Condominiums and Condo Hotels

Condominium complexes are sprouting up on the outskirts of San José as fast as all-inclusive resorts. Las Olas (closest to the lookout point at Zippers surf break), El Zalate (next to the Coral Baja timeshare resort), and Sampiguita (closer to the hotel zone) are just a few of the more recent properties to open. Owners rent vacant units to visitors for anywhere from US$120 a night for a studio or one-bedroom to around US$450 or more for a deluxe two- or three-bedroom unit.

Rates can vary quite a bit even within the same complex, depending on location and views and how the unit is furnished. Be sure to inquire how close the unit is to the highway and whether there is construction underway inside the building. At Mykonos and other complexes nearby, the persistent sound of heavy traffic on Mexico 1 can drown out the sound of waves crashing onto the beach. Discounted weekly and monthly rates are sometimes available.

The payment process for a condo is different from reserving a hotel room: Property managers typically require a deposit of 50 percent of the rental fee by check or direct deposit to a U.S. bank account and the remaining amount by cash upon arrival. Cleaning fees are often added to the rental fee. Sometimes full payment is required before arrival—all the more reason to get the information you need before committing to a particular unit.

Mediterranean-inspired Mykonos Bay Resort (Km. 29, tel. 624/142-3789, one-bedroom US$130–290) rents one- and two-bedroom condos in three buildings, each with air-conditioning, satellite TV, kitchen, and washer/dryer. Amenities include a basic gym and lighted tennis court. Buildings B and C have larger units and are closest to the beach and quieter than Building A, which has smaller units and picks up more noise from the highway.

Within walking distance of the Mega shopping plaza as well as the beach, the sprawling Las Mañanitas complex has some of the nicest condos around for US$225–475 per night. Next door, Sampaguita Luxury Townhouse/Condominiums is newer and smaller, with only 14 units in a quiet, gated complex that has a pool, hot tub, and tennis court. Two-bedroom units run about US$200–300 per night. To inquire about these properties you need to contact the individual owners through www.vrbo.com, www.craigslist.org, a booking service, or property management company.

Booking Services and Property Management Companies

Baja Properties (Doblado and Morelos, tel. 624/142-0988, toll-free U.S. tel. 877/462-2226, www.bajaproperties.com) manages one-, two-, and three-bedroom rentals in Las Mañanitas for US$250–525 per night as well as a few less expensive locations.

Nash Group Properties (Paseo Finisterra #107, www.bajaholidays.com), run by the owners of the Casa del Jardín B&B, manages several rental properties in Mykonos, Las Olas, and a few other complexes.

SeaSide Vacations (tel. 624/142-3789, Canada tel. 604/484-8488, www.sea side.com) has a variety of units in several buildings in the area.