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Restaurants |
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It stands to reason that a tropical island paradise like Cozumel which enjoys over 4 million visitors annually would have its share of restaurants to boast about. As the number of high end, commercial eating establishments continues to grow, Cozumel is very fortunate in that the majority of its restaurants are not franchised or company owned but instead are entrepreneurial efforts where multiple generations of an entire family participate.
Enjoying a meal at one of these family operated restaurants is literally like being invited into their home to sample the delicious flavors enjoyed by their household. And with many people relocating to Cozumel now from various parts of Mexico like Oxaca and Michocan, there are restaurants that prepare traditional Mexican food with regional flair completely different from the Yucatan flavors.
Those adventurous travelers who have wandered back into the regular neighborhoods of Cozumel will see that there is at least one eatery in every city block and often times 2 or three. Up until just a few years ago, the most common way of getting around the island was by walking or bike. In addition, many households did not have refrigerators or alot of room to store foodstuffs. Since folks didn't want to go far for groceries and welcomed the opportunity not to have to cook a meal several times a day, corner markets and neighborhood eateries became plentiful and inexpensive.
We've often heard it said upon taking an island visitor to a neighborhood eatery: "Gosh, this place would make a fortune if it were just located downtown." The truth is, the eatery was not initially established for tourists but rather by a family wanting to serve a neighborhood. If a tourist or two happens to find these places then that's a bonus to these entrepreneurs. It is only by good luck that we find these quality establishments scattered throughout our city.
Island visitors will find countless restaurants along the waterfront and throughout downtown San Miguel and many of these are listed here. However, in the spirit of supporting a long stand element of this island culture, COZUMELINSIDER has elected to also seek out and present some of the lesser-known, predominantly family-owned places that first-time visitors might otherwise miss.
We will continue to add to our list and keep it current as we discover more great places to eat, and we invite all of you to do the same. Please send your comments, reviews, and/or suggestions to sherri@cozumelinsider.com.
A number of island restauranteurs give taxi drivers a commission for every customer they bring to their business. This has resulted in some drivers telling visitors that the restaurant they are requesting is closed, that the food is not good, or just generally insisting that they go where the driver wants to take them. We suggest that you print out our restaurant information and bring it along, so you can give the taxi driver the correct address and there will be no confusion about where you want to go.
"Los Chilangos" - Cocina Economica
Cuisine: Mexican Lunch Plate Specials
Location: Avenida 10 between Calles 13 and 15 Sur
Credit Cards: None |
Hours: Monday - Saturday Noon - 5 pm
Closed Sunday
Phone: (987) 872-3072 |
You are welcomed into the home of this lovely family to sit down at their few tables and have a family style lunch which includes soup, entrée, and punch drink all for one low price. Menu varies daily but typically includes beef , pork, and chicken entrées from which to choose. |
"French Quarter Restaurant" 
Established: 1999
American Owned & Operated
Hours: Daily 5 pm - 11 pm
Location: Avenida 5 between Calle 3 Sur & Adolfo Rosado Salas
Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard or American Express |
Cuisine: New Orleans style, Canadian Angus, plus freshly caught fish
Pricing: Appetizers from $ 5.50
Main Courses from $ 11.50 to market price for fresh catch
Phone: 987-872-6321 |
Taste some of the best Cajun food south of New Orleans right here!   |
"Kelley's Sports Bar and Grill" - Your home away from home!
Established: 2003
Hours: Daily 11 am - 11 pm
Location: Avenida 10 between Adolfo Rosado Salas and Calle 1 Sur
Phone: (987) 878-4738 |
Cuisine: International
Pricing: Main dishes approx. US $7-$16
Services: Restaurant, bar, live music on weekends, multiple TVs for sports events, private party facilities |
Come to Kelley's for great food, great music, and a great time! An outstanding menu, beer on tap, and a beautiful outdoor setting await you at this popular bar and grill in the heart of downtown. |
"Camilo's Restaurant"
Established: 2003
Hours: Daily 9 am - 9 pm
Credit Cards: Banamex/Visa/Mastercard |
Cuisine: Seafood, fresh fish, shrimp and lobster, tacos & sandwiches
Location: Avenida 5 between Calles 2 and 4 Norte
Other: Delivery service offered from Puerta Maya to North Hotel Zone, Air Conditioned. |
Owners Camilo Santo and Alredo Parida both come from a long line of fishermen and restaurant owners. Established in 2003, they are already a favorite among the locals. Sometimes you will even catch the competition eating here. They are proud to offer quality seafood in their dishes. This is the place for seafood lovers. The fish is fresh and the shrimp are jumbo! While I was there, I overheard a tourist say, "I can't talk right now. The food is too good." Most people in the morning will drop in for fish tacos or sandwiches. They offer Mexican style smoked marlin, ceviches, fillets, shrimp and lobsters. Camilo, his sister Vanessa, Alfredo and the rest of the crew will take care of you. If you get a sweet tooth afterwards, you might want to visit their store "The Candy Shop", specializing in Swiss chocolates located on Calle 2 norte between Avenidas 5 and 10. |
"Casa Denis"
Established: 1945
Hours: Daily 7 am – 11 pm
Credit Cards: NO CC's |
Cuisine: Authentic Yucatecan food, tacos and fresh seafood
Location: Calle 1 Sur between Avenidas 5 and 10 in Downtown Plaza |
One of the last hold outs of family owned places still in the main square…high rents have run everyone back to Mid-town!! Traditional local Mexican food fare…they have great panuchos!! |
"Chi Restaurant Bar Lounge" - Authentic Chinese cuisine
Established: 2005
Hours: Monday - Wednesday 9:30 am - Midnight
Thursday - Saturday 9:30 am - 2 am
Sunday Noon - Midnight
Phone: (987) 869-8156 |
Cuisine: Chinese, Thai, and Sushi
Location: Avenida Rafael Melgar and Calle 3 Sur (above Pizza Hut) |
Chi provides a comfortable and modern waterfront venue for its excellent Chinese cuisine. Thai food and sushi are also available. |
"Coffeelia"
Cuisine: Breakfasts including dutch crepes. Lunch - salad, quiche, sandwiches
Location: Calle 5 Sur between Avenidas Rafael Melgar and 5
Credit Cards: None |
Hours: Monday - Saturday 7:30 am - 11 pm
Sunday 8 am - 1 pm
Phone: (987) 872-7402 |
Make yourself at home in this converted island abode and select from Ofelia's unique and economic breakfast and lunch menus including Dutch crepes, Salads and Quiches. |
"Costa Brava Restaurant"
Established: 1982
Hours: Daily 6:30 am - 11:30 pm |
Cuisine: Traditional Mexican dishes and seafood. American breakfasts.
Location: Calle 7 Sur between Avenidas Rafael Melgar and 5 (not far from the post office) |
Owner, Luis Guzman is proud of the fact that they are open 365 days a year. Costa Brava offers everything from hot cakes to one of the best deals for a lobster dinner on the island. Breakfast specials are served from 6:30 am to 9:30 am. The prices are great and the time is convenient for divers. Don't let the outside fool you on its size. It is a spacious hacienda and can easily accommodate large parties. |
"Cozumel Museum"
Cuisine: Breakfast
Location: Roof Top of Museum
Avenida Rafael Melgar between Calles 4 and 6 Norte |
Hours: Daily 7 am - 2 pm
Credit Cards: None |
Excellent breakfast place to enjoy while sitting on the 2nd floor balcony of the museum. Great fruit plate and waffles. Avoid Sundays as it is packed with locals! |
"El Capi Navigante"
Established: 1986
Hours: Daily 11am - 10 pm
Location: Avenida 10 between Calles 3 and 5 Sur |
Cuisine: Seafood
Pricing: Appetizers from $ 8.95
Main Courses from $ 14.95 to market price for fresh catch
Credit Cards: VISA/MC |
One of the oldest seafood restaurants on the island and still going strong by reputation!! Nothing bad to be had here!! Get them to finish off your meal with one of their flaming desserts!! |
"El Sitio Taco Stand"
Established: 1993
Hours: Daily 7 am - 1 pm |
Cuisine: Seafood and Pork Tacos or Sandwiches
Location: Calle 2 Norte between Avenidas 5 and 10 |
Scuba Divers ~ grab and go kinda place! This taco stand serves up some of the best seafood tacos and sandwiches around and it's a great spot for those folks who prefer a more unconventional breakfast or an early lunch. |
"Especias"
Cuisine: International dishes with an Argentinean influence
Location: Calle 3 Sur between Avenidas 5 and 10
Credit Cards: No |
Hours: Monday - Saturday 6 pm - 11 pm
Closed Sunday
Phone: (987) 876-1558 |
Owner and gregarious host Adrian Angulo Romero is a natural for the restaurant business. He is the grandson of Denis and Juanita Angulo, owners of one of the island's very first restaurants - Casa Denis. While Especias is small in size, the menu is not. Customers will find a variety of international dishes along with Argentinean cuisine, which includes Especia's famous fresh-baked empanadas, stuffed zuchini, and a fantastic chimichuri sauce. All dishes are prepared from scratch, so we suggest you order a bottle of wine, sit back, and just enjoy while your food is prepared.. |
"Jeanie's Waffles"
Established: 2006
Hours: Daily 6 am - 5 pm
Phone: (987) 878-4647 |
Cuisine: American Style Breakfast, lunch sandwiches & tacos.
Location: Avenida Rafael Melgar just north of Avenida Andrés Quintana Roo (formerly Calle 11 Sur)
Credit Cards: Visa and Master Card |
Under new management, and just next door to the original location, Jeanie's remains an excellent breakfast place serving great eggs and waffles. Tacos are served in the afternoons in both the traditional fashion, as well as Tex-Mex. |
"La Candela" - From our kitchen to your table
Cuisine: Comida Casera
Location: Corner of Avenida 5 and Calle 6 Norte |
Hours: Monday - Saturday 8 am - 6 pm
Closed Sunday
Phone: (987) 878-4471 |
La Candela serves great lunch specials, and two people can eat and drink for less that $10 US. Try their beef or chicken fajitas, fresh fish fillets, or shrimp dishes, and wash it down with a cold beer or mixed drink. |
"La Choza"
Established: 1989
Hours: Daily 7 am - 11 pm
Credit Cards: MC/VISA/Amex |
Cuisine: Traditional Mexican food and Yucatecan specialties.
Location: Corner of Calle Adolfo Rosado Salas Sur and Avenida 10 |
Family owned and operated restaurant serving traditional Mexican food and Yucatecan specialties. One of the few places left that still offers an economical "off the menu" lunch special for locals or anyone else in the know - all you have to do is ask. While it's a long-time favorite dinner spot with tourists, many folks don't know that it's also a great place for a tasty and inexpensive breakfast. |
"La Cozumelena Bakery"
Cuisine: Breakfast and Lunch
Location: Avenida 10 and Calle 3 Sur |
Hours: Daily 7 am - 6 pm
Other: Air Conditioned. |
This popular local eatery and bakery offers Mexican and American-style breakfasts and light lunches at economical prices. Stop in for a cup of coffee and smell the breads baking as you read or people watch. Look for the parking lot half a block before the bakery on Calle 3 Sur that is exclusively for Cozumelena patrons. |
"La Morena"
Established: 2001
Hours: Daily 11 am - 11 pm
Credit Cards: Mastercard/Visa/Discovery |
Cuisine: Mexican and fresh seafood specialties.
Location: Avenida 10 between Calles 3 and 5 |
Owner and host Jose Pilar Santos opened La Morena in December of 2001, and can almost always be found there as he greets guests and provides his special brand of attention and service. Sr. Santos worked as a waiter on the island for 35 years before building his own restaurant and bringing his family into the business.
La Morena offers a wide range of traditional Mexican dishes as well as a long list of fresh seafood specialties including coconut shrimp/fish, ceviche, lobster in garlic and butter, and some darn good coconut ice cream. Bar drinks area reasonably priced and their Margaritas are a bit higher, but are made from scratch and pack a real punch. |
"Manati" - Restaurant and Bar Lounge
Amenities: Free wireless internet access
Location: Corner of Calle 8 Norte and Avenida 10 |
Hours: Monday - Saturday Noon - 11 pm
Closed Sunday
Phone: (987) 869-8568 |
Manati is like two restaurants in one. They serve a great "comida del dia" (meal of the day) during the afternoon lunch hours (Noon - 6 pm) for 50 pesos. It includes soup and fruit juice, and is very popular with divers. Then at night from 6 pm - 11 pm, Manati is transformed into a gourmet restaurant serving fine Mediterranean cuisine. The also have a new upstairs lounge under the palapa, and host live music Thursday and Saturday nights after 8 pm. |
"Midori Sushi"
Established: 2002
Hours: Daily 1 pm - 10 pm
Credit Cards: None |
Cuisine: Sushi
Location: Calle Adolfo Rosado Salas Sur between Avenida 15 and 20 |
Finally ~ a decent sushi place on the island! Try the Yellow Fin Sashimi followed by a Rainbow Roll and Shrimp Tempura. Small, quiet place with good service and 2nd floor view!! |
"Palmeras"
Cuisine: American Style & Mexican plates
Location: Avenida Rafael Melgar at Avenida Benito Juarez across from Muelle Fiscal |
Hours: Daily 7 am - 11 pm
Credit Cards: Visa MC |
Ideally located in the heart of downtown on the beachfront and across from the ferry pier, this restaurant offers a spectacular ocean view and is very handy if traveling to/from Playa on the ferry. One can purchase ferry tickets and then sit back for a cup of coffee and breakfast here right up until just a couple of minutes before the ferry departs.
The wait staff have all worked here for years so the service is excellent and the menu offers a variety of Mexican platters and American food for all three meals. One might consider this the Cozumel version of "Denny's" in the USA. |
"Pancho's Backyard"
Established: 1990
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 11 pm
Sundays 5 pm- 11 pm
Credit Cards: Visa & MC & Amex |
Cuisine: Mexican & Seafood
Location: Avenida Rafael Melgar between Calles 6 and 8 Norte ~ inside Los Cinco Soles mall |
Beautiful setting in a very historical building of Cozumel. All menu items are excellent depending on if you’re in the mood for seafood or Mexican food. My pick: Mexican Platter that has chiles rellenos on it. These are a MUST TRY item ~ they are not like any chile relleno you’ve ever had ! |
"Pepe's Grill"
Cuisine: Fresh Seafood and Steak
Location: Avenida Rafael Melgar at Adolfo Rosado Salas
Other: ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ADVISED |
Hours: Daily 5 pm - 11 pm
Credit Cards: Visa MC |
Another long established island restaurant still going strong due to their extensive menu, excellent service and lovely sunset view!! The shrimp and mushroom appetizer are definitely worth a trip! |
"Popeye Restaurant"
Established: 1992
Phone: (987) 872-0271 |
Location: Calle 2 Norte between Avenidas 25 and Pedro Joaquín Coldwell (formerly Avenida 30) |
A great seafood place for lunch. Popeye's serves Ceviches, Shrimp cocktails, Fried fish, Lobster, Grilled seafood, Octopus, and Seafood stuffed Chile rellenos. |
"Prima Trattoria"
Established: 1994
Hours: Daily 4 pm - 11 pm
Credit Cards: Visa, MC & Amex |
Cuisine: Northern Italian Seafood & Pasta
Location: Adolfo Rosado Salas between Avenidas 5 and 10
Other: ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ADVISED |
Northern Italian style cuisine offered along with wonderful salads ~ try the blue cheese salad! This is my favorite place to have seafood ~ they know how to prepare it properly and it’s super super fresh. Try the surf and turf for a mix or the seafood liguine combo ~ both will suit you! |
"The Coffee Bean"
Established: 1995
Hours: Daily 7 am - 11 pm |
Cuisine: Some food, Mainly Coffee & Desserts
Location: Calle 3 Sur between Melgar and Avenida 5 |
Open until late evening, and features "American-style" desserts as well as a limited food menu. |
"Zermatt Bakery"
Established: 1995
Hours: Daily 7 am - 7 pm |
Cuisine: Coffee, Pastries & Struedel
Location: Avenida 5 between Calles 4 and 6 Norte |
Without question the island's best bakery! This family run establishment offers fresh coffee, fast service for "stop & go" folks as well as a few patio tables where one can sit and savor the flavors of the delicate pastries. Visit early in the morning as pastries are emerging from the oven and smell heavenly. Don't miss the apple turnovers! They have to be the best in the world! Zermatt also offers the only authentic, homemade streudel on the island. |
"Albino's Restaurant" - You know our palapa
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: Avenida 20 between Calles 10 and 12 Norte |
Hours: Daily Noon - 8 pm
Phone: (987) 869-2510 |
Albino's is a popular seafood restaurant for a nice night out. Located upstairs under a large palapa roof, their preparation and presentation are first rate. |
"Casa Mission"
Established: 2000
Hours: Daily 3 pm - 11 pm
Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard/American Express |
Cuisine: Traditional Mexican foods with seafood specialties
Location: Corner of Avenidas Benito Juarez and 55 |
Casa Mission offers superb food, however the real attraction here is not the food, but the setting. Located off the beaten path, the restaurant is the veranda area of a large hacienda style Mexican home. It is surrounded on all sides by an extensive garden that combines perfectly with the colonial hacienda ambiance. Then there is the unusual addition of a miniature zoo with lions and monkeys hidden amongst the tropical foliage of the gardens. One of the most romantic spots on the island for cocktails or dinner. |
"Chilango's Taqueria" - Restaurant and Taqueria
Established: 1993
Hours: Daily 6 pm - 1 am
Credit Cards: None |
Cuisine: Mexican Quesadillas or Huaraches
Location: Avenida Pedro Joaquín Coldwell (formerly Avenida 30) between Calle 3 Sur and Morelos |
This family-owned business has been around for many years and continues to be one of the few places on the island where you can find huaraches. They feature handmade tortillas which are made and cooked at the counter right in front of you and essentially offer two menu choices: Quesadillas or Huaraches. Simply put, huaraches are open faced tortillas smeared with beans plus the meat/veggie topping that you select while quesadillas are tortillas folded over cheese and the meat/veggie topping picked. Choose your meat or vegetable ingredients from the fresh daily selection housed behind the glass case at the kitchen counter. If you need some suggestions, we recommend starting out with a nopales quesadilla (yes, we mean cactus).
Don't forget to act like a local and eat the awesome green salsa offered on the table and try their tasty "Agua de Jamaica" to drink! |
"El Moro"
Established: 1980
Hours: Daily 1 pm - 11 pm
Closed Thursdays
Credit Cards: MC/VISA |
Cuisine: Traditional Yucatecan Style Mexican & Seafood; Kids menu
Location: Avenida 75 Bis between Calles 2 and 4 Norte |
Rodolfo "El Moro" Chacon and his sons have been serving tourists and locals alike since 1980 and despite being a long way from the waterfront, El Moro remains a popular destination for island newcomers as well as frequent visitors. El Moro is continued proof that a tourist zone location is not a requisite for success. When it comes to good food ~ folks will find you!
El Moro offers an extensive menu with traditional Mexican platters prepared Yucatecan style and featuring several different mole sauces. They also offer an excellent seafood platter called the Zacarias Special, however we love to order the "fish in paper" or "shrimp in wires" (shrimp-kebob) from the English side of the menu. There is also a kids section of the menu and hamburgers for those not wanting to sample the local cuisines.
If you stop in on a Saturday or Sunday, you'll generally find them cooking up some cochinita pibil or one of their other Yucatecan specialties. This spot is famous for always serving their guests an extra dish "on the house," and we give them an extra star for being one of the friendliest places we've come across yet. |
"Las Palmas Loncheria"
Cuisine: Lunch plates typical of this region
Location: Calle 3 Sur and Avenida 25 |
Hours: Monday - Saturday 11 pm - 6 pm
Closed Sunday
Credit Cards: None |
A locals favorite, this family operated establishment prepares a variety of lunch plates typical of this region. From seafood to breaded pork, this is Cozumel style home cooking at its best! Daily specials are offered on the chalkboard. All lunches include a bowl of soup and one of their punch drinks. Instead of the pasta soup tell them you would prefer beans and rice [frijoles con arroz] and try the Jamaica [ha-may-ka] punch made from flower petals.
A great thing to order if you feel like splurging is the shrimp brochetta…they really know how to grill it!!
Or the "Mero - al Mojo de Ajo" (Grouper grilled in garlic) is a superb choice as well! |
"Pescaderia San Carlos"
Established: 1999
Hours: Daily 7 am - 5 pm
Credit Cards: None |
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: Avenida 50 Bis Between Calle 3 Sur and Adolfo Rosado Salas (Across from Mari Tere store & DIF Park) |
Be brave and adventurous and give this spot a try. Rather than selling what he catches to local restaurants, this enterprising fisherman established his own eatery where customers can select from his catch of the day. The filetes empanizado (battered fried fish) is by far the best on the island. Try the seafood soup or the ceviche, which is mixed seafood in salsa. If you're really hungry, check out Carlos' whole fried fish. The restarurant area has been recently expanded to serve his growing base of loyal customers |
| West Coast - North Zone Area |
"Bucannos Bar & Grill" - Cozumel's Best Kept Secret
Cuisine: Festive Carribean-Mexican Restaurant
Amenities: Sand beach with easy ocean entry
Off Shore Snorkel Park ~ rated in top 3 by Carnival Cruise Lines
Seaside beach location
Palapas and benches on the beach
Two large fresh water pools
Lockers and change rooms
Large A.C. bathrooms
Outdoor beach shower
Rock climbing and repel park in premises
Snorkel equipment rental
Kayak rental
Parasailing and wave runner rental
Beach massage
Towel rental
Location: Club Cozumel Caribe
Playa San Juan Beach, Costera Norte Km 4.5
www.clubcozumelcaribe.info |
Menu: Appetizers include grilled calamari and rcok shrimp salad, calamari rings with
cilantro aioli & balsamic chipotle reduction, classic nachos grande, ' three amigo'
appetizer platter etc.
Light Lunches include Cozumel's best burger, blackened fish soft shell tacos,
grilled cilantro lime shrimp quesadillas and Buccanos adobo chicken chorizo
pizza to name a few.
Lunch entres include coconut/ almond crusted jumbo shrimp w/tequila lime butter
on poblano coconut rice, pan seared blackened grouper fillet, grilled lobster tail,
grilled marinated skirt steak and seafood platter etc...
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9:00- 5:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 - 6:00 pm
Credit Cards: Master Card and Visa Accepted |
Enjoy the unexpected in traditional cuisine! |
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Sherri, my boss wants you to take down your webcam! It seems it is preventing me from getting any work done! I just stare at it all day. haha I will be there in two weeks. It's been since March since we spent a week there and I'm going through withdrawals. I hope Mezcalitos has the 'ritas ready for me. Jennifer ~ Louisiana
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Sherrie is a true star when it comes to being hostess. Always friendly, helpful and there to answers our questions she knows where to enjoy local cuisine, you'll get the best value for money and great food. H. Hawkins ~ Wilmington, DE
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Thank you so much for all your help! We took you tour to Chitchen-Itza in june. We were the couple that missed the tour because we did not get the wake up call. Because you went the extra mile with us (by finding us a tour operator that would honor our voucher the next day) I am extremely greatful. it certainly made our vacation. I will DEFINITELY recommend your website COZUMELINSIDER to anybody who will listen. thanks again! F. Escobar ~ not given
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Hello, I want to let you know that I visit your website all the time! I love it, so much information. I used you as a resource when I came to Cozumel for the first time about 2 years ago. Although my soon-to-be wife was there before, I needed to do some of my own homework. As for her, she and I will be getting married on June 22 at Hotel Cozumel and we are both really excited about it. I am so happy that you are able to put this website together for people like us who love Cozumel and can't be there as much as we want to be. Thanks again! John DeMaio ~ Milford, CT, USA
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It is very cold here, it snowed last night. Welcome home to us right?! Just wanted to send an email thanking you for making our experience the best ever in sunny Cozumel. We wanted to let you know that the day we spent at your PalMar Beach Club we had your homemade tamales, (which are my favorite, by the way!) and they were excellent. Also we think that you have very good employees, Juan (there at the beach club/your house) we especially appreciated him, he treated us very well and we just wanted you to know that. Thanks again for the ride to the ferry, we made the 10:00! Also we were very thankful for your advice to stay there in Playa. We were able to get a room and just enjoy our last day on the beach which is what I really wanted. We were within walking distance from the bus that took us to the airport the next morning so it was all very convenient. You were very helpful and we will definately recommend your villas to anyone going there in the future. K & J Gilbert ~ Unknown
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