What to expect when staying with us

As we are ramping up to our busier time of year with Spring break and summer approaching we thought it would be a good time to review some of the most popular questions we get asked for those traveling with us. Today I have covered our top 10 frequently asked questions!

FAQs

1. Is food included in my stay?​​​

• In your nightly rate, the staff (concierge, housekeeper and cook) are included. They prepare two meals a day, breakfast & lunch as well as ensure daily housekeeping duties are completed. Food that is purchased for your arrival will be additional.​​​​

2. How is the meal/food cost handled?

• Prior to your arrival, we will send you an electronic Guest Arrival Questionnaire that asks about your meal & beverage preferences as well as any dietary restrictions/ allergies. We collect a grocery deposit from you and use those funds to supply your stay. If we need additional funds, we will request it from you upon receipt.

3. I am a picky eater, can I tell them exactly what I want?

• Yes! In the Guest Arrival Questionnaire there is a section for you to list any foods you must have or want to avoid. There is also an option for Chef's choice each day!

4. Do I need to brush my teeth with bottled water?

• No. All of our homes are supplied with a state of the art, triple-stage, water filtration system. This means our water from any faucets are safe to drink and use. 

5. How do I tip the staff?

• Our staff makes a living wage but always kindly appreciates the gesture for a job well done. We have created a guideline for guest groups that you are welcome to reference:​ These numbers are for stays that are 5-7 days.
• 1-6 guests:
  Cook: $200 USD total for group       
  Housekeeper: $150 USD total for group
  Concierge: $150 USD total for group
  
  7-12 Guests:
  Cook: $250 USD total for group
  Housekeeper: $200 USD total for group  
  Concierge: $200 USD total for group
  
  13-20 Guests: 
  Cook: $300 USD total for group         
  Housekeeper: $250 USD total for group              
  Concierge: $250 USD total for group  
• Tip envelopes will be left out the morning of your departure on the kitchen counters with each staff members name. Please leave your tips in these envelopes upon check out.

6. What is the exchange rate in Mexico? 

• The exchange rate in Mexico changes daily. An average that we typically see is anywhere from 17 to 20 pesos for every $1 US dollar. ​

7. ​Do I need to arrive with Mexico's currency?

• We suggest arriving with smaller US bills (50s, 20s, 10s, 5s, & 1s) and Edith (your concierge) can direct you to an exchange that gives the most fair exchange rate. Lots of places in Mexico prefer to do business in cash, so having cash on hand is important.
• If you do need to get more cash during your stay you are welcome to withdrawal money from an ATM. They will dispense in pesos. Be sure to contact your bank prior to your trip to let them know you will be traveling to Puerto Vallarta in addition to review if you have any international transaction fees. ​

8. Is Montezuma Revenge a real thing?

• The short answer, yes, it's a real thing.
• The long answer, still yes, but there are so many precautions to take to avoid getting it. In addition, Puerto Vallarta has expanded their filtration standards and is now known as one of the safer towns in the country that has drinkable water. 
• If you don't know what Montezuma's Revenge is consider yourself lucky! I will do a full blog post about this later. If you're curious, a google search will introduce you to the nemesis of vacation.

9. How do I get around in Puerto Vallarta?

• Puerto Vallarta is a great town that has good public transportation options. Upon arrival you are welcome to take a taxi directly from the airport at your own costs, or we can pre-schedule a private transportation for you using our partner, Vallarta Travel & Incentives. 
• The most cost effective mode of transportation during you stay is hands down, Uber. Uber is an app that will connect directly to a card or your bank and you don't have to worry about carrying pesos. It is a very simple, user-friendly platform and one that I would suggest you download prior to your trip. 

10. Will my phone work in Mexico?

• This question is so common and for the most part the answer is yes, your phone will work. I typically suggest our guests to reach out to their phone provider to review their cellular plan and see if it comes with international options.
• Most phone plans include free texting and calls from Mexico and Canada but additional charges for anywhere outside those destinations. If your phone plan doesn't include this you can ask about a daily rate (typically no more than $5 per day) to have this feature added just for your trip.