Wondering if anyone can comment on either Majahua or Mar de Jade?

Have you stayed at either with children?

I've checked some other forums and get wildly contrasting comments about Mar de Jade. Several people complain about the food and smelly, dirty rooms, whilst others adore absolutley everything!

I know we are all unique and enjoy different things, but I would like some feedback before I book!

I really want to stay in Chacala this January…

Thanks!

Well hello!

Not to be a "party pooper" but I've not heard Chacala or the hotels mentioned here, except perhaps by me, lol! Type it into the search box and check results..... maybe your best bet. Lonley Planet has "some" info.

For a very detailed description and review of Chacala, check out chacalanayarit.blogspot.com/

The poster also gives very precise instructions of how to leave the Puerto Vallarta airport, getting taxi's or going to the central Camionera. Someone took a lot of time an effort to get this information, with pictures, to this forum. It is a very nice post and I hope soon to visit Chacala also. I have heard there is development already started in the area and public access has been limited so it is good to know for sure how you are going to get there. Good Luck and take your insect repellent.

Hi Blondlady, It's a super site, your correct. I passed it on yesterday to the OP. I have the site bookmarked and have been reading it for about a year, its great!

...you're so right Blondlady, the site is really well done and sold Chacala to me!

Hi Faithie!!

So the husband liked the look of both these places and said he didn't want a B & B or a rental unit above someone's home, so that rules out many of the the rentals on the blog - damn!

Playa Escondida in Sayulita called back and said the waves on their beach are really 'crashing waves' and they also needed a seven night booking which I cannot do.

Seeing as Lagunita isn't costing much I decided I could afford either Mar de Jade or Majahua, so I put a search into Trip Advisor and got really mixed feedback about Mar de Jade. There were a few very positive responses on Majahua though, and I've had a really nice email back from the owner...

Hi,
Funny thing, I had a "good" feeling about Majahua... but a slightly "off" feeling about Mar de Jade which I can't put my finger on.

Too bad about the "crashing waves" at the other, it looks SUPER. Plus the 7 night issue.....

This is one of the combos we want to do, we've obviously done Lagunita/Yelapa but want to explore a bit. I think I'd go for Majahua. The owner is supposedly fantastic.

...yeah I had that 'off' feeling about Mar de Jade too. I cannot put my finger on it either - weird! I was also put off by the rates including three meals a day. I don't want to be tied in to eating there for every meal, whereas at Majahua only breakfast is included in the rate, although I've heard the food there is fantastic at lunchtime and dinnertime too.

Majahua it is! I'm so pleased it's all sorted and I can relax now.

Leaving this weekend for a camping trip to Sequoia with my three younger children and two teenagers (distant relatives I've never met) from England! The husband is still away working, am I totally mad?!

My 17 year old is currently working in Kenya, so he'll miss the delights of Sequoia, but then he's right by Lake Victoria and all those hippos…

Thanks again for your help Faithie!

Hi, I live in Chacala, for the past almost-four years. Majahua is wonderful, tucked into the hillside right above the ocean. Really lovely, with a spa with soaking pools and waterfalls and a wonderful restaurant.
Well managed with personal service.

You can look at Chacala Rentals http://chacalabudgetrentals.blogspot.com for photos of all but two rentals in Chacala. With descriptions and contract info )websites, email, and phone numbers.

There are lots of nice options in Chacala, from about $18US a night per room and up. Lots of choices in the $35US range and the $60US range.

Mar de Jade seems to have itīs ups and downs. Your meals are included in the price, and the main complaints I hear from guests are about not enough food, or variety of food, musty smelling rooms and various facilities not being available. It has nice grounds and a great palapa overlooking the ocean.