Budget Million Dollar View Condo, Playa Del Carmen

• WOW - Heaven on Earth !!

  WOW - Heaven on Earth !!

  • Guest FLH
  • Date of stay 04/19/13
  • Review Submitted 04/30/13
  We had the absolute PLEASSURE of staying in this unit 2 weeks ago and as the title implies – “WOW – Heaven on earth!!” To begin, the unit was VERY reasonably priced compared to the many available to choose and by comparison. The cleaning team had just completed preparing the unit and it was spotless and frankly appeared in new condition. As advertised, it was well furnished with everything that was expected; furniture, pots, pans, utensils, etc. However there were very welcomes bonuses, bogie boards, rafts, pong paddles, and an array of available water worthy toys that complimented the time in and near the water. We would have spent over ½ day shopping to acquire these items if they had not been available – VERY nice touch. The units view was STUNNING; over a 180 degree view both inside and outside the unit of most beautiful beach setting of multi-toned aqua blue Caribbean inviting water one will ever want to experience - AGAIN “Heaven on Earth.” The real treat is the fact that after viewing the afore mentioned water and beach, we were able for 6 glorious days to enjoy the beach and the dedicated club area providing overly comfortable lounge chairs, Mexican straw umbrellas, on-beach massage service, and only steps from the unit – Again “Heaven on Earth.” We could people watch, join the people we watched, and were steps away from boating, parasailing, and jet-skiing which were all available. Gander across the ocean and were able to see Cozumel standing proudly in the sun while daily cruise ships entered and departed the city. The pool was a huge, stone marble based construction, clean as the skies were blue and the perfect temperature every day. Aside the pool was rows of chairs for lounging accommodating our daily nap and to complete the experience was a sauna pool side to enjoy at will. A commons area was offered to all residents including a business center, party room, workout facility, and rooftop sauna – Again – Heaven on Earth.” The other residents/renters were absolutely the best; friendly, informative, and inviting to the extent that Scottie invited us to her monthly full moon party also attended by 50 other wonderful participants –Daily beach walks, both AM and PM were always on the agenda as we were able to walk south to beautiful 5th Ave. with its amazing restaurants, shopping, and sights as well as north for a views of the openness and other resorts - .AGAIN "Heaven on Earth" Special thank you to Carla the owner who provided insight.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, people with disabilities, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• Can't be better than this!

  Can't be better than this!

  • Guest Joseph
  • Date of stay 04/07/13
  • Review Submitted 04/13/13
  This is the second time visiting Sand Castle at the Elements and will keep coming back as long as Carla let us, every body has been very professional included reception offering help bringing groceries, with a very warm welcoming. Allan and Matt are very professional, very charming and knowledgeable of the area, will fix any problems if any. The pool area and the jacuzzi are very well kept and clean, as the private beach are always pristine clean, fantastic restaurants and stores are close by. Lots of activities to do around, or just relax by the "pinch me now what a view deck ". The best of 5th Avenue just a few steps away. An Amazing vacation! I will rate this place an A+++++ and will recommend this condo to any one. thank you Carla again, will come back!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, people with disabilities, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

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• Disappointing

  Disappointing

  • Guest Carsten p.
  • Date of stay 03/10/13
  • Review Submitted 03/27/13
  Good location, is the best we can say about our stay in the condo from March 10th to 24th. Upon our arrival the reception did not know of our arrival, and an arrogant lady at reception told us that they had no apartment with the names or apartment no we had been given! Eventually we had to point out to her which apartment we had rented. It was clearly stated that When renting through the company handling this condo - this was to expect. From that moment on - we got no service/ help what so ever from that reception. We booked for 5 people and were promised an inflatible bed for the 5th person in our party- but there were no bed in the condo. We got that the next day. The aircondition broke down in the masterbedroom in our first week and in the second bedroom in the second week. More than 20 times during our stay we had electrical power outage. We asked that some one was sent over to look at it- but they never came. We did NOT have the Aircondition on when sliding doors was open so this was not reason. The kitchen utensils are not sufficient for 5 people ( or 4 for that matter) so we had to dish after each meal. In our 2nd week the door handle into the second bedroom broke- but was quickly fixed. The jacuzzi was not properly maintained and day after our arrival some of the other residents had to ask the staff to clean it. It had a black line of mould and dirt at the glassfiber inside the jacuzzi. This happened several times during our stay - even though the staff cleaned the pool every morning they seemed to miss the jacuzzi. As I wrote initially - the condo has a good location - but the service all around it was not good and price is too high for this quality if you add all things up. The best thing about the Area was the 2 ladies giving massage at the beach, they were outstanding. Sorry to say that condo and the service as such was a disappointment. Br .

  Owner response: Thank you for your feedback. I do wish to point out that the jacuzzi was not in the condo, but rather on the pool deck ... thus the responsibility of the Elements development. Carla, the Elements concierge, was new and sometimes we have to be a bit understanding. (I have relayed your concerns to Rene, the Elements General Manager, who will look into the problems you experienced.) Yes, that week there were issues with the fuse box, which have been corrected. After all, It IS Mexico :) I will do a thorough evaluation of the amenities in Sandcastle so that our guests will continue to enjoy a magical and relaxing vacation in Playa del Carmen.

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• Wow and Wow!!

  Wow and Wow!!

  • Guest Barrie
  • Date of stay 05/25/12
  • Review Submitted 06/16/12
  Had a terrific time at the Sandcastle. The view of Coco Beach is endless!! With the curtain up you literally feel that you are on the beach.The booking process was fast and easy and the condo was in pristine condition. The private area reserved for Elements had more than ample lounges, tables and umbrellas. The pool is crystal clear and refreshing. The area is very quiet and safe. Close to beach activities like massages, fishing, scuba and jet skis. All said...STAY HERE!!

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

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• Great first stay in Playa

  Great first stay in Playa

  • Guest ChrisBrendaGA
  • Date of stay 11/13/10
  • Review Submitted 12/15/10
  We recently stayed in the Sandcastle unit from 11/13-11/20/10. We had 4 people in our group ages 35-38. The condo is absolutely beautiful with spectacular views! The majority of our time was spent on the spacious balcony overlooking the private beach area and ocean. The complex amenities were great- especially the pool area. There are 2 on-site massage therapists- definitely take advantage of this service. It can't be beat. Carla provided us wonderful resources and suggestions for eating/shopping in Playa. Allan and Matt who assist with management of the rental were also very responsive and helpful during our stay. I can't speak highly enough of them. The condo is at the end of the "tourist area" but within walking distance of all the action on 5th avenue. If you don't feel like taking the short walk down 5th, taxis are readily available. We did not have any difficulty getting to or from the condo when we choose to take a taxi. We had a wonderful time here and we are so glad we choose a condo rather than an All-Inclusive. It really gave us the freedom to do our own thing and try several of the great restaurants in town. I can't wait to go back! Wishing I was there now!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

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• Amazing Location!

  Amazing Location!

  • Guest KellyinCanton
  • Date of stay 11/13/10
  • Review Submitted 12/03/10
  Our trip from November 13-20 was so perfect! We loved the condo and had a really great stay. There were a couple of days of rain but we did not let that put a damper on our spirits! The North American property group gave us lots of recommendations and helped to setup a couple of excursions as well. Overall AMAZING trip! I can not recommend this location or Playa Del Carmen enough! Go... you will love it!

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

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• Stylish family getaway on the Riviera Maya

  Stylish family getaway on the Riviera Maya

  • Guest jefe
  • Date of stay 07/17/10
  • Review Submitted 08/01/10
  We just got back from 10 days in Playa del Carmen and could not have ended up staying at a better place. This is a beautiful, spacious condo with a stunning view. This is one of the best units in the Elements condo complex: it's at the very front with a direct view onto the ocean and, as a corner unit, is very quiet. You can overlook the pool from the balcony, as well. We were able to pack very lightly and do most of our cooking in the unit because it was so well apportioned with kitchen and laundry amenities. The elements pool is stunning: beautiful round-glass inlaid tile, multiple depths (but nothing too deep), and huge! Lots of families seemed to hang out at the pool, but it never felt crowded. For those traveling with kids it's great to have a pool and beach literally less than a minute away, giving you multiple options and a way to break up the day. The beach is small and secluded and far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Playa to get some peace and quiet, but close enough so you can easily walk down and do some people watching and enjoy the scene. There are many great restaurants within walking distance to this unit, especially Cueva del Chango (excellent authentic Mexican food) and Piola (snazzy, modern Italian bar and restaurant). For day trips, we ended up going to Tulum three times (ruins, Paraiso beach club, Ana y Jose beach club) and visiting the spider monkey sanctuary outside of Chemuyil. This unit comes with a great property management group and concierge service as well, which was able to help us out with transport, activities, and offer great restaurant and shopping advice. I highly recommend this unit to anyone looking for a stylish and affordable family getaway far from the crowds.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Great place, Great View!

  Great place, Great View!

  • Guest Nina A.
  • Date of stay 03/13/10
  • Review Submitted 04/05/10
  My family stayed at the condo and had a wonderful time! The place is beautiful and the view is great! My girls (7 & 8 yrs old) loved the access to the beach and the pool. The owners were very nice and gave us great restaurant rec. and tips on the area. It was convenient to the hot spots (a short walk away) yet away from it all. We can't wait to go back!!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• • Guest Rebecca87
  • Date of stay 11/16/09
  • Review Submitted 11/16/09
  This is a lovely unit, one of those located closest to the beach and pool. The unit itself is lovely with comfortable & tasteful furnishings, and there are 3 seperate air conditioning zones in the bedrooms and main living area. It's a corner unit with lots of windows. A beautiful sturdy screen door was installed while we were there to let the lovely breezes through the unit for 'natural air conditioning'. There is access to the condo rooftop hottub. Playa del Carmen is the most fun place you can imagine!!! So much to do with downtown, live music all over the place at night, people of all ages enjoying the evening. Take a comfortable and convenient local bus to go to Tulum or one of the other attractions like Xelha etc. We've been all over the caribbean and one of beaches we went to in South Tulum was as pretty as ANY of the beaches we've seen. Beautiful!!! We had a fabulous time, ate food all over Playa without any kind of problem..so may delicious choices. If you decide to rent, ask the owner and she'll give you the scoop on things to do and how to get there.

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5/1/2013-12/15/2013         $1200/week
12/16/2013-1/3/2014         $3000/week
1/4/2014-5/1/2014           $2100/week
5/2/2014-12/15/2014         $1450/week
12/16/14-1/3/15             $3100/week
Long term rentals 1/5-5/1/2013 are $4200/month
Long term 5/2/2013-12/15/2013 are $3800/month
+ 11 % tax   NO extra Booking fees or Amenity fees.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.