The photos on the site were not complete. There was an old washing machine and a/c units on the front porch, as well as multiple buckets, beer bottles, and coolers in the yard. The outdoor furniture was cracked, and cushions were missing or stained. The paint (inside and out) was dirty, my kids made comments like “and now you have tetanus,” when touching the gate latch. Towels and bedsheets are stained, dingy, and worn. The neighbor to the rear was doing construction every night after sunset (power tools loud enough we couldn’t hear each other speak), and the music from the bar on the beach was loud and thumping past my bedtime (we walked over to pick up a late dinner, and there were only a few people in the restaurant/bar).
Jaime offered to arrange a golf cart rental for me, and a snorkeling trip. He charged me $15 per day more than my friend paid for a nicer, newer, CLEANER golf cart, plus mine didn’t have gas. Our snorkeling trip was ok, but when I spoke with others, they experienced THE BEST snorkeling they’ve ever had. Turns out Jaime’s son (who runs the boat tour) didn’t take us to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, we went to a different spot. We were also told it was a four hour trip, and we were gone 2.5 hours total. Plus it was supposed to be private, and the first mate brought his girlfriend along. I didn’t want my kids to know the difference between what they experienced and what I expected (they were impressed, as they are not as well traveled as I), so I held my tongue. I had read a review recommending to book snorkeling elsewhere, I wish I had done so. Jaime pushed his agenda and help on me, and I regret it.
We stayed at a different vacation rental (run by Vacasa) after we left Casa Magdaluz, and it felt luxurious in the cleanliness, the plush white towels, and lack of trash/ clutter.
