My family of 10 (ages 16 to 78) recenlty stayed at Villa Marlin and specifically in unit 511. We selected Villa Marlin and unit 511 due to the fabulous reviews we read here on Trip Advisor. However, we saw some very scarey reviews regarding bugs, broken lgiht fixtures, etc., just before we left which had us terribly concerned. After 5 nights a 6 days at 511 Villa Marlin, suffice it to say we are adding to the many great reviews we first read.
We were met at the airport by our driver, who Alvin (the landlord of Unit 511 and others at Villa Marlin) arranged for us. When we booked our stay, we couldn't get the dates we wanted, so, as a concession, Alvin gave us a trip to the Walmart to stock up on the way from the airport. The driver waited for us while we shopped and then took us to the condominium where we were met by Alvin himself who helped us with our bags, gave us a tour of the entire complex, recommended restaurants and made sure we were settled in. Alvin spent about 1 hour making sure we were all set and had what we needed before he gave us his and his partner's direct numbers in case we needed anything. I personally thought this treatment was because we had called just before we came concerned about the reviews we read, however, later in the week, we saw Alvin and his partner, Fernando, touring the entire facility with another group of new arrivals. I guess this is just what they do. I have never expereinced such personal treatment from any condiminium owner or rental agency.
The condo was nice with tile floors and a lovely view of the beach and ocean. It slept 12 people with 2 double beds in three rooms, and had a murphy bed in the living room as well. The master was nice and big, while the other bedrooms were of fine size. There was a private bathroom for each room and a 4th bathroom upstairs, which was great for our large group. The unit had the wear and tear or a typical beach front rental and the couch was a little older, but nothing was broken, damaged or hanging off anything. The unit had been cleaned before we arrived and the housekeeper came back to do some touch ups after our arrival, as we saw a few things that might have been overlooked. We called Alvin and she came right back and took care of everything. The AC unit malfunctioned while we were there and the repair crew came right up and fixed it; no hassle or much wait.
They gave us 10 bath towels and 10 large beach towels. The kitchen had plenty of plate wear and silver ware, though we could have done with a few more bowls and cooking pots. I feel certain Alvin would have brought them right up if we had called him to do so, but we did just fine. I personally will buy paper plates and bowls the next beach stay anywhere I go anyway, so I can lessen the dishwashing. They also provided trash bags, dish soap, coffee filters, toilet paper and some paper towels (though no kitchen towels or face towels).
We never saw the first bug. My husband is in the pest control business and he knows where to look, and we looked. But nothing, no sign of any ants, roaches, etc. at all. We had the porch door open often and no bugs even flew in.
The condominium facility is gorgeous. The pool is huge and steps from the private beach. The facilty provided these rocking beach chairs that I thought were wonderful for lounging and reading. Take an extra towel for padding if you have a bad back. The beach was lovely, large and clean. There are very nice bathrooms right by the pool and plenty of poolside lounge chairs as well.
Villa Marlin is just across the street from the Kulkucan (sp?) Plaza which is a nice mall with a cute souvenier shop near the back. There are 2 banks in the same block - one which is open till 9pm. We got on the city bus just in front of the mall and got everywhere we needed from there.
Alvin and Fernando recommended the Palapa Belga restaurant for our final night out and provided a driver to take us there (we paid him to bring us back, but what a nice gesture). The restaurant was really good and we celebrated a birthday there, which they made very special. Finally, Alvin arranged for our airport transport (included with our stay) when we departed.
My entire family enjoyed our stay. Thanks to Alvin and Fernando for a great expereince.
