Frequently Asked Questions
The House and Location
What makes Casa La Playa different from other Puerto Vallarta villas?
Location. Casa La Playa is right on the beach and within walking distance of downtown Puerto Vallarta's restaurants, bars, nightclubs, art galleries, shopping and the Malecón, and it's only 15–20 minutes from the airport. Many villas are in the hills or far from town, where you need a car or taxi for everything. Here you walk out the door, and because we rent to one group at a time, you still have complete privacy when you stay in.
Where is Casa La Playa in Puerto Vallarta?
Casa La Playa is directly on Playa Camarones beach in Colonia 5 de Diciembre, on the north edge of downtown Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. It is not in Conchas Chinas, the Hotel Zone or Marina Vallarta.
How far is Casa La Playa from the Malecón?
The Malecón boardwalk is about a 10-minute walk (0.8 km) along the beach or through town. Restaurants, shops, galleries and nightlife in Old Town are walking distance, so most guests don't need taxis.
How far is Casa La Playa from the Puerto Vallarta airport?
Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is 15–20 minutes by car. Airport pickup is included when you book directly with us. If your group arrives at different times, just take a taxi and we'll reimburse you.
How many guests does Casa La Playa sleep?
Casa La Playa is great for groups of 6 to 16. The full 8-bedroom house sleeps up to 16 guests, the 7-bedroom option up to 14 and the 6-bedroom option up to 12. Smaller group? During the off season we can occasionally work with you, so just ask.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms are there?
There are 8 oceanfront bedroom suites, 8 full bathrooms and 2 half baths on three floors, connected by an elevator. The full house is about 20,000 square feet. You can rent it as 6, 7, or all 8 bedrooms depending on the group.
What size are the beds?
Most suites have king beds, including the 2 king beds in the penthouse. Two rooms on the ground floor can be switched from a king bed to two twin beds, which is great for friends sharing a room. Tell us about your group and we'll set up the beds to fit.
Are children welcome?
Yes, families are welcome. Just let us know how many adults and children are coming and their ages, so we can set up the right beds and have the staff and house ready for your kids, including around the pools.
Can our whole group eat together?
Yes. The dining table seats 16, so everyone can sit down to the chef's meals together.
Does Casa La Playa have pools, air conditioning and Wi-Fi?
Yes. The villa has 2 swimming pools, a reflecting pool and a jacuzzi, central air conditioning, Wi-Fi in every room, satellite TV with sports channels, 2 full kitchens and 2 kitchenettes, an elevator and parking for 2 cars.
Will my cell phone work in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, your phone will work, but it will be roaming in Mexico, so check your carrier's international plan before you travel. The house has Wi-Fi in every room.
See the Vibe
Watch a stay at Casa La Playa through the eyes of travel creator @adventures_bysky, who called it “the ultimate beachfront vacation home.”
Want to see what the house is really like? Check out our Instagram.
Watch on InstagramRates and Booking
What if my group is bigger than the house?
Believe it or not, people have a lot of friends! Friends who aren't staying at the house are welcome to come hang out for the day for a day fee, which compensates the staff for the extra work. We keep the numbers in check because too many people strains the experience for everyone. We can help you find hotels nearby for the rest of your friends, and if you have a really big group, we can help you find another home close by too. Reach out and we'll walk you through how it works and the daily fees.
Can we rent only part of the villa?
Yes. You can rent 6 bedrooms (about 16,000 square feet), 7 bedrooms (about 18,000 square feet), or the full 8-bedroom house (about 20,000 square feet). We only rent to one group at a time, so you never share the villa with strangers.
How much does Casa La Playa cost per night?
Nightly rates are $3,200 USD for 6 bedrooms, $4,000 for 7 bedrooms and $5,000 for the full 8-bedroom house. Christmas week is $7,000 and Easter week is $5,500 per night (8 bedrooms only). Rates include the staff and chef service and are subject to 19% hotel and local taxes. Rates can change until your booking is confirmed. Call or text 310-986-2299 for an exact quote for your dates.
Is there a minimum stay over the holidays?
Christmas and New Year's require booking the full 8-bedroom house with a one-week minimum.
How do I book Casa La Playa?
Book directly with us by calling 310-986-2299, emailing info@casalaplaya.com or sending the inquiry form with your dates and group size. We'll confirm availability and rates.
Is it cheaper to book Casa La Playa directly?
Yes. When you book directly with us there are no booking-site service fees, which typically add 4–12% on booking sites. It's the same house, the same staff and the same nightly rates, plus airport pickup is included when you book direct.
Do you offer discounts?
Our rates are set to provide the best possible service and staffing. That said, every group is different, so call or text us at 310-986-2299 and we're happy to talk through your dates and needs.
Is Casa La Playa good for a family reunion?
Yes. That's what the house is built for. Groups of 6 to 16 stay together instead of splitting across hotel rooms. The dining table seats 16, the chef cooks family-style breakfast and lunch, two ground-floor rooms can convert to twin beds, and kids are welcome. Airport pickup is included when you book direct.
Can we book Casa La Playa for a company retreat?
Yes. Company and team retreats are a great fit. The whole villa is private to your group, with plenty of space to meet, and the chef and staff take care of meals and housekeeping. Retreats follow the same 16-guest limit as any stay.
Chef, Food and Drinks
Are meals included?
Chef service for breakfast and lunch is included with every stay, prepared by Chef Wendy Galeana and her team. Dinner chef service is available for an additional charge. The cost of the food and drinks themselves is separate.
How much should we budget for food and drinks?
We estimate about $20 to $60 per person per day for three meals, depending mostly on how much you drink and your drink preferences.
How does grocery shopping and payment for food work?
The chef and her team do all the shopping for you, usually daily, and our house manager, Paz, provides receipts. Food and drinks are paid for in cash during your stay. Many groups give Paz a lump sum up front and she checks in with the group leader as it's spent. At this time we don't accept credit cards for food and drinks. There are ATMs nearby and Paz can point you to one. You're welcome to visit the local markets too, but the staff handles the shopping so you don't have to.
Can we have the chef cook dinner?
Yes. Many guests love the house so much they don't want to go out, so we offer dinner chef service for an additional fee. Chefs are in high demand, so let us know in advance which nights you'd like dinner.
Can the chef handle allergies and dietary restrictions?
Yes. Let the chef know about food allergies and special requests before you arrive. She cooks family-style meals from a menu or by request, and has a full vegetarian menu. See the sample lunch and vegetarian menus for ideas. Keep in mind it's Mexico, so a few specific items may not be available, but the chef will do her best to accommodate.
During Your Stay
What staff come with the house?
Every stay includes a private chef, two maids for daily housekeeping, a night watchman and Paz, our bilingual house manager and concierge, whose office is across the street. A bartender can be arranged when you need one. A staff member is at the house throughout your stay, so if you need anything, just ask.
What happens when we arrive?
You'll get a tour of the house, meet the staff and be welcomed with drinks (margaritas, beer and fresh fruit waters) and Mexican appetizers. Paz will walk you through the house guide.
What activities can we book?
Jet skis, parasailing, banana boat rides, kayaks and beach volleyball are available on the beach in front of the house from local vendors. For your security, please don't bring beach vendors into the house. For tours and excursions we recommend Vallarta Adventures, which you can book and pay for online. For scuba diving, Chico's Dive Shop can come to the house with equipment and give a refresher course in the pool before taking you out. Paz can help arrange it.
Can we get massages or spa services at the house?
Yes. Our preferred vendors make house calls for massages, hair, makeup, manicures and pedicures. Paz has a menu of services and will help you schedule.
Are there a lot of house rules?
Not really. We're super chill. Have fun, be smart and don't do anything foolish. We want you to have an amazing experience.
Who owns Casa La Playa?
Casa La Playa has been owned by the same family for more than 25 years. We hire everyone locally, support local businesses and source as much as we can from the community. Be a good member of the community and everyone will treat you with respect. At the end of the day, we're all one.
What if someone needs a doctor?
Tell the staff right away in any emergency. There are lifeguards trained in CPR on the beach, two hospitals close to the house, and a house doctor, used by many of the local hotels, who makes house calls at any time of day.
Should we tip the staff?
Our recommended tip is 10–15% or more of the rental rate before taxes, and it's up to you who to tip and how. We love our employees. Almost all of them have worked for the owner's family for many years, and we employ whole families. We believe service is a big part of the experience, so we pay our staff well. The chef works independently, so she may give you a separate tip envelope for her team.