Vacation Rentals by Owner

Dallas Texans

Guest: Earl & Karan (Greenville, TX)
Date of Stay: 09/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/15/11

We spent eight fantastic days at The Toucan Stay Inn in September, 2011. The cabin was very comfortable and we enjoyed breakfast every morning on the patio overlooking the lovely landscaped garden. The beautiful Punta Uva beach was only a 2 minute walk down the lane. The bus stop is just at the corner of Toucan Stay Inn property and there is a small store just across the street. We could hear the howler monkeys and were able to spot them in the trees just down the road. Owners Jon and Mabel were delightful, as well as Wendy, the manager. They were all so helpful with directions, site seeing, etc. It was a vacation of a life time. Thanks so much.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great spot in a beautiful location complimented by unmatched hospitality

Guest: The Newlyweds (Little River, SC)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 07/28/11

We began our honeymoon in the southern caribbean at the Toucan Stay and our only regret was that we didn't spend more of our vacation there. The area is as pristine as anywhere in the country and the restaurants were excellent (and very fairly priced)! We couldn't have asked for more accommodating hosts and personal service. I think we saw more monkeys and sloths within a hundred yards of the place than we did for the next week of traveling combined. Thanks again to Jon, Wendy, and Cristobal for taking good care of us.

Owner response:Dear Rebecca and Shane, Thanks for the compliments. I've always said, "Nice peole find nice people". You were great guests. I hate to say "I told you so"...but most people are truly surprised of what the Caribe Sur (Southern Caribbean) has to offer. This is "paradise"...and we love sharing it with our "new" friends. We all wish you the happiest and healthiest of futures together. If you are blessed with children...and you have a son...consider "JOSE" for a name. lol Lots of Luck...come back with friends. We'll keep the light on for you! Pura Vida, Jon, Wendy and Cristobal

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Spot

Guest: Mike (Durham, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/12/11

This place is great! Convenient to the beach and great privacy. Close to awesome restaurants as well. Caretakers are helpful and really fun to chat with. Highly suggest it!!

Owner response:Thanks so much for the kind words. We hope you return real soon. Wendy and Cristobal enjoyed meeting you. Pura Vida, Jon

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Wonderful stay with wonderful hosts

Guest: tdfam (Florida)
Date of Stay: 05/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

A few days ago we had stayed 3 nights at the Toucan Stay Inn. My wife and I really enjoyed our stay there. The hosts Wendy and Cristobal catered to our every needs and made our stay most comfortable. We are vegan and Wendy made us vegan meals for breakfast and baked vegan banana bread for us. They had everything you needed to enjoy the area including free internet on their laptop. Beach towels, float, snorkel gear, coolers, boogie boards, and bicycles all for the guests to use. It is a small and intimate place great for couples. There was only one other couple staying there at the same time and we enjoyed there company as well as our hosts. The air conditioning was refreshing and they had a number of DVD's to watch on a rainy day. The property is all fenced in and there is parking for your car behind the locked gate. The beach which is quite nice and clear and great for swimming is a three minute walk from behind the Inn. Most beaches in Costa Rica are rough and therefore not great for visability for snorkeling. However here in Punta Uva the visability on the day I snorkeled was about 50 feet. There were some nice coral and quite the number of fish to see. Nothing like the Florida Keys but but very good for Costa Rica. Lots of wildlife in the area, especially the howler monkeys. Overall a great value and a pleasurable experience.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Let's Keep this One a Secret

Guest: Tom Hamel (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

As you read the many great reviews of ToucanStayInn, believe them all. While it takes a bit to get to Punta Uva, it is truly the perfect place for nature’s beauty and serenity. We stayed in the owners cabin (name only BTW) but visited the other two suites and would be happy to stay in any of them. We had the pleasure of meeting some incredible hosts (Wendy and Cristoobal) that have recently joined ToucanStayInn. For those reading many of the posts, Terry and Terry were past hosts for Jon but now live right next door and are very friendly and sweet as well. This was a surprise 40th Birthday for my wife and Jon (remotely), Wendy, and Cristoobal made the week and the day very special. We asked Wendy to host and join our dinner party along with Cristoobal, Terry, and Terry and had a wonderful evening that lasted to nearly 1200 am. Wendy is so helpful and truly spent days getting our dinner party prepared and pulled together. Note for those driving: It isn’t as hard as people say as long as you follow the signs to the little towns along the way. Trusting highway numbers is sometimes confusing as some are marked and others are not. We reviewed Google Maps and found key landmarks (shell station, pizza hut, Mega Shopping Center, etc…) that made it much easier as we made our way to and from Punta Uva. Regardless, do not stress about driving in Costa Rica. Most of the roads are great and the drivers are typically polite. Summary: It is worth the trip, the drive, and we will remember this vacation as one of our best and plan to return! Big thanks to Jon, Wendy, and Cristoobal! What a wonderful place.

Owner response:Tom...thank you, so much, for the lovely review...but by doing so, you are letting our "secret" out! lol We are all so glad you had a great time...and it was our pleasure to assist you with surprising your wife for her birthday. We hope you both return really soon. Pura Vida, Jon

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The best !!

Guest: Jan (Weatherford, TX)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

This tropical B&B is a true GEM. It is really only steps away from one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the area. The accomodations are so very comfortable and they are only made better by the genuine graciousness of the hosts/owners Jon & MaBell. They not only made sure our every desire was taken care of but also know of all the 'Must Do Things' that may not be covered in the travel guides. Our breakfasts, personally prepared by Jon & MaBell, were out of this world. I would not hesitate to stay here again, and so, recommend The Toucan Stay Inn without hesitation!

Owner response:Thanks for the lovely review. People who know how to have fun, and are open to trying new things are the easiest to please in these wonderful surroundings. Our goal is to help our guests "make new memories". We hope we succeeded. And, we do hope you return. Sus Nuevos Amigos, Pura Vida, Jon and Mabel

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Dr.Fred & Leonor (Miami,Fl.)

Guest: dr fred (Miami)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 04/10/11

We had the most amazing week! Jon & Mabel truly made us feel like family from day one. It is one of the most beautiful,peaceful & romantic B & B's that we've ever stayed in! The beach is a 2 minute walk away and the most beautiful water falls,canopy tours and restaurants are just a short cab ride away.There's even a convenience store right outside the gates of The Toucan Stay Inn where you can get the most delicious hot & healthy bread every morning at 7:30,not to mention anything else you may want or need! We had the best time in Puerto Viejo which is a short cab ride away including some great Classic Rock & Reggae at afew of the local Bars,Breakfast at Bread & Chocolate(to die for) and dinners that were out of this world & reasonably priced. I never looked at my watch,and truly enjoyed every minute of my weeks vacation.Just hanging out on the lovely patio with Jon & Mabel was awesome! They even named a cocktail after me The Ready Freddie Rockin Steady(7yr.old Flor de Cana rum with pineapple & mango juice & a piece of lime).I highly recommend The Toucan Stay Inn to anyone looking to truly relax & unwind and wanting to recharge their batteries.Leonor & I can't wait to return The accomodations were second to none,We love & appreciate you Jon & Mabel.Pura Vida!

Owner response:Dear Dr. Fred and Leonor, We truly appreciate all your kind words...and are ecstatic that you enjoyed the sights, the clubs and what the Toucan Stay Inn has to offer. That's what a vacation is all about....Memories. We are also glad you took us up on some of the "restaurant recommendations" we suggested. You and Leonor were truly wonderful guests, and are now part of our TSI family. We look forward to your return. Next time, perhaps you will be willing to get up and sing at a Jam Night in town. Leonor claims your quite a performer. We would look forward to that too! A Very Big Pura Vida to you both/ Jon and Mabel

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

It will take your breath away!

Guest: Thom & Mary Ann (Hutchinson Island Florida USA)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/15/11

We recently spent a week at the Toucan Stay Inn. As soon as you enter the property you step in to a beautiful tropical lush well maintained garden of Eden. As though one takes all your problems and slips them out the back door. RELAXATION takes over and it is a wonderful thing. Jon and Mabel, the owners are the most fantastic people to spend a week with. They make you feel like family as soon as you arrive. In fact when we departed there were a few tears. Costa Rica is a beautiful place with so much to offer. This property however is one of the gems. It is clean, quiet, gated, A/C, and many nights we just enjoyed sitting in the gorgeous back garden with a cool tropical drink, swinging in our hammocks. One day we went to the waterfalls and Jon and Mabel provided a cooler with lunch and drinks to enjoy while we were there. Also there is snorkeling at the beach (which is walking distance) Jon even found a local friend to take my husband out searching for lobster, and they got some. So finding things to do isn't a problem and if you stay at the Toucan Stay in comfort is not a problem either. We will be back and already are checking out some dates. Thankyou Jon and Mabel.

Owner response:Dear MaryAnn and Thom, You guys were a pleasure to have at the TSI. We appreciate the kind words. We have truly been blessed with great weather the past few weeks. With "rainy season" over with...the waters are calm, the beaches are clean and there's endless things to do here. Having the waterfall to yourselves certainly made that a special day. Our mission here is to help our guests "make memories". We hope we succeeded. So, do come back and visit. Pura Vida, Jon and Mabel

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Garden Eden at the carribean coast of Costa Rica

Guest: Otto&Monika (Germany)
Date of Stay: 12/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/11

You stay at the TSI in the mid of a fscinating nature, in the garden Eden, and the amazing carribean beach is few steps away. Morning wake-up is provided by the howler monkeys in the surrounding jungle, but it's time, get up, because a lot of other beeings are waiting for you: lot of toucans, coloured birds, sloths, agoutis, blue crabs, yellow snakes, and s.o. But take first a goood breakfast provided by Terry and Terry and get strengthened for the bike ride to Manzanillo or to Puerto Viejo. (Bikes provided for free at TSI!) On your way you can spot in the trees along the street a lot of birds, sloths and monkeys. Have lunch in Manzanillo or Puerto Viejo, get back in the afternoon to the TSI and take a bath in the Caribic. (Be aware of rip-currents!) We stayed 5 days at the TSI, those were the best 5 days of our Costa Rica trip, even when it was mostly rainy on the carribean site. Terry&Terry, the best caretakers, made our stay to be pleasant. My wife got even a cake and a small present to her birthday on the 1. Jan (thank you again Terry's!). We did also that canopy tour at the hotel Almonds and Corals, was amazing to glide on a cable 60 feet high through the jungle. We walked on the beach even till Manzanillo and back, the beach is beautiful. Try also to turn from the main road into the side-ways, you can spot much more animals, in three days we saw 27 sloths and lot of toucans! We stayed in the owners cabin, was very nice, spacious and clean. We can recommend the TSI to everyone, you will enjoy your stay!

Owner response:Thank You Otto ...for your very kind words. We are thrilled that youand Monika had a great time at the Toucan Stay Inn. Our goal is to provide our guests with hospitality, comfort, recommendations for restaurants and "things to do"...and most of all help our guests make memories. I can't tell you how hard it was for Terry and Terry to go around putting sloths and monkeys all over town, so you could get excited. (ha ha). We are also thrilled that Monika had a "Birthday to remember"....a cake and a canopy tour!!! Thank you for staying with us...and we hope you return when it's sunny. Pura Vida, Jon, Terry and Terry

Recommended for:

Honeymooners

Guest: Sally (Morton, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 12/16/10 Review Submitted: 12/28/10

My husband and I stayed at the Toucan Stay Inn for our honeymoon in December. We were coming off the rainy season but had many days of sun. The closest beach was lovely and the wonderful snorkeling beach through a fun jungle walk took just a few adventurous minutes to get to. It is scary booking online sometimes but the real thing is even better than the pictures. When my husband and I arrived, we discovered that our luggage was mistakenly taken off the MEPE bus. The Terry's came to the rescue and immediately helped us get in contact with people that could help us find our luggage. They also provided us with many options for adventure, fun, and recreation! We would have been lost without them...literally! We stayed in the owner's cabin and it was perfect for a couple and very clean. The breakfast was absolutely wonderful and they sure make some tasty cocktails. Team Terry went above and beyond what we could have ever expected and we are so thankful and will most definitely be back. Jon was wonderful in answering the MANY questions I had before we arrived in Costa Rica and the information provided was very helpful and valuable. We will be back! Pura Vida-Sally and Matt

Owner response:Sally and Matt...thank you for your lovely review. Losing your luggage was a major concern for all of us...believe me. I am so happy that Terry and Terry, our "dynamic duo" management couple, were able to "investigate" its whereabouts...and successful in retrieving it. Your nice comments about our cleanliness, recommendations on things to do, and memorable breakfasts and cocktails put a smile on all of our faces. And that's what we want to do for our guests...put a smile on their faces and assist in making great memories. We are so happy that enjoyed your stay and plan on returning to the Toucan Stay Inn in the future. We look forward to seeing you again...for sure. Pura Vida! Jon (co-owner)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Lovely and in the perfect location!

Guest: Bobbie (Missouri - U.S.A.)
Date of Stay: 10/17/10 Review Submitted: 10/30/10

My husband and I stayed here 6 nights in October. The pictures really do not capture the beauty and charm of this intimate and private bed and breakfast. We stayed in Hose 2, described as smaller than the other lodging, it is not small. The king sized bed was so comfortable and has wonderful sheets and colorful bedding. There are scented candles in the suite and giant shower with a large chunk of dark chocolate soap. The sitting area is generous with extra seating and a large table. The suite is decorated with interesting art work and is fresh, inviting and romantic. The lighting even has a dimmer switch. The grounds are a colorful tropical garden tended with care. Outdoor living space has ceiling fans and hammocks and comfortable seating areas. Jon the owner is especially attentive to your needs and comfort as well as being so warm and friendly you will feel you have known him before. Terry and Terri are extremely accommodating and available for whatever they can assist with for your comfort or needs. They always had soft lights and music on and had warm greetings for us when we returned from going out at night. This area of the Carribean is so beautiful and lush with so much to explore. We felt safe, the people were friendly and it is not overly crowded. We saw and heard howler monkeys everyday, spider monkeys showed up across the road, we saw many many birds including several toucans and a sloth, this all within feet of the inn. There are bikes to use, even a portable hammock we took with us to the beach. Thank you Jon, Terry and Terri!!

Owner response:Dear Bobbie and Steve, Thank you for your lovely review. I was thrilled to hear that after I left, you extended your stay again! We enjoyed having you, and do hope that you will return soon. I'll save a bar of "chocolate soap" for you guys. lol Jon

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Punta Uva Gem!

Guest: skippy911jp (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 10/02/10

My wife and I stayed at the Toucan Stay Inn for 7 days. We loved every minute of it. The location to the beach is perfect, less than a 5 minute walk. The room had a giant bed, A/C (which believe me is a godsend in Costa Rica), Hot shower, and Fridge with Microwave. The owner is extremely nice and so are the 2 other caretakers. They all bent over backwards to make sure my wife and I had the best Costa Rica experience ever. If I could give 6 stars I would. Stay here and you will not be disappointed. Adam n Jenny Atlanta, GA.

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

Honeymoon in paradise

Guest: Honeymooners (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 09/08/10 Review Submitted: 09/28/10

For our honeymoon, my husband I wanted a tropical location where we could completely relax, but had the option to do activities if we chose. Toucan's Stay Inn was perfect! We stayed in one of the apartments which included a private porch with a hammock, a kitchenette, walk in shower and air conditioning. We were served an amazing breakfast by Terry & Terry, the hosts, every morning out on the garden patio and then were able to relax and read in the hammocks. A gorgeous beach is only a 3 minute walk from the Inn, and an awesome snorkeling beach is a 10 minute walk. You could easily not have a car and still be happy with staying there. The inn has bikes, beach chairs, hammocks and snorkeling equiptment that you can use. The Terry's know all of the best restaurants in the area and can set you up with lots of different activities. We definitely suggest going to El Refugio, an excellent restaurant about 5 mins from the Inn, their food was out of this world. Overall, we could not have been happier with our accomodations at Toucan's Stay in and thank Terry, Terry, and John (the owner) for making our honeymoon everything we wanted! Love, Amanda and Scott

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

A great chioce!

Guest: Angel (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 09/05/10 Review Submitted: 11/26/10

I spent 10 days and as a single traveler I was so comfortable on the property and in the apartment that I seriously considered staying even longer. A short walk to the beach with snorkling, kayaking, fishing, hiking, listening to the waves lull you to sleep, the natural wake up call of the howler monkeys, Terry and Terry preparing breakfast and coffee each morning whenever you rise, Jon telling you a joke or two, a pulperia right across the street, located about half way in between the sleepy town of Manzanillo and the the party town of Puerto Viejo you can enjoy the serenity of a great swimming beach when you don't want to go to far, there isn't much more you could ask for!

Owner response:Thank You Angela for your nice review. We truly enjoyed having you us. Your "longer" stay gave you the opportunity to make local friends. And, thanks to you, they are now our friends. We wish you continued success...and, by the way, instead of Atlanta, have your Mom and Dad come here for a visit. We know that your visits to CR will be often...and we look forward to your return. Pura Vida, Jon and Terry and Terry

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

SIX STARS!!! What A WONDERFUL PLACE!!!

Guest: Mabel (West Palm Beach, Florida)
Date of Stay: 06/21/10 Review Submitted: 07/01/10

We did tons of research before picking this place. We aren't the "roughing it" type."Jungle Living" accommodations with mosquito nets over the beds and no airconditioning isn't for us. We wanted to be as close to the beach as possible. My fiance and I recently returned from the most memorable vacation at The Toucan Stay Inn. We stayed in the cabin for a week and had all the privacy we wanted, and felt very safe knowing that we were in a secure gated property with the most wonderful hosts, a husband and wife team, Terry and Terry. This dynamic duo are outrageous cooks (try their green plantain salad) and helped us with anything and everything. They recommended an adventure called a "Canopy Tour". WHAT A BLAST!!!. Don't leave Costa Rica without trying this thrill of a lifetime!!! The "owners" cabin was clean, clean, clean and had cental Air conditioning, King Sized Bed,a living room area, dining area, large bathroom/ with a TUB!!! And, although we both fell asleep in the screened in patio hammock a few times, we spent much of our time on the Garden Terrace eating and drinking the best rum drinks...made of fresh fruit and a Nicaraguan Rum ( we bought 4 bottles at duty free when leaving CR for $20!!!) Our hosts turned us on to a variety of the BEST restaurants in the area. This place has so much to offer, and is located on beautiful grounds with birds, butterflies, fruit and palm trees, flowers and even a large lawn. Breakfasts were great and Free...along with bicyles and snorkeling equipment. They even loaned us beach chairs and prepared lunches for us to take to the beach. It was like you were visiting your family who owned a beach house. We will definitely be back...but we plan on coming with our best friends and having this place all to ourselves. Thank you Terry and Terry...we love you!!! Mucho!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A PERFECT PRIVATE GETAWAY

Guest: Rudy (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/20/10

Toucan Stay Inn (But 3 Can't) is a beautiful private cabin, just a short walk to one of the most special beaches. It is private, lush, surrounded by trees. We had an amazing time, beginning each day with the warmth and care of the BEST team - Terry and Terry. All of our needs were generously taken care of and beyond!! The house provides the privacy we were looking for, but it always felt like we had friends close by if we needed anything. The weather was beautiful every day! We could access small grocery needs right across the street and it was not far to go into town for a night out. The beauty of this place is that it has all the true comforts you would need but it feels very homelike and it is easy to get settled immediately! I would highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to feel the authenticity of the Costa Rican culture, experience the community and replenished and nourished for many months after. I look forward to returning some day!!!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

A PERFECT PRIVATE GETAWAY

Guest: Rudy (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/20/10

Toucan Stay Inn (But 3 Can't) is a beautiful private cabin, just a short walk to one of the most special beaches. It is private, lush, surrounded by trees. We had an amazing time, beginning each day with the warmth and care of the BEST team - Terry and Terry. All of our needs were generously taken care of and beyond!! The house provides the privacy we were looking for, but it always felt like we had friends close by if we needed anything. The weather was beautiful every day! We could access small grocery needs right across the street and it was not far to go into town for a night out. The beauty of this place is that it has all the true comforts you would need but it feels very homelike and it is easy to get settled immediately! I would highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to feel the authenticity of the Costa Rican culture, experience the community and replenished and nourished for many months after. I look forward to returning some day!!!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Heaven by the sea!!!!

Guest: Judy (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)
Date of Stay: 03/22/10 Review Submitted: 06/21/10

After my husband and I stayed here in 2009, we were fortunate enough to stay in the cabin, we decided to return to paradise this year from March 22 to the 29th. We were delighted with all the improvements and the warmth and kindness of caretakers Terry and Terry. The owner, Jon was a generous, funny, warm host who directed us to canopy tours, the wild life preserve and great restaurants. The beach is a three minute walk and is lovely, with a bar and restaurant handy! Bring a hammock! The Toucan Stay Inn ( but 3 can't) met all of our expectations and more! We can't wait to go back!! I am telling everyone about this gem!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

colorful

Guest: crackerJack (Ocala Florida)
Date of Stay: 06/12/09 Review Submitted: 05/05/10

Anyone staying will find Jon a character and the beach is only 3 minutes away and some of the best restaurants nearby what else could you ask for

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.