kids stayed up all night and we never heard them. In the morning when they were heading to bed we were heading out for our walk, then to the beach, and then to sun on the balcony. Around 1:00 pm the balcony was in the shade and we had enough sun by then so it was book reading time. By early evening the hung-over students were heading back from the beach to sleep off their hangover for a few hours before they started again which made for a perfect early and quiet dinner time for us. The Chili's next to the Hard Rock has a great balcony also, and their prices were about 30% to 40% cheaper than the Hard Rock. We ended up walking the entire length of the Hotel Zone "7" over three days by taking the bus part way and walking part way. The ferry ride to Isla is worth every penny. I have never seen water so beautiful on the trip from Puerto Juarez! Dave & Barb

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