6/10 Okay
Judy T., Bethesda, Maryland, USA
4 January 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Lovely but not quite there
The apartment was attractive, modern and a perfect spot to enjoy proximity to the beach, ability to house five adults, and be within walking distance to town and great local eateries. The views of the undeveloped forest area from the apartment’s balcony are stunning with an abundance of birdlife, and the pool terrace has a view of the city rooftops and a partial view of the sea.
We acknowledge that accepting this apartment without a prior VRBO review was a risk, but the pictures and location in Playa convinced us to give it a try. The building is still under reconstruction with most of the units unfinished and unoccupied. The common areas such as the reception and the pool deck were well maintained and attractive. The shared rooftop area is terrific but bathrooms by the pool were not open, and the shower was turned off.
There were some challenges however that unexpectedly made navigating daily life in the apartment tricky. We never understood the role of the concierge, other than checking us in and out, and handing over the key for the property. There was no owner’s manual for the apartment about how to operate the washing machines, the televisions, and nothing about the neighborhood or recommendations for Playa. The apartment is tastefully decorated throughout. The front lobby doors lock at 8pm requiring us to walk through the basement garage to get outside. With five adult guests, it was not ideal to have only one key for access; we asked for a second key, and never received a response. We were also not given a garage key to enter, and exit the building until we requested one. There was a wasp nest on the balcony; it should be removed. We reported it to the concierge who stated that if it was not an emergency, it could wait. Fortunately, the Yucatan jays on the balcony enjoyed a feast and kept most of the insects out of the apartment and luckily, no one was stung.
The upper bedroom had several issues: water pressure in the sink was poor, the shower was fine. The private pool off the top bedroom was unusable and unclean. Of two cleaning days, one was cancelled due to illness of staff. We were given only one trash bag, and no instructions for garbage recycling given. Apart from half ounce of dish detergent, supplies were minimal, not even a dish towel. New renters should be prepared to provide virtually everything including laundry detergent.
With a bit more thought and attention to guests' needs, this would be fine spot for others.
Judy T.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2021
