1) Aren't villas more expensive than a hotel?
As you explore the villas we represent you'll see that most villas are often much less than prices at hotels and truly don't compare... even to 5 star hotels. When you factor in a full private staff and all the benefits and amenities that a private villa offers, you'll quickly realize that villas offer a superb value for your vacation dollar, not to mention we guarantee you won't find lower rates booking any other way. (Remember to compare rates per room/per night).

2) What are the services of the full-time staff?
All of the villas include a cook, maid, and houseman to take care of all of the cleaning, cooking, shopping and bartending, unless otherwise specified. They will prepare two meals daily, plus snacks (except Sundays, unless prior arrangements are made), you choose the menu and reimburse the staff for the cost of groceries. (Cash or travelers checks, please. Receipts will be provided.) Please be sure to send your guest arrival information to ensure that your preferences are relayed to the staff. We also recommend sending an arrival day grocery deposit with your final payment (approx. $10 per person).

3) What is the best time of the year to go to Mexico?
Winter Season (November to April) is ideal. The weather is perfect in Puerto Vallarta and it's a good escape from the cold. Christmas is also a great time of year to get together with the family and stay in a villa. Christmas rentals are popular and generally book a year or more in advance. The Summer Season (May to October) is warm and humid. From mid June to August, it rains for a couple of hours in Vallarta, in the evenings... just about every day like clockwork. However, the Summer can also be a nice time to visit. The villas are air conditioned, have pools, the ocean water is great, and the villa rates can't be beat.

4) What is the weather like?
There is lots of sunshine and temperatures average around 80 degrees year round. Humidity and chances of rain increase from mid-June through October. Light, comfortable, casual clothing is recommended.

5) What are Winter season vs. Summer season rates?
Summer season rates generally apply from May through October. Winter season rates apply from November through April. Some properties have different cut-off dates, so please ask at the time of booking.

6) What can we expect at the villa when we arrive?
We will send you an arrival package after your final payment is made (60 days prior to your departure) to arrange your menu requests, as well as transportation to and from the airport. Your staff will greet you with your choice of a full meal or light appetizers and drinks upon your arrival. Grocery shopping is usually arranged before you arrive, so food and drinks will be stocked. We can also assist you with any other special arrangements beforehand... such as birthday surprises. The villas are always stocked with bath towels, linens, dish towels, etc. It has everything you need for a weekly rental.

7) How will we get from the airport to the villa?
You can take a taxi or we can arrange for you to be picked up by our local representative in an air-conditioned van. (Roughly $25 p/person round trip paid direct to the driver.) Rental cars are not usually necessary since taxis are inexpensive and readily available in most areas.

8) What time is check in and check out?
Check out time is 11:00 am, check in time is 3:00 p.m. We will do our best to accommodate you and an extension may be requested one week prior to arrival if needed. You may also store your luggage at the villa before or after check in and check out.

9) How far in advance should we make our reservation?
Large groups or special events, especially, should try to book at least a year in advance. A minimum of 9 months out is wise. If you are a smaller group, several months beforehand is often enough advance notice. It's IMPORTANT to note that holiday reservations (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter) require as much advance notice as possible for best selection. Occasionally, a new property will be added to our inventory just in time for the holidays, so it's always worth asking.

10) What is included in the rate?
The rates are per night for the entire villa. Some larger villas can be rented on a 3 bedroom minumum at lower rates, except over holidays. The rate also includes a full staff, unless otherwise specified. All rates are subject to 17% Mexican IVA sales tax. The cost of food and beverage is not included in the rate. Normally, we ask that you send grocery money, along with your final balance to cover the costs of your menu selections for your arrival day. You can then reimburse the staff on a daily basis for any other trips they make to the store (receipts will be provided). Gratuities for the staff are also not included. Rates are subject to change without notice.

11) What is the minimum stay?
Most villas require a 5-7 night minimum. Christmas rentals require a 14 night minimum or a 7 night minimum with arrival on December 21 and departure on December 28 or arrive December 28 and depart January 3rd and all rooms must be rented. The rates are per night for the entire villa. Some larger villas can be rented on a 3 bedroom minumum at lower rates, except over holidays.

12) What is the procedure for reserving a villa?
It's real simple. You select a villa, we check availability, and can then hold your villa for 48 hours. Once you've decided, we send you a rental agreement and invoice. After we receive the rental agreement, along with a 50% deposit — your reservation is made. The balance and a refundable security deposit in the amount of one night stay or $500, whichever is greater, is due 60 days prior to your arrival. The security deposit is returned within 60 days after departure if there are no damages or long distance phone calls charged to the villa.

13) What form of payment do you accept?
In order of preference: Checks or money orders drawn on a U.S. Bank, wire transfer from over seas (we will provide you with instructions for your bank officer), Visa, Mastercard and Discover. There is a transaction fee on all credit card charges.

14) What if we have to cancel?
Full refunds (less a $200 facilitating fee) will be made only if we are able to re-rent the property for the exact same dates and number of bedrooms. Cancellations with more than 120 days notice before arrival, will receive a full refund, less 20% service fee. Cancellations 60-120 days before arrival, 70% refund.
Cancellations with less than 60 days notice, no refund will be issued unless the property can be re-rented over the exact dates with the same number of rooms. We recommend that you purchase Travelers Trip Cancellation Insurance if you think there might be a chance you should need to cancel.

15) What about tipping in Mexico?
Gratuities are always optional. However, you may want to keep in mind that most workers depend on tips for a large portion of their income. Depending upon the number of hours worked, a good range would be $1-3 per day, per staff member, from each guest. (Taxi drivers regularly include tipping charges in their fee, you do not have to tip the taxi drivers.)

16) Are children welcome in all the villas?
There are a few homes that have restrictions. More importantly we recommend you let us make a few suggestions. Certain homes are more child-friendly than others in terms of safety and bedding considerations.

17) What type of documents do we need to bring?
Upon entering and leaving Mexico, you will need proof of citizenship, such as a passport, certified or notarized birth certificate, or a notarized affidavit stating proof of citizenship, accompanied by a photo ID. If last name is different on any of the above documents, you will need to show proof denoting name change, such as a marriage certificate or court papers. Children under 18, traveling without both parents, will also need a notarized affidavit for permission to travel. You will be given a tourist card by the airlines, which will need to be completed prior to arrival in Mexico and must be turned in upon leaving Mexico.

18) What is the currency?
Mexico currency is called the peso. Most businesses will accept payment in U.S. dollars, so there is no need to exchange money before leaving the states. It is wise to carry travelers checks instead of cash, although you may need a supply of $1 bills for tipping. ATM's are available and credit cards are widely accepted and you will get the best exchange rate by using them. U.S. coins are not accepted in Mexico.

19) Can you drink the water?
All of our properties have either purified water systems or purified bottled water available. The staff uses purified water for ice, cooking, and food preparation. Purified water is also recommended for brushing your teeth. Just in case, you can purchase acidophilus tablets to aid in the restoration of normal, healthy, intestinal bacteria. You should be able to find this in your local drug or health food store for approximately $5 for 100 tablets.

20) Do you offer discounts on last minute bookings?
You will find that we offer guaranteed low rates on all of the villas we offer. We can also often offer 10-15% discounts on last minute reservations, depending on the time of year and availability.