| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 22 positive, 0 negative]
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| 06/23/09 |
Positive
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| This was a surprise vacation for my wife's retirement. Wow, what a great place. It is everything we had hoped for and more. The view is breathtaking and the condo is immaculate. You don't really need to leave the village. If you love to snorkel you can't beat this location as there are three different areas, including in front of the condo, to snorkel. The restaurants were great and the pool was fabulous. Brenda is great to work with and makes the trip easy. The management is very helpful once you get there. My wife, who rarely wants to return to the same place, can't wait till we return. You will not be disappointed if you come here. |
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steve, van wert, oh
419-238-9441 |
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| 03/21/09 |
Positive
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Wana get away? This is absolutely it! Safe, quiet, beautiful and everything you need! We just returned from Akumal and stayed at LaSirena #5. Condo is really remarkable – it truly has everything you need to cook in or you can eat out at the restaurants all close and really, really good food! I was with my 80 year old mother & three teenagers. Views go on and on. Wonderful sandy area to lay out and relax while looking out over the brilliant clear waters of Akumal Bay. Pool is set in the gardens so quiet and inviting and a perfect place to feel safe with children swimming. My boys snorkeled daily out in the bay and had a great time! We had the most perfect week of sun, snorkeling, exploring, reading and napping! Yes, TV is available but we seldom even turned it on – no need ! My mother was comfortable and was able to easily come and go from the pool and the areas by the beach. Worried about traveling in Mexico – nothing to worry about in Akumal! We saw security and police and it is obvious that they are very attentive to their tourist, they are friendly and offer help when needed – we always felt secure wandering and enjoying the area! If you want to get away and really, really enjoy some peace and quiet – this is the place! It was an IDEAL place to be in Mexico & also close to lots of fun attractions and things to do! Teenagers wanting to have fun and explore Mexico can enjoy this area safely – no doubt! Brenda (owner) is attentive and helpful and always available via email. I will gladly visit with you if you want more information on the area or La Sirena #5 – BEST VACATION EVER!!
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Jean Ann Jacobs, Dallas, Texas
972-742-8461 |
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| 12/15/08 |
Positive
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| La Sirena #5 is one of our very favorite condos in Mexico, and we have stayed in many. A great location, wonderful staff and all the condo amenities all contribute to a perfect choice when staying on the Riviera Maya. Being an end unit, 2nd floor, we had the privacy on our balconies (3!), a wonderful cross breeze in the condo and the quiet jungle atmosphere we were seeking. My favorite things about the condo along with the location were the view, snorkeling right in front of the building, the adjustable a/c and ceiling fans in every room, the comfort of the furnishings and in general, the beauty of the condo's floor to ceiling view. I was mesmerized. Many birds to watch including pelicans (yay!) and that beautiful turquiose water. The grounds are just beautiful and the staff including Hector, Jorge, Lorenzo and Alvar are kind and extremely helpful. This condo has everything you need! We'll be back. Thanks, Brenda!!!!!!!! |
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Kathy and Chuck, Las Vegas, NV, USA |
|
| 12/05/08 |
Positive
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| We just returned from Akumal and loved our stay. Very nice condo with incredible views. Walking distance to the lagoon which is a must see. |
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Anonymous, durango co
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| 09/12/08 |
Positive
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This is the nicest condo in Akumal! The views are fantastic and you have a floor to ceiling view of Half Moon Bay. This a corner unit and there is not a building to the south. This gives it an unobstructed view. It is very nicely decorated and it is well equiped. The management is very attentive.
The pool is the nicest in Akumal and my kids loved it. It is heavily landscaped and very private.
The snorkeing is fantastic in Akumal Bay and we saw turtles on every trip. Buy your gear in the US and bring it. The tours go 100 yards from the beach and you can swim there easily. I did it with my 8 year old. There is hardly a current. The tours charge $50 and the boats are right there - what a joke.
If you go fishing, charter from La Cueva. I went twice and their guides were better than the other I tried. The restaurant will also cook your fish 5 different ways - free. Just pay for drinks and appetizers.
Coba is very interesting. Make sure to swim the cenote there. It was one of the highlights from our trip!
The restaurants were all great. By far, our favorite was Buena Vida. It is close and we could sit 10 feet from the ocean and eat. We went there 3 times and the food was great each time.
This is a great desination and I would highly recommend it.
The owner is also great. Thanks for all of your help Brenda! |
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Pete, Chicago, IL |
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| 05/31/08 |
Positive
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We stayed at LaSirena early April for 6 nights and found the condo to be exactly what we were hoping for. The unit is extremely spacious for 4 people, but for the two of us, it was more space than we needed - which was fine for us! We loved sitting out on the front deck - and the corner unit was perfect for privacy!
The snorkeling was fantastic - we would have gone scuba diving, but the seas got rough our second day, so we just snorkeled the entire time. Even at that, we saw squid - which we've never seen diving before. That was a treat! And the abundance of other sealife was amazing! The close proximity to the Lagoon was great, too - we were able to spend a day there, returning to the condo for lunch.
The staff were extremely helpful and friendly - it was a pleasure dealing with them!
Brenda was very professional and helpful in every aspect of renting her condo. A rental agreement was promptly sent, and follow-up materials were mailed to us. We had no concerns when we left for Mexico.
Thanks for sharing your condo with us -we will definitely recommend!
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Anonymous, Silverdale, WA
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| 05/15/08 |
Positive
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| We stayed at this property in late April 2008. I did a great deal of research to try find the "right" place to stay and we hit the jackpot with this unit. The unit is on the second floor and since it is a corner property with no building to the south you have an unobstructed view of all of Half Moon Bay. Listen to the waves as you sit on the huge veranda. The unit is tastefully decorated and there is plenty of room to spread out. The unique design allows you to look through a picture window from the master bedroom and out the external windows to see the ocean from the heart of the condo. Restuarants and shopping are nearby. Brenda was a charming and accommodating host. We cannot wait to stay here again and unwind in paradise!!! |
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Tom, Alexandria VA
703 692-5326 |
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| 04/24/08 |
Positive
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Located at the end of the road, this island of tranquility will refresh your spirits. My family of three loved the spacious, beautifully decorated condo with endless views out to the turquoise bay. Lots of time was spent at the pool and the grounds are impeccably maintainted. My personal favorite activity was resting in the hammock while enjoying the gentle breeze and the sounds and sights.
Brenda was caring and attentive when setting up the reservation and asnwered every question I had (and I had a lot!). |
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Stan, SF, CA |
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| 04/19/08 |
Positive
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| Hi Brenda,just wanted to let you,and everyone else,know what a wonderful time we had during our stay at La Sirena.The view from the condo is AMAZING!The staff(Hector & Raual) are great and the condo itself is great.We would recommend it highly. Thanks,Mark |
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Anonymous, B.C. Canada |
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| 03/17/08 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Hi Brenda,
I just wanted to let you know that we loved your condo! We had a really great, relaxing week. We spent some days on the property and some doing daytrips like Excaret and Tulum. I would definitely recommend your condo to friends and in fact, we met another Canadian couple there who wanted a peek at your condo and they preferred it to their rental on the 3rd floor (they said yours was much more tastefully decorated and in better condition), so I passed on your name to them; they might contact you for next year.
The staff were very helpful; we dealt with Hector and Raul.
Thanks,
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A.R.
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| 03/08/08 |
Positive
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| We stayed over three weeks here and enjoyed every minute. It is a beautiful condo and the staff is extremely helpful. The pictures of the listing are very accurate. Acumal is wonderful little town with several very fine restaurants and located near a lot of great places to visit and explore. I would strongly suggest taking a Spanish/English phrase book if you speak no Spanish. It would have been helpful to us. |
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Dave & Carol Morse, Grosse Ile, Michigan
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| 01/13/08 |
Positive
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La Sirena is a perfect Mexico
getaway- ideal location, wonderful
staff, and above all, quiet and
peaceful. This condo has a great
deck w/a two-sided corner view, and
an undeveloped lot right next door.
Don't miss the grilled whole
chickens in Tulum!! |
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Anonymous, Santa Cruz, CA
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|
| 12/19/07 |
Positive
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| The condo worked out great for our family of 4. The staff is very helpful, and the location is wonderful - close to everything, but peaceful and private. Except for a couple of day trips, we spent almost all of our time in the ocean, but the pool was fantastic for the kids when they still had energy and mom and dad didn't! Everything was comfortable and convenient. Great vacation! |
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Karen, Mead, Colorado |
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| 11/01/07 |
Positive
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We had a great time and greatly enjoyed your unit. The staff were great and very helpful.
Would love to go back tomorrow if I could. The snorkelling was perfect as only a mild breeze blowing out made for almost no waves. We found several new places to eat as well. Take care and thanks again for everything. Steve
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Steve |
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| 08/31/07 |
Positive
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We stayed at LaSirena # 5 beginning Aug. 13, 2007.
Brenda is very helpful and answered all our
questions. She even asked the staff to have the
A/C on so the condo would be nice and cool for our
late arrival. The condo has everything you could
want-wireless, A/C, gym. The view of the ocean is
great but we enjoyed sitting on the back deck and
looking out into the jungle. We saw many creatures
and enjoyed listening to the birds. Unfortunately
we had to leave a few days early due to
approaching Hurricane Dean but we would certainly
stay here again! |
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Kathy, West Linn, Oregon
503-657-9216 |
|
| 05/29/07 |
Positive
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We loved our stay in La Sirena #5! The amount of space was ample for a family or two couples. The views were incredible of Half Moon Bay and the ocean beyond. The kitchen was large with plenty of appointments for preparing meals. The condo complex staff was charming and very helpful.
Although there is a wall separating the sandy beach area and the water, it did not interfere in anyway with our ability to get in the bay for some snorkeling; in fact, the ramp into the water made it easier than having to balance on the rocks to walk to deeper water.
The location is perfect. We walked to Yal-ku just around the block, and Que Onda just a few yards away was great for pasta dishes. Also, this part of Half Moon Bay is much quieter than further south.
We would definitely stay here again and would recommend to anybody considering Akumal! |
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Julie Kelly, Keller, Texas
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| 04/19/07 |
Positive
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We had a wonderful time on our spring break trip to Akumal. Staying at LaSirena #5 helped make this vacation great. We had everything that we needed and the service was great. We sometimes just enjoyed sitting on the patio and taking in the ocean view. The breeze from the ocean kept the condo nice and cool during the day and at night. We enjoyed the snokeling at half moon bay and enjoyed checking out the different restaurants in the area. We really enjoyed our stay at LaSirena and our trip to Akumal.
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Swartzendrubers, Denver, CO |
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| 02/18/07 |
Positive
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| Just a word to let you know how great everything was during our stay at your place The view was spectacular and the service was very good. |
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Igor Lensky, Albany NY
5183312580 |
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| 02/18/07 |
Positive
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| Dear Brenda, I am writing to tell you how much we enjoyed our vocation at your place. It was PERFECT! Thank you for sharing your beautiful condo with us this week. Your good taste shows through in every aspect of the apartment and it's appointments Thank you for providing Internet service, satellite television and maid service. Thank you so much for this wonderful oasis |
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Igor, Albany NY
5183312580 |
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| 02/13/07 |
Positive
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This condominium is the perfect rental for two couples or a small family.
My party consisted of two couples and two dogs. Before renting the place, we corresponded with Brenda (the extremely helpful owner) to let her know our requirements. In particular, we needed a dog-friendly rental and high speed internet. Both of these requirements could be met at her condo in the La Sirena complex.
Upon arrival at the condo, we were absolutely delighted with what we found. Obviously, there are many rentals in Akumal abd we felt that we had found the proverbial "needle in a haystack." As soon as entered, we were absolutely enthralled by the huge walls of glass that bring the blue Caribbean of Half Moon Bay right into the condo. The view from this condo could not be any better - you literally feel as though you are floating right above the sea. And because the condo is located in a corner of the complex, there is a wide open view not only out to sea, but along the sweep of the bay. Really, the setting and the view -- both of which can be enjoyed from the large outside deck as well as from the interior spaces through the large window walls -- could not be any more spectacular.
Inside, the condo is extremely roomy. Two couples had ample and comfortable space to cook, laze around, play games, read, etc. We did not feel cramped inside in any way, shape, or form. The master bedroom suite is spacious and also opens up to that incredible Carribean view, and has a large en suite bathroom. The second bedroom is quite a bit smaller, but still very comfortable and has a king sized bed and a nice balcony overlooking the pool and the garden area. The kitchen is very fully equipped. I myself own rental properties and have visited many others, and the kitchen in this condo is unusually well-equipped.
Finally, the grounds of the complex were very nicely maintained. The beach area was always very tidy and clean, and because it is at the far north end of Half Moon Bay, it felt very quiet. Also, although the immediate shorefront in front of the beach is a bit rocky, there are a couple of ramps built into the water that make it easy to get into the water to enjoy the incredible snorkelling right off the shore. Importantly, the water here is in the lee of a point, so there is very little surf at this particular part of the beach -- this made snorkelling easy for my 70 year old parents. The garden and the pool area was also very nice.
All in all, we couldn't have been happier with this place and I look forward to returning some day. |
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Steven Sugarman, Santa Fe, NM
(505) 577-4760 |
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| 02/06/07 |
Positive
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Four of us (two couples)stayed at La Sirena #5 from January 14-26/07. We have been to the Mayan Riviera over the last five years.
Snorkeling in Akumal Bay was a 14 out of 10. You can walk out into the water without difficulty (sand bottom)and within a 100 feet from shore you can see turtles, manta rays, barracudas, and a multitude of colorful fish and corals. Simply put priceless!!! Snorkeling in Yal-Ku Lagoon and Half Moon Bay were a 12 out of 10 with a huge abundance of fish varieties and an opportunity to see turtles and brilliant coral reefs. Ask Lorenzo how to get in to Yal-Ku for free! A 12 out of 10 for us was watching the sunsets from the balcony and then the emerging of the stars and after the catch sighting of a shooting star. In the morning watching the birds out on the Bay or in the lot next door is terrific as well. A 12 out of 10 was the view from the top of La Sirena. A 11 out of 10 had to be the pool whether it be any time of day or night. Besides the exercise that one got the pool was a great meeting place for other renters and/or owners. A 10 out of 10 had to be the snorkeling out in front of the condo in Half Moon Bay. The shoreline is very rocky and hence requires care in entering the water anywhere on this beach. We found the best place was the concrete walkway to the left of the condo, where at the end of it we would put our snorkeling equipment on and then proceed to walk backwards until the water was deep enough to snorkel. The bay has lots of fish and coral to see, but at the same time is shallow and hence best to go out on a calm day where the waves are not affecting how you are able to avoid the coral and yet move around. A 10 out of 10 was the support staff at La Sirena from the maid to the staff in the front office. Every concern that we had was dealt with quickly. A 8 out of 10 was the actual condo itself. A previous poster described this unit best, and I have nothing to add other than we brought a whole bunch of DVD movies with us and found them excellent to view in winding down the day before bed. A 7 out of 10 for me was the weight room. I was the only one to use it as it costs $5.US per day to use. Everything is there for a good workout.
From Selva Maya the men rented bicycles at $6.US per day to get around, and for the women we rented a two person golf cart for $20.US per day. The golf cart was a godsend without a car to get around and carry groceries from town. We found all of the restaurants to be excellent and good value, except for the prices at Lo-Ha and hence didn't eat there. By far the best value in town was the "Akumalite" restaurant beside the entrance to the grocery store, and fish special at Cueva Del Pescador. Best breakfast was at Lucy's Kitchen. Highlight meals were the baby back ribs at La Buena Vida, and the filet mignon at La Lunita.
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Robert , Waterloo, Ontario |
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| 01/25/07 |
Positive
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| My husband and I, along with our two teenagers, stayed in La Sirena #5 over Christmas and New Year's for about 10 days. This condo is on the 2nd story on the southern end of the complex. We were really happy there. Akumal is small and Half Moon Bay is smaller but there is a grocery store, internet cafe, some nice artsy gift shops, several dive shops and a nice variety of restaurants (some on the beach - some not). The road to the condo is charming. The perfect distance to walk to the center of Akumal (about 3/4 of a mile). We walked there every morning and came back on the beach. We swam and/or snorkeled most days in the bay if we didn't do a day trip to somewhere else. Though initially very shallow, you could begin snorkelling right from the waters edge. Very nice snorkeling but sometimes the water could be a little too rough for a pleasant snorkel. We saw squid, rays, one barracuda, tons of colorful luminescent tropical fish and a turtle! Coral was beat up near shore but nicer farther out. We really enjoyed lounging and basking in the sun and warm breeze for a good while on the man-made beach out front after our daily snorkel/swim. Went to Yal Ku Lagoon once. It is different and worth seeing but only if you go early before the tour vans come with lots of people. The condo was fantastic. We liked the location at the end of the beach because most beachwalkers turned around before La Sirena. We loved the 3 balconies and all of the windows and fans. Being on the end was nice because we had the undeveloped lot next door where we could watch birds and admire the tropical trees and flowers. The condo had a light, breezy, tropical, private, and comfortable feel. We never used the air conditioner (but did use the quiet ceiling fans constantly). Water pressure and temp were great. Loved the open tile showers! Beautiful views from every window. Kitchen was bright with nice tile countertops and great view from the kitchen sink window watching the pelicans and frigatebirds soaring by. Large TV with many English and French language stations. (We probably watched too much TV in the evenings!) Hardly any bugs (This is Mexico!) Sometimes geckos chirping on the balcony walls. The pool looked lovely though only my husband and son used it - on the night we arrived. We were more interested in the ocean. The pool was clean and looked ideal for kids! And the grounds and gardens at La Sirena definately add much to the nice feeling of staying there. Staff was friendly, courteous and helpful. We would definately stay there again but probably won't since we have too many other places we want to see in this world! Maybe someday we will get to come back........ |
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Anonymous, Sitka, Alaska |
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