Entire condo

El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly

Photo gallery for El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly

On the beach, beach towels
TV, DVD player, books, stereo
Outdoor dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
On the beach, beach towels

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire condo

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 484 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire condo to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly

ONE OF A KIND 'end cap' oceanfront condos to be found on Playa's Main Beach with a Prime wrap-around corner ocean front terrace with gas BBQ.

Offering the privacy of two private master suites with full baths, this luxury beach villa has newly updated decor. The ocean is visible from most every room in the villa, especially from the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom where a wall of sliding glass doors and windows offer panoramic views of the water.

Travertine marble floors extending onto your private outdoor terrace, (and private side porch) fully equipped chef's stainless kitchen with granite counter tops, original paintings and many other fine details are all there to provide impeccable quality and international style. Even the terrace is furnished in the finest in outdoor comfort for lounging and alfresco dining. The common area courtyard has beautiful landscaping of palm trees, tropical plants, flowers and a large refreshing infinity edged pool. Complementary outdoor tables and lounges are provided for relaxing and entertaining around the pool. These resort condos are set amidst Playa del Carmen’s mythical beach and vibrant international sidewalk scene. A mere block from the gates of El Faro Playa’s urbane Fifth Avenue pedestrian promenade beckons with relaxed cafes and gourmet restaurants, exclusive lounges, and al fresco bars, intriguing boutiques and local purveyors of all types and variety.

Enjoy the privacy of this spacious beach condo. El Faro is prime Mexico beach real estate that is like an island in a sea of small town local charm. Ask about our seasonal specials. El Faro is vacation lodging at its finest. Please take a tour of our website with pictures, maps, and other info about your trip to the Mayan Riviera, land of the ancient Maya.

“Playa del Carmen is the style capital of the Riviera Maya” -Travel + Leisure

“Playa del Carmen is Mexico’s most fashionable getaway” --Conde Nast Traveler

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

• HOW DO WE GET THERE FROM CANCUN AIRPORT? Playa is a 45-minute drive south of the airport. We provide a private van service for $185 round trip, max 8 people, child seats available. Other options: Taxi $70 one-way, Rental car, Hourly Express bus.

• WHERE IS THE PROPERTY? El Faro is located in the heart of Playa’s main tourist district at Calle 10 and the beach, one block from Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue is a world famous, 40+-block pedestrian promenade with relaxed cafes and gourmet restaurants, exclusive lounges, and al fresco bars, intriguing boutiques and local purveyors of all types and variety.

• IS EL FARO TRULY BEACHFRONT? Yes and all the condos that we represent in Playa have stunning ocean views.

• CAN WE SWIM AND SNORKEL IN THE OCEAN IN FRONT OF El FARO? Our beach is rated as one of the top beaches in Mexico because of it’s soft white sand and calm aqua blue water providing safe and enjoyable swimming conditions for people of all ages. The reef off our shore offers excellent snorkeling conditions with a multitude of colorful coral formations and exotic fish and marine life but you will need to hire a snorkeling guide with a boat to get there.

• DO WE NEED A CAR? Not necessarily because Playa is pedestrian friendly and we are close to everything. We typically walk or cab around town and rent a car on an as needed basis for regional excursions. There are several car rental agencies within a few blocks. We do offer parking-must be paid in advance $15 a day.

• WHERE DO WE GROCERY SHOP? We have several small markets within one block and several full service grocery stores within 7 blocks.

• HOW OFTEN DO WE GET MAID SERVICE? We offer every other day light housekeeping and trash removal . Upon arrival- soap, shampoo, paper towels, bottled purified water, laundry detergent for the washer/dryer room. If your stay is 7 days we offer a mid week cleaning that includes fresh linens, bath and beach towels change.

• DO YOU HAVE INTERNET SERVICE? We have cable TV, high speed wireless internet.

• CAN YOU RECOMMEND ACTIVITIES AND RESTAURANTS? We visit Playa five times a year so we are constantly updating our list of favorite activities and restaurants.

• CAN YOU GIVE US SOME OPTIONS OF OTHER AVAILABLE CONDOS IN EL FARO ? Yes, just click on our Playa Luxury Rentals website and photo album link that is located on this website just below the calendar for info and availability on all our listings in the building.

• DO YOU OFFER CONCIERGE SERVICES? We offer Personal Assistance for transportation, grocery shopping, babysitting, in-house massage, tours & excursions, tee times, and emergency & medical assistance.

• DO WE NEED TO GET PESOS? Not necessarily. All stores and restaurants in Playa will take dollars and Euros. There are ATMs nearby and places to change money. We usually take about 100 dollars in ones, fives, and tens, which are very handy for tipping, and short cab rides around town.

Keywords: Condominium

Property manager

Susan Mattingly

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Infinity pool

Internet

  • Available in the condo: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Self parking on site (surcharge)
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Furnished balcony/patio
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Laundry detergent
  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the ocean

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Basketball nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 900 square feet

Similar properties

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 24

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
MONETIZATION_ON

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

684

About the neighborhood

Map
Playa del Carmen, MEX

What's nearby

  • Quinta Avenida - 2 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Playa del Carmen Main Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Central Square - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Mamitas Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Cancun Intl. Airport (CUN) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cervecería Chapultepec - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪100% Natural - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Fah Restaurant Bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Tropical Playa del Carmen - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Zenzi Beach Bar & Restaurant - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include infinity pools.

Is El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly?

Self parking is available for a fee.

What time is check-in at El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly located?

Nestled on the beach, this Downtown Playa del Carmen condo building is within a 5-minute walk of Frida Kahlo Museum and Quinta Avenida. Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Mamitas Beach are also within 10 minutes.

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El Faro Reef 101-True Beachfront -Relax Unwind -Susan Mattingly Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 57 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

LISA G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay
Great Location. Very nice place.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Susan was so easy to communicate with, the property was perfect location.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning beachfront views
My family & I stayed in this condo for a week during our vacation. It offers beach front and pool views! Our favorite amenity was the private plunge pool overlooking the Carribean. Thanks for a wonderful & safe stay!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful condo, excellent location
Condo was well appointed and clean. It had all we needed for a week stay. It is in a perfect location - short walk to 5th Street for all the shops and restaurants. We travelled with our 18yo and 11yo and they loved it. We were told by another guest, who have been down 12yrs to various condos, that it’s the best condo complex in Playa Del Carmen with the best pool. The view is stunning. It was perfect. Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
El Farro 2024
Exactly as described. Steps away from the Caribbean ocean and an amazing pool to relax and swim overlooking the ocean. Property was patrolled to keep any non residents from wandering on site, didn’t experience any problems. A block away from the main shopping street, pedestrians only. Pretty cool.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property
You couldn’t get a better location! This condo is ON the sand. It’s spacious, convenient and absolutely beautiful. Management was great and so sweet and accommodating when my daughter and I were sick on travel day. They allowed us to check out at 2pm so that we could rest! Thank you for a great stay!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Todd G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome Vacation Time in Playa
What a great room and property! We enjoyed our stay at the El Faro. Our stay in Reef 101 was absolutely wonderful. A great condo with everything you need and the best part is the beach is right outside your door. Wonderful views and attentive staff. A great location for accessing everything you need such as groceries, beverages, restaurants, bars, and shops. We look forward to our next stay at El Faro.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This property is the best of both worlds ... it's ON THE BEACH and walkable to town for dinner and nightlife. We will be back! :)
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location, Location, Location
Located right by the pool on one side, and borders the beach on the other. Owner is very responsive, had a great time! I rented three units for this week. THis was the best of the three by far.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

James P., Houston, TX USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Location
The unit is large and the floor efficient. The patio opened to paradise. Restaurants, shopping, a block away. The beach outside the door. Amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Vacation Location!
We had a great time at Reef 101! The location is perfect! Steps from the pool and the beach! Everyone working on property was friendly and helpful. Roger was responsive and efficient! Security guards were always present. We felt very safe and recommend this property! We will be back!!-Bonnie H
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous
Communication with the host was excellent. Unfortunately I was unable to go and we had a few different people that ended up being able to make the trip and through all the changes, Susan was very helpful and kind. The ground transportation recommended was also a game changer! My friends that went said we WILL be back, me included!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gena M., Granger, IN

Beautiful view, great location!
This condo suited us perfectly! We loved being able to walk right out onto the beach or into the pool from our room without having to go up an elevator or stairs. It was nice to have a bathroom right there too! The condo itself was well appointed with everything we needed. Plenty of beach towels, dishes, even to-go coffee cups. No complaints whatsoever. We have stayed at several other condos in this complex as well and they are all fabulous.

10/10 Excellent

Joyce W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful graduation trip
We stayed 1st week of June, 2021. This property is exactly as shown. The location, beach front walk out is fantastic. Everything was a short walk including the ferry to Cozumel. Amazing restaurants are a short walk away. The seaweed was bad but it is everywhere right now so we used the lovely pool daily. Security was amazing. Booked a snorkel trip right on the beach. There was a pop bar right beside unit that had great drinks.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gina B., Happy Valley

Beachfront and Perfect Location
My husband and I just got back from a week at Reef 101 and it was perfect. The condo was located right on the beach and steps from the pool. Loved being on the first floor and able to just step out the patio door to the beach or the pool. The condo itself was well maintained and comfortable (bed was too firm for our liking, but could just be our personal choice). The location to 5th was just what we wanted. This was our first visit to the area and the option to walk to everything was key. Just a block from 5th and was easy to walk to the more local restaurants on 10th or 15th. Highly recommend for anyone who loves the beach, a great pool, wonderful staff and great food and shopping just steps away.

10/10 Excellent

Rachael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Right. On. The. Beach.
This is a great condo. Exactly as its portrayed in the photos. El Faro is a great location in Playa and this is the best condo in the complex. Its the "cat-bird seat". Balcony with the private splash pool was so awesome. We spent time watching the sun rise/set & the people watching was endless entertainment. The unit itself was perfect for 4 people. If you have the mater bedroom you can watch the sunrise from the comfort of your bed! We loved this place and would highly recommend it if you want to come to Playa and be in the middle of the hustle & bustle.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jamie H., Houston, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise in Playa
By far the best unit at El Faro. Gorgeous view of the beach from the balcony and private plunge pool. Easy community pool access and beach access from the side patio. The community’s infinity pool is gorgeous! You can even get a massage poolside. Easy, close walk to many restaurants, bars, and shopping. Also convenient taxi service on the corner for any farther excursions you might want to take. Inside the condo, the amenities are comfortable, modern, and clean. We appreciated the water jugs provided for our use… and the beds were very comfortable. We slept great! The bathrooms could use some sprucing up… new grout and mildew/rust removal would make a huge difference. Also there were tiny ants on the kitchen counter, but we learned not to leave food uncovered and the ants stayed away. Truly could not have asked for a more relaxing, pleasant, beautiful stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Irma F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Caribbean Getaway
This condo is very well appointed and you will never get any closer to the ocean let alone the beautiful Caribbean. The wrap around deck is so roomy and gives shade when needed. There are views from the kitchen, diningroom, living room, and primary bedroom. However, we were disappointed with the sargassum - we had read from reviews that it could be a problem. It blew in so thick for the last couple of days. The locals worked so hard at removal but when it is stormy it is a losing battle. We also had an incident where someone from upstairs dropped a glass bottle on our deck during the night shattering small pieces in the splash pool and the area around it. My husband went to the front desk and reported it first thing in the morning. (9:00 am) Not sure who was to blame but it wasn’t attended to until 3:00 pm.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place !
We couldn’t have asked for a better place or a better vacation. Beautiful, clean, well stocked with everything you need, amazing location!!! Loved the plunge pool - about 4 ft deep. Good WiFi. Liked that each room could be set to a different AC temperature since I like it cold to sleep. The beach was clean, the ocean water like bath water. On Saturday night it was a little noisy on the beach until late, but I had a white noise App and was fine. The front desk was really helpful, even making a call for us when we had a transportation issue and needed a translator. For some reason, goggle maps takes you to a not so nice part of Playa when you put in El Faro Residences, so make sure you give address. We were told you need to put in Dream Life Playa instead of El Faro. Caused some issues for us because we didn’t know. Our favorite restaurants within one block were Zenzi Beach Bar and Restaurant and Madras Cafe (for breakfast). Also for dinners within just a few blocks - Portfirios and Fushion Beach Bar were both great. We got massages practically every day at Spa Sabai - $45/hour and the best massage we ever had (within walking distance). There are other places that are cheaper but we loved Spa Sabai. We will definitely be back. Had a wonderful vacation.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stacey S.

Great location, beautiful condo!!
We took a long weekend at the beginning of March with another couple just as Spring Break was beginning in some parts of the US. My friend is in a wheelchair and did a lot of research on this condo to make sure it was accessible for her. I must say that it was a fabulous location. We spent a lot of our time on the patio overlooking the beach, wonderful breeze, great view of the sunrise, easy access to 5th Street shops and restaurants, and my friend had no problems getting around. The condo staff was very polite and responsive, the security around the pool area was great. With a very busy beach, no one was allowed around the pool or decks that wasn't a resident of the condos. It was a very safe area as well. The condo was clean, and just the right size for the four of us. The manager was helpful in suggesting transportation and they even stopped at Wal-Mart for us to get groceries for a slight additional charge. The property is situated right about in the middle of the area between the two ferry piers in Playa. My husband and I walked pier to pier on the beach and El Farro was BY FAR the nicest residence in the entire area along the beach. Massages pool side as well!! My only - and I mean ONLY criticism is on behalf of my friend. She could've gotten in and out of the pool without assistance IF it had a handrail. But that isn't a reflection on this particular condo, just an observation. We will definitely be returning!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2017

10/10 Excellent

Michael J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best beachfront unit in Playa
We had a wonderful 11 day stay at Reef 101. Location is perfect. Just a short walk up the street to 5th Avenue and the best fine dining and shops. It seemed to us that this is the only unit from pier to pier that is truly beach front. The staff was wonderful and friendly. We will definitely return.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Jon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place right on the beach
El Faro is the nicest place right on the beach in downtown Playa. Able to walk everywhere for shopping, coffee, restaurants, groceries. No car needed. Reef 101 is ground level end unit with view of ocean from every room except one bedroom. Beach area is kind of narrow in front of El Farro so will fill up with people especially on weekends. Many hotels are set back a block or two from beach and those people come to the small public beach area in front of El Farro. It provides lots of people watching opportunities but will get noisy at night with some groups partying late into the night right in front of unit. When doors and windows shut unit is pretty sound proof. Nice place for a week vacation. Some guests in other units are there for 1-4 months and will some will selfishly take the best pool chair spots everyday all day long. Weather was same 85 degrees with sun/cloud mix and no rain everyday. Air conditioning in unit was essential for sleeping at night. March 2022.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

W Kent B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Million Dollar View
This was our 3 time staying at El Faro and the 1st in Unit 101. Breathtaking view or the beach and the ocean. We loved it and will stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Yesika M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
10 out 10 amazing trip
Reason of our trip was for my son’s 21st bday , I’ve always stayed in beachfront hotels but this place was literally 2 steps from the sand, legit ocean view, my experience will forever change in the room I stay moving forward. The tranquility, seeing the sunrise and set was magnificent! Perfect choice
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Stay
This property is in a prime location- right off 5th street with quick access to shops and other activities. The beach front access and view were amazing! My husband and I had a wonderful time!