I stayed with my relatives and friends here to celebrate my brother in laws 50th birthday. The website that showed this place were lovely but everything exceeded my expectations for the week. The rooms are truly lovely, the breakfasts amazing, the cocktail hour on the terrace at sunset -spectacular views and the wonderful extra's all made our stay so enjoyable. Steve threw a terrific party for my brother in law and proved that he and his staff are the ultimate hosts. Staying at Casa Sirena made our stay at Isla Mujeres very special and we all agreed that we want to return to experience Steve's exceptional hospitality.

When my girlfriend and I staggered off the Isla Ferry at 7:45 pm after a non-stop 3 1/2 hour flight which made a 12 hour day, we just mentioned the name Steve to the ferry baggage guy, he threw our stuff into a cart, and we took off after him for a couple of blocks, to the Casa we'd seen on this website, rang the bell, a window in the door opened, and there was Steve, asking for the secret word (our names!) He opened the door, chatted in Spanish with the baggage guy, we entered a lovely, low-lit dining and patio area, were handed pineapple/rum drinks, some great dip, and the rest took care of itself. Our room was #3, a suite, so we each had a huge separate room to ourselves. We cleaned up, descended to meet fellow guests, got the name of a good restaurant, and strolled two blocks to the beach area and some good grilled shrimp.
The next day we awoke early, went down to the complimentary beautiful fruit and Mexican plate breakfast, and chatted with more nice people. The beach is two blocks away but about a 15 minute walk to the best one, North Beach. We spent our week at the beach, with intermittent golf cart ventures to the rest of the only five mile island, sampled many restaurants, shopped and bargained, and always felt safe walking the streets.
Trip Advisor (and Cruise Critic) are the two best websites for travelers, because we had never heard of Casa Sirena and are certainly glad that we did. Everything mentioned in other reviews is entirely true: the B&B is immaculate, the staff are friendly, the breakfasts and happy hours are wonderful, and Steve should be so proud to have created such a nice place; he was truly a great and involved host, even on the last day helping me lug my sack full of Mexican plates which weighed a ton, back to the ferry, as well as giving us any info we needed during our stay, and having a Tequilla tasting one eve on the lovely roof -top patio.
The internet availability in the lobby was also a plus; you'd think that you would not want to look at a computer while on vacation, but all the guests hit it daily.
If you want a catered party, Steve can arrange that also; we had the world's best homemade tamales one eve for a guest's birthday celebration, plus fajitas and a beautiful flan.
The Casa has wonderful wall paintings, beautiful dark woods, Mexican colors everywhere, lovely marble bathrooms.
Si, Casa is a tribute to a man with good taste, and guests who have the luck to enjoy it.

Casa Sirena is by far one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at. The rooms are beautiful, happy hour on the roof is a blast, and the location is great. Steve makes sure each guest is having a great time and is full of suggestions of what to do and where to eat. The breakfasts are ridiculously good and I still think about them. Steve's love of Isla is contagious and I can't wait to go back!

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.