The Mexico you may have thought no longer existed...

Guest: Brian in Seattle (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

Christmas and New Years in Lo De Marcos was beyond our expectations in so many ways. It pains me to write this, because I want to be back there so much, rather than in grey, dreary Seattle. The house is extraordinary, sweet, and cozy. The pictures do not begin to do it justice. Patti and Dave have done an incredible job creating an exquisite and charming hideaway on the beach. Open, airy, with a perfect amount of space for two couples, the house could not have been more comfortable. We spent nearly every night cooking in the kitchen or on the grill, and then eating out on the veranda - with the pounding waves just off shore, and happy Mexican families enjoying their holidays on either side of us. The beach is without a doubt a gem among beaches in Mexico. Soft sands, and short enough for satisfying walks, but long enough to have adventures at either end. With lava rocks, tide pools and coves at both ends, and just tons of sand and surf in between, it is everything you seek and want in a beach, but without the hordes of other tourists who can clog up resort areas. LDM is most definitely still a Mexican town - not a gringo P.V. wannabe. And therein lies its charm. You can really feel a part of a small Mexican village, meet its families, enjoy its commerce, while still having that beach vacation you need to recharge. If you want surf lessons, hair braiding, gringo english in every restaurant, go to Sayulita & join the cue. If you want to enjoy peace, beauty, tranquility, and the joy that comes from being part of a real culture and living in harmony with that culture, LDM may be your perfect spot. Lastly, I must say a word about Patti and Dave themselves. You may not have the opportunity to rent the house when they are there, but that would be a shame, because their presence at the house made our experience so much more rewarding. Patti and Dave are incredible people - full of warmth and joy, and take obvious pleasure and pride in their home, and their community. Dave's advice about local vendors is impeccable - he will not steer you wrong. Their presence in LDM is an obvious blessing to the local people, and they have made a profound impact on the town through the after school program that they have founded, "la casa de los ninos"; be sure to check it out. If more people tried to make positive impacts on the places that they dwelled, it is certain that the world would be a better place. We cannot wait to return, again, and again.

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

Guest: Tana and Paul Carlson (-)
Date of Stay: 02/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/10

Our 19 day vacation could have gone on forever. The spot is magical, the climate perfect, and the accommodations, warm, welcoming, and most importantly, AS ADVERTISED. We loved being on the beach yet in walking distance to everything the town had to offer. Lo de Marcos is simple, non commercial, friendly, and makes it easy for you to slip into its charming rhythm almost from the start. We debated whether or not to rent a vehicle for our stay but found taxis and drivers readily available and inexpensive for the few daytrips and touring we felt like doing. Our landlords, Patti and Dave couldn't have been more helpful or friendly without being intrusive. We felt we were their guests and that we made new friends while there. The information packet they made available to us when we made our reservation was really quite complete and informative. If you're looking for glitz and structured activities this is NOT the place for you. If you love to read, write, philosophize, march to your own tune and just let your days unfold according to your whim then this is a wonderful place to vacation.

Recommended for:

Guest: Kendall4 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/12/09 Review Submitted: 05/12/09

We spent 10 days at the Casa in April. It was our fourth year in a row and we loved it as much as the first time. The house is beautiful as always, and was recently refreshed with new paint inside and out. My daughter, who was 2 on our first visit, is now 6 and had a fabulous time in the pool for many, many hours every day. We hope to continue to make an annual trip to Lo De Marcos, and stay in our favorite house there!

Recommended for:

Guest: Bart & Vickie (Foam Lake, Sask.)
Date of Stay: 02/11/09 Review Submitted: 02/11/09

Just what we needed! This place is only second to our new old friends, the owners, Patti and Dave. The casa is amazing and clean and definately upscale. The beach is the best there is... secluded, warm water, icing sugar sand, incredible swimming. The people in the village of Lo de Marcos are very special, each warm and friendly and sincere. Make sure you visit Casa de los Ninos while there. We have found paradise and will be back!

Recommended for:

Guest: Art Quinn & Gail Saunders (Port Coquitlam, BC. )
Date of Stay: 02/06/09 Review Submitted: 02/06/09

Wow! We have enjoyed vacationing in Mexico for years but the experience at Casa Lo De Marcos was, without a doubt, the best ever. Quiet town, quiet beach, beautiful accommodations and wonderful hosts. What more could you ask for. We absolutely loved it!

Recommended for:

Guest: anndi p. (-)
Date of Stay: 05/12/08 Review Submitted: 05/12/08

We stayed in Feb and had a fantastic time. Our only complaint was that we were in Mexico for a family wedding that was in San Pancho and we spent more time driving than enjoying this beautiful home and beach. The hosts were fantastic, the ambiance wonderful and everything well-kept and comfortable. We would definately stay again and have told many friends about it already (and shown the pictures, of course)!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Kendall2 (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/08 Review Submitted: 03/14/08

We stayed at Casa Lo De Marcos for ten days in February; it was our third year in a row staying there. The house remains beautiful, convenient, comfortable, and perfectly located. My daughter, who is now 5, had a wonderful time in the pool and on the beach. The town remains unspoiled and charming. We hope to continue to go to LDM and stay at the Casa every year. I also recommend visiting Casa De Los Ninos, a nonprofit in town that provides LDM kids with afterschool activities, a library, computer access and training, and language classes. We did crafts there and had a wonderful time.

Recommended for:

Guest: Kevin & Barb Stackhouse (Mesa, AZ)
Date of Stay: 06/03/07 Review Submitted: 06/03/07

We spent 5 days at Casa lo de Marco and it was not enough. This place is magical and was a source of renewal for us. We celebrated our anniversary along with some great friends who were with us by having Norma (the housekeeper) cook for us. It was fabulous and she went out of her way to take care of us and make the evening special. The beach is spectacular and we walked from one end to the other every day. The locals are wonderful people...we enjoyed the interaction with them. We will definately return to this place again!

Recommended for:

Guest: Debra4 (Vancouver, WA)
Date of Stay: 05/10/07 Review Submitted: 05/10/07

Where to begin? This was everything and more than what was expected. Gorgeous accomodations, your own pool, a bedroom that looks out over the ocean a deserted pristine beach just a few feet from the casa. The tranquility of the lapping waves each night of slumber. Beautiful sunrises, gorgeous, breathtaking sunsets each evening. Reminding you that each day is a prescious gift and to be appreciated and respected. My husband and I, have traveled many years to PV. However, there are only a couple of Casa's that truly prove to be all that was stated in their monologue. "Casa Lo De Marcos" was all that and more. We will definitely return to this beautiful paradise retreat again. The locals in this town were warm, friendly and welcoming. This specific location is close to many other small villages that we visited. The proximity of this casa is great, you can choose a "different flavor" each day. If that is important to you. We enjoyed this choice. But, ALWAYS were happy to return to Casa Lo De Marcos. The owner of this home David Martinez, happened to be visiting while we were vacationing. David, was welcoming, warm, and always helpful. Without being intrussive in any manner. We are already planning our next trip. Most Sincerely, David & Debra Versteeg Vancouver, Washington

Recommended for:

Guest: Tooke Family (Banff, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 03/29/07 Review Submitted: 03/29/07

What a fabulous place! The Casa is perfect - all you need. It was our first time using VRBO and did we ever luck out! What a place, what a view! The beach is long and beautiful and peaceful. The waves weren't too big for the kids to play in the ocean. The pool is great - perfect size. Lo de Marcos is quiet and not "touristy", but there was a parade and a carnival while we were there and both were great! The people are friendly and kind. We travelled to nearby San Pancho and Sayulita which were also nice, but we were always happy to get back to the Casa Lo de Marcos, the quiet town and quiet beach. We had a fabulous time and a perfect holiday. If you are looking for a little Mexican culture along with your relaxing beach holiday, we would definitely recommend it!

Recommended for: