Vacation Rentals by Owner

Hated to Leave

Guest: Tennisgal (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/29/11

I think you'll find this condo very comfortable. The kitchen was well-equipped, the beds comfortable & most important - good air conditioning! In the mornings, I enjoyed sitting in the yard just steps from the patio door & looking out at the ocean so much that I had to work hard make myself leave to do other activities. At first I thought the beach looked small but as the days went by I found there were never more than 4 or 5 people on it, so it never felt or looked crowded. Liked having the pools and view from the Monkey bar for a change of scenery. Must warn you about their tennis courts - if you are a serious tennis player you may be disappointed by the asphalt court. But who would want to play tennis while in Costa Rica when there's so many other unique adventures? Unless you are going to be staying for a long time, I say leave the racquet at home and enjoy the sunset sailboat excursion and zipline tour and the other activities recommended by the owners (who are very helpful by the way).

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

Beautiful View, Great amenities. ON THE BEACH...LOVED IT!

Guest: Lindsay (Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/29/11

If you are looking for a place on the ocean, this is IT! we literally walked out the door and were on a beautiful, secluded beach. we took our little cooler out almost everyday and just lounged and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The sailboats dock just around the corner, so its great to watch them come in everyday! and as a bonus, the fisherman come that way too, so if you want fresh fish- I mean still swimming, you just catch those guys when they come off their boats! Plus, this place has at least 4 pools, and has a great bar and restaurant if you want to mingle and meet some great people! We loved the monkey bar, and we even got to play a little tennis! Ask Tim for some pointers- he's great! Kathie was great at recommending some great restaurants (Mar Y sol for a nice night out, Outback jacks for someplace laidback), and we loved the zip line canopy tours that we booked through the hotel. Flamingo beach (the famous blue flag beach) was just a short walk, but we loved our little "private" beach so much, we stayed there most of the Watch out for the iguannas. They will eat your fruit. They are very nice though. Overall, this place is wonderful. We can't wait to come back again! Pura Vida!

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

Disappointing

Guest: Teri (Arizona)
Date of Stay: 05/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/16/11

I was really disappointed in this condo. Judging by the pictures and description, I expected a very clean and updated condo on the beach. The location was perfect! We were right on a beautiful beach and had a fabulous view of the ocean. Flamingo Beach was a short walk away and was beautiful. But the condo itself was a bit run-down. When we opened the kitchen cabinets, they were full of termites! There was a huge cockroach that kept running around our kitchen. Small crabs somehow managed to get into the condo and greeted me in the bathroom every morning. I felt like I was constantly looking around for bugs. The outdoor furniture was rusted and falling apart. The air conditioner in the living room didn't work. On a positive note, there was always a security guard on duty right outside our door, which made us feel safe. The pool area and Monkey bar were fabulous. The man who looks out for the place, Willie, was super-nice and helpful- he even drove us to the grocery store. The restaurants nearby were great!

Owner response:Dear Teri, I was so very saddened by your review of our home. I called you and we discussed the issues that you brought to my attention. The termites in Costa Rica are an issue. We are in a lovely area with lots of trees and nature. Termites tend to come out only a couple of times a year, and it was unfortunate that this happened during your stay. You notified the property manager, and he resolved the issue within an hour.We had checked the property prior to your arrival and they were not there. You stated to me the situation was handled to your satisfaction. The little ,bright red crabs..Yes , they are always there. WE are blessed to live about 20 yards from the beach at high tide. The red crabs are really pretty and about 1" long. Our children love playing with them.We choose not to do anything about them, as they live all in the rocks that surround the condos. We feel they were there first,and this area is their natural habitat. Occasionally they will come inside the condos..and we gently carry them out.I am not certain we could ever control them , as they live in the ocean, and the rocks.It is truly a blessing that we are surrounded by such lovely creatures, but I am sorry that they were bothersome to you. The rusted furniture.. is indeed seriously rusted. These are our personal fishing chairs and we will sit many long hours in the gentle surf and fish. They are not the "real" furniture , as you can easily tell as there are many matching chairs all around the property for our guest..They are not usually even out for guest to see, but again I apologized to you and you said you understood..The air conditioner,had simply popped a breaker and was an easy issue to just reset the fuse, which Property manager did for you. You also indicated to me that this was resolved to your satisfaction. I tried to offer you a price reduction to help with your disappointment,but you stated that you wanted a 1500.00 credit. I felt that this was excessive. I offered you other resolutions, but you chose not to take them. I am still happy to discuss this with you and happy to try to reach a reasonable resolution. WE love the nature that surrounds our condo.Its truly what draws us too it. Sometimes nature can intrude, but usually families love the beach and all the life it offers. We have 3 properties. We have many positive reviews. I was saddened that I could not resolve your disappointment. We wish you only the best and hope you accept our offer to return to our homes..

Recommended for:

Best vacation experience!

Guest: Erin (Texas)
Date of Stay: 05/18/11 Review Submitted: 06/29/11

I have traveled to Europe and few other destination spots. I decided this year I wanted to go to costa rica when a friend recommended it as a great vacation spot. A couple friends decided to make it a girls trip. We came across this rental property after an extensive search. This was the best choice I could have ever made! Not only was the condo gorgeous but it was one of the most accomodating experiences by it's owners. They went to every possible length to make it a great experience even helping with booking flights and recommendations for restaurants and activities. I am already planning to take this trip again it was that great!

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

Ohio/Pa-Logans/Smiths

Guest: Larney (Minerva, Ohio/USA)
Date of Stay: 03/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/02/11

Great location and condo could not have been nicer; neat,clean, well stock with essentials: towels, linens, TV, stereo , movie player, CD player, lots of space. It was great for 4 people. So relaxing in morning to sit on patio (ground level) and enjoy coffee. Great place at night for cocktails also. Every one there so friendly. Bars, restaurants, beach, everything is close but be prepared to negotiate a few steps and moderate hill climb. Not bad after the first day. We were there 10 days and could only take two excursions. Hope to go back , same place, soon. LL/JS

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

WOW I saw whales!! From the patio!

Guest: Gary (Teaxs)
Date of Stay: 03/09/11 Review Submitted: 10/03/11

This couldnt have been a better location and view. We really enjoyed watching the flocks of parrots, and couldnt believe my eyes when I looked out and saw whales,right in front of the condo in the bay. Really loved that we could walk to easy food, as well as great dining. We loved the ease of this place..It was a relaxing vacation. Owners were really helpfull,and we loved having tennis courts, as well as the kyacks.. Our gang rented 2 codos from these owners... highly recommend this lovely property

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

2 couples over 65

Guest: Jerry (Billings, MT)
Date of Stay: 03/04/11 Review Submitted: 03/14/11

Clean, well furnished and appointed. Handy to nearby restaurants and bars at the Flamingo Marina Resort property. You will want to have a car to get to other great places to eat and play. The owner of this property was so helpful in lining up our visit (we stayed for 8 days) and we had few questions unanswered upon our arrival. In early to mid march the weather was a perfect 90 F during the day and cooled off nicely in the evening. Nice beach right in front of the property. A great value for the price and I would recommend it highly and without reservation. jdh

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Dream Vacation

Guest: Jenn (Forney)
Date of Stay: 02/01/11 Review Submitted: 06/29/11

This condo was recommended to me by a friend of mine and I am so glad I listened to her. I normally do not write reviews but the owner maintains such a nice place and we enjoyed staying there so much that I just had to send this in. If you want to get your money's worth out of a Costa Rican vacation, you need to stay here. The condo was clean and well appointed with amazing views and close to wonderful ammenties and activities. We had to save for a long time to afford this so it was so important to us that everything be perfect and we were not disappointed in any way!!! The owner was extremely patient in answering all of my questions and very knoweledgable about the area. Stay here if you want the perfect island get away!!!!!!!!

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

Roll out of bed onto the beach

Guest: beach bum (usa)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/26/11

We arrived with three kids and could not have been happier. The beach is 40 yards from the back door, with swings and hammocks and a grill. We loved the ground floor where we could send the kids out and we could be making lunch or dinner and still see them playing. Everything was clean and neat with large bedrooms and bathrooms. With the store and the restaurants so close we were able to enjoy most of the time without getting into a car, though I would not go to Costa Rica without doing the ZIP LINE or some of the fine fishing both of them are close to Flamingo. Bring plenty of sun tan lotion and enjoy.

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

Fabulous 5 STAR VIEW!

Guest: Caroline (Texas)
Date of Stay: 12/16/10 Review Submitted: 01/07/11

When you open the drapes that cover the large windows with a view of the beach... Be ready to BE SERIOUSLY IMPRESSED. I opened those drapes and felt like I was in another world..This place is stunning!THe beach and the water is just a few steps away. I have to admit I was sceptical, but the view here..just blows you away.If you can make yourself move from here..there is a lot to do.We loved Mar Y Sol for dinner..The view again breathtaking..but so was the food.Lots to do in the area in easy walking distance..but we were always so happy to go backto this condo..5 swimming pools and tennis with a beach view.People are so friendly..no issues at all!Ice cold A/C! PURDA VIDA!

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

Beautiful! A GREAT place to stay! Loved it!

Guest: Lindsay (Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 11/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/07/11

This place was fantastic. My Husband and our friends (another couple) went for 2 weeks and stayed in the beachfront condo! They were not kidding when they said on the beach! Waking up to the waves rolling every morning was the most relaxing way to wake up! And we loved the Monkey Bar- the staff there is super friendly and great. We took our time at several of the pools (there were 5!), enjoying poolside drinks and sun! They even had a tennis court and racquets we could borrow (although I'd recommend bringing your own, if you have them). The beach was wonderful- It was like having our own private beach! There was lots of sand to wade out in, and some really neat volcanic rock formations to snorkel and look at. They made a great place for all the fish to hang out! You could just stick your face under the water it was so clear! We loved the snorkeling! And you have to go have dinner at Mar Y sol- the food was amazing and the drinks were great! We also loved Outback Jacks in Brasolito, great food, great atmosphere, and also right on the beach! Our condo was nicely furnished, and even had a flat screen and a dvd player, with a small library of DVD's! It was great! We fed Iguana's right outside of the condo- there was a whole family that came up every morning! (Watch out for Iggy- the big male, he'll climb into your lap to get food!) You could really tell that the owners put some effort into the place- The furnishings were all really comfy- and the master bed was wonderful! There were pots and pans to cook with and dishes for serving, and even great things to take to the beach with us. Oh- and if you can- you should book a tour on the Lazy Lizzard, a beautiful catamaran sunset cruise complete with fishing, snorkeling, dinner and drinks. Overall, I'd Highly recommend this place. The location was great, the place was great, and the events were great!

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

Great family time!

Guest: brad (austin, tx)
Date of Stay: 05/16/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/11

My family and I desperately needed some time away and we found the right place! The accommodations were immaculate and so relaxing. It was like being at a home away from home. We are looking forward to our next family vacation there next year!

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

Great View & Convenient Location

Guest: Molly (Minnestoa)
Date of Stay: 01/21/10 Review Submitted: 03/01/11

The view from the condo was wonderful and the best beach on the Guanacaste Peninsula (Flamingo Beach) was just minutes away. The condo had all the amenities required to have a relaxing vacation.

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