Perfect for families, quiet, peaceful
Submitted: January 5, 2013
Stayed: December 2012
Beautiful building and spacious condo! Claudia met us right on time for check-in, and she'd even booked a driver for us in Cancun from the airport to the ferry (cost: $50 USD, which you'll pay for a taxi or private car, regardless). The quick ferry ride is easy and gives you time to get in an Isla frame of mind. Puerta al Mar itself is extremely clean and modern, and though it's NOT a hotel with concierge service, it's nice knowing there is a manager at the entry point to help with any questions (when we ran out of bottled water they brought up a new 5-gal jug for just 35 pesos - about $3.) Our kids loved their rooms, and the in-room A/C was good for evenings.
Location was just what we wanted: taxis were plentiful and we never waited more than three minutes for one to drive by, yet the street was low-key and quiet and residential without the touristy feel of Playa Norte. You can walk up the beach to Zama Beach club for lunch or cocktails (or kayak rental), or walk in the other direction to tour the turtle farm. The dolphin-swim place and Villa Rolandi are about a half-mile away, too. Taxi rides into Centro are only 60 pesos, or $5. Ask your driver to stop at the market so you can pick up a few groceries, though Claudia does stock a few basics.
(The only even SLIGHT reservation about the condo is that the three balconies have very low railings - if you have young kids prone to climbing, it would be a major hazard. I wasn't comfortable letting even my 7 and 9 year-old be unsupervised. The condo is on the 5th floor, which makes for gorgeous views but a slight worry for younger kids.)
The good news for those with young kids is that the pool has various depths, which is fun, and the beach is very flat here with essentially no waves. But it's not really a swimming beach - the water has some sea grass so it's more like a tidal sound. Of course my son loved the aquatic life - he saw a skate in the first two minutes.
Other musts: crepes (for dinner!) at Cafe Hidalgo, anything at Mango Cafe, the amazing views at Punta Sur, snorkeling by the Avalon.
Before I booked, I was wary of paying with a bank transfer - they don't take credit cards - but I asked for a couple of references and those were so positive that we took a chance. It all worked out beautifully. We will definitely come back to Claudia and Juan Carlos' place every time we visit Isla Mujeres, and I recommend it highly.
- Jane S., Raleigh, NC US
Owner's Response: Jane and Graham,
Thank you very much for your review and your kind words. We were very happy to have you in our condo, it was great to met you and your family! We are so glad that you had a good time and we really are looking forward to have you again as our guests.
We have taken note about the railings on the balconies and we'll bring the subject to the next condo owners meeting.
Warm regards,
Claudia
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