April 18, 2008

White Bear Lake, MN USA

We recently returned from a 7 night vacation on Isla Mujeres where we stayed (we were treated better than a family member) at the Casa Sirena.

It was wonderful to wake up to the sound of waves arriving on shore from Cuba. Breakfast (included in the room rate) was a delicious combination of freshly squeezed orange juice, fruit plate and a different warm entree every morning - most days we did not eat lunch.

Casa Sirena is within walking distance from clean beaches, a large number of restaurants with a variety of cuisines and price points, a combination of tourist orientated and locally owned shops (staff members were very polite at both) and much more. We would encouage you to go off the normal tourist path and visit the stores and restaurants that the island residents frequent. You can rent golf carts, bicycles, scooters or use a taxi if you want take in some of the more distant sights, restaurants and other activities on the island.

The evening FREE "Happy Hour" is not to be missed. Steve Broin (the owner) truly enjoys having his guests join him on the rooftop (the view is one of the best on the island) for appetizers (most of it was made from scratch) and the best drinks on the island.

We plan on returning to the Casa Sirena with some friends - it is a great combination of clean and comfortable rooms at great rates (includes breakfast and Happy Hour) that are centrally located with the ability to choose if you want to have an active day or a relaxing time sipping your favorite drink on the beach.

My husband and I stayed at Casa Sirena for the last 4 nights of an 8 night vacation to celebrate my 30th birthday. We were going to spend the whole time in Playa del Carmen, but we saw the reviews for this place and decided to alter our plans a bit. So, the only reason we came to Isla was to stay at Casa Sirena.

Casa Sirena is gorgeous! Steve, the innkeeper/owner/manager/all-around-good-guy, has done a phenomenal job restoring and renovating this property. I wish I could hire Steve to do my house back in Seattle the same way he did Casa Sirena. The class and taste used for decorating was exquisite and everyone that sees our pictures agrees with us.

Steve is living the dream! He’s a young man that’s living in paradise running his own business and having a great time! Staying at Casa Sirena gives you a taste of what living the dream would be like, and let me tell you that it would be magical!

My husband and I tend to be loners when traveling. We don’t like talking to other tourists and we especially detest small-talk. But, Steve has created such an oasis that our normal travel rules did not apply. We met some amazing people at Steve’s happy hours and truly enjoyed the time we spent up on his roof.

When we returned from our stay at Casa Sirena, we were so relaxed! The atmosphere is wonderful, and the owner of the hotel Steven works hard to make his hotel the perfect combination of style, warmth, and relaxation. The hotel rooms are gorgeous and also very comfortable. I was so glad that we had stayed here! My husband and I had visited Isla Mujeres for a friend's wedding, and many of the wedding guests had stayed in more generic hotels. We had a much better vacation because of our stay at Casa Sirena. Breakfasts are complimentary, hearty, and excellent. Fresh fruit was served every morning with breakfast. Happy hour is held most evenings on the roof at sunset, Steven makes excellent drinks and creates a friendly atmosphere for all the guests...need I say more? The hotel is not on the main tourist strip but close to the beach, I much preferred it that way. I can't wait to return to Isla Mujeres and to Casa Sirena!

This is a small boutique hotel and in my opinion, the only place to stay on Isla Mujeres. Absolutely fantastic in every way! Steve is an "outside the box" type thinker so he and staff go the extra mile to make your stay comfortable and unique. Mornings are a "take a picture of the goumet breakfast" and Steve's Happy Hour is the happiest hour of the day with his freshly-made margaritas. Since guests are from all over the country, the conversation is always interesting and fun. The room and hotel are very clean. It is located a couple of short blocks from the downtown-area action yet off on a quiet side street. If you're staying on Isla Mujeres, make sure you stay at Casa Sirena. Thanks, Steve and staff for a wonderful vacation.