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. (It's fun, you should try it.)

These telephones work with pre-paid telephone cards. These cards may be purchased at the marina in almost every shop. Upon your arrival I suggest looking over the villa's directory, it will explain how to use the telephones and calling cards. Adding the credit into the phone is simple, if you may need any additional information or help please contact Victoria the manager (her office and contact info can be found in the directory). 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:

011.52.984.128.3895
011.52.984.146.2660

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?"

Click here for driving directions from Cancun International Airport

Keys

Vicki will leave a full set of keys for the entire house on the kitchen bar. Puerto Aventuras is a safe place, but please use common sense and lock your doors when leaving the house and at night.

Housekeeping and Maintenance

The maid and maintenance man 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. The maintenance man takes care of the gardening, swimming pool and up-keep of the villa. He 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.

Currency

Laundry

The villa laundry facilities are exclusively for the staff. There is a drop off laundry service in PA behind the Post Office Gazebo in the Marina. You can also arrange for laundry service at Casa Mariposa with the maid. She will be happy to assist you for a small fee. This service must be handled with her.

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 Super Akumal, the grocery store across from the Omni Hotel parking lot. There are several phones around the Marina.

Internet

Casa Mariposa offers Wifi for our guests. We do not supply a computer for this amenity. If you chose to keep your laptops at home there are many options within the village. Check out Cafe Cafe and relax in the air conditioning sipping on an Italian esspresso and her homemade rich treats.

Pharmacies

There are 2 pharmacies in Puerto Aventuras. One is located next to the PUB and the other one across from the Omni Hotel.

Grocery Stores

There are 3 small grocery stores in the marina to buy snacks and drinks and a few staples, but your best bet is in Playa del Carmen. One is located next to Richard's Steakhouse, one across from Omni Hotel called Super Akumal and another behind Post Office Gazebo called Cox-Hana.

Your best option is Chedraui or SAM's Club in Playa del Carmen. Go North on highway 307 towards Playa del Carmen. It is on the east side of the highway past the Playacar second entrance. It is a very large orange and white building.

Transportation

There are cabs in the empty lot next to Omni Hotel. They charge 150 (15 USD) pesos to Playa del Carmen and around 450 pesos (45 USD) to the airport. You may also get one at the reception of the Oasis Hotel.

Beach

To get to the main beach at Fatima Bay go through the Omni Hotel Reception. The snorkeling there is good. Swim 200 meters to the reef, it is worth your time. Sit back and sip on cold margaritas while the staff is there to serve you on the beach. This beach is open to the public, there is no need for an Omni membership (this will only give you minimal discounts on food).

Rental Car

We ourselves use Executive Rental Car, they have a branch at the airport and in the Puerto Aventuras entrance at the Pemex gas station. You can pre-arrange pick-up via telephone or internet state-side to insure availablility.

* PLEASE BE AWARE!! While filling up your tank please keep track of how much gas and the price tallied on the gas pump. The workers have been known to misquote and pocket the difference.

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