If you are traveling with family or plan to stay long-term in Cancun, renting a private home may be a better option than staying in hotels. Private homes provide privacy, personal touches and comfort.

Rental houses vary in size, but the standard house usually has one to three bedrooms. Look for a fully furnished kitchen, dining and living room equipped with modern appliances and conveniences along with bedding, linens and towels, television and stereo and modern plumbing and electricity. There are not as many rental houses in the Hotel Zone, so they tend to be more expensive, falling into the ultra-luxurious category. More economical and modest housing can be found in the downtown area. You will have better luck in the smaller communities along the coast, such as Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras—all have quite a good selection of rental homes.

Generally, rental homes fall into two categories: bungalows and cabanas. Bungalows are usually rented by the day, week or month. They may or may not come with domestic servants. Check to see if their fees are included in the house rental – usually you pay for your own maid. Several families can share large bungalows, making them an economical choice. Check beforehand to see how many people are allowed, as some owners set a limit. Cabanas are usually located on the beach and are smaller – one to two bedrooms. They resemble cottages where everything doesn’t match, but the location more than makes up for the simplicity of the furnishings. Of course, there are also cabanas that are super-luxurious with a price tag to match.

The biggest obstacle is finding a suitable house. There are rental agencies specializing in tourist rentals, known as Agencia de Renta. You may also want to consider doing a house exchange. The safest way to rent, of course, is with a recommendation from someone you know who has rented the house before or knows the area. If you are renting the place sight unseen, ask for some kind of brochure with pictures, references and a contract clearing outlining the terms before signing anything or sending money. Remember, appearances, particularly over the Internet, can be deceiving.