Cozumel Vacation Villas and Condos
Facts at your fingertips:
Rental Villas/ Condos
Maps
Island Fun
Island Sightseeing
Mayan ruins and
mainland excursions
Regional Food
Restaurants/Nightlife
Cook Services
Shopping
- Groceries, liquor, gifts, handicrafts
Money Matters
Transportation
- Ferry schedule
- Taxis
- Rental cars/mopeds
Communication
- Telephone
- E-mail/internet
- Emergency #s
Health, Medical, Misc.
Info and Phone #s
Holidays/Celebrations
You Can Help!
- Cozumel Kids: Chrysalis Society
- Humane Society
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Questions and answers about villa and condo rentals
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When and how do I make a reservation?
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- When you are ready to make a reservation, call us at 406-686-9169 or toll free 866-564-4427 or send us an e-mail. Tell us which property and dates you would like to reserve. You may want to have a second choice in mind. We'll need to get a deposit from you in order to give you a confirmed reservation. Final payment, along with damage deposit, is due 45 days before you depart. Here are more specifics:
- Reservations require a 50% non-refundable deposit for confirmation and payment in full 45 days prior to occupancy. In most cases a security deposit is required.
- Personal checks or money orders are accepted for payment. We can also accept credit cards (full payment at time of booking).
- During high season, most properties are rented Saturday to Saturday
- Rates quoted are for a week or seven nights. More flexible dates are available during the summer months when off-season. Minimum stay may be required for less than one week. In some cases, stays of less than one week are pro-rated on a nightly basis by dividing the weekly rate by 6.
- If there is a security deposit, it is fully refundable providing no damage is reported. Security deposits are refunded within 30 days after departure from the home.
- You will get a letter of confirmation after your initial deposit. When you have paid your final balance, you will also receive an informational packet. If you have paid a security deposit, it will be refunded within 30 days after you return (if there has been no damage to the property).
- We hope you'll send us some feedback after you return home from your vacation. We want your honest opinion and we welcome your comments and suggestions.
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What is the cancellation policy?
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If you need to cancel your reservation for any reason, we charge a $150.00 processing fee. We can issue a refund if we can re-book the property for the same travel dates and rental rate. If the property remains vacant, no refund is issued. All cancellations will be assessed a $150.00 processing charge regardless of any re-bookings.
Please realize that the earlier you cancel, the more likely that the property can be re-booked. If you cancel at the last minute, we will often cut the rental rate to attract a booking. If this happens, your refund will be deducted based on the difference between the full rate and reduced rate. In most cases, last-minute cancellations do not get re-booked so refunds will not be issued.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly recommend that you consider travel insurance which covers trip cancelation costs, medical, emergency evacuation, personal belongings, emergency assistance, and travel delays. This insurance, available at a nominal fee, also covers many other conditions such as airline accidents, lost baggage, late flights, inclement weather, "Acts of God," etc. Click here for more information:
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When do high season rates apply?
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The rates that appear on our site are generally good throughout the year except for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Rates for these holidays are not published but can be quoted by telephone. Typically, Christmas and New Year's rates are 1.5 to 2 times the regular high season rate.
Please note that occupying both Christmas and New Year's day requires payment of a full two weeks (14 nights) at holiday rates.
Most properties offer lower rates during the off-season (May through December); rates are posted on each individual villa/condo page.
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Beach area, beach front, oceanfront; what's the difference?
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Beach area homes and condominiums are located close to, but not directly on the ocean.
Beach front homes and condominiums are located right on the water and have sandy beaches where you can wade out. These properties are great for smaller children who need constant supervision.
Ocean front homes and condominiums are located right on the water and most have man-made beaches, but coastline is rocky. Access to the water is via ladder. These properties sit right on the coral formations where the water is calm (without waves) but deep (10-20 feet) for excellent swimming and snorkeling right at your doorstep.
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Do you provide air reservations?
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At the present time, we do not handle transportation to Cozumel. We can offer suggestions for those not familiar with the transportation options available. Continental & Mexicana Airlines are two major carriers that fly directly to Cozumel. Continental connects via Houston and Mexicana via Miami.
Another option is to fly into Cancun, take a taxi to Playa del Carmen, 40 miles south of Cancun, and take the ferry to Cozumel (about 30 minutes to cross).
We have found that the most reasonable fares are available through local charter companies. These charters are much cheaper than the major carriers but have more restrictions and in most cases need to be booked through a travel agent. If you are not aware of any charters flying from your home area, please contact a local travel agent and specifically ask for a charter flight to Cancun or Cozumel.
Lastly, special package deals and flights are often advertised in major newspapers in a "travel section". These are usually published on Sundays. Please look for those ads offering "air only" transportation.
Do book your airfare early! You do not want to end up with a reservation for a private villa and no way to get there. Flights fill up, so don't wait too long before securing your airfare.
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How accessible are the homes in town to the water?
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Most of the homes in town are within 1 to 6 blocks from the waterfront, approximately a five to ten minute walk. In-town properties are fully equipped and offer many amenities for your comfort. We recommend these properties for clients travelling on a budget and those who desire a central location within walking distance to the ocean as well as restaurants, shopping and the central plaza.
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What is the 14% IVA tax and when does it apply?
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The 14% local fees, or tax, is collected by the Mexican government on all tourist rental properties, including hotels, villas and condos. This fee is not included in the rates quoted so please make sure to add it on when calculating the total rental amount.
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What can I expect when renting a villa or condo?
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- You'll have much more private space and freedom with a rental villa or condo than a hotel or resort setting. All units have fully equipped kitchen, living area, dining area and bedroom(s).
- You can relax in your home-away-from-home. Villas and condos are completely furnished, including all linens, towels, cooking utensils, etc. Unless noted, you should bring your own beach towels.
- You don't need to clean or do dishes; maid service is provided.
- DO drink the water . . . we provide purified bottled water for you!
- A representative is in the area to greet you upon your arrival.
- You will have a contact on the island and in most cases that person is available 7 days a week.
- If you would like to have a cook in your villa or condo, we can make arrangements. It's your vacation, and we will help you make the most of it.
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How do I choose the right property?
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- In-town villas are in most cases just a short walk to the ocean and close to restaurants/shopping and central plaza. In-town properties are a comfortable, convenient choice for your stay. You may find you don't need a rental car because it is so easy to get around either by walking or taking a taxi. See intown map
- Oceanfront/beach area properties offer spectacular ocean views or access. Because of location of these properties, you may want to have a rental vehicle. Many of the oceanfront/beach area properties have excellent snorkeling right in the area. See oceanfront map
- Property size varies from 1 B.R. to 11 B.R. If you have a larger party, you can choose from a number of villas close to each other that could be combined for groups. Most villas have restrictions on the number of guests that can be accommodated. You do not want to over-crowd your villa or condo or you'll run into problems (you may not have enough water, towels, etc.); and you could be faced with extra charges. When you make your reservation we need to know how many people will be in your party. If that number changes, you need to inform us. If you exceed the maximum occupancy in your villa or condo, you can expect one or more of these actions:
- You may be required to pay an extra charge
- You may lose your security deposit
- You may be required to find alternative lodging for the extra guests
- You may be asked to leave the property and forfeit your reservation
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You betcha! Get a feel for the layout of the island, beach and dive site locations. Find out where the villas are located. Find 'em on the map.
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Can I have a cook in our rental villa or condo?
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- Certainly! This is a great way to sample authentic Mexican and Yucatan cuisine.
- Cooks normally prepare 2 meals per day, including breakfast and lunch or dinner for 6 days during the week.
- Meal service rates vary slightly, depending on the property you choose. Weekly rates start at $175 per person; $85 for children (no charge for children under 2). This includes the cost of the food, preparation, service and clean up. The price does not include beverages or tip for the cook.
- Priority is given to guests who request meal service for the full week
- Meal service for partial weeks is available in some properties
- Please make arrangements for cook service in advance
- A representative will help plan the menu when you arrive, however, it helps if we have your menu selection for the first day
- Payment for meal service is made on the island; payment can be in US cash (sorry, no credit cards).
- If you wish to have the villa stocked with some basic grocery items or beverages, a service fee of 20% is applied.
- If you have special dietary restrictions, please let your representative know when you are going over menu selection.
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A Few Sample Menus
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Breakfast Choices
Includes coffee, orange juice, milk,
bread and fresh fruit
Mexican Eggs • Beans
Ham, Cheese & Mushroom Omelet
Beans
Pancakes • Ham, Bacon or Sausage
French Toast • Ham, Bacon or Sausage
Ranchers' Eggs • Chips & Beans
Chilaquiles with Chicken • Beans
Scrambled Eggs• Ham, Bacon or Sausage
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Lunch/Dinner Choices
Includes soup (Aztec, lima, vegetable, corn or rice), guacamole, Mexican sauce and chips
Chicken or Beef Fajitas • Beans
Breaded/Garlic Butter Grouper
Salad
Sirloin Tips in Mexican Sauce • Rice & Beans
Chicken Enchiladas • Rice and Beans
Chili Rellenos • Vegetables
Chicken Pibil or Mole • Fresh Vegetables
Breaded or Garlic Butter Shrimp or Lobster & Salad (extra charge for shrimp/lobster)
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Why should I make a reservation with Tropical Island Connections (cozumelvillas.com)?
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- We truly appreciate your business. We work hard to respond quickly and professionally to e-mail and telephone calls. We answer e-mail and phone calls 7 days a week, virtually 365 days a year.
- You can rest assured that we see the properties that we represent. We make it a point to view each condo and villa on our website so that we can give you our personal input. If we like one property over another, we will be honest and tell you.
- We have taken the photos of the properties and they have not been enhanced in any way. What you see is what you get.
- We offer the largest selection of properties on the island. We don't, however, offer EVERY property. We include properties which have reliable management companies who will be responsive and provide dependable services to guests.
- We don't try to mislead you with information. Some websites try to paint a prettier-than-the-real-picture scenario when describing properties. We won't tell you a property is "luxury" unless it truly is. If a property is basic, we'll tell you.
- Property management companies may feel obligated to book the properties that they manage, which is understandable. We have no bias in that regard. We do give higher recommendations to the properties that offer the most amenities, good locations, pleasant decor, reliable management services and best value.
- We have stayed in many of the properties that we represent so we know there is a difference in comfort levels and we're happy to give you our personal opinion.
- You can be confident that we know the area. We travel to Cozumel frequently so we are familiar with the island and keep our site updated.
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What if there is an emergency?
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- In case of an emergency back home, we can provide you with phone numbers that you can leave with your family in the event that you need to be reached during your vacation. Many of the properties have phones and we'll give you that number before you go. However, sometimes it is best to leave the phone number of the office or representative in Cozumel. Office is open seven days a week and someone is always there until 8 p.m.; most representatives have 24-hour emergency numbers. It may be easier to reach you through the office or representative since you may be at the beach or exploring the island during the day.
- What if something happens on the island? We post emergency numbers in the properties just in case there is an emergency. There are English speaking doctors, dentists, chiropractors, etc. on the island. There are also clinics and hospitals. Here are some handy numbers you might want to print to take along with you:
Telephone Directory
Note: From the US, add 011-52-987 and then the number
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| Airlines |
Aerocaribe/Aerocozumel
Continental
FunJet
Mexicana
MLT
Ryan International
Sun Country
Transglobal |
872-3456
872-0487
872-3609
872-2945
872-0433, 872-5654
888-443-7926
872-2497
872-4396 |
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| Ambulance |
872-0639 |
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| Clinics-Medical |
CEM
Centro Medico
Cruz Roja (Red Cross)
Hospital
Medica del Sur |
872-1419
872-5370
872-1058
872-0140
872-5787 |
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| Chiropractor |
| Dr. Scott Kircher |
872-5099 |
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| Consulate (US) |
01-992-55011 (Merida) |
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| Dentists |
Dr. Hernandez
Dr. Mariles |
872-0656
872-1352 |
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| Doctors-Medical |
Dr. Roberto Segovia
Dr. Pascual Piccolo
Dr. Hugo Rechy Cruz
Dr. Jesus Mateos
Dr. Jorge Alvarez |
872-3545
872-3070
01-987-61175, 872-2182
872-5787
01-984-16739, 872-2534 |
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| Fire Department |
872-0800 |
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| Hyperbaric Chamber |
872-2387, 872-3070 |
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| Pharmacies |
Canto
Cozumel
Dori
Joaquin
Portales |
872-5377
872-4070, ext. 22
872-0559
872-2520
872-0936 |
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| Police |
872-0409 |
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| Pizza Delivery (Nino's) |
872-4166 |
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| Taxi |
872-0236 |
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Cozumel Vacation Villas and Condos
