Casa Lorenzo

CONSERVATION AT CASA LORENZO
Mexico has shortages of electricity and water so it is important to conserve these resources as you do in your own homes. We want you to feel comfortable here in every way, but please be responsible. If you are running the air-conditioning, please close the doors to the bedroom and make sure the windows are closed.no sense in air-conditioning the great outdoors. If you leave for the day, please check to turn off the air-conditioners and fans. Based on the location of Casa Lorenzo we enjoy a tremendous refreshing breeze throughout the home year round, so open your windows wide and enjoy.

Shower a reasonable length of time be considerate of others in the home and conserve hot water. you wouldn�t want to take a cold shower would you?

Towels are changed daily if needed. All towels left on the floor are replaced with fresh linens, so if your towel is not dirty consider hanging it up to dry and you will be able to use it again as well as conserving our natural resource. Drinking water from the faucet is great at Casa Lorenzo, better than most tap water in the United States as I have installed a 3 step filtration system in the home. Though the water in Puerto Vallarta is already purified and I have taken it to the next level and have had it tested to confirm its quality.

Unfortunately, Puerto Vallarta does NOT recycle anything at this time.so all waste goes in the garbage. I feel terribly guilty but there is nothing I can do at this time sorry.

Roku, Blu Ray, Chromecast Your guide to Television Entertainment
TURN ON TELEVISION/RECEIVER
Using the Yamaha remote control pressing the orange button in the upper right turns on the receiver.
Select HDMI input
HDMI-1: Blu Ray Player
HDMI-2: Roku Entertainment System
HDMI-3: Chromecast Streaming Device
Using the same remote, lower section labeled TV, press the orange button to turn on the television.
Use the volume buttons in the center of remote to control the television volume.

OPERATE ROKU DEVICE
Using the Roku remote, press the upper right HOME button to wake Roku if nothing is displayed on the television
If the Casa Lorenzo has lost power due to a storm, you may need to unplug the device and reconnect the power to reset the device
The Roku, will need to connect to the internet, so after a 1-2 minutes you should see the time on the screen, this means you are connected
Use the 4-way arrow buttons to control the cursor and OK button to make your selection

OPERATE BLU RAY / DVD PLAYER
Using the Yamaha remote press BD/DVD button, or select HDMI-1
Use the remote to the Blu Ray to control the device

INTERNET RADIO
Using the Yamaha remote select NET to listen to streamed internet radio
Using the 4 directional keys and ENTER button, select the type of music you wish to listen to from radio stations throughout the world who stream their content over the internet.

LOCAL RADIO
Using the Yamaha remote select RADIO to listen to local, Puerto Vallarta radio.
Use the arrow keys and ENTER keys to select the frequency of a local radio station.

CHROMECAST
Using the Yamaha remote, select HDMI-3 to access the Chromecast device.
Download the Google Cast app to your device
Follow the instructions to connect

GUEST SERVICES
Casa Lorenzo has a local property manager whose name is Fidel Avalos. His English is good and is available for any type of assistance you may need such as:
Translations with staff
Meal planning with staff
Information about the property
Information about the Puerto Vallarta area.
Assistance with checking in / out
ANY Casa Lorenzo maintenance issues.
Normal hours are 9AM to 6PM Monday-> Friday
Saturdays 9AM 2PM
EMERGENCIES after hours, religious and national holidays call the number above. Typically, Fidel will let you know if he will not be reachable for some reason and will provide you a backup person and telephone number which to use.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Upon your arrival the staff will provide you a tour of the home, which will include orientation to the geography of the home, how to operate the television (Roku) system, Blu Ray player, general orientation to the remote controls how to access the wireless internet, where certain amenities are located such as the hair dryer, beach towels, iron and board, etc.

KEYS: A set of keys will be provided to each bedroom which will include access to the roadway and upper gate, front doors of the main house and Casita. If you are staying in the Casita, the door operates like a hotel room door and you will need your key to enter at all times if the door is closed. Please, you are responsible to return these at the end of your stay. There is a $100 USD charge for each set of keys lost to cover the expense of rekeying the locks of the Casa.

FRONT GATE: If you have a vehicle(s) on the property you will be issued a remote control to open and close the gate for each vehicle present.

The gate system has the ability to open the gate remotely if you have a visitor who has pressed the Call Button. The phone in the Casa will have a distinctive double ring indicating someone has pressed the button. You simply access the phone, press the talk button and you can determine if you wish to allow the visitor to enter. You are able to open the gate, while on the call with the visitor, by pressing on the telephone. You will hear a tone and the gate will open remotely allowing entry to the property. The gate will close automatically after 1-2 minutes.

The gate can also be opened using the keypad. Should you want this type of access, Fidel can inform you of the current code as it is changed frequently for security.

SAFE: There is a programmable safe located in the master bedroom for your convenience. Instructions as to how to operate are in the safe. Please do not forget your code to the safe. Fidel, the property manager, is able to open the safe, but there is a charge $50 USD if he is not on the property at the time the safe is needed to be opened.

TAXIS: Taxis are the of the principal ways of travel throughout Puerto Vallarta for guests, if you do not want to walk to your destination. The streets are narrow and one way streets pop out of nowhere, therefore we do not recommend driving oneself if you are not familiar with Puerto Vallarta traffic. The taxis are principally yellow in color and are always on the lookout for a fare if they are available. Simply raising your hand will draw the attention of any available taxi. Drivers are very friendly and speak some English, generally. Simply provide them the name of the place or the address to where you wish to be taken and sit back and relax and enjoy our cobble stone streets. There are no meters in the taxis. Rates are by zone and are not based on time or distance driven. Zone rates can be provided to you upon request of the driver. Call the following numbers for a taxi: +52 (322) 222-2422, or +52 (322) 223-8400 and provide the address of the home, Casa Lorenzo, Rodolfo Gomez #599, Alta Vista, be prepared to go as these taxi stations are only about 5 minutes away.

WATER AND ELECTRIC: Filtered, purified tap water is provided at Casa Lorenzo. All electric is 120v so similar to what you may be familiar with in the United States.

INTERNET AND TELEPHONE: Casa Lorenzo has wireless 10GB fiber optic internet. The broadcast name is CASALORENZOPV. Select this when searching for wireless internet service in the casa. The password is 1027826447. We have made every effort to ensure adequate internet service is accessible throughout the home, but as usual, the closer you are to the router the better it functions.

POOL: The pool is for your pleasure and enjoyment. Please follow those traditional policies of no running on the deck, no glass containers in the pool area (plastic cups are available in the kitchen), no diving or jumping into the pool. 2 beach towels are in your closet provided for your convenience, please do not use the bath towels in the pool area.

TELEVISION: Video on the television is provided over the internet via a Roku box (similar to Apple TV) This service provides you access to may internet based applications which allow you view the latest movies, TV shows, News and various documentaries. If you have any questions, please contact Fidel, the property manager, to answer your questions. BLU RAY / DVD: We have a current generation Blu Ray available for your use which is from the USA, therefore it will not play Mexican disks. This is also a smart player which allows you to use various internet streaming services. If the Roku does not have what you need, you may subscribe to any services on the Blu Ray player to purchase movies or watch internet content.

AIR CONDITIONERS: Air-conditioners are located in 3 of 4 bedrooms of Casa Lorenzo. All rooms have ceiling fans. Please make sure the doors and windows are closed when the air-conditioners are operational, and when you leave for an extended period of time, please turn off the air conditioning, fans and the lights off and enjoy the cool mountain top breezes.

LAUNDRY SERVICE: If you are in need of laundry services, Esperanza can do this for you as access to the laundry is for staff only. There is no charge for this service, but please consider this extra service in your tip. STAFF: Esperanza is in charge of housekeeping for Casa Lorenzo as well as doing all food shopping, preparation, cooking and clean-up. If you requested, Casa Lorenzo be stocked prior to your arrival, Esperanza will have the receipts for all of the items purchased. I ask that you please reimburse her upon your arrival. If you believe you will want additional meals during the week, Esperanza will do all of the shopping and will provide you detailed receipts for reimbursement. Your visit includes 2 meals per day to be prepared by Esperanza, should you desire them. The cost of food and beverage is not included and is extra. Please arrange with Esperanza a minimum of 24 hours in advance to provide adequate time to purchase the freshest ingredients.

Fidel is the property manager of Casa Lorenzo and is responsible for not only the proper maintenance of the Casa and lush landscaping, but to ensure you have an unforgettable time. Fidel can help you with many activities such as fishing, zip-lining, whale watching, scuba diving, taxis, etc. Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Fidel speaks very good English and looks forward to helping you have a great vacation.

SUNDAYS AND MEXICAN HOLIDAYS: The staff does not typically work on Sunday and National Holidays in Mexico. Special circumstances can be arranged for service on these days at extra cost. If you wish the staff to work on either of these days they will need to have advanced knowledge at least 48 hours in advance, or earlier if possible. The cost of this extra service is $50 for Sundays and $75 for National Holidays. Optionally you can offer another day off during your stay so as to not incur the extra charges.

CASA LORENZO MEAL SERVICE:
1. Meal Service Includes:
Breakfast daily plus lunch or dinner except Sundays and National Holidays.

2. Esperanza (cook) is available to pre-stock food and beverages for you prior to your arrival.

3. Sundays & National Holidays:
Meal service is available for an extra charge please confirm with Esperanza at least 24 hours in advance a. ADDITIONAL MEAL SERVICE: If you want additional meals, lunch and / or dinner, we are happy to offer this extra service for an extra charge of $50 USD or equivalent pesos per meal plus cost of food and beverages. Please pay staff direct at the time of the meal.

4. Meal Service Includes:
a. Family style service with all guests having the same main course, salad or soup
b. All shopping for food and beverages
c. Cooking and food preparation
d. Serving of the food and beverages
e. Clean up

5. Meal Service Excludes:
a. Cost of food & beverages is an extra expense to be covered by you. Please pay staff for all receipts when presented for your meals purchases.
b. Restaurant style service the staff is not in a position to provide restaurant style service where individuals order differing entrees. Staff will work hard to deal with any food allergies which might exist with guests, but is not in a position to make separate meals.

6. Meals Hours:
a. Breakfast can be served from 8:30-10:00 AM. If you have an early activity, staff are happy to leave breakfast ready (coffee maker ready and fruit in the refrigerator).
b. Lunch can be served from 12:00PM-4:00PM.
c. Dinner is served no later than 7:30PM. 7.

7. Menu Planning
a. Please plan menus with the staff at least 24 hours in advance when possible. Some items such as fresh seafood can only be purchased in the early morning.
b. There is an English / Spanish Menu to help plan meals. We are happy to help with translations and/ or meal planning, call Fidel at +52 (322) 227-4150.

8. Paying for Food & Beverages
a. Upon arriving at Casa Lorenzo, please pay for pre-stocked items purchased prior to your arrival.
b. Groceries for the week: The staff typically shops daily for groceries for the planned meals or any other requests. Please reimburse them for these expenses upon presentation of the receipts.
c. Receipts: The staff will account for all monies spent with the receipts daily or at the end of your stay. We suggest you arrange to settle bills daily or the day before you leave as the departure day can be fairly hectic.
d. All payments must be in either pesos or USD equivalent; sorry no credit cards can be accepted.

9. Sundays and National Holidays
a. For those meals which occur on these days, the staff can recommend various excellent restaurants or can purchase food to provide the opportunity for you to cook yourself.

PRE ARRIVAL LETTER:
Please give a list of what you would like the villa pre-stocked with...this can be most anything you would want so it is there upon your arrival. This an example would be 2 bottles of tequila, 3 bottles of Malbec, fresh fruit, 2 cases of Pacifico, 4 bottles of margarita mix, bread, peanut butter, chips, crackers and cheese, coffee, etc....you have the idea. Esperanza shops almost daily so if you need anything, simply let her know and she will present you with the receipts for reimbursement. One thing you don't have to worry about upon arriving in Puerto Vallarta is to go to the grocery/ liquor store.

Second, when you arrive at the airport, if you are taking a taxi, keep walking through the crowds of time share purveyors and you will see a table of, I believe, 3 ladies who will help you with the taxi ride to Casa Lorenzo. Please provide the taxi driver the address which is Rodolfo Gomez #599, Alta Vista (neighborhood) the driver will know the area if you simply add to the above address " take Jacarandas to Rodolfo Gomez, left (la izquierda) and it is at the end of Rodolfo Gomez (aribba- to the top)". There is a call button on the box (similar to an apartment complex) press the button and Fidel or Esperanza will open the gate and have the driver go to the top of the drive where you will be met......

I know you are going to enjoy your Puerto Vallarta vacation and Esperanza and Fidel are looking forward to your arrival.

Again the meal service plan at Casa Lorenzo can provide you 2 meals per day, typically breakfast and dinner, but can be whatever and you simply reimburse for the food and drink. Please make arrangements with Esperanza or Fidel whether you will reimburse for food and drink at the end of the week, daily or whatever works for you.

PROPINA (TIPPING OF STAFF):
It is usual and customary when you receive good service to tip the staff providing this service at the end of your stay. There are many ways this can be done, but in Puerto Vallarta it is typically $10-12 USD per day per person staying at Casa Lorenzo. You may provide the tip (propina) to Esperanza and she will take care of the balance of the staff.

EMERGENCY CONTACT
HOSPITAL: CMQ Puerto Vallarta (approximately 4 blocks away) (322) 223-1353 (24-Hour) Basilio Badillo #365, Alta Vista, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Pharmacy: Farmacia Guadalajara (approximately 5 blocks away, 10 minute walk) (322) 222-0101 (24-Hour) Insurgentes #261, Alta Vista, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Police/ Ambulance: Dial with the home phone: 060 Fidel Avalos (Property Mgr) (322) 227-4150 celular Esperanza Garcia (Housekeeper / Cook) (322) 194-0401 celular

REVIEWS OF CASA LORENZO:
As a property owner in Puerto Vallarta, the success of Casa Lorenzo is dependent not only on the fantastic staff, but you as guests. I would appreciate it if you have enjoyed your stay here at Casa Lorenzo, the food and staff, that you please post a review on the services we subscribe. These services are critical to our success as a vacation location and is extremely important to Fidel and Esperanza that you are happy.

ADDITIONAL FEE FOR CLIENTS ARRIVING BEFORE AND AFTER REGULAR WORKING HOURS

Please be advised that if you are driving or flying to Puerto Vallarta, you must ensure that you plan your travels well and expect to arrive at the rented property no later than 8 PM. on any given day. Clients who arrive after 8 p.m., will incur an additional charge of $25.00 USD I.V.A Included which must be paid in cash. This will be collected upon check in. In addition, there is no check in time before 8 a.m. on any given day, otherwise, the same additional fee of $25.00 USD cash applies. Most of the properties allow a check in time of 3 p.m.