Our third year in our favorite, Sayulita, but a huge disappointment of a rental. We were late searching rentals this year, so our choices were limited for our group of 12. The 2 previous rentals were stunning, but on the hillside and difficult for our 87 and 89 year old parents to negotiate. Villas del Corazon was appealing because of its location and size.
The property was very run down. Light bulbs were missing from many fixtures, the kitchen was grimy, drawers stuffed with odds and ends and dirty. A cheap plastic shelf on the counter held old spices. The inside shelves of the fridge were broken off and the freezer smelled like rotten meat. The sheets on all the bed were dingy and stained (gross). Patio furniture was mostly cheap plastic chairs. The pictures for the listing showed an outdoor dining table and living room furniture, which were not there. Planters consisted of 5 gallon plastic buckets.
We are not a fussy group. Used to roughing it. But for the price, which was comparable to the other lovely properties we rented in the past, it was a rip off.
The description of "360 ocean and jungle views" only could be seen from the very top deck, which was a climb and not exactly inviting. The real views consisted of empty lots on either side, with garbage and a junked van. The front of the property, which occupies a corner, was unkempt, with a dying papaya tree and garbage piles.
It did not help that we chose New Years week, which is of course not the fault of the owner. We were right smack in the middle of major partying ( the beach campers), hot dog stands with loud music. But this went on EVERY night, not just Dec. 31. So, I'd be wary of the location no matter what time of year.
Maid service was essentially non-existent. They came the 3rd day to ask if we wanted our sheets changed. We said no, but they never came back, never swept or did a thing.
Again, such a totally different experience from what we had previously.