We just returned from a wonderful week at Casa del Sol with extended family. With 5 adults and 2 young children, we knew we would need lots of space and quiet rooms for the kids and easy access to swimming. Done. The pool was definitely the highlight of our stay. With two shaded areas and plenty of seating, we spent most of our time in and out of the pool, being careful not to get too much sun. FYI, the pool got full sun from about 8 or 9 am til sun set (pale folks beware) and the water was always a very comfortable temperature. The gorgeous beach with the private palapa was a minute walk through the backyard and past a tennis court and some other housing. Take the key to the storage unit for extra chairs, boogie boards, and sand toys.
The bedrooms were clean, spacious, and each had its own A/C unit, plenty of storage, and private bath, though some of the bathrooms could use some updating. Bring flip flops. Plenty of bath and beach towels and extra bedding were provided. The main kitchen was well-stocked and in decent working condition, but the appliances definitely needed an upgrade. You did have to clean up after meals because the ants found a way in. This is the case anywhere in Mexico. Jack recommended washing the counter tops with vinegar after meal prep and this worked.
The largest grocery store is in Playa Del Carmen and though it is advertised as a Walmart, it is quite different from the ones in the states. You can get most anything you need with a limited Spanish vocabulary, but there may be some guess work involved. We did not use the service of stocking the fridge before arrival, but I kind of wish we had. It certainly would have been easier upon our arrival with two small children. I would recommended it.
We rented the Durango and it did the trick for 5 adults and two kids with car seats (we brought these). Definitely a convenience to have the car in the garage upon our arrival! Also, we used USA Transfers van service to and from the airport. They were wonderful, friendly, and timely. Make sure you have the correct website for USA Transfers, this name could easily be for some entirely different service.
There were many helpful amenities for small children at the house like a high chair, pack and play, and a couple of toys. For newer walkers and climbers, however, be aware that the house is far from child safe. There are open spaces on the balcony railings and no gate around the pool. The stairs are also open and there are no gates or ways in which to block them easily or safely. Everything was fine for my almost 5 yr old, but I had to watch the almost 2 yr old carefully.
The house had a reverse osmosis pump for purifying the water which was supposedly potable, though we were reluctant to take too many chances especially with little ones. Large bottles of water were also provided and we used that for cooking and drinking just to be on the safe side.
Jack and Kelly were very nice and explained everything when we arrived. They also gave us the number and web site for a personal chef service. Two chefs came out one night and prepared a Mexican Fiesta including a piñata and cake. It was perfect! There are many wonderful restaurants in Puerto Morales. The two we tried were delicious: La Pepita and La Serina. Recommended by a local, La Pepita deserves it's own review because it was hands-down the best seafood, especially the ceviche, and the service was wonderfully friendly and welcoming to out-of-towners, while maintaining its authenticity. Find it and go there! La Serina was also delicious but perhaps a bit less authentic. Playa del Carmen has a LOT to offer in the way of shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Spend at least a night walking the shopping area
The beach near the house is in between the Mayan Palace and Iberostar resorts, both of which are huge. beautiful and provide day passes for $50/person, but you have to walk there from the beach (5 minutes) and ask for a pass in person. Do this in advance, and on the day of be there by 8:30 to secure the pass. If you have multiple people, they all have to be there to get the passes. Do not waste your time trying to call or drive over there, you will not be given correct information. The day pass includes towels, snacks, breakfast and lunch, plus passes for the snack bar after lunch hours. It does not include dinner.
If you are interested in a bit of history, check out Tulum for the ruins. The guided tours are informative and the place is very well maintained. It's hot--blazing hot--but the shaded areas and breeze off the water made it bearable. Bring water and snacks and make sure to get there early (by 9 at the latest). It fills up quickly, no matter the day.
After being out for even a morning, it was lovely to come back to a comfortable, cool house, jump in the pool, and make a meal without too much fuss. This house was a great find for our family and it was a memorable stay for all!
All bookings are direct with the owner 