Why is renting Casa Ángel better than staying at a hotel?
Casa Ángel offers more freedom and privacy. The house comes with a fully equipped kitchen that makes it far easier to make a great but inexpensive meal, unlike the every day eating out schedule at a hotel.

What else is different from staying in a hotel?
For sure you don’t get the personalized attention. The answer: The Staff.

Are the rates per person or for the entire home?
Our rates are for the rental of the entire home. Sometimes a reduced rate can apply if you are a small party. For example, if you occupy only 1 or 2 bedrooms (2-4 persons) we may offer a special rate. Therefore, it is very important that you give us the correct number of guests in your party when you are inquiring about rates and making reservations.

Is there a minimum stay required?
As a rule of thumb during Christmas and New Year’s season there is a 12-14 night stay required.

What does the house come equipped with?
Casa Ángel comes fully furnished and with a full staff. You will find everything you need for a relaxed and care-free vacation. Standard amenities include items such as pool towels, bed linens, room towels, tableware, cutlery etc.

What if I have a special request?
We can arrange for almost anything that you wish with ample notice. If you have a special request please discuss it with us when you book your reservation.

What about the house staff?
Our staff is very accommodating. You will be taken care of since the moment you arrive at Casa Ángel. Cesar will have a short discussion with you upon arrival to let you know of our best restaurants, the fun tours and the shopping centers. This is when you can indicate to him any special occasions you want to celebrate during your stay, plan menus, etc. Click here to meet the staff.

How much should I tip the staff?
We recommend $5 to $10 per person, per day. A suggested distribution of the entire tip might be:
Cesar – 40%
Bertha – 40%
Cristina – 20%
Tips are typically placed in envelopes for each staff member. Cesar can provide these to you.

Is the water safe to drink?
No, the tap water in this area is not safe to drink. The house rental includes bottled water to serve all your drinking and cooking water needs.

Is it safe to eat lettuce, veggies and have ice in drinks in restaurants?
For produce - Most restaurants which cater to tourists wash their fruits and vegetables in a special way to disinfect them and serve purified water and ice.

When should I make my reservation?
As booking early is always the best policy, you can make your reservation as soon as you decide by telephone, fax or email. We keep in touch with you prior to your arrival.

Whom do I contact if there are any problems?
Our house manager, Cesar, will act as your contact while you are in Acapulco. We are completely confident that he can take care of any questions, concerns or problems during your stay.

How does the payment schedule work?
We require a 50% deposit to guarantee a reservation. The balance is to be received 30 days prior to your check-in date.

What types of payments do you accept?
You can pay for your reservation by personal check, money order, or wire transfer.

What is your cancellation policy?
Deposits and payments are non-refundable. For peace of mind, we recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that Casa Ángel should be sold or become unfit for habitation, and no equivalent substitute property is available, a full refund will be given for any unused rental time.

When will I get the damage deposit returned to me?
Damage deposits are fully refundable to you within eight to twelve weeks of your departure, provided there are no damages, missing items or long distance telephone calls charged to the house phone.

Suppose I want to cook when I am there?
You may use the kitchen. Please ask the staff to help you if you want. There is no rate reduction if you do your own cooking.

Where can we shop for groceries?
In Acapulco there are many large grocery stores including Wal-Mart, Comercial Mexicana, Sam's Club and Costco. You’ll find mini-marts everywhere in the main tourist zone. We can provide the service of pre-stocking the home.

How do we shop for food?
There are a couple options. One option is to let the house staff purchase all the food on your behalf based on a menu that you prepare. The staff will present you with an estimate for the cost of food and transportation and return any change along with the receipt. The daily cost for food and beverages per adult per day runs about $20-35 per person depending on whether you are a light or heavy eater. The cost would be more if you add in alcoholic beverages - especially imported wines and champagnes. The second option is that you go to the market and grocery store either with the houseman or by yourself and purchase the food. We find that a trip to the market with the houseman is quite interesting. Making at least one trip to the market and grocery store will also give you a perspective on the cost of food in Acapulco.

Suppose we want to go out for a night on the town, could we leave the kids?
Yes, you may. We can arrange for nanny service. Depending on how late you will be out you may have to pay for the night or pay for the taxi for the nanny to go home. The rates will be extremely reasonable.

Can I have guests over if I rent the villa?
You may have a few guests over to visit; however, there may be additional charges for meal preparation and for any other services or facilities used beyond that provided for the rental party. You may not invite groups of people (separate from the rental party) to the villa for functions, such as family reunions, meetings, weddings etc. without prior written consent. Guests separate from the rental party may not stay overnight. We ask that you do not invite strangers (people you did not know prior to your trip) into the villa for security reasons. The occupancy for the villa is as stated in the rental contract and may not be modified except by prior written agreement.

What if I am traveling with children?
Since Casa Ángel is much more spacious than hotel accommodations, it is ideally suited to vacationing with children. If you will need baby equipment please let us know in advance so that we can quote you prices for the rental and arrange for it to be at the villa when you arrive.

Should we provide you with a list of things we want at the villa when we arrive, like alcoholic beverages, etc?
We ask for a pre-order list of food items one month before your trip. This includes the menu for the first night dinner and next day breakfast, any problem foods, and any liquor you might like to have us pre-order. You will include your pre-order funds with your final payment.

How easy is it to exchange money?
It is very easy to exchange US, Canadian dollars and Euros.
Otherwise, banks and money exchange offices in Acapulco can exchange your US dollars, Euros, (or other foreign currency) for pesos. If you are using traveler’s checks, you will need to show picture I.D. Passport is the best.

Will they accept US$ cash just about everywhere?
You can use US$ in most places but you will probably not get the best exchange rate and you will get Pesos back as change.

Is there an ATM machine in Acapulco?
Yes. If your bank ATM money card is part of a large network (like Plus or Cirrus) you can use it in bank machines in Acapulco. The money comes directly out of your bank account and you get the best exchange rate. The ATM will dispense Mexican Pesos. Your US bank will charge your account at the current exchange rate.

Are there good hospitals, doctors or pediatricians around?
There are a number of doctors in Acapulco area. Your house staff will know how to reach a doctor. For serious problems, we recommend Hospital Pacifico. It has an excellent pediatrician/neonatology and the house manager can recommend other doctors and specialists.
Before your visit, please check with your insurance company so you know what procedure to follow just in case you do develop a medical emergency.

What services do you offer?
Full staff providing personalized service is included with the rental. Extra services are available at an additional charge such as car rental, massage therapist, babysitting, assistance with reservations for such activities swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, jungle tours, and more. Just ask us for help.

What is the Departure Tax at the airport?
Acapulco has a departure tax that is payable in cash only at the airport upon your departure. Currently, the tax is US$27 (or equivalent in foreign currency).

Telephone Questions:
Can family and friends call us at our villa?
Yes. People can call you at Casa Ángel from the US by dialing 011+ 52 + 744 and the 7-digit telephone number (446-5440). From other countries, callers should use normal international dialing procedures. The country code for Acapulco is (52) and the area code for Acapulco is (744). The local phone number at the house is 446-5440.

Will my telephone credit cards work in Acapulco?
Most telephone credit cards will not work from Acapulco. You may be able to use your AT&T, MCI or Sprint cards from Acapulco by dialing the respective 800 numbers. The telephone system at Casa Ángel allows the use of AT&T, MCI and Sprint cards. If you need to make long distance calls when away from Casa Ángel, you may purchase pre-paid calling cards that can be used at public phones that accept these cards. The house manager can make the purchase of these cards for you.

Can I use my wireless telephone in Acapulco?
Check this carefully with your phone provider and make sure you have the proper roaming agreements with service providers such as AT&T, MCI, Sprint etc. If you have roaming service with these providers, you may be able to "roam" while in Acapulco, but check with your wireless service provider and verify costs as it can be expensive.

What can I do if I need wireless service but my phone will not work in Acapulco?
If your wireless telephone will not work in Acapulco, we can provide a rental phone at an additional fee and you will be required to purchase pre-paid air-time once in Acapulco. Unused air-time is not refunded.

Is there an added service charge?
We do not have added service charges. However please plan appropriately to tip the staff.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Emergency change of plans can always occur. Trip insurance is a good idea to protect your vacation investment.

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico from the US?
Visitors from the U.S. need a valid passport or must present an original birth certificate and photo ID. Travelers from other countries may need a visa. After proof of citizenship has been verified, you will receive a free Mexican Tourist Card, which you must keep with you at all times when in Mexico. This permit must be given to officials upon departure. If you lose your Mexican Tourist Card you can obtain a copy or permission to leave the country from the local Immigration Office.

What documents do my children need to travel to Mexico from the US?
Children need proper identification just like their parents. A US Passport is recommended, but other US Citizenship documents such as a certified copy of a US Birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points, including requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission of the parent(s) or legal guardian not present for the child's travel. Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) should document carefully legal custody prior to traveling to Mexico. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor child is traveling to Mexico alone or in someone else's company, then both parents (and the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to Mexico has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, that they are indeed the parents

Is there a US Embassy in Acapulco?
There is a US Consular Agency in Acapulco, part of the US Embassy to Mexico. The US Department of State provides information online for travelers to Mexico.

Do I need to speak Spanish?
Spanish is helpful when traveling in Mexico, but not necessary. Most people working in tourist industries such as tours, restaurants and shops do speak English as well as Spanish (and often several other languages as well). If you are interested, you could learn a few polite words of Spanish before arriving in Mexico. http://spanish.about.com/ is a helpful place to start. Por favor (please) and Gracias (thank you) are always nice to use.