Vacation Rentals by Owner

Sadly coming to an end

Guest: Darlene & Lohn, Powhatan, Virginia
Date of Stay: 11/16/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/12

Our stay at Casa Prieta is sadly coming to an end. We had 3 great days--thank you Rick! We arrived here after spending 4 days in Arenal. We came for relaxation and the views--we were not disappointed! The pics online do not do it justice. The parrots and monkeys were very talkative each morning. Dinner at Las Brisas on the beach was wonderful and breakfast at the Shack was a great place to mingle with the locals-so go meet Harry! This was our 1st trip to CR & definately not our last. Thanks

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Our last night

Guest: Michelle & Lewis, Anderson, SC
Date of Stay: 08/12/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/12

It's 9 PM and we are sitting outside watching the sky for the last time. Our 2nd time to CR-even better than the 1st. Men caught 10 sailfish and 20+ tuna. Dervin @ Yellow Fin Sport is excellent. Zip lines at the Congo the most fun. Dinner at Marie's, Hotel Sugar Beach & Camaron Dorado were great. Service at C.Dorado-fantastic. Wake up at 5:30 to listen to Howler monkeys talking. On a clear night, look for Venus twinkling in the night sky. Be kind to the Tico's & try to speak their language.

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What a fantastic way to spend our 25th wedd aniver

Guest: Mark and Ellen, Raleigh, NC
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/12

Thankfully, the "rainy season" didn't live up to its name and our days were full of both adventure and relaxation. Danta & Prieta were our favorite beaches. We ate all over and never had a bad meal. This included Marco Polo, Carlos & Carlos and Las Brisas. As you have no doubt seen, the view from Casa Prieta is beyond description or compare. Erika was incredibly helpful with all our tours. Sunset cruise on Lazy Lizard was one of the best. Best vacation ever!

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Indescribable...but I'll try.

Guest: Jay and Elizabeth
Date of Stay: 05/02/11 Review Submitted: 01/24/12

What a truly magnificient panorama from South to North across the ocean!! Just like your most vivid and perfect dream of coastal/beach residence should be. Thank you Rick for providing us (and others) with one of the most memoarable and beautiful vacation ever!! We ate in, cooked our own food every night, so can't speak for the dining. The Super Massai food market has most of what you need, however, if quaility meats and more Americano type staples is what you desire, then head to Tamarindo.

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Guest: Walter and Nancy
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

Definately paradise found! We are first timers to CR, celebrating our 30th anniv. and so glad we chose Casa Prieta. As Ontarion's from Canada, this is our first time out of North America for us. What an incredible experience it has been. As I longe here-with camera at the ready-staring at the stunning views surrounding me, I realize how fortunate we've been. As a butterfy floats by me, I look back at the week past. From day one, our trip has been unbelievable. Spent a few days at Arenal Volcano and were fortunate enough to get a clear day with smoke billowing out of the top. Enjoyed our hike through the hanging bridges, where we saw a 3 toed sloth sleeping in a tree. How lush the rainforest was. The opposite of the coast, but I've learned to overcome my fear of the ocean and finally get in past my toes! Thanks to a tour bus, we got pictures of monkeys in the trees too! Thank goodness we haven't seen any crawly creatures. Very surprised there are no mosquitos either. Yippie!!! What's great there has been no rain and none forcasted...even though the weather channel showed rain for the week. I'm going to spend lots of time picking out a perfect sunset photo for my desktop background. I guess I could change it daily to remind me of the fabulous time spent here. Thanks Rick for sharing your piece of heaven with us!!! Now, we are off for a sunset cruise! Ps...we will recommend coming to Costa Rica to all we know and of course the gorgeous views of Casa Prieta!!

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Made our vacation really amazing!

Guest: Kristen (Champaign, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/21/11 Review Submitted: 03/30/11

The house was gorgeous. Very clean and well kept - great location in terms of views of the ocean and PERFECT for sunset! Although the road leading up to the house is very difficult to drive (it is gravel and VERY steep!) it was still easy access to 3 of the beaches: Playa Prieta, Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal...make sure to visit all of them. They are great! Also, the location of the house is fairly close to resort areas which made setting up our zip line/ATV tour very easy. Going out at night was difficult as the property is very secluded and cabs do you not come to pick you up. However, we did walk the hill one night - painful on our calves, but worth it to go out and salsa @ Las Brisas! Wednesday night is ladies night there! Overall we had a really nice time and the house was such a nice-to-have. A comfortable bed, lovely kitchen, amazing views and great pool! We loved it.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Richard
Date of Stay: 02/13/11 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

Hi Rick Just a note of thanks and appreciation for Casa Prieta. Beautiful, breathtaking, perfect location, best beaches, best town. Low key, private, pristine (we thought Conchal was hell on earth compared to Playa Prieta)... Erika was very helpful with our rental car emergency on arrival (as in, Dollar didn't have our reserved car for us...got one from Economy Flamingo, bless them). Will share this one photo, tho' I'm sure you have similar. The night of our most glorious sunset, there was also a double rainbow over the Casa Prieta...perfect commentary on your magical spot. It is usually our policy never to duplicate vacation destinations...there is so much of the world to see. But already, I hear Casa Prieta calling me back someday. Ciao for now Richard

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Guest: Inga and Dima
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

We are first time in Costa Rica and we love it. So beautiful wild nature. Every piece of Costa Rica is amazing. Lots of activities, great beaches. We like Playa Penca, Flamingo and Conchal. We made a lot of activities, but it's still a lot to see in Costa Rica. We are definately planning on coming back. PS...house is very nice with a great view, great backyard. We will recommend to all our friends. Well, if you are reading this book here, you can see all this beauty for yourself. Enjoy guys!!! This is one of the sweetest places in the world.

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Guest: Walt, Linda, Drew and Chris
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

Our 2nd visit to Casa Prieta and we loved it all over again! Fell in love with Potrero and the people who live here again as well. Only new recommendation since our last visit; if you love the monkeys as much as we do, a MUST is to pay the $5 at the Congo Trail Canopy Tour site to go in with the monkeys in their cage. You get to feed them, hold them, play with them....it was awesome! The spider monkey really seemed to love the big broad chested men in our group :) One more thing...pollo tacos at the Shack, outstanding!! Can't wait to come back!

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Guest: James and Brandon
Date of Stay: 04/24/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

This vacation was not well planned. We had grandious plans of taking on the zip line, horseback riding, visits to numerous volcanos, scuba diving, etc. When we arrived on April 24th, we asked ourselves, "why leave our Casa Prieta?" The view here is ever-changing as is the wildlife that visits Casa Prieta. Geckos line the walls of the house at night, chirping as they eat their meals. In the morning, large lizards snack on yellow flowers that line the pool area, as smaller lizards scurry by with shades of green, red and blue. Never would I have imagined beautiful orange and red colored land crabs would inhabit an elevation so high up in the hills and yet, they surround the house. Every day we were visited by great blue birds with mowhawks who seemed to have an eerie sense of intellect, who would appear to talk to us and eat such things as giant spiders! Henry the vulture was our afternoon delight, who sipped water from the pool every day. We decided to venture out to other parts of the country and realized everything we needed was in viewing distance of Casa Prieta. Butterflies abound and birds/humming and such are everywhere. Playa Danitita and Danta are not to be missed. Monkeys can be seen but are hard to spot from the house. The local market, Massai became our favorite eatery because we love to cook and what an amazing place to grill outside. El Castillo provided our local flavor, along with cocktails and breakfast. We spent most of the day naked in the sun listening to radio dos 99.5. We feel truly blessed to have experienced such an amazing place! We hope you feel the same! PS...get a massage at Flamingo Resort and Spa.

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Guest: John and Arline
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 04/29/11

Loads of fun! Love the casa! Love Costa Rica! Playa Prieta was perfect. Playa Danta was just ok. Both beaches were quiet though. Marco Pollo had great pizza. Outback Jack's was so-so and had over-priced food and drink. The town of Brasilito doesn't have much to offer. Tamarindo was a nice getaway for food and shopping. Overall, we had a great time. We will be coming back!!

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Guest: John and Sherri S., Fargo, ND
Date of Stay: 01/18/09 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

1-18-2009 We’ve been coming to CR almost every year since 1992. We’ve done San Jose, Arenal, Pacific Coast from North to South. We’ve stayed in all kinds of places, from surfer dives to fancy resorts. This home is our favorite! The view from the deck is as if you are suspended in a dream, flying above the world at 500 feet the sunsets are different every night. Get up early the first morning and before sunrise, saw the full moon setting over the ocean. I’ll never forget it. At night the visual “noise” from the stars, is well, startling. Venus is so bright, that it leaves a reflective streak on the ocean. We always come to CR in January. the weather has always been perfect. We will probably try the rainy season, just to experience the storms rolling in from this high perch. I can’t imagine the road at that time. Thank you rick for giving up a week so we could experience this pura vida John and Sherri S.. Fargo ND continued. There are no words to describe this view. It must be seen and experienced in its ever changing glory (inhale deeply and exhale slowly) to appreciate. Cr and the Ticos are wonderful. Don and Susan J., Williamsburg VA

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/11/08 Review Submitted: 08/11/08

We just returned from a 6-night stay in this beautiful home. The views are every bit as glorious as the pictures indicate. We found the location to be convenient with many beaches nearby, as well as horseback riding just down the hill at Bomar Stables (thanks to Marvin and Jose!), and a zip line canopy tour an adventurous drive down the Monkey Trail. Thanks Rick!!

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Guest: Ryan and Shannon J., Acworth, GA
Date of Stay: 04/06/08 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

April 6, 2008 My new Mrs and I have just about wrapped up at our honeymoon here. What a paradise. Watch your valuables when in town, but other than that, a great trip. Head past hotel Sugar Beach for great exploring and some wonderful secluded beaches. The zip line operators are hilarious. Ask to ride upside down and they let you. Great fun! We had an amazing honeymoon and promised each other we will come back on our 20th anniversary. Sunsets by the pool were fantastic. I think it is an ideal spot to watch. Be sure to have plenty of margaritas. Rest were all very good. Hotel Sugar Beach and Mar y Sol made us feel like we were on or honeymoon. Most of all, enjoy your time here, as the days go by to fast. Thanks Rick for sharing this place Ps. Fran and rob are very sweet warm people. Treat them well, pura vida

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Guest: The C's and the H's, MI
Date of Stay: 03/21/08 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

3-21-2008 An absolutely beautiful spot- the best view in Potrero. All of the previous is true. We were even sent of on our last day by a family of monkeys at the house Roberto and Francis are gracious housekeepers. We are thinking about squatting this homestead, ok Enrico?? Thank you for allowing us to stay at your beautiful home.

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Guest: Andy, Chelsea , Tom and Norma R. , IA
Date of Stay: 03/03/08 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

3-2008 We completely enjoyed our stay here. The view is without a doubt one of the best we have ever seen. If all we would have done was stay here and gaze at the wonderful view, we would have been totally satisfied. What a way to admire God’s creation. Make sure to catch ever sunset. Also, the gelado down by the Diablo rest pizzeria is not to be missed. Sol y Mar rest is a tasty stop and very friendly staff it is right at the bottom of the hill. Enjoy!!

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Guest: Tom, Moran, Lori G. Cam, Rowan, Jen A. CA & WI
Date of Stay: 02/22/08 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

Feb 22, 2008 We’ve been here a week and a half and wish we could stay longer! The view is amazing and you can look at it all day. If you like boogey boarding or body surfing, you go to sugar beach, it’s my fav. There is a rest on the beach that is part of the hotel, good food, slow service. Also, if you like to go to playa conchal, be sure to eat at the la casita pescado and meet Kevin, he’s great guy. You should most definitely take a canopy tour. We enjoyed ourselves and hope you do too! Rowan, Jen, Cam Abbott, Quincy Ca Tom, Moran, Lori ,Grant , Madison, Wisconsin

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Guest: Cindy L., Atlanta, GA
Date of Stay: 12/21/07 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

Dec 21, 2007 Rick…thank you. It was beautiful and perfect. One place to add to your welcome letter was rest playa potrero y soda. Bomar told me about it, right on the beach by the fork in the road where the road turns to pavement, towards flamingo. Owner is a fisherman, catches it daily. Needed the solace. Quite. Balance. New Year approaching. Stayed quite this trip and the lessons learned were here. It was peaceful enough, I could hear them! Thank you!

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Guest: wife
Date of Stay: 10/04/07 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

I never would’ve believed that a beauty place would be found on CL! I can’t say anything that hasn’t been said before. I loved seeing mike on a horse, for his first time, galloping on playa potrero. I didn’t even care that my horse wanted to lie down in the river and toss me off!, while we stared at the monkeys. The Congo zip lines were a blast, the guides were great and if you ask, they’ll let you hold a baby howler monkey. Put your sunglasses in your pocket they love to take them off your head. I can’t wait for our next trip to paridise..pURA vida, Yvonne Kirk, Huntington beach, ca Ps…just as we were leaving for dinner, the rain came down hard. It’s the most wonderful rain I’ve ever heard. Looking forward to our last fantastic dinner and rain, or torrential downpour, we are going to get it!!

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Guest: Michael T., Los Angeles, CA
Date of Stay: 10/04/07 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

10-4-2007 It took a few days to really appreciate the beauty here. Now settled in, I wish I could stay another week. Watch out for the street hustlers in Tamarindo and haggle with them for whatever you need. Saw monkeys at the canopy tour and also on the secluded road to sugar beach. High in the trees. It’s fun to swim naked when you know no one is watching : It didn‘t even rain much considering it is the rainy season. Food, all the rest were decent. I tried to stay away from meat, because it was upsetting my stomach.. Make sure to drink some juice from the coco tree outside, Roberto will show you how to cut them with a machete. Enjoy every moment here and be thankful we were lucky enough to be on top of the world, if only for a week.

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Guest: Walt and Linda
Date of Stay: 08/12/07 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

August 12-21, 2007 Where to begin? Probably that this was one of the greatest vacations ever! First, we want to thank Rick for renting this house-the accommodations were great and the view was even more spectacular than advertised! Roberto and Francis are wonderful and we looked forward to our conversations (in much fractured Spanish) each morning with Roberto. What a sweetheart! And their daughter, Guillemin is adorable! Ps..regarding the local creatures, monkeys, we never saw them at the house, but heard them we did however, see a large group including babies down the hill. Look up in the trees at sunset and you will probably see them around. Lizards…there are tons of them. If you hear a chirping noise, it’s probably a gecko. We also saw an armadillo! And enjoyed watching the vultures around the house.. One ate my brother and viciously tore him apart..we will miss him!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/17/06 Review Submitted: 07/17/06

Saludo de Tejas Enrique. ¡El casa Prierta es solamente Pura Vida!Rick, coming back to Costa Rica after a 16 year absence could not have gone better for our recent family vacation6/25-7/2. 1990 was the last time I was in CR when I ran Golfito Sailfish Rancho and I was anxious for my return to live up to my memories. Your wonderful home and the Northern region surpassed our expectations.Our stay in your home was Pura Vida as we drank fresh pina coladas and Imperial beer while sitting in the pool as the sunsets that cannot be matched slowly brought the wonderful beach going, snorkeling, canopy tour, volcano, waterfall, critter chasing filled days to an end.Gracias and of course PURA VIDA - - - Pablo

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/17/06 Review Submitted: 03/17/06

Hi Rick, Thank you for allowing us to rent your house in Feb.We had a great time in Costa Rica.The people there are the nicest we've met anywhere.Traveling around was slow because of the road conditions in places but we didn't have to go far to enjoy the beautiful beaches in the area.We left the house a couple of days early so we could check out the Arenal area.The area was worth the trip.We are already talking about a return trip next winter to cover more of the Country which would include possibly a week at your house if available.Thanks again. Matt & Barb

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/12/05 Review Submitted: 09/12/05

We just returned from our first ever trip to Costa Rica and the beautiful Casa Prieta. This house has the most beautiful view we have ever seen in all our travels. The location was close to great beaches and was within 15-30 mins driving time to Playa Grande, a super surfing beach. The house was outfitted comfortably and the AC worked very well when we needed it.The sunsets at Casa Prieta are truly breathtaking. We had a Costa Rican driver the whole time we were there and he told us that of all the people he had driven, he had never seen such a beautiful view. We were there during the "rainy season" but had only one day without sunshine. The thunderstorms from the house were like watching our own fireworks display. Thanks, Rick, for sharing this wonderful home. We can't wait to go back!

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Guest: spinner
Date of Stay: 08/10/05 Review Submitted: 08/09/05

We loved the peacefullness of this wonderful home. The view is fantastic. It has been a very relaxing, after a week of traveling. love the beach at Conchal. We have never been on a total shell beach. It was just gorgeous and the water crystal clear. The dinner at Marco Polo was very good. Last night the buffet was very expensive, $26 per person, but they also allowed us to order a pizza, which was reasonable and very good. We saw a lot of howler monkeys, while signing up for horseback riding with Marvin, down the road. The pool is wonderful after an afternoon at the beach. We returned to Conchal beach for snorkeling. Definitely worth it. If you don't have your own gear the rent it for $5 per hour. Beautiful fish. Family enjoyed HB riding on the beach. It was nice to meet Rick after many emails and phone conversations. We went to see your new homes on the hill. They were fantastic. We even enjoyed a Red Sox game one evening. I hope to get back to CR. Love this country. Barbara, David, Laura and Jamie Spinner. Newton, MA

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Guest: Nikki and Ryan
Date of Stay: 05/30/05 Review Submitted: 05/29/05

We had an amazing honeymoon here at Casa Prieta. We will a little scared on the ride up here, but thankfully, a mix up with Poas rent a car (we weren't about to drive a stick shift), gave us our own chauffeur for an evening. The views from this house are what brought us here to CR and we were definitely not disappointed. Here are a few things we thought we could add to the wisdom to this guest book. 1. If you are from a big city (we're from Chicago) and you're used to going to dinner at 9:30 PM, beware, that most restaurants closed at 9:30 PM. 2. We found the best service at Marco Polo and Marie's as well as fabulous food (try the shishkabobs at Maries for lunch, they are fantastic) 3. Las Arcadas on the road to Brasilito (on the left) is a beautiful restaurant and the only one that was not open air only. Amazing food, but small selection-no chicken. 4. We found horrible service at Perro Planno, but great tempura. 5. The Flamingo Marina Resort had good lobster, but not worth the price. 6. Petite Paris in Flamingo Hotel across from Century 21 has a fabulous massages for a great price of $45 for an hour. The masseuse and owner is incredible and very nice. 7. Snorkeling with the crew on Somonique (388-7870) is definitely worth the $70 and I must do before leaving CR. The food and sailing worth it alone, snorkeling near some of the islands is amazing and you will definitely see an unforgetable sunset. 8. You have to find Playa Conchal. It's the most beautiful beach around and has the best snorkeling (5000 Colones for an hour). 9. The highlight of our trip has been the horseback riding at sunset and again at sunrise. It's down the hill on the left, 654-4469. Marvin is the owner and Jose was our guide. MArvin speaks Engish and is very knowledgeable and nice. Jose is adorable and also very knowledgeable, but only speaks Spanish, so ask Marvin what you need to know. We had so much fun with Jose, we went a second time. The price was amazing and the horses have a beautiful gallop. Don't ride Guappo, if you want to ride in the water. 10. The flora and fauna around the house are incredible, let the frogs (or are they toads) sing to you in the pool at sunset. Leave all the lights off when you go outside, or you may want to use bug spray to bed. We were sad we never got to see the howler monkeys. Hope you have a great time here. We sure did! We really hope to be back soon. Nikki and ryan, Chicago, USA

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Guest: Sue, Mike, Matt, Marty and Katie
Date of Stay: 03/19/04 Review Submitted: 03/18/04

Dear Rick, The house and the views where spectacular. The view of the ocean was even better than in the pictures. We all had a wonderful time in Costa Rica and we can't wait to come back!

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Guest: Jenn, Luke, Matt and Erin
Date of Stay: 12/15/03 Review Submitted: 12/14/03

Dear Rick, It was nice to meet you. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay at your home. We enjoyed ourselves and the spectacular view will be what we miss the most when we wake up in NC tomorrow! We hope to be back next year. Happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year

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Guest: Bobby and Tom
Date of Stay: 12/06/03 Review Submitted: 12/05/03

Well Rick, our 2 week trip is coming to an end and we're very sad to leave this paradise! Your home and the people you have selected to support this operation are exceptional. They go the extra mile and will help you build this bussiness into one to be very proud of! Jorge was extremely helpful and our "rock" during our stay. He actually took his Sunday afternoon and came to the airport in Tamarindo to pick us up when our car company failed to show! We are especially fond of Anna (maid)~if we could adopt her, we would. Not only is she very skilled in her work, she is a great human being! Thanks again! We'll be back!

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Guest: Daniela
Date of Stay: 07/13/03 Review Submitted: 07/12/03

Our trip was awesome. Thanks! You have an incredible home. Sometimes when you go on vacation, you see things that you never seen before and do things you never done before. This country is beautiful, but best of all this house/vacation better helped me to find myself and realize that in any situation, the only battle you lost is the one you never fight. So to anyone that stays here, to enjoy your stay and live life to the fullest, because if you don't, you never know what you might miss out on. Have fun and DO IT ALL!

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Guest: Kate (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 05/20/03 Review Submitted: 05/20/03

Heaven on Earth! What a fabulous home with great views. It was close to everything we wanted to do, and yet still a secluded retreat. We would often find ourselves racing home to catch the sunsets from the pool… what a perfect way to end the day! When you stay here, sleep with the curtains wide open, because you won't want to miss a moment of each breaking day! Costa Rica is truly a beautiful country and we will DEFINITELY be back to stay here as soon as we can!!

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Guest: Coffeys
Date of Stay: 05/17/03 Review Submitted: 05/16/03

This was somewhat of a last minute family vacation for us and little did we know what a treasure we'd find in Costa Rica and Casa Prieta. Yes, the view is absolutely stunning! It truely is pura vida~to wake each morning to such beauty and to end each day with a spectacular sunset. We'll be back! Relax and enjoy. It will be time to go home before you know it! The Coffeys

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/15/03 Review Submitted: 05/15/03

Our family had a wonderful time at Casa Prieta: the view, the commodities, the closeness to town, everything was wonderful. We recommend this house to any family that wants to have an unforgettable time in Costa Rica.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/12/03 Review Submitted: 05/12/03

We stayed at Casa Prieta in Jan 2003, and still talk about how beautiful it was. The views are beyond words, and the house is quiet, clean, and comfortable. Many hours were spent in the pool watching boats come and go in the bay as well as witnessing the spectacular sunsets every night. We loved going to town,-once in a while:-) the food was GREAT everywhere we went. We highly recommend staying at Casa Prieta!!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/12/03 Review Submitted: 05/12/03

Wow! What a vacation we just had and Casa Prieta was everything we had hoped and then some. The views are absolutely breathtaking at any time of day, the tranquility of the setting amazing! And as promised by its friendly owner, everything needed was available! You definitely just need your toothbrush. Costa Rica is beautiful and this home is magnificent!! Please go to Playa Penca and eat the fabulous local food at Penca Restaurant! Have fun!

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