Penthouse #3000 - Property Description & FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
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.
Penthouse #3000 is yet another truly one of a kind vacation rental in Cancun. There are no neighbors up here. The structure sits by itself built upon the roof top of the Northern tower of the resort, Yalmakan. The views are stunning. The pictures cannot do justice the views up here. The famous Cancun Hotel Zone (the Cancun Strip) is a narrow strip of land that goes out into the ocean, then runs mostly parallel to the ocean before returning back to the mainland. From the photo above, you can see the Cancun strip running along the ocean to the right. To the left of the strip is the fresh water bay with it’s own distinctly different beauty from that of the Caribbean. It’s rare indeed to be able to see all of this at once. It’s even more rare to see this without obstructions of this amazing view. The terrace above is one of two terraces you can enjoy while staying in Penthouse #3000. The terrace above is on the ocean side, while the other terrace is on the bay side. The outdoor furnishings are newer, purchased in December of 2016.
The living and dining area features a wall of windows that offers a view of the Cancun Strip, the Caribbean, and the bay unlike any other Cancun has to offer. The view is entirely unobstructed because as you look out to the North, the row of structures are all lower than your vantage point. Further enhancing the view is the fact that the towers of Yalmakan were built very close to the ocean, while still allowing for plenty of beach width for visitors to enjoy.
The terrace on the bay side allows you to enjoy breathtaking Cancun sunsets over the calm bay waters.
Penthouse #3000 has 2 levels. On the main level you have the living and dining area, the kitchen, both terraces, the master bedroom and bath, and the 2nd bedroom and bath. The second bathroom doubles as the hall bath. There is a king in the master bedroom which sits on the ocean side. In the second bedroom are two queen beds.
The 3rd bedroom and private bathroom is on the second level. The second level of #3000 was not part of the original structure, it was added later. This is why the stair case to the 3rd bedroom is located on the ocean side terrace outside. This 3rd bedroom is very spacious. And the views are outstanding. The 3rd bedroom also has it’s own independent AC system and 2 queen beds.
As noted in other parts of the web site, it is important you know that Penthouse #3000 is not suitable for people who have difficulty climbing stairs. To get to Penthouse #3000 you take the public elevator up to the top floor, which is the 7th floor. Then you take the stairs the remainder of the way, and there are 3 flights of stairs. When I stayed here recently, I had no trouble with this as I’m sure would be the case with most people. However I do recommend having concierge help your family get your luggage up.
Penthouse #3000 -
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you smoke in the condo? No. However, smoking is permitted outside on the terraces.
Are Linens provided? Yes, towels and linens are provided.
Is there a washer and dryer? Yes. There is a stack washer/dryer combo inside #3000.
Is there an iron and ironing board? Yes
Are there hair dryers? Yes.
Is there a safe for valuables? Yes.
Are beach towels provided? Yes, 8.
Do we need a converter for the electrical plugs?
No.
Is there a music player with an I-Pod dock?
Yes, one in the living/dining area. You can play CD’s on it also.
Is there a DVD player?
Yes, there is currently one DVD player in the condo. Please note that your DVD’s from the US will work in the DVD player. However, don’t buy any DVD’s from Walmart or any stores in Mexico. They will not work in the US DVD player.
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.
How do we request the additional cleaning? 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? 2 Queen beds.
It looks like the beds in there are smaller than queen size. Why? At one time the beds in bedroom 2 (green bed spreads shown in photos) were twin size. They have now been replaced with queen size beds (white bed spreads shown in photos).
The 3rd bedroom? 2 Queen beds.
Which bedrooms have their own bathroom? The master and bedroom 3. The bathroom for bedroom 2 doubles as the hall bath.
Are linens provided? Yes
Are beach towels provided? No
Are bath towels provided? Yes
Is there any extra beds? Yes. 2 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 2 rolls of toilet paper per bathroom.
Is there a fridge, stove top, sink? Yes to all.
Is there an oven? No
Is there a dishwasher? No
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?
Standard drip type.
Are there pots, pans, utensils, strainer, big bowls, dishware, silverware, wine opener, bottle opener, knives, glassware? Yes to all.
Is there pure water in the kitchen? No. There is an Oxxo convenience store located directly across the street. However, I recommend taking the grocery store run and stocking up there.
If you were to fall off from the terrace, does it go all the way down to the ground? No, it doesn’t. The fall would be about 8 feet. You would fall onto the roof of the tower. However, injury could still easily occur, or even death. Because if you were to fall and then roll you could go off the roof.
Are the glass rails safe? Yes, they are made of tempered glass, so they are very safe. Same with all the condos on this web site.
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. I recommend stocking up on bottled water at the Super Walmart. The resort convenience store also sells bottled water.
Can we make calls from the condo? Yes, local calls.
How much do they cost? Complimentary.
Is there a charge for calling the manager in Cancun? No.
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 $90 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
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.
Does canceling a service reservation cost anything?
No, as long as you do so 24 hours in advance or more.
Does the spa cost anything? Yes, $25 per person per visit as of this writing. However the fee is waived if you purchase a massage.
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?
It's limited, a very small lot. I cannot guarantee you could get a parking spot.
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
Do you recommend a rental car company?
Yes, please hover over “General Info” then in the drop down menu select “Airport Transfers or Rental Car”.
Or, here is a helpful link for rental cars: 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, there are a few English channels. The TV here is hooked up to cable, the same one the resort uses.
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.
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