Reviews for Playa Negra Vacation Rental - VRBO 391025ha - 4 BR Guanacaste House in Costa Rica, Casa Sonrisa Hermosa - Beautiful Oceanfront Home with Private Pool!

"Sea shells, swiming, privacy, space !"

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"Sea shells, swiming, privacy, space !"

Guest James T
Date of stay 02/26/13
Review Submitted 03/11/13

Mary et al were lightning fast in response and ease of booking, perhaps the easiest of my over 10 rentals through homeaway.com. She was right there to help us get checked in understand the house. Her followup was prompt and the printable direction guide to the house the best ever. we agree that Mary's recos for 2 restaurants were must dos (even when your own BBQ and wonderful kitchen inspires you). 10-days in February was barely enough! The privacy of a large lot and lots of greenery on-site and sound-proofing of rolling waves was perfect. there is now more vegetation around the pool and house than was in the homeaway pics. ferns and palms (coconut & bannana) surround the house with privacy and peaceful lushness. the dragonfly and lizard were on guard: no pesky mosquitoes or flies in February ! The house was spotless and completely equipped including some spices and good chefs knives and cookware. The pool was kept clean and was warm and large at approx 15x30 ft. The 3rd floor crows nest with lifeguard chairs was a nice way to see surfers down the beach in the morning, or an alternate sparkling-ocean sunset view. Plenty of space to spread out and the vaulted living space with french door felt vast and comfortable with a great outdoor view from any position. The breezes were wonderful in the warm temperatures, and the gated community felt very secure (as was the house security); security personnel made visible appearances at night. seclusion, luxury. There was a nice, portable JPL iPod docking station: BYO tunes for music around the pool. 3 criticisms: 1) You might want to BYO wifi transmitter as the existing one had only a 15-20 ft range (online review of the model confirmed) (but it worked). 2) The charcoal BBQ was missing the coal-level grill and wheels kept falling off. (but it worked). 3) the DVD player did not work (I used my laptop with Hdmi adapter for DVD, Netflix, etc). note: no satellite or cable reception, so TV is for what you bring with you. i suggest a VPN (virtual private network) provider that can "hide" your location and you can watch internet movies and the like. we have rented 3 other houses in CR and several others in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico -- and this was our favorite to date !

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comfortable spacious seclusion

Guest Tomkinson
Date of stay 01/30/13
Review Submitted 02/26/13

Mary et al were lightning fast in response and ease of booking, perhaps the easiest of my over 10 rentals through homeaway.com. She was right there to help us get checked in understand the house. Her followup was prompt and the printable direction guide to the house the best ever. we agree that Mary's recos for 2 restaurants were MUST DOs (even when your own BBQ and wonderful kitchen inspires you). 10-days in February was barely enough! The privacy of a large lot and lots of greenery on-site and sound-proofing of rolling waves was perfect. there is now more vegetation around the pool and house than was in the homeaway pics. ferns and palms (coconut & bannana) surround the house with privacy and peaceful lushness. the dragonfly and lizard were on guard: NO pesky mosquitoes or flies in February ! The house was spotless and completely equipped including some spices and good chefs knives and cookware. The pool was kept clean and was warm and large at approx 15x30 ft. The 3rd floor crows nest with lifeguard chairs was a nice way to see surfers down the beach in the morning, or an alternate sparkling-ocean sunset view. Plenty of space to spread out and the vaulted living space with french door felt vast and comfortable with a great outdoor view from any position. The breezes were wonderful in the warm temperatures, and the gated community felt very secure (as was the house security); security personnel made visible appearances at night. seclusion, luxury. There was a nice, portable JPL iPod docking station: BYO tunes for music around the pool. 3 criticisms: 1) You might want to BYO wifi transmitter as the existing one had only a 15-20 ft range (online review of the model confirmed) (but it worked). 2) The charcoal BBQ was missing the coal-level grill and wheels kept falling off. (but it worked). 3) the DVD player did not work (I used my laptop with HDMI adapter for DVD, Netflix, etc). note: no satellite or cable reception, so TV is for what you bring with you. i suggest a VPN (virtual private network) provider that can "hide" your location and you can watch internet movies and the like. we have rented 3 other houses in CR and several others in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico -- and this was our favorite to date !

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"Fantastic"

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"Fantastic"

Guest zaspi
Date of stay 01/01/13
Review Submitted 01/28/13

We rented this house just after New Year’s Eve. the lon is fantastic and the house offers all amenities we wanted. Great and well equipped kitchen, properly cooled down rooms and most magnificent view of the Ocean (right at your footsteps!) with the strong sound of the wonderful waves of Playa Negra keeping your dreams while while you sleep. The pool is not large but is good enough to keep you cool when you most need it. All the renting coordination worked well and we did not have any hustle. Thanks to Mary foe her good Job!

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"Stunning views from this large oceanfront home."

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"Stunning views from this large oceanfront home."

Guest Sandra
Date of stay 06/09/12
Review Submitted 08/07/12

We loved our week in Costa Rica at this fabulous house in the gated community of Rancho Playa Negro. The onsite property manager gave us excellent service. The house is well maintained and suitable for a relaxing getaway. There is no central air conditioning but each bedroom has a unit. This area is pretty remote and adjacent to a surf break. It is a 45 minute drive to Tamarindo over mostly dirt roads. The infinity pool was so refreshing and we enjoyed the well appointed amenities of this house in the tropics. There are lots of restaurants close by in the Playa Negro area and we cooked in a lot, too.

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"Amazing House, Amazing Beach"

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"Amazing House, Amazing Beach"

Guest abbyl
Date of stay 06/01/12
Review Submitted 01/28/13

We rented this house for the last week in June. We were a group of 9 adults, inlaws/family and their partners. We had an amazing time. The house was perfect for a group of this size, and could have easily fit more. The house did not have central air, but each room had its own aC which made sleeping very comfortable. During the day, we would leave the doors and windows open which created a nice beach breeze. The house is located just steps from a great public use beach, good for surfing, sunbathing and swimming. Every morning we would wake to divers swimming outside our house, catching fresh lobster to sell for the day. We were able to buy 12 fresh lobsters from them and cook them that night, it was great! We cooked a lot of family meals and spent days at the beach and pool. I would recommend this house to anyone looking for a more unique Costa Rica experience. I hope one day and make it back to Casa Sonrisa!

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"Stunning views from this large oceanfront home."

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"Stunning views from this large oceanfront home."

Guest Tarheeltutu
Date of stay 06/01/12
Review Submitted 01/14/13

"Stunning views from this large oceanfront home."

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Amazing oceanfront home in Playa Negra

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Amazing oceanfront home in Playa Negra

Guest the pavs
Date of stay 06/30/11
Review Submitted 12/06/11

We rented this home last summer with another family and we can not brag enough about this house. Set up perfectly for any size group. Spacious bedrooms that are all air conditioned. The house is perfectly decorated and the attention to detail is fabulous. Gorgeous ocean views from huge upstairs deck and by the pool. We felt very safe and secure in this house. We had four kids and the pool was just perfect. Many great breaks for the surfers and great restaurants for all. Don't miss Lola's. And don't pass this house up.

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"Traveling w/ another family? Don't miss this hous

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"Traveling w/ another family? Don't miss this hous

Guest Ericka
Date of stay 06/29/11
Review Submitted 03/06/12

This the most amazing house on Playa Negra. It is set up perfectly to accommodate a group of people. Great pool with wonderful views. Close to great restaurants and surf beaches. We will definitely be back.

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Relaxing Get-a-way

Guest NewBraunfelsTexasGirl
Date of stay 05/15/11
Review Submitted 05/23/11

This was a very restful and relaxing place to stay. Amy, Mary's assistant, was very informational and helpful, helped us make some wise decisons with our limited time frame. If you want a party town, this is not the place to go, but if you want to get away from the grind and unwind, this is the ideal spot. The only recommendation I have is bring a knife sharpener in your suitcase, if you are a foodie and like to cook, great stove, gas burners, and fantastic island to work on but the knives aren't sharp.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Owner response: We are so glad you enjoyed your relaxing Costa Rica vacation in Playa Negra, at Casa Sonrisa Hermosa! The spacious layout of the home provided plenty of common space, such as the large and open living room, spacious balcony, swimming pool and mirador, for this girls’ getaway group, while offering privacy with each of the four bedrooms. These ladies made the most of their week-long vacation, with surf lessons and zip line canopy tour during the day, while enjoying spectacular sunsets over the Pacific and home-cooked gourmet meals in the evenings. And since we appreciate the feedback and are always anxious to improve our customer service, rest assured the kitchen is now equipped with a knife sharpener! We enjoy sharing information about our little piece of paradise, and are always happy to see others discover the wildlife, nature and beauty of Guanacaste. We hope to have you ladies visit Playa Negra and Casa Sonrisa again!

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Exceeded expectations!!

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Exceeded expectations!!

Guest Chas
Date of stay 09/05/10
Review Submitted 12/06/11

You never know what a place is going to be like until you get there and see it in person. From the description and photos online, the place looks great, but when we got to the property we were blown away! The views are spectacular, the quality of the house and amenities are excellent and the property manager was helpful and efficient in dealing with our arrangements. I will definitely be going back here with family and friends.

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Great home for family vacation!

Guest Janet C.
Date of stay 06/19/10
Review Submitted 10/31/11

Absolutely amazing house! The most incredible views, and my family LOVED the infinity pool! Thanks to Mary for helping us to have the greatest vacation ever!

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PURA VIDA!

Guest Emi, Royal, Jennie, Tony and Ellie
Date of stay 02/23/10
Review Submitted 03/19/10

Thanks Costa Rica for an absolutely fabulous vacation! We had NOTHING bad happen with Casa Sonrisa Hermosa. Playa Negra is a quiet, friendly town. Must see La Iguana Sports Bar, Cafe Playa Negra (Peruvian restuarant) and Mono Congo Lodge. Had a memorable time, thanks to Mary for everything you did to make our stay the best vacation so far for all of us!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

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Location and Luxury

Guest sagemandrums
Date of stay 02/03/10
Review Submitted 04/08/10

This was one of the finest vacation rentals we've had. The location was fabulous, beachfront with the constant view of ocean and waves rolling in. The house was very luxurious, big bedrooms, well furnished, lovely pool. Couldn't have asked for better! Thanks!!!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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The most relaxing vacation of my life!!

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The most relaxing vacation of my life!!

Guest Tim
Date of stay 01/15/10
Review Submitted 12/06/11

This was my first visit to Costa Rica and it was everything I imagined. The house and property are impeccable. The people were friendly and helpful. We sampled all the local restaurants. All the food was amazing. We traveled to a local festival on one evening about 1 hour away and secured a driver who became our tour guide. He was great. We surfed and relaxed. Traveled south about 2 hrs and did a zip line course. We snorkled in Tamarindo and stayed all day and night and ate at the Dragon Fly. Tamarindo is about 40 mins from the house. Finally, we were invited to neighbors bbq on the lastnight in Playa Negra. Check out Lola's; Cafe Playa Negra; and "Willy" at the local bar / pizza joint.. He loves soccer. The owners and the local representative could not have been more helpful. I look forward to going back in 2011!

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Perfect honeymoon destination!

Guest Greg and Shannan -
Date of stay 10/11/09
Review Submitted 03/19/10

Hola! We had an absolutely amazing time at Casa Sonrisa. I believe if you looked up the word "vacation" in the dictionary, there you would find a picture of the view off this back porch! For first-timers such as ourselves, a few of the musts: Chicken cordon bleu at La Vida Buena Pizzeria; anything at the JW Marriott; anything at Lola's; Huevos Rancheros at Mono Congo Lodge. I rented a board from Lucas at Dos Lunas in Avellanas at a good rate, and my wife had multiple in-house massage/acupuncture sessions from Randi. Overall, enjoy every second as we did! Pura vida!

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

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Beautiful property and location

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Beautiful property and location

Guest tomhac
Date of stay 07/17/09
Review Submitted 12/06/11

For anyone looking for a private, secluded, and beautiful vacation home, this is it. My family was totally relaxed within minutes of arriving and meeting the property manager. Vaulted ceilings throughout provide a nice airy quality. Home has air conditioning but is not needed with thoughtful cross ventilation provided by ocean breezes throughout. Enjoy quiet evenings stargazing from the deck or family times poolside. Awake to a vast front porch view of the great Pacific ocean and Negra surf break. Just far enough away to maintain a sense of privacy, yet also a quick walk via the pathway to the beach. Numerous surf breaks in the area, including Lola's - great for teens (10 minutes away), or Playa Marbella - a favorite (45 minutes away). We found ourselves hustling to get back to the numerous hammocks and pool every day. Downstairs bedrooms and baths are also thoughtfully constructed and decorated, not as an afterthought like so many other homes. Plenty of good restaurants and lunch spots nearby to entertain you. Can't wait to get back to this gem!

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I want to go back......

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I want to go back......

Guest Aspen
Date of stay 06/01/09
Review Submitted 12/06/11

Just looking at the pictures of the house and property fill me with joy and happiness. I spent a week in the house with friends and found this VRBO property to be a perfect set up. We had a small group, some avid surfers and others book worms, however the property really appealed to all. Hundreds of steps from one of the best breaks in Costa Rica, and a few hours from Witches Rock and Ollie's Point this is a surfers dream come true. The house was also fully loaded so you didn’t need to pack anything but a suit and pack your boards. The rental boards are pretty weak in the town of Tamarindo. While the area is only a short drive/walk from local restaurants, I would recommend cooking in the kitchen and enjoying an outside dinner on the patio as much as possible. The kitchen opens up to the patio and really captures the inside/outside lifestyle so customary of Costa Rica. I also remember the beds and linens were pretty exceptional for a rental. The house is stocked with amenities and well worth the rate. I have nothing but fond memories and rave reviews for this costa rica retreat and plan on booking for another week this summer. We all want to go back!

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Casa Sonrisa Hermosa - Beautiful Oceanfront Home with Private Pool! [#391025ha] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (17)

"Sea shells, swiming, privacy, space !"

"Sea shells, swiming, privacy, space !"

comfortable spacious seclusion

comfortable spacious seclusion

"Fantastic"

"Fantastic"

"Stunning views from this large oceanfront home."

"Stunning views from this large oceanfront home."

"Amazing House, Amazing Beach"

"Amazing House, Amazing Beach"

"Stunning views from this large oceanfront home."

"Stunning views from this large oceanfront home."

Amazing oceanfront home in Playa Negra

Amazing oceanfront home in Playa Negra

"Traveling w/ another family? Don't miss this hous

"Traveling w/ another family? Don't miss this hous

Relaxing Get-a-way

Relaxing Get-a-way

Exceeded expectations!!

Exceeded expectations!!

Great home for family vacation!

Great home for family vacation!

PURA VIDA!

PURA VIDA!

Location and Luxury

Location and Luxury

The most relaxing vacation of my life!!

The most relaxing vacation of my life!!

Perfect honeymoon destination!

Perfect honeymoon destination!

Beautiful property and location

Beautiful property and location

I want to go back......

I want to go back......