Anybody rented privately in Mexico?

[riu girl]

We are considering taking the kids to Mexico, and we are at a point in our lives where a one week all inclusive is just not long enough. We would like to go for three weeks, but the cost of a three week all inclusive (for 4 people) is just TOO MUCH!!

We have been to Mexico quite a few times (but only for a one week all inclusive type trip).
We are considering booking our air seperate and then renting a small furnished efficiency or one bedroom (with access to a pool and walking distance to the beach) for the three weeks. Nothing fancy required , clean clean and safe.

Has anyone ever done this? If so, how do you go about researching something like this? So far for flights I have looked out of BUF and YYZ (BUF being a bit cheaper) and for accomm. I have looked briefly at vrbo, vacation rentals, and vallarta info. It is overwhelming since there are so many rentals, varying prices, areas in Mexico, etc.

We are pretty sure we would like to stay in/near P. Vallarta or the mayan riv since we are the most familiar with these areas.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[riu girl]

Update:
I have been on the internet a lot in the past day or so and have discovered that flights to Mexico are less expensive out of BUF then YYZ.

So we are thinking about doing air only to Cancun, getting a transfer to a RIU (my fav resort chain) in the playa del carmen area, staying there for a week (all inclusive), then taking the ferry over to cozumel and renting a one bedroom condo for two weeks. Then taking a ferry back to playa del carmen and then a bus back to the cancun airport.

So far for a condo in Cozumel, I have found one I like:

casa martillo

Is anybody familiar with condo rentals in either playa del carmen or cozumel?

Thanks
Suzy

 

[Figment's friends]

I would heav replied to your post sooner but I'm afraid I have been having some computer problems. If you aren't stuck on Mexico I would suggest trying the Dominican Republic. There is a great info site at www.debbiesdominicantravel.com that gives recent reveiws of each resort. I think you can access a Mexico page as well. My mother and I just started a not for profit that helps a school in the Dominican. See in Mexico a lot of resorts and hotels are rebuilding because of the hurricaine. The Dominican is a good alternative. I have a little spot on MSN spaces - The Patchwork Butterfly Foundation. There are great things to do with kids on either side of the Island but moreso on the North coast or Puerto Plata side. Pls. message me if you have any questions, I am really getting into finding cheap travel deals and might be able to help you find some options. (I recently got a 2 week at our regular hotel but in the VIP section for my parents for under $1200.00 all inclusive except airfare. Where ever you end up, I wish you a happy visit.

 

[riu girl]

Thanks for the info. but I think we will stick with Mexico. I will check out the site though.
I really like the DR, but we have been promising to take the kids to Mexico as soon as DS is a good swimmer. There are just so many historical, cultural opportunitues to explore in Mexico. I can't wait to share this with the kids. Especially numerous mayan ruin sites. Its funny how so many people think that Mexico is all about the beach. Perhaps they don't travel very far outside the AIs in Mexico .

So far I have found a 2 bedroom condo with a pool in Playacar for $650/week. Top floor, balcony, vaulted ceilings, very modern looking. With this we have full use of an all inclusive (except food) across the street. The condo is only 1.5 years old and incredible looking. I am very familiar with the neighbourhood (stayed in it a few years ago). Gated, safe, new etc etc.

I have also found a one bedroom new apartment in Corpus Christi (affluent neighbourhood in San Miguel, Cozumel) for the following two weeks for $450/week. It is in a brand new house (extremely Meixcan looking, can't wait to see it) that was designed and built by a Mexican artist. It looks amazing, especially the gardens.

I hope that these 2 places are still available when we are ready to book or else back to the drawing board.

Good luck with your work in the Dominican.