When we chose our Spanish teacher and school, we didn’t just gain an incredible educator; we also found a new friend in Katya! She went above and beyond, connecting us with one of her amazing realtor friends. Thanks to this connection, we discovered a fantastic beach rental property at an unbeatable price for our three-month stay.

Just a short stroll from the beach, this charming place boasts three cozy bedrooms, a lovely kitchen, and even a community pool for those sunny afternoons. Plus, it comes equipped with WiFi—essential for our needs—and is conveniently close to the school, making it easy for our teachers to visit. We couldn’t have asked for a better setup!

Over the next two months, we were fortunate to secure a fantastic rate at another beach property! By reaching out directly to the owner and sharing our plans, we learned that she lives in Lancaster, PA, just 45 minutes from our old hometown. Lucky for us, she was open to negotiating the price, especially since we’d be staying during hurricane season (September to October), her slowest period.

This new place features an extra bedroom, giving the girls some room to spread out, and it even allows for visitors! So, friends and family, get ready for some beachside fun! When we arrive in Playa del Carmen, our first stop will be this property to see if it’s the perfect fit for our family. We can’t wait!

A few lessons we learned:

1. It’s best to have a local help you negotiate rates, otherwise you could end up paying more than double. (Thank you, Katya, Jan, & Sylvia).

2. The longer you stay, the better chance you have of negotiating a lower price.

3. If you’re renting long term, make sure you realize the price often does not include utilities (water, gas, electric), and factor those costs in.  Electricity can be extraordinarily expensive in places like Playa del Carmen!