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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What
are the services of the full-time staff?
Most villas include a cook, maid, and houseman to take
care of all of the cleaning, cooking, shopping and bartending.
They will prepare two meals daily, plus snacks (except
Sundays, unless prior arrangements are made), you choose
the menu and reimburse the staff for the cost of groceries.
(Cash or travelers checks, please. Receipts will be provided.)
Please be sure to send your guest arrival information
with your final payment to ensure that your preferences
are relayed to the staff. |
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What
about tipping in Mexico?
Gratuities are always optional. However, you may want
to keep in mind that most workers depend on tips for a
large portion of their income. Depending upon the number
of hours worked, a good range would be $1-3 per day, per
staff member, from each guest. (Taxi drivers regularly
include tipping charges in their fee, you do not have
to tip the taxi drivers.) |
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What
type of documents do we need to bring?
Upon entering and leaving Mexico, you will need proof
of citizenship, such as a passport, certified or notarized
birth certificate, or a notarized affidavit stating proof
of citizenship, accompanied by a photo ID. If last name
is different on any of the above documents, you will need
to show proof denoting name change, such as a marriage
certificate or court papers. Children under 18, traveling
without both parents, will also need a notarized affidavit
for permission to travel. You will be given a tourist
card by the airlines, which will need to be completed
prior to arrival in Mexico and must be turned in upon
leaving Mexico. |
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What
is the currency?
Mexico currency is called the peso. Most businesses will
accept payment in U.S. dollars, so there is no need to
exchange money before leaving the states. It is wise
to
carry travelers checks instead of cash, although you
may need a supply of $1 bills for tipping. ATM's are
available and credit cards are widely accepted, you will
get the
best exchange rate by using them. U.S. coins are not
accepted
in Mexico.
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What
is the average temperature?
Temperatures average around 80 degrees year round, but
humidity and chances of rain increase from June through
October. Light, comfortable, casual clothing is recommended.
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Can
you drink the water?
All of our properties have either purified water
systems or purified bottled water available. The staff
uses purified water for ice, cooking, and food preparation,
and it is also recommended for brushing your teeth. To
help prevent the dreaded "Montezuma's Revenge", be selective
where you eat and drink. You can also purchase acidophilus
tablets to aid in the restoration of normal, healthy,
intestinal bacteria. You should be able to find this in
your local drug or health food store for approximately
$5 for 100 tablets.
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What
are your payment and cancellation policies?
An initial 50% deposit is required within 7 days to confirm
your reservation. Check or money order only, please,
since
we do not accept credit cards. The balance of the rental
fee and a refundable security deposit of $500.00 is
due
60 days prior to arrival. Full refunds (less a $500 facilitating
fee) will be made only if we are able to re-rent the
property
for the exact same dates and number of bedrooms. Cancellations
60 days or less total amount paid will be forfeited
(unless rebooked). |
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What
are high season vs. low season rates?
Low season rates generally apply from May through October.
High season rates apply from November through April. Some
properties have different cut-off dates, so please ask
at the time of booking.
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What
are the minimum rooms and nights?
The minimum night stay is generally five to seven nights,
depending on the property. Some villas may also be rented
with less than the maximum amount of bedrooms, so please
ask at the time of booking. Regardless of the number rented,
the other bedrooms will remain vacant and the rest of
the villa is yours to enjoy. Holiday rentals, the minimum
night stay is 7 to 14 nights, and all rooms must be rented.
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When
is check in and check out?
Check out time is 11:00 am, check in time is 3:00 p.m.
An extension may be requested one week prior to arrival
if needed. You may also store your luggage at the villa
before or after check in and check out. |
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Do
the villas have a telephone?
Yes. Local calls are free, but you must charge long distance
calls to your credit card number, or leave a phone deposit.
It is advised that you arrange to have your family or
friends call you, to avoid the hefty surcharges. |
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What
should I bring?
Personal items should include sunscreen, snorkeling gear,
camera, film, binoculars, insect repellant, a hat or visor,
sunglasses, medications, walking shoes, and aqua shoes
for wading in the tide pools. You may also want to bring
a couple bottles (duty free) of your favorite wine or
liquor, since availability of certain brands vary and
imports are heavily taxed.
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How
will I get from the airport to the villa?
You can take a taxi or we can arrange for you to be picked
up by our local representative in an air-conditioned van.
(Roughly $20 p/person round trip paid direct to driver.)
Rental cars are not usually necessary since taxis are
inexpensive and readily available in most areas. |
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What
type of activities are available in Puerto Vallarta?
There are a multitude of activities
to choose from including golf, fishing, parasailing,
jet skiing, snorkeling, diving, shopping, dining, dancing,
horseback riding, and jungle tours. For more information about activities in and around Puerto Vallarta please contact Vallarta Adventures. |
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