Question 1

Why should I book direct?

Accepted Answer

Because there is no service fee. Airbnb and Vrbo add their own fee on top of the nightly rate; this is our own website, so you book with us directly and the price in your quote is the price you pay. From the first message to the last, you are talking to Guy and Patricia, the owners of the house.

Question 2

Is this the same house as on Airbnb and Vrbo?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the same house, the same owners and the same calendar, synced automatically through the day, so a date that is free here is free there. The reviews on this site are our real Airbnb and Vrbo reviews.

Question 3

Is the information on the website up to date?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The calendar and the rates update automatically from our listings, so the availability and the price you see when you choose your dates are current.

Question 4

How much do I pay, and when?

Accepted Answer

Your quote shows the full price before you book. 30% secures your dates, and the balance is due 30 days before arrival. If you book within 30 days of arrival, the full amount is due once your stay is confirmed. We accept bank transfer, PayPal, cash and all major credit and debit cards.

Question 5

What taxes are included?

Accepted Answer

Two taxes apply to every stay in Puerto Vallarta: the Jalisco lodging tax (3%) and IVA (16%). Both are shown line by line in your quote, so there is nothing to add later.

Question 6

Is there a security deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a refundable $500 security deposit. It is returned after your stay as long as the house is left undamaged and nothing is missing.

Question 7

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancel 30 days or more before the first night for a full refund. Between 15 and 29 days before, 50% of the booking amount is refundable. Within 15 days of arrival, or for a no-show, there is no refund. The full terms are in the rental agreement you read before you book, and we recommend travel insurance.

Question 8

Is there a minimum stay?

Accepted Answer

It varies with the season. The calendar only lets you choose dates that meet the minimum — if you can select them, you can book them.

Question 9

When should I book for the busy season?

Accepted Answer

Early. Winter — roughly November to April — is high season in Puerto Vallarta, and Christmas, New Year and Easter book months ahead. Summer and early autumn are quieter, greener and hotter, with warm evening storms.

Question 10

How do I get to the house?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which has direct flights from across the United States and Canada. The house is about 25 minutes away by taxi or car. Have your passport ready on arrival.

Question 11

Where exactly is the house?

Accepted Answer

In the heart of Old Town (Centro), on the hillside a few short blocks from the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with the Malecón a short walk down the hill. The exact address and directions come with your booking confirmation.

Question 12

Do I need a car?

Accepted Answer

No. Old Town is best on foot — the Malecón, the church, the galleries and dozens of restaurants are all within walking distance — and taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to find for everything further. The streets around the house are steep and cobbled, so comfortable shoes help.

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There is on-site parking, but the entrance from the street is narrow and not suitable for very large vehicles. If you are bringing a car, tell us what you are driving and we will help you plan.

Question 14

What currency should I bring?

Accepted Answer

The local currency is the Mexican peso. Cards are taken in most restaurants and shops; keep some pesos for taxis, tips, street food and the markets. ATMs are easy to find in town.

Question 15

What time zone is Puerto Vallarta in?

Accepted Answer

Puerto Vallarta is on Central Time (the same as Mexico City) all year — Mexico no longer changes its clocks for daylight saving. Check-in and check-out times are local time.

Question 16

What time is check-in and check-out?

Accepted Answer

Check-in is from 3:00 pm and check-out by 11:00 am. The hours between are when the house is cleaned and made ready for the next guests.

Question 17

Can I check in early or leave late?

Accepted Answer

Often, if nobody is leaving or arriving the same day — just ask us a day or two ahead. When there is a same-day booking we cannot move the times.

Question 18

How do I get in?

Accepted Answer

The front door and every bedroom have digital locks. Your arrival details, including the door code, the Wi-Fi and the house guide, come by email before your stay.

Question 19

Are there any extra fees?

Accepted Answer

No. The rate and the two taxes are shown in your quote, and housekeeping twice a week is included. The only optional extras are things you choose, such as private meals.

Question 20

How many people does the house sleep?

Accepted Answer

Up to ten guests, in four bedrooms with four and a half bathrooms. The bed in each room is listed on the house page.

Question 21

How big is the house?

Accepted Answer

About 5,000 sq ft over three floors — a traditional Spanish house with a 400 sq ft terrace over Banderas Bay, the mountains behind and the town below.

Question 22

Is it all on one level?

Accepted Answer

No. Like most homes on the Old Town hillside, the house is spread over three floors connected by stairs. If anyone in your party has limited mobility, tell us before you book and we will talk it through.

Question 23

Is there air conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in every room. The whole house runs on solar power, so please switch the air conditioning off when doors and windows are open.

Question 24

How good is the Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

Fast — 500+ Mbps, comfortable for six or more people or ten-plus devices at once, with a desk and a printer if you need to work. There is also a landline with free calls to the US and Canada.

Question 25

Is there a pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a heated private dipping pool and a spa (hot tub). Please keep the cover on when they are not in use.

Question 26

What is in the kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Everything for real cooking: stove and oven, microwave, a kitchen island and dining table, a coffee maker and grinder, kettle, blender, toaster, an ice maker and dishes for a full house — plus three refrigerators, including one in each of the upstairs rooms. There is a grill for the terrace too.

Question 27

Do you have basic spices and condiments?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the basics are there: spices, oil, vinegar and the like.

Question 28

Is the house good for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is a high chair, a baby gate, a travel crib, and books and games for children. Please supervise little ones at all times around the pool, the spa, the stairs and the terraces.

Question 29

What is there to do at home?

Accepted Answer

Five HD flat-screen TVs with satellite, a games room, books, games and a music library, with Alexa speakers in every bedroom and on both outdoor patios.

Question 30

Do we need to bring beach gear?

Accepted Answer

No. Beach chairs, beach towels and snorkelling gear for about six adults and six children are in the house.

Question 31

Is there a washer and dryer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with an iron and ironing board. Bed linen, bath towels, toiletries and a hair dryer are provided too.

Question 32

Is there a safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a safe in the house for passports and valuables.

Question 33

Is there anything waiting for us?

Accepted Answer

A welcome: a bottle of red wine, a bottle of white, a bottle of tequila and twelve beers in the fridge — for your first sunset on the terrace.

Question 34

Is housekeeping included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our housekeeper comes twice a week — once in the middle of the week and once at the end — at no extra charge.

Question 35

Can we have meals cooked at the house?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our cook will prepare private meals on request. The price is per meal, for up to ten guests: Breakfast $30 · Lunch $40 · Dinner $50 Prices do not include a tip or gratuity.

Question 36

What does the meal price include?

Accepted Answer

Shopping, cooking, setting the table and cleaning up afterwards. The food itself is paid separately, at the actual cost on the receipts, directly at the house.

Question 37

How do we book a meal?

Accepted Answer

Tell our cook one day in advance so everything can be ready for you. Breakfast on the terrace with the bay waking up is hard to beat.

Question 38

Who looks after the house during our stay?

Accepted Answer

Fidel, our house manager, looks after the house and the people in it, and Guy is always a message away. If anything is not working, tell us and we will sort it the same day.

Question 39

Can you help arrange things in town?

Accepted Answer

Happily. Ask us about boat trips, tours, restaurant tables or a massage — there are massage services about a block from the house.

Question 40

How far is the nearest convenience store?

Accepted Answer

Just one block away, down the street to your right.

Question 41

Can we walk to restaurants?

Accepted Answer

Yes — dozens. Our restaurant guide lists the places we send our own guests to, by walking distance from the house, with addresses and phone numbers.

Question 42

Where is the nearest beach?

Accepted Answer

The Malecón is a few minutes’ walk away, and Los Muertos Beach in the Zona Romántica is about 15–20 minutes on foot along the water. The quieter coves of Conchas Chinas are just beyond.

Question 43

What is there to do?

Accepted Answer

More than a week can hold: the Malecón at sunset, Los Arcos and the Marietas Islands by boat, Yelapa, Sayulita, the botanical garden and, in winter, the humpback whales. It is all in our guide to Puerto Vallarta.

Question 44

Is there an English-language Mass nearby?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, about three short blocks away, holds a Mass in English at least every Sunday.

Question 45

What are the fireworks we see at night?

Accepted Answer

The pirate ship that sails the bay sets off fireworks over the water in the evening, and the terrace is the best seat in town to watch them.

Question 46

How many guests can stay?

Accepted Answer

Up to ten, including children. Guest numbers must stay within your booking.

Question 47

Can we have a party or an event?

Accepted Answer

No. The house sits among neighbours we have known for years, and parties and events are not permitted.

Question 48

Are there quiet hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes — please keep things quiet after 10:00 pm. The neighbours are lovely, and we would like to keep it that way.

Question 49

Anything we should know about the solar power?

Accepted Answer

Only to be kind to it: switch the air conditioning off when doors and windows are open, and turn lights off when you go out.

Question 50

What happens if something breaks?

Accepted Answer

Tell us straight away and we will have it fixed as quickly as possible. Normal wear is never charged; damage beyond normal use, or missing items, may be deducted from the security deposit.

Question 51

Do you recommend travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, strongly. It protects your payments if plans change inside the cancellation window, and covers medical costs while you are away.

Question 52

Is Old Town safe?

Accepted Answer

Old Town is the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta and busy with visitors and families day and night. Use the same common sense as in any city, keep valuables in the safe, and lock the front door when you go out.

Question 53

What if someone needs a doctor?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 in an emergency. Puerto Vallarta has private hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, and we can point you to the nearest one.

Question 54

What about the weather?

Accepted Answer

Winter is dry and sunny. From roughly June to October it is hot and humid with warm evening storms, and the Pacific hurricane season runs from June to November — if a storm is forecast, we will be in touch.

Question 55

How do I reach you during our stay?

Accepted Answer

By message or phone — Guy on +1 (805) 896 3253, or the numbers in your arrival email. We know the house inside out and will help with anything you need.

Answers, before you ask