Penthouse #2703 - Property Description & FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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Oleo Cancun Playa is located on the quiet Southern end of the famed Cancun Hotel Zone at kilometer 19.5.   The resort is comprised of 3 towers, each are 8 stories high.  Our condo association name is Yalmakan.

 

As you can see by the photos, #2703 features panoramic views sweeping from the beautiful bay to the stunning waters of the Caribbean.  This is a brand new unit!  The photos you see in the gallery were taken in June of 2020.  There are only 4 units on the entire floor (top floor, 7th).  Each is a corner unit 2 story penthouse.  So it is very private.  #2703 faces the bay and offers outstanding views in a beautifully finished interior.

 

Yalmakan is our association name, and we are situated in a full service resort called Oleo Cancun Playa.  You have access to all the resort amenities for free except for food and drinks which is accessed via the all inclusive option.  If you use the spa, you do have to pay for massages or other services they offer.  The all inclusive is optional each day you are there.  You pay at the lobby front desk if you have interest in this option.  For more info on the all inclusive.  Our resort  is situated on a narrow strip of land on the Caribbean side, directly on the beach.   One outstanding feature is the beach here at Yalmakan.  It is always among the very best beaches in all of Cancun.  The reason is that the resort made a very smart investment. Out to sea about 150 meters and running parallel to the beach here, is a large tube, about the size of a room.  It’s filled with sand.  This barrier keeps the beach here in pristine condition and prevents beach erosion.  It is one of only two such systems in Cancun.  The private resort beach is just beautiful and often times you will find a game of beach volleyball going on.  There are beach loungers and umbrellas provided out on the private beach here for your enjoyment.  

 

Penthouse #2704 is located in the Central Main Tower of the resort.  Penthouse #2703 comprises a full quadrant of the top two floors of this tower; the 7th and 8th floors.  The views are beautiful as you can see by the photo gallery.

 

For those who don’t know, Cancun (the hotel zone) is a narrow strip of land that is surrounded by water.  The Caribbean is on one side, the fresh water bay is on the other.  This “strip of land” is known as the Cancun Hotel Zone.  You can enter this zone from either the North or South side. Most of this zone runs parallel to the mainland (about 6 miles).  Almost all visitors enter the zone from the South as they come in from the airport.  

 

Yalmakan is one of the first resorts as you come in from the airport.  It is located directly on the beach.  Across the street from us are a couple of nice restaurants, a convenience store, and a water sports facility.  One of the restaurants (Navios) is medium priced, excellent food and the other restaurant is called 19.5.  This restaurant is very casual with fresh and delicious food at reasonable prices.

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Penthouse #2703 -

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do we access the condo when we arrive?  Abdiel, our manager, is there at the resort to welcome you, show you around, answer all your questions, and give you the keys.

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Are their bell hops here?  Yes.

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Is there security here?  Yes, 24/7 gated security with full security staff.

 

Can you smoke in the condo?  No.  However, smoking is permitted outside on the terrace.

 

Are Linens provided?  Yes, towels and linens are provided.

 

Is there a washer and dryer?  Yes, stack.

 

Is there an iron and ironing board?  Yes

 

Are there hair dryers?  Yes.  

 

Are there safes for valuables?  Yes.

 

Are beach towels provided?  No.  If you want to purchase beach towels the most reasonable option is the Super Walmart.  If you opt for the all-inclusive option, the hotel will provide you with beach towels down by the pool.

 

Do we need a converter for the electrical plugs?

No.

 

Is there a music player?

No.  These days everyone uses their phones and portable speakers.

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Is there a DVD player?  

No.

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Is daily maid service included?  No.  In the vacation rental business, you can expect a clean, laundered unit upon your arrival.

 

Can we get additional cleaning days?  Yes.  

* Standard Service is $50:  General cleaning & making up the beds.

* Premium Service is $85:  Same as above plus newly laundered linens are put on when the beds are made up.

 

You book it.  To do so, hover over the “General Info” located at the top of the page.  In the drop down menu click on “In House Services Offered” then click on “Book In House Services”.

 

How do we pay for the cleaning?  Please pay the service provider directly in cash.

 

What size bed is in the master?  King.

 

What size bed is in the second bedroom?  King.  

 

The 3rd bedroom?  King  

 

The 4th bedroom?  Queen

 

Which bedrooms have their own bathroom?  The master and the 4th bedroom.

 

Are linens provided?  Yes

 

Are beach towels provided?  No

 

Are bath towels provided?  Yes    

 

Is there any extra beds?  Yes.  1 queen inflatable beds with electric motor.

 

Are there extra linens for these beds?  Yes.

 

Do you have anything for babies to sleep in?  Yes, there is a packnplay.  

 

Are linens provided for the packnplay?  No

 

Are there any supplies provided such as toilet paper, paper towels, spices, salt, pepper?  No supplies are provided other than 3 rolls of toilet paper per bathroom, hand soap, garbage/recycling bags, and cooking oil.

 

Is there an oven, fridge, stove top, sink?  Yes to all.

 

Are there smaller appliances like a microwave, blender, toaster, coffee maker?  Yes to all.

 

What type of coffee maker filters do we need to get?

The standard drip type.

 

Are there pots, pans, utensils, strainer, big bowls, dishware, silverware, wine opener, bottle opener, knives, glassware?  Yes to all.

 

Is there filtered water in the kitchen? No

 

Is there inter-net access from the condo?  Yes, wireless inter-net.

 

Is there a charge for this?  No, it is complimentary for our guests.

 

Can we drink water from the tap?  Not recommended.  Can we make calls from the condo?  Yes, local calls.

 

How much do they cost?  Complimentary.

 

Who do we call if we need something?  After you book, you are emailed a welcome packet.  This includes my managers contact info.  We ask that you email Abdiel, he is our manager, should you need anything and copy myself and Megan so this way we can be of the best service possible for you as a team.

 

Do you recommend renting a car?  No.  Buses run 24/7 right outside the resort and the wait is never more than 5 minutes.  You can go anywhere in the hotel zone for just .65 cents per person.

 

Do you provide airport transfers?  No.

 

Do you recommend a transfer company from the airport?

Yes  www.entertainment-plus.net/transfers/cancun-transfers

 

Are they the best price you have found, and are they reliable?  Yes on both.

 

About what does it cost?  About $80 round trip for up to 10 people as of this writing.  If less than 8, it’s probably a little less.  If more than 10 another vehicle is required so the price goes up quite a bit for 11 or more.

 

Can we book online with the transfer company?  Yes

 

I read somewhere we get some sort of special promo code for the transfer company site after we book the condo, what’s that about?  

When you enter the promo code, it will save you $5 on the transfer off the posted pricing on their site.  This is for guests only per my agreement with Entertainment Plus. You get the promo code on your confirmation after you book the condo

 

We were thinking of doing the snorkeling tour with Mike, and maybe the in home cook.  How do we book these services?

Hover over the “General Info” located at the top of the page.  In the drop down menu click on “In House Services Offered” then click on “Book In House Services”.

 

Where do I find these “In Home Special Services?”

Hover over the “General Info” located at the top of the page.  In the drop down menu click on “In House Services Offered”.

 

Do we have to know which days exactly we want the services to book them?  Yes.  It’s too difficult to keep a schedule on our end otherwise.  

 

When is the latest we can book the In House Special Services?  2 weeks prior to arrival.

 

What happens if we don’t book on time?  I may not be able to get you scheduled.  It’s best to book far in advance of the deadline.  The reason is the services are first come, first serve.  The longer you wait, the less your chances are of getting the service you want, or the date you want the service.  This is particularly true at the busier times of the year.  

 

Do we receive some sort of confirmation in this regard?  You’ll receive an acknowledgment via email within a few minutes.  Then the next business day you will receive your services-confirmation assuming your booking didn’t create a scheduling conflict with what we already have on the books.  Either way, you’ll hear from me, Tim Miller, via email the next business day.

 

Do we pay you for these services?  No, I don’t take payment for anything other than the condo rental.   The “In House Special Services” services are paid directly to my manager, or the service provider.  My manager will let you know. Please know that payments for the In House Special Services are cash only.  The only exception to this is if you opt to book the Walmart grocery run AND you opt to do so with the transfer company.

 

Can we book the In House Special Services over the phone?  Sorry, no.  There are a couple of reasons.  One is that no payment is required to book, so for those who are hesitant to book online for security reasons this is not an issue. Second, when you submit the online form, the information is automatically emailed to my managers in Cancun which saves time. Please remember that these services are provided for guests at cost (no markup).  Therefore keeping the system as efficient as possible is important.   

 

What if we need to change or cancel an In House Special Service, can we do that?  

Yes.  There is a cost of $1 to make a change or to cancel a service-reservation.  To change, add to, or cancel an existing service-reservation please fill out the online form.  The link is just to the right of the link for booking the services.  If the only change you are making is to add another service or another date or time to an existing service, you don’t have to pay the $1.

 

Does canceling a service reservation cost anything?  Yes, it costs $1.  

 

Can we book our condo rental online?  Yes, on any page on the site, upper right click on “Book Online”.

 

Can we call if we prefer?  Yes, you can call me, Tim Miller, directly at 847-636-2232

 

Do you have a preference on phoning in or booking online?  If it makes no difference to you, yes, I prefer the online method, it saves some time on my end.

 

Is the online method secure?  Yes, all info uses high grade encryption.  Plus the credit card portion of the info never travels over the web.  It’s contained in a secure server.

 

If we decide to rent a car is there parking?  Yes.  It is a very small lot so we encourage people to take the buses or cabs.

 

Is there a charge to park?  No

 

Do you recommend a rental car company?

No, however below I’ll put an outstanding link below for helping you make an informed decision.  Great info here. www.cancun-discounts.com/cheap-cancun-rental-cars

 

Does this resort have its own restaurants?  Yes.  See RESORT INFO below.

 

Can you get all inclusive here?  

Yes, it is optional each day you are there.  You can choose the day(s) you want as your vacation unfolds. Basic all-inclusive info is below.  For expanded all-inclusive info please hover over the “Explore Condo rentals” tab located at the top of any page on the site and in the drop down menu click “All-Inclusive Option”.  

 

Does the condo have English speaking channels on the TV’s?  Yes.  Some are in English.

 

Is the kitchen a full kitchen?  Yes, there is a full size fridge, a cook top, microwave, pots, pans, dishware, silverware, utensils, etc.

 

First time to Cancun?  

A point of interest after you clear customs in Cancun:  There is the one point in time during your stay in Cancun where you could get frustrated.  This is the time right after you have cleared customs and you are on your way out of the airport to get to your transfer or rental car.  I will also address how to easily avoid this frustration. The frustration is that in all likelihood you will be approached by a few vendors acting as if they are your transfer company.  They may ask for your name and act as if they are your transfer company and tell you to follow them.  The solution to this is very simple.  I can assure you, no one ever approaches me anymore, even when I’m there with all the family.  And it can easily be the same way for you, even if it’s your first time to Cancun.  All you need to know are 3 simple steps:

 

Step #1:  Know where you are going:  After clearing customs, (where they scan your bags on the Cancun side at the airport) you will walk directly through a long set of glass doors and turn to the right.  Doesn’t matter what terminal, all are set up the same way.  You might notice others before you, all will turn to the right after going through the glass doors because there is only one way to go.  Once you start walking, the outside of the airport is maybe 100 yards, or about a football field away.  There are no turns along the way, it’s a straight walk and out you go.  After you exit to the outside of the airport keep walking straight for another 30 feet or so. Then stop and look up for your name.  The transfer company you booked is the only one that will be holding your name up.  Airport security keeps the vendors at a distance, so there is plenty of room after you get outside the airport to look around.  Then just go to your name and you are good to go.  If you are renting a car:  At the airport, on your left as you walk down the hall.  Off site: same plan as if you are taking a transfer.

 

Step #2:  Get situated:  Before you head out from customs, get all your bags in order and in a position to move them easily.  You don’t want to be fumbling around with your luggage along the way.  This makes you look like an amateur traveler and that’s what these high pressure people are looking for.

 

Step #3:  Walk with a purpose:  When you head out from customs walk as if you are in a hurry and you are there for a purpose, and like you have been there 100 times before.  The vendors know us types, they don’t stand a chance and they know it.  They don’t even bother.  Even if you can’t walk quickly, for whatever the reason may be; babies, young children or elderly parents, simply being organized and purposeful will do the trick.  They will key into this and leave you alone.

 

I spent some time on the above because I’m sure I take this for granted.  A guest recently returned telling me about his stay.  His email to me was terrific, among the most detailed I have ever received before.  One of his suggestions was to provide a level of expectation after getting through customs at the airport.

 

Message to all our guests:  I think the above information for “first timers” to Cancun above is a good example of how one person making the time to email me after their return can be of benefit to others.  I’m hopeful that if you decide to stay at one of the properties on the site, you too will take a little time to offer your commentary and suggestions. Nearly all improvements to the site, and improvements to the way we operate in general on the Cancun side, have been the result of valued guest feedback. I offer a heartfelt Thank You to all who have contributed.

Tim

 

 

RESORT INFO:

 

Does the resort have a pool?  Yes.

 

It looks as though you can get service from a bar in the pool, is that right?  Yes, the pool has a swim up bar.

 

Is there resort security?  Yes, 24 hour security.  So if you happen to order a pizza as an example, you will be phoned by security when the driver arrives.  Upon your verification, the pizza driver is then escorted up to you by security.

 

Is the water at the resort safe?  Yes, all water used at the resort for cooking, washing vegetables and fruit, soda fountain dispensers, etc. is all clean water.

 

Should the water being clean be a concern if we go to other restaurants in the hotel zone?  

No, they all use clean water for washing fruits, vegetables, soda dispensers, cooking, etc.  The only precaution I would take in this regard is if you order a simple glass of water, order a bottled water, just to be on the safe side.  

 

I read somewhere that the AC system at the resort isn’t real good, what is your take on that?  

All of the Penthouses on the site here run on AC systems that are independent of the resort system.  All of these independent AC systems are newer technology and keep you plenty comfortable.  For those who would still like to know about the resort AC system anyway:  This information is from older reviews, prior to the total renovation of our resort in 2016 and 2017.  Now everything is brand new as of 2017.  And in the years to come it will be well maintained by our new resort operator, Oleo.

 

Where is the resort located?  At kilometer 19.5 in the Hotel Zone.  

 

How far is the resort from the airport?  

About 20 minutes.

 

Does the resort have a private beach?  

Yes.

 

Does the resort have a jacuzzi?  

Yes.  It’s more like a small pool for children.  It’s not kept very warm.

 

How many restaurants does the resort have?  

2 plus a snack bar down by the pool area.

 

How many bars are there?  

1 by the lobby, 1 swim up bar in the pool.

 

Is there a convenience store?  

Yes.

 

What do they offer?  Soda, snacks, cigarettes, souvenirs, hygiene supplies, batteries, miscellaneous items.

 

Is there a spa?  

Yes, brand new as of January 2018.

 

Is there a gym?  

Yes, brand new as of January 2018.

 

Are there beach chairs out on the beach?  

Yes, loungers.

 

Are there umbrellas out on the beach?  

Yes.

 

Can we sign up for tours and activities from the resort?  Yes, there is an activity center near the main lobby and you can sign up for just about any activity you can imagine.

 

Do you recommend booking the tours/activities you recommend or setting them up at the resort after we get there?  

Unless you’re looking to go parasailing or rent a wave runner, it’s going to cost a little less to book it online in advance. However, booking online requires payment in full for some I recommend, others are 25% down.  If you can afford to book in advance base on whom I recommend to book through for the tour you like, you’ll typically come out ahead.

 

ALL INCLUSIVE INFO:

 

Can you get drink service by the pool or down by the beach?  

Ask at the front desk if you’re considering paying for the all-inclusive for that day.  Some days they have drink service by the pool and beach, other days they don’t.  Much depends on the time of year and the capacity of the resort at the time you are there.  When I go down with my family, one thing we always do, even if we are on the all-inclusive, is take the cooler that is on wheels down with us to the pool and beach.  One of these is in every condo.  I love these coolers. They work nicely as little side tables while you sunbathe.  I prefer staying by the pool, which is close to the service bar.  If you prefer the beach, you could always bring down several drinks at once and keep them in the cooler.

 

Can you get service from the bars and restaurants if you don’t sign up for the all-inclusive?  

No.  You can enjoy the bars, lounges, pool, beach, etc. without signing up for the all-inclusive, but you would need to bring your own drinks, food, etc.  No waiters can serve you without you having the all-inclusive.

 

What if we just want something to eat at the resort, but we don’t want the all-inclusive?  

You have to purchase the all inclusive to be able to get drinks from the bars or food from the restaurants.  They are not set up for individual orders.

 

How do we sign up for the all-inclusive?  

At the lobby front desk.  Visa, master or cash are accepted.

 

What are the costs for this?  

Price as of this writing is $90 per day per person, kids 12 and under are 1/2 off.  Please email or call me just to make sure there have been no recent changes.

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When can you get food and drinks?

The first restaurant opens at 7am.  First alcoholic drinks are served at 11am by the pool.  Last bar closes at midnight.

 

Do we have to sign up for this in advance?  

No, that’s not an option.  You decide after you arrive to the resort. Remember too that each day the all-inclusive is optional.  I recommend purchasing the all-inclusive as your vacation unfolds.  You pay at the lobby front desk.  It’s best to purchase this in the morning before 9:30am so you can take advantage of breakfast which is served from 7-10am.

 

Is there more information on this?

Yes, for expanded all-inclusive info please hover over the “Explore Vacation Rentals” tab located at the top of any page on the site and in the drop down menu click “All-Inclusive Option”.  

 

 

OTHER INFO:

 

To make a reservation, do we need to sign any contract or lease agreement?  No.  You can make your reservation any time by clicking on Book Online located to the far upper right of any page on this site.  Or you can click on one of the availability calendars and choose your dates there and book.  Or you can call me, Tim, at 847-636-2232.

 

How do we get the keys?  

From my manager in Cancun.  The info for my manager will be on your confirmation, including all the contact info.  My manager will make every effort to be at the resort upon your arrival to greet you and show you around the condo.  If he/she cannot be there for any reason, the keys will be at the lobby front desk in your name (the name on the e-confirmation/receipt you receive from me after you make a reservation).

 

What is your cancellation policy?  

For details on this topic please see the Cancellation Policy page (in the General Info drop down).  

 

​Warm regards and thanks for reading up on the details.  You would be surprised at how many do not.

 

Tim Miller