FAQ's

"How do I stay in touch with home while I'm at Casa Mariposa?"

We are now providing our guests with 2 cellular telephones upon their arrival at our home. We recognize the need to stay in touch with friends, family and coworkers while you are enjoying yourself in paradise. If nothing else, you may just want to torture those poor people and let them hear the ocean at your back while they pound away at a computer keyboard.

These telephones work with pre-paid telephone cards. Upon your arrival, we will explain how to use the telephones and purchasing credit. Please give the following numbers to those at home or work who may need to reach you while you're in Mexico. From the U.S., they will need to dial the following:

011.52.CELL PHONE #1
011.52.CELL PHONE #2

To put the numbers in perspective from what we're used to dialing in the USA & Canada, here's a breakdown of what the numbers are.

011-International Access to Mexico

52 is the access code for the state of Quintana Roo,

984 is the area code and the rest is the root telephone number.

Electronics are extremely expensive in Mexico. As a result, lost telephones will result in a $150 USD per unit charge against the security deposit so please keep up with them.

"How do I get to Mariposa from Cancun International Airport?"

Melodie will provide you with a map, directions, lock box code and contact information for your arrival. Driving here from the airport is a straight shot and the directions explain all in detail.

Keys

Upon arrival, your will open the lock box and find a full set of keys for the entire house. Behind the main door will be spare sets and keys for the bicycles. Puerto Aventuras is a safe place, but please use common sense and lock your doors and close your windows when leaving the house.

Housekeeping and Maintenance

Filemon and Felipa arrive every morning (except Sunday) around 9:00AM to clean and maintain Casa Mariposa. Their duties and service are similar to what you will find in upscale hotel housekeeping, including providing fresh towels and linens when necessary, making beds, and generally cleaning the villa. Filemon takes care of the gardening, swimming pool and maintenance and will make sure you don't run out of purified water. They do a wonderful job and want to make sure your stay is enjoyable. If you have special requests or needs, please let them know.

Tips for staff

If you enjoy their service (we know you will), and want to offer a tip. Please fell free in doing so. They will greatly appreciate it. The going rate is 1-3% of the rental rate.

Currency

Laundry

The villa laundry facilities are exclusively for the staff. If you wish for the maid to wash, dry and fold your laundry, it can be done for you within 24hrs at a rate of $5/ load. Please separate the load as you wish to be washed.

Safes

There are 2 safes in the house: One in the Sunset Suite and one in the Midnight Suite. Keys are provided.

A/C Units

When running the units, make sure your bedroom and bathroom doors are shut. This will prevent the units from condensing or tripping breakers. Please think economically when running the air conditioners and do not open all the windows and doors. These units are extremely effective and do not need to be left running all day or when you are away from the house. The ocean breeze is usually more than enough to cool the entire house very quickly, and so much nicer than an air conditioner!

Drinking Water

Use the water jug in the kitchen to drink, cook, make coffee and ice. Do not drink the water out of the tap. The staff will replace water jugs as often as needed. The water from the tap is safe for brushing your teeth and taking showers.

Public Telephones

You may purchase pre-paid phone cards at any convenience store. There are several phones around the Marina.

Internet

We have wifi at Casa Mariposa. There are also many internet cafes or restaurants with wifi in the village.

Pharmacies

There are several pharmacies in the area. The best is in the complex next to Chedraui, just outside the gates across the highway.

Grocery Stores

There are numerous small convenience stores in the village to buy snacks and drinks and a few staples, but your best bet is Chedraui located across the highway. On Wednesday and Saturday there is a farmers market that offers fresh produce at a great price. The farmers market is on the back side of the marina near the post office. When driving on the main road you will see the tents as you pass south towards the exit.

There is also a SAM's Club, Mega or Walmart in Playa del Carmen.

Transportation

There are cabs in the empty lot next to Omni Hotel or Dreams Hotel. They charge 170 (15 USD) pesos to Playa del Carmen and around 650 pesos (60 USD) to the airport. You may also get one at the reception of the Oasis Hotel.

Beach

There are two beaches on either side of Casa Mariposa. One is located to the left, just a short 5 minute walk away at Dreams Resort. The second is located to the right, also just a short 5 minute walk to the marina entrance. To get to the main beach at Fatima Bay go through the public entrance north of the Omni near Dive Aventuras entrance. The snorkeling there is good. Swim 200 meters to the reef, it is worth your time. Here you can also dine and drink at the Omni Resort as a guest.

Rental Car

Executive Car rental has a branch in the PA entrance at the Pemex gas station.

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