Casa Sandra -- Highly Recommended

Guest: Scott (Oakton,Virginia,USA)
Date of Stay: 01/07/11 Review Submitted: 01/29/11

This is a beautiful house, beautifully furnished, with a well-equipped kitchen. It was just as advertised on the web site. We were met in nearby Quepos by Thomas, the property manager, who escorted us to the house in Manuel Antonio, pointing out places to shop and eat along the way. Upon our arrival at the villa, there was a large bouquet of fresh-cut flowers from the gardens, a basket of fresh fruit and a personal welcoming note -- a nice touch. The house was very clean, the beds and linens were high quality, with plenty of towels, including beach towels for our use at the beach. Thomas was very helpful in setting up some tours for us. The Manuel Antonio Nat'l Park tour was very interesting. A guide is STRONGLY recommended as you will see little wildlife without the keen eyes, local knowledge, and telescope of the guide. The canopy zip-line tour was also very good and fun. There is a pretty good grocery store, a local bus stop and many restaurants (all price ranges) within easy walking distance of the villa. One we particularly liked was a tapas restaurant called Salsipuedes a little way down the road toward Quepos. Sunsets from the balcony overlooking the Pacific were spectacular. Another good place to enjoy the sunset was at the bar/restaurant at the Best Western in Quepos where they serve good two for one drinks from 5:00 to 7:00. The owner was very responsive to some suggestions we made after our vist for some (very minor) improvements. We highly recommend staying at Casa Sandra.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Pura Vida!

Guest: Sunil (New Jersey, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 06/23/10

My wife and i just spent a week at Casa Sandra in Manuel Antonio. The villa was great, tastefully decorated, and included every amenity that we needed. The location was perfect - the grocery store, restaurants, and bars were within walking distance or just a quick, inexpensive bus ride away. The views from all three balconies were great. We loved to cool off in the plunge pool in the afternoon and then watch the sunset from our balcony. The staff was friendly and always ready to help with booking tours, restaurant suggestions, etc. Also, the mid-week laundry service was much appreciated. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and Casa Sandra definitely felt like a home away from home.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Home away from Home

Guest: iopcheryl (Isle of Palms, SC)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 05/03/10

My husband and I and our three daughters (7,10,12) stayed at Casa Sandra during Easter Week and it was everything we hoped for. The house was very beautiful, well maintained, great decor and overall layout, beautiful views, spacious (perfect for a family of 5). It was very quiet, comfortable, safe (loved having the alarm system), and VERY convenient to grocery (just a short walk) and the bus stop and taxi pickup. We used the bus stop only a few times as it took 20-30 min. to come. Taxis were usually waiting at the top of the hill by the church. It was nice to open the house during the day for the great breezes and the AC was a must for us at night during sleeping. My favorite was having a daily housekeeper who also did laundry for us. The hot water was off and on as it is everywhere in Costa Rica but we didn't mind. We also took advantage of Thomas pre-stocking our fridge and thank goodness because we arrived late from a long drive from Arenal and had food for breakfast the next morning. Highly recommend Casa Sandra!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great place to stay in Manuel Antonio!

Guest: Teri & Bill (West Des Moines, IA)
Date of Stay: 03/14/10 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

After traveling the country for a week, we settled into Casa Sandra for 5 days of the relaxing part of our vacation. The house was in a convient location in Manuel Antonio (close to just about everything) and very comfortable. The views were magnificent and we enjoyed watching the monkeys, sloths and birds pass through. The monkeys even drank from the pool while we were relaxing next to it! The kitchen was well equipped and we cooked some great food purchased from the market in Quepos. The bedrooms were comfortable and spacious. The house was VERY clean. Thomas did a wonderful job suggesting and scheduling tours and directing us around. You must go to the beach - the water was perfect, the waves fun, and it was not crowded. We rent villas 95% of the time when vacationing and highly recommend Casa Sandra. We hope to be back again sooner rather than later!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.

Guest: Brandon24 (West virginia)
Date of Stay: 03/12/10 Review Submitted: 03/12/10

A wonderful house very unique. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay our son loved the pool. Great accomodations very comfortable. Great access to town. We look forward to staying there again hopefully next year. We highly recommend it.

Recommended for:

Guest: Barb (-)
Date of Stay: 02/25/10 Review Submitted: 02/25/10

We had a wonderful time at your home, and everything went smoothly. The house was so comfortable, and we especially enjoyed the sunsets from the terrace with wine and cheese. Thomas was an excellent manager , was very responsive to all our questions, and helped set up "adventures" for us. We fell in love with Costa Rica . Thank you!

Recommended for:

A Home that Anticipates Your Needs

Guest: Kilon, Santa Ana, Costa Rica (-)
Date of Stay: 11/10/09 Review Submitted: 01/24/10

We thoroughly enjoyed your home and appreciated the floral arrangements. The views were outstanding and the kids loved the plunge pool! We were visited by monkeys, birds and lizards. The layout of the house lends itself to privacy for two families. With the attention to details and quality finishings/decor, you could tell this was a "home" and not a rental. It was nice to stay at a place that anticipates your needs. My wife mentioned that you said Barba Roja had revamped their menu. We ended up eating there twice! We hope to stay at your home again in the future.

Recommended for:

Great location, better house!

Guest: Kilon (Santa Ana, Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 11/10/09 Review Submitted: 12/08/09

We thoroughly enjoyed your home and appreciated the floral arrangements. The views were outstanding and the kids loved the plunge pool! We were visited by monkeys, birds and lizards. The layout of the house lends itself to privacy for two families. With the attention to details and quality finishings/decor, you could tell this was a "home" and not a rental. It was nice to stay at a place that anticipates your needs. My wife mentioned that you said Barba Roja had revamped their menu. We ended up eating there twice! We hope to stay at your home again in the future. Thanks again.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

The Best Trip We've EVER had!!!

Guest: Rica Girl (Champaign, IL, USA)
Date of Stay: 11/15/07 Review Submitted: 10/22/09

My husband and I stayed at Casa Sandra in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for two weeks in the fall. The beaches were amazing, the park was amazing and most importantly the HOUSE was amazing!!! It was centrally located which made it super easy to get around. I love the tile floor on the main floor and super comfortable furniture made me feel like I was at home. I know they say a picture is worth one thousand words...and they are...but you should know that no picture could ever capture the beauty of the view off of the second story balcony. Most of the nights after being on the beach we would stop at the corner grocery store and come back to the beautiful house to enjoy the balcony and watch the amazing sunsets. We would often crack a bottle of wine and just stare in awe at the beauty. The balcony has a pool connected to the master bedroom which is super refreshing. Then I loved to warm up just steps away in the jet tub in the master bath. The house was really clean, there was maid service, the owners were really helpful and their management company responded whenever we had a question. The restaurants in the area are great and within walking distance which is super fun. You can even catch a game of local futbol (or our soccer) down the way if you want to see the Costa Rican natives.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great vacation, great house !!!!

Guest: Eileen99 (Wellington, FL)
Date of Stay: 09/05/09 Review Submitted: 10/06/09

My friend and I stayed at Casa Sandra Sept 5-12 , 2009. We loved everything about our stay. The house is lovely, full kitchen living area opens onton one of three patio areas. The view from top level is stunning with hammock and small pool area. The maid service was great , plenty of hot water , nice linens we really enjoyed our stay in a great location between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Lots of info at house about things to do ect... We will be back!!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.