Condo

El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly

Photo gallery for El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly

A patio area with outdoor furniture, a view of the ocean, and tropical plants.
A dining area with a glass table and white chairs, large windows with a view of the ocean, and a ceiling fan.
A bedroom with a view of the ocean and palm trees, featuring a bed with colorful pillows and blue towels.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and a view of a multi-story building with balconies.
A living room with a white sofa, blue armchair, and a glass coffee table. There is a ceiling fan, a painting on the wall, and a TV mounted on the wall.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Dive into relaxation
    Unwind in the top-rated pool, your perfect spot for relaxation.
  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the beach and sea.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Playa del Carmen Main Beach

Popular amenities

  • Furnished balcony or patio
  • On beach
  • Infinity pool
  • Massages in spa
  • Arcade/game room
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo
  • Place, Quinta Avenida
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Playa del Carmen Main Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Mamitas Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Guest

1 Queen Bed

Master

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Guest Bath

Bathtub · Toilet

Master Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Playa del Carmen

Located in Downtown Playa del Carmen, a neighbourhood in Playa del Carmen, this condo is near theme parks and on the beach. Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal and Playacar Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Mamitas Beach. Xplor Theme Park and Xcaret Eco Theme Park are not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and hunting.
Map
Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo

What's nearby

  • Quinta Avenida - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Playa del Carmen Main Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Central Square - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Mamitas Beach - 6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Cancun, Quintana Roo (CUN-Cancun Intl.) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cervecería Chapultepec - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Mi Jardin Secreto - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Mandala - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Fah Restaurant Bar - ‬3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include infinity pools.

Is El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly?

Self-parking is available for a fee.

What time is check-in at El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly located?

Nestled on the beach, this Downtown Playa del Carmen condo building is within a 5-minute walk of Playa del Carmen Lighthouse and Quinta Avenida. Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Mamitas Beach are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 66 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 66 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 66 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 66 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful view, easy location, lovely pool. Beach will be covered in seaweed at times so look for that before you book if the beach is why you’re coming.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ease of booking, amazing view and close proximity of restaurants and things to do!
View from front deck
View from front deck
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Feb 2026
So glad you had a nice visit...Reef 101 really is a great condo on the beach right in town. Come again anytime-we would love to host you again. Susan Mattingly Playa Luxury Rentals
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a wonderful stay!!!! Perfect location, unit and host!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Feb 2026
Yay! We are pleased the trip was great. Please visit again soon. Susan Mattingly Playa Luxury Rentals
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best place to stay on the beach

we loved where we stayed Best place on the beach.. steps from the beach and pool
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in process was easy, the complex always felt safe and patroled (almost abundanently so). The unit was clean with full amentities including filtered water, beach towels, full kitchen and toiletries! Could not beat the location! Will certainly be back
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Mar 2026
So glad you enjoyed your stay at Reef 101. Please come visit again anytime. Susan Mattingly Playa Luxury Rentals
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Great Location. Very nice place.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great experience. Very relaxing.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Dec 2025
so glad your enjoyed your stay in Reef 101 and had a relaxing time. We would love to have you stay with us again anytime. Susan Mattingly Playa Luxury Rentals
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Susan was so easy to communicate with, the property was perfect location.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning beachfront views

My family & I stayed in this condo for a week during our vacation. It offers beach front and pool views! Our favorite amenity was the private plunge pool overlooking the Carribean. Thanks for a wonderful & safe stay!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best beachfront unit in Playa

We had a wonderful 11 day stay at Reef 101. Location is perfect. Just a short walk up the street to 5th Avenue and the best fine dining and shops. It seemed to us that this is the only unit from pier to pier that is truly beach front. The staff was wonderful and friendly. We will definitely return.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This property is the best of both worlds ... it's ON THE BEACH and walkable to town for dinner and nightlife. We will be back! :)
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location

The unit is large and the floor efficient. The patio opened to paradise. Restaurants, shopping, a block away. The beach outside the door. Amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

You couldn’t get a better location! This condo is ON the sand. It’s spacious, convenient and absolutely beautiful. Management was great and so sweet and accommodating when my daughter and I were sick on travel day. They allowed us to check out at 2pm so that we could rest! Thank you for a great stay!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, Location, Location

Located right by the pool on one side, and borders the beach on the other. Owner is very responsive, had a great time! I rented three units for this week. THis was the best of the three by far.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Vacation Location!

We had a great time at Reef 101! The location is perfect! Steps from the pool and the beach! Everyone working on property was friendly and helpful. Roger was responsive and efficient! Security guards were always present. We felt very safe and recommend this property! We will be back!!-Bonnie H
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful condo, excellent location

Condo was well appointed and clean. It had all we needed for a week stay. It is in a perfect location - short walk to 5th Street for all the shops and restaurants. We travelled with our 18yo and 11yo and they loved it. We were told by another guest, who have been down 12yrs to various condos, that it’s the best condo complex in Playa Del Carmen with the best pool. The view is stunning. It was perfect. Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful graduation trip

We stayed 1st week of June, 2021. This property is exactly as shown. The location, beach front walk out is fantastic. Everything was a short walk including the ferry to Cozumel. Amazing restaurants are a short walk away. The seaweed was bad but it is everywhere right now so we used the lovely pool daily. Security was amazing. Booked a snorkel trip right on the beach. There was a pop bar right beside unit that had great drinks.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

El Farro 2024

Exactly as described. Steps away from the Caribbean ocean and an amazing pool to relax and swim overlooking the ocean. Property was patrolled to keep any non residents from wandering on site, didn’t experience any problems. A block away from the main shopping street, pedestrians only. Pretty cool.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous

Communication with the host was excellent. Unfortunately I was unable to go and we had a few different people that ended up being able to make the trip and through all the changes, Susan was very helpful and kind. The ground transportation recommended was also a game changer! My friends that went said we WILL be back, me included!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Dec 2023
Im glad your friends had a good time...and the transportation was smooth! Please do return whenever you are ready-we would love to host "YOU". Susan Mattingly Playa Luxury Rentals
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Right. On. The. Beach.

This is a great condo. Exactly as its portrayed in the photos. El Faro is a great location in Playa and this is the best condo in the complex. Its the "cat-bird seat". Balcony with the private splash pool was so awesome. We spent time watching the sun rise/set & the people watching was endless entertainment. The unit itself was perfect for 4 people. If you have the mater bedroom you can watch the sunrise from the comfort of your bed! We loved this place and would highly recommend it if you want to come to Playa and be in the middle of the hustle & bustle.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing stay at El Faro.The location is incredible. The beach is literally about 10 feet away. The pool is right beside the condo and downtown Playa del Carmen is directly behind you. Everything is within walking distance including restaurants, shops, and the Cozumel ferry just a few blocks away.Our flight was delayed and we arrived much later than expected, but there is 24 hour security on site and the guard was able to open our unit for us right away, which made the late arrival very easy.Even though the property is very central, it was not overly loud at night. Since you are right on the beach you will hear people talking on the sand in the evenings, but for us it was never disruptive.The condo itself was spacious and comfortable. The beds were comfortable and we always felt very safe.The unit is minimally stocked with supplies, just a few mini shampoos, conditioner and a bar of soap provided. However a Soriana grocery store is about a half mile walk away and you can purchase extra stuff.We stayed five nights and could easily have stayed longer. Overall this is one of the best locations in Playa del Carmen and we would absolutely stay here again.
L shaped balcony
The pool
Downtown behind the condo
View looking out from balcony
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2026
We are so glad you had such a stellar visit to El Faro Reef 101. Please do come visit us anytime. Susan Mattingly Playa Luxury Rentals
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

On the beach - next to 5th Ave!

Just enjoyed a full week here at El Faro - setup was ideal and proximity to everything is unbeatable!Host was super quick to respond - pool was amazing and the view was unbeatable!! There is even a plunge pool on the deck if you don’t feel like stepping foot off the property.I hate to gush at what an amazing time we had, but we have stayed in some really nice all inclusive and the freedom to go wherever whenever was ideal!This unit is literally a 12 minute walk to the pier for a ferry to Cozumel, 3 minutes to 5th Ave where there are hundreds of options for shopping and dining, and a quick 45 minute taxi from Cancun Airport. There are SO many good options for dining, 2 awesome beach bars across the street from the property and a Walmart and grocery store also within walking distance. Always felt safe walking with the family no matter the time of day.Thank you front desk and hosts for a truely memorable family vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise in Playa

By far the best unit at El Faro. Gorgeous view of the beach from the balcony and private plunge pool. Easy community pool access and beach access from the side patio. The community’s infinity pool is gorgeous! You can even get a massage poolside. Easy, close walk to many restaurants, bars, and shopping. Also convenient taxi service on the corner for any farther excursions you might want to take. Inside the condo, the amenities are comfortable, modern, and clean. We appreciated the water jugs provided for our use… and the beds were very comfortable. We slept great! The bathrooms could use some sprucing up… new grout and mildew/rust removal would make a huge difference. Also there were tiny ants on the kitchen counter, but we learned not to leave food uncovered and the ants stayed away. Truly could not have asked for a more relaxing, pleasant, beautiful stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2023
Thank you for your comments. It is a spectacular property and we do our bed to make it as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Thanks for heads upon bathrooms---we are getting those spiffed up. Please come again anytime-we would love to see you again. Susan Mattingly Playa Luxury Rentals
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our suite was very nice and well set up and clean.We had a minor issue one day and Susan accomadated us as soon as she could. We were very pleased and understand that things happen occasionally. We met very nice people at El Farro during our stay, and they were all very informative and sent us in the right direction one day when we were looking to watch the football game one afternoon, where they also served amazing pub grub. Many fabulous 5 star restaurants in the area, as well as a great martini bar a block away. Walmart is only a 10 min walk to pick up groceries and beer and wine.Walking distance to everything you may require, and all the action on 5th ave a block away. If you’re a golfer we played a couple rounds at a very nice golf course in Playacar at Hard Rock Golf course, maybe 15 min taxi ride. The course was in great condition and the rental clubs were like brand new. Food and beverages included in the price. I would recommend Sandy’s unit 101 Reef at El Farro. It is on the beach and is great for people watching. If you want a quieter unit off the beach buzz, I would also recommend Sandy’s place at 103 Coral that we stayed in briefly. Another beautiful unit with an amazing view of the pool and ocean. Thanks Sandy for everything Candas from Canada
Amazing Gelato on the corner of 5th one Block from El farro.
Looking down from the balcony at 101Reef at some family members on the beach.
Yes spicy margs at Yum Yums
Green curry at Yums Yums thought I was in Thailand yummy
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jan 2026
Glad it was such a great trip. You were wonderful guests. Come visit anytime! Susan mattingly Playa luxury rentals
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Caribbean Getaway

This condo is very well appointed and you will never get any closer to the ocean let alone the beautiful Caribbean. The wrap around deck is so roomy and gives shade when needed. There are views from the kitchen, diningroom, living room, and primary bedroom. However, we were disappointed with the sargassum - we had read from reviews that it could be a problem. It blew in so thick for the last couple of days. The locals worked so hard at removal but when it is stormy it is a losing battle. We also had an incident where someone from upstairs dropped a glass bottle on our deck during the night shattering small pieces in the splash pool and the area around it. My husband went to the front desk and reported it first thing in the morning. (9:00 am) Not sure who was to blame but it wasn’t attended to until 3:00 pm.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 May 2024
So glad you enjoyed beautiful beachfront reef 101. You really can not get closer to the amazing Caribbean in any other condo in el faro. As mentioned, views from almost every window are fantastic. You left a day too soon since then the seaweed has been back to zero- but glad most your trip was winded blue seas. One never knows about Mother Nature, but it’s been a fantastic year of minimal impact. Please come anytime. Playa luxury rentals.com
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