Westin Lagunamar Condo Rentals - Frequently Asked Questions

1. How will I know my reservation has been made and is secure?

Once I have made the reservation, I will send you a confirmation message with all the details.

You will then be able to verify with westin (all the way up to arrival if you like), that the reservation has been made and that it is in your name, and is confirmed. I will also send you my cell phone number so you can call me if you have any issues during the check-in process. Finally, my listing is SquareTrade verified which means you are protected even though the listing is in AD format. Squaretrade would have removed my listing long ago if I had had any issues - which I am pleased to say that I have had none since I started this in 2004!

2. Is Christmas week or New years available?

YES! In Cancun there is no restriction on the week of the reservation.

3. What about Spring Break/Easter, Presidents weekend, Thanksgiving and Summer?

These weeks are all available to rent but they must be reserved almost 12 months in advance to get them. If you are less than 8 months in advance, these dates may be hard to get - timing is everything. I am willing to check for you and also willing to put you on a wait list if you like.

4. How much is a two Bedroom?

At this property, the 2br is just the studio ($1510) connected to the 1br ($2495). The total rate therefore is $4005 per week. But you should first check out the ROOMS link to make sure you need that much space.

5. Will a studio be big enough for my family?

The studio is much like a very large hotel room with a kitchenette in it. Check out the floor plans at the ROOMS link to see for yourself.

6. What is the rate and is it negotiable?

For good or bad, I have had a lot of success renting these units and have not had to discount them. Therefore, the rates are firm. I have not changed them in three years however. Check out the RATES page to see all the pricing options.

7. What additional fees will I have to pay at the condo?

There are no additonal fees when you rent a condo thru me. Even the taxes are taken care of.

Parking is also free.

8. Do you accept paypal? Do you accept credit cards.

Yes. I accept paypal for the $100 deposit.

For the balance, you have three options. The balance is due within two weeks of receiving the confirmation from me.

You can send a check. I will send you my home address with the confirmation and payment instructions.
You can pay via PayPal using eCheck. There is a $5 fee for this charged by PayPal. Please add this amount to your total.
You can pay via PayPal using Credit Card. There is a 2.9% fee charged by PayPal for this payment method. Please add this amount to your total if you pay by credit card.

9. Do I need to sit through a presentation?

No, absolutely not.

On the other hand, you will be invited to by the concierge and they will give you starwood points to do so. If by some chance you end up buying one of these units, I will give you $100 if you list me as the referring owner - this is true whether you rent from me or not!

10. Please explain the Westin Hotel vs Westin Condo and what is the deal with the pools?

It is confusing but there are Two westin properties in Cancun.

First, there is the Westin Cancun Hotel and Spa. This is a Hotel and is located at the far/extreme souther tip of Cancun Beach. It is very far away from almost everything (although it is closest to the airport)

Second, there is the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort - this is the condo I am renting at. It is in the heart of Cancun beach and right across from La Isla Cancun Shopping Village - could not be more convenient!

It should be noted that the Westin Hotel guest cannot use the condo pools. At the condo, there are several pools, multiple hot tubs and it is right on the beach of course. There is also a waterslide.

11. What advice do you have for someone who has never been to Cancun?

Visiting Cancun is extremely easy. Getting to the Condo is easiest by taxi and you can easily pick one up at the airport. Should be less than $30 with tip. Be aware that there are a lot of vendors at the airport. Ignore them all with "no gracias" or "no thank you". Even if they ask where you are going, just keep walking. This is the only ugly part of the trip and it is not bad and will pass as soon as you get in the taxi. Go to the official taxi line.

12. Can I get a guaranteed Ocean View Room? What about Ocean Front?

After staying in the resort myself, I can tell you that every room is ocean view. There are a few ocean front rooms and I will request this for you but it will only be a request.

14. I am a member of Starwood Preferred guest, will that help with an upgrade?

Unfortunately, your status as an SPG member matters very little at the condo. Rooms are assigned based on the owner status with the condo, not even the owner status with SPG. Therefore, if you are an SPG member, be sure to give them your number at check in - you will receive points for incidental expenses, but that is it.

15. Can I get a crib or a rollaway?

Yes, but please let me know that at the time of making the reservation. There may be an additional fee for this charged by the resort. You can confirm at check in.

16. What is your cancellation policy?

I am willing to refund your payment if you need to cancel your reservation for some reason. There are some caveats however. First, you will get your payment, less $100 for each reservation number (regardless of the number of $100 deposits you submitted to me). Also, you will only get the payment back if (and when) I am able to re-rent the unit. For the most part, I have until 12/15 to re-rent your unit. The earlier in the year you cancel, the more likely it will be to re-rent. You are also welcome to try to re-rent the unit for the original dates or for other dates available at the condo. Be advised however, if you cancel less than 60 days in advance, Westin restricts the re-reservation to a rolling 60 days in advance from that point forward - this has the potential of limiting the possibility of being able to match availability dates within that time frame.

Finally, I am also willing in certain circumstances to roll your use forward by one year to accommodate changes.

Any change fees charged by the condo will also be your responsibility for any changes. Currently this amount is $29.

18. Is the resort right on the beach?

Yes! Take a look at the picture used as the background for this web site page to get an idea.

20. Tom, Are you interested in buying my SVO unit?

Yes! As long as it is a Mandatory property like Maui and Kierland. At this point, though, I would require owner financing. Write me and we can discuss.