Vacation Rentals by Owner

BEAUTIFUL PLACE

Guest: Shelly (Westbury, NY)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 03/05/12

We were 9 people ranging in age fromm 11 to 74 and each one of us truly enjoyed our vacation. A wonderful, caring staff even made our experience better.

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

Practically a Fairy Tale Paradise

Guest: Phil (Toledo Ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/02/12 Review Submitted: 01/12/12

As experienced travelers, we are sometimes disappointed with our accommodations, often we are surprised, but this was the first time were totally blown away! Savino and Camellia are two very fabulous people who want to ensure your stay is a memorable one, and memorable it was! The Villa is nestled in a hillside jungle paradise. There were numerous birds singing from dawn to dusk, monkeys swinging in the trees, bats migrating in the early evening, butterflies adoring the numerous flowers abundant on the grounds and other sights too numerous to mention. The vistas from the Villa are breathtaking, whether you are marveling at the shining waters of the Pacific, or watching the moon light dance on the hills. We were continually captivated by stunning scenery painted by nature. The Villa is close to Playa Hermosa and many locals choose to walk the 15-20 minute downhill stroll to the Pacific waters. The website advertising the Villa is accurate, but can’t portray how truly wonderful the experience can be. You just need to slow down and smell the hibiscus! The Villa was certainly modern. We had read in a guide book to make sure to bring a 3 to 2 prong electrical adaptor for our few electrical items we used. However, the Villa outlets were the 110v three prong type you would find in your home. The kitchens had marble counter tops, and the floors were pristine tiles. The split level arrangement gives you a bit of exercise, but it is certainly manageable. Even internet service was available! Our expectations were exceeded in every respect. Shopping is reasonably close by with a variety of bars and restaurants in close proximity. There are secret beaches known to the locals. Savino and Camellia shared many of these secrets with us, which certainly enhanced our most amazing stay. Their personal attention helped make our vacation a “dream vacation”. The Villa staff was friendly and helpful, and although they did not speak English, there was always communication which was understood. The staff went out of their way to help with the little things which tended to spoil and pamper us. We really were staying in a Villa! We wish we had a staff at home to help us tend to some of the niceties that we came to enjoy during our stay at the Villa. Savino and Camellia speak perfect English and good Spanish, not to mention fluent Italian. I wonder how many other languages they speak? Our stay at the Villa was one of the most relaxing vacations we have taken in years.

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

Holiday Stay at Villa Camellia 2010

Guest: Anne (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/24/10 Review Submitted: 02/07/11

My sisters and I stayed at Villa Camellia over Christmas week with our husbands and children (ages 21, 19, 13, 13, 10). The villa is gorgeous - very large, immaculate, and well appointed. Walking in the front door, we were greeted by a Christmas tree complete with lights - there were holiday lights on the patio as well. We really appreciated this personal touch and attention. The main villa has 2 levels. On the lower level, there are 3 bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom. Another full bath on this level is for the other 2 bedrooms. Upstairs in the main villa is the living area, patio, kitchen, half bath, and 4th bedroom with bunkbeds. The main villa also has a hot tub on the patio. We also rented the condo which has 2 bedrooms and a full bath. The condo is reached by walking down steps to a lower level. More steps down lead to the pool area and a large patio. Gas grills are located on both patios. The property is huge and the landscaping is breathtaking. The caretaker, Sixto, and his wife are amazing - the pool and gorgeous grounds were cleaned and attended to several times a day. Sixto's wife even washed our clothes several times - a wonderful treat while traveling. Sam is an amazing host - he was always available to talk to us and help us out with any problems or questions we had. We had an issue with our rental car and Sam was very helpful. He even accompanied my brother-in-law to the hospital on Christmas Day to get stitches on his hand! Clearly, this was above and beyond our expectations and we were very impressed with this hospitality. I would highly recommend renting Villa Camellia for a very relaxing vacation in a home away from home. FYI - a great place for dinner and cocktails is called Sueno - and it is within walking distance of the villa. We went twice in one week! Great surfing can be found at Tamarindo - and board rental and lessons are available at The Secret Spot. Zip lining is great at Witches Rock! It was a wonderful trip!

Owner response:First and foremost I want to say that, it gives me a resounding pleasure as we strive to see that our guests are truly feels special and are enjoying our hospitality at Villa Camellia I want to thank you for truly describe our facility and the services that our dedicated full time staff are providing I would like to add that we now also have available a studio apartment with all in all 7 bed room 4 bath rooms 3 full kitchen 2 pools WIFI high speed internet and more all with spectacular ocean views . Once again thank you for your kindness and your generosity toward Villa camellia staff Sam Placentile Owner and operator

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

Guest: Rita and Larry Strom (Severna Park, MD)
Date of Stay: 02/17/10 Review Submitted: 02/17/10

What a find! Our week-long stay here during the Christmas holidays was everything that we had hoped for. The location to the airport and the beach, the expansive home, and the friendly host (Sam)and his staff went out of their way for us (all 15 members of our extended family). We used Tico Travel (Bernal)instead of rental cars (very reasonable and exceptionally good). We would do it again in a minute. Thanks, Sam, for going out of your way for us. It was a terrific week!

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Guest: Kristi Hayes (Seattle Washington)
Date of Stay: 07/01/09 Review Submitted: 07/01/09

Sam, Thank you, So much for meeting us at the airport at night and showing us to your lovely home. My family had the best vacation we could have ever asked for on my 25th anniversary. The home was much more than what we expected. The house was always clean when we got back from our trips out. Talking to the family since we have been back, everyone wanted me to tell you how happy they were with the tour guide you suggested. He was great! The location of the villa was asbsolutally perfect, we had a full view of the bay during the day and breathtaking sunsets at night. We hope that you will have us back again. Next time we want to stay much longer though.Oh another thing I must tell you is that the gate was always open when we were coming up the drive. We all felt very much at home and secure. Thank You again, Walter and Kristi Hayes Seattle, Washington

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Larry and Cindy (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/19/09

Location A+. Security A+. Pool A+. Garden A+. Housekeeping A+. Sam & Camilla made us feel like we were their company rather than just renters. They offered valuable advise and guidance on local affairs and were there to make sure that our two month stay was enjoyable. The kitchen had everything that we needed and Sam was always available if we needed anything. I told Sam that he needs to upgrade the mattresses and I am sure that he will. We have been to a few places in Costa Rica and Playa Hermosa is about as good as it gets. Larry and Cindy--Chicago

Owner response: I want to thank you for your wonderful comments we have truly enjoyed your company as well, that much that we kind miss you guys . I am very pleased that you have enjoyed our hospitality also I treasure your input and I am pleased to say that we have all ready replaced the mattress Best Regards to you and Cindy Sam

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/17/08

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! We spent a month at Sam's villa (mid-January to mid-February, 2008)staying in the condo apartment. It was very well equipped with two bedrooms (one of which had a balcony); a large open living room, dining room kitchen area -looking out over the Pacific ocean - and a self-contained bathroom with laundry facilities. We had our own pool (with a waterfall). The pool area also looked out over the ocean and was well equipped with loungers and a supper comfortable hammock. We did a lot of walking for the first couple of weeks in Playa Hermosa combined with some tours and trips by taxi to Playa del Coco. We rented a car for our last two weeks in Costa Rica (the last week staying in hotels). Sam and his wife, who were staying in the house during our stay, were extremely friendly - we felt like we were visiting long time friends. Sam's gardener/handyman - Sixto and Sixto's wife Pastora were very friendly and extremely helpful. It was also easy to keep ourselves connected to our family and friends back home through Sam's phone system and the WIFI connection for our laptop. All in all great accomodations and a great location.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Rolando V (Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/06/08

Mr. Sam, First of all, I will like to salute you, and on behalf of my associate Sebastián and I, we will like to thank you for the opportunity to rent your house in Playa Hermosa house. The house was just right for us, with wonderful amenities, adding to this the excellent service and attention by Mr. Sixto and his wife. They both are very nice persons and eager to work hard for the presentation and to fulfill as the well, the accommodation of the guests. It was a very nice experience and the labor of Mr. Sixto and his wife is quite good. Thank you was again for this experience and hope we can repeat it in the near future. It has being a pleasure Mr. Sam and we both hope we can continue with the prosperous relationship we have established with you. Thank and hope you have a good day, Rolando Villegas

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/24/08

We have just returned from a wonderful week in Costa Rica. Our stay at Villa Camellia was remarkable. It is a beautiful place with a beautiful view. We had three familes with a total of 12 people. The condo was perfect for our older children. It gave them their space and at times our peace. Sam came all the way from Tronot to met and welcome us the day we arrived. He was always available if we needed anything and even came back to the villa to help us with the internet. The villa has everything that you will need. The kitchen had it all. The locatin of the villa is perfect. We were close to a grocery store (in Coco) and resturants. The entire group enjoyed both pools. They were very well maintained. The villa is also very secure. There are caretakers that live on the property..Sixto and Pastora. They have a darling little girl..Chintia. Sixto was always avaiable to open the gate no matter the time or how many times we had been in and out in a day. Pastora kept the villa immaculate and even washed our clothes. There is a resturant close by, El Sunero that we would highly recommend. It is at the first entrance to the beach at Playa Hermosa. The accomodations certainly met our expectations. Sam could not have been more accomodating. We would highly recommend this villa.

Owner response:I am very pleased to know that you have all enjoyed our hospitality . My staff and myself will continue to provide the quality of service to make our guests feel truly at home away from home . Thank you kindly Sam J. Placentile

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/03/08

We just returned from a family vacation in Costa Rica for 1 week. It definitely wasn't long enough. The house and condo were very accomodating for our large group. It was close enough to stores, restaurants, and activities such as Rincon Park and numerous beaches. Sam and his care takers were very helpful. We really enjoyed the pool and spa. I would recommend this house for an enjoyable vacation in Costa Rica.

Owner response:It was a pleasure to have you, your friends and family as our guests ,and very pleased to ear that you truly enjoyed your stay at our Villa We are continuing striving to provide the best with in our ability I on behalf of our staff Sixto and Pastora would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity Sincerely Sam

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A Tropical Paradise

Guest: kaydee (Oregon City, Oregon, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/03/08

Spectacular! We just returned from a great Christmas in Costa Rica. There were 10 adults & one 10 month old in our group. Sam, the owner, was very accommodating, he even greeted us upon our arrival to show us the property & introduce us to his staff & the property manager, which is almost unheard of with rental property. The home is divided into 2 sections: the house which is 2 stories & the condo which is on the bottom level. This was perfect for our 2 families. The house is located on a hill, so the driveway is very steep & there are many stairs (you will certainly be in shape when you leave). It is light & airy with beautiful views of Playa Hermosa. The town is small & local. Coco is a short drive away, which is more of a tourist attraction, with grocery stores, shops & more restaurants. I would recommend renting a car as it is easier to get around on your own. The staff, Sixto & Pastora, were fantastic! They were constantly on-site for anything we needed from opening the gates & capturing creatures to cleaning & laundry. The grounds & home were kept immaculate & the pool clean at all times. Jeffry, the property manager from Worldwide Management, set up an appointment with Bernal, from Tico Tours, for the night we arrived. Bernal was wonderful. His company has an array of tours they provide & all of their personalities were friendly & courteous, everything you would want in a tour. We took a boat tour & saw monkeys, crocs, iguanas & an array of birds. We also did a zip line tour, horseback ride & mud bath at the Borinquen Resort & Spa. I would certainly use them in another visit to CR. Muchos gracias to Sixto, Pastora, Bernal & Sam! Feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

Owner response: We would like to thank you very much for your wonderful comments I also would like to say that I am very pleased having you and your family as our Guests. I retired at age 50 five years ago, adventured in beautiful Costa Rica built this home with my own hands with one think in mind that is to have my friends and family to enjoy life to the fullest .Going one step further by offering my home as part time rental I discovered that there is nothing more pleasing than making peoples happy as well meeting new wonderful peoples like your self. I thank you and hoping to have you once again as our guest into the near future. Sincerely Sam

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Patricia Smith (Memphis, Tn.)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/08/07

We just returned from the greatest trip. There were 10 of us ranging in age from 56 - 8 months. Sam was so helpful & Sixto & Pastora took great care of us. We enjoyed the house so much & never felt like we were on top of each other.We had a fabulous time. We set up trips in Coco for fishing, scuba diving, canopy touring in Rincon Park & horseback riding in Conchal. Bernol of Tico travel was great in setting up these trips. I can't tell you how much we all enjoyed ourselves, but mucho gracious to Sam, Sixto, Pastora & Bernol. It was everything we dreamed it would be.

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A True Paradise is Hard to Find

Guest: Traveler1 (Corpus Christi, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/07/07

While photos do paint a picture, one has to rely on the printed information supplied, in order to make an objective decision. This particular Villa clearly states on its website that this a 5 bedroom house with 3.5 bathrooms. And that is what I expected and planned on when I rented the property. Upon arrival, the owner has decided that he will be staying on site, so you only have use of 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. And one of the bedrooms is a small non airconditioned room with bunkbeds. Suitable for small children. The smallest child in our group was 25 years old. As we were there for 2 weeks, we had several friends and family coming and going and the bedroom & bathroom situation was at times a real hassle. The owner also advertised washer & dryer, outdoor grill and internet hookup. The washer & dryer were critical for the few clothes we decided to bring and we had planned several meals where we would grill. A few of us brought our laptops to stay in touch with business and home. The owner now claims he has internet access (after we have gone). He still has no washer & dryer or outdoor grill. The home is in a beautiful gated community, but your only access, by car or foot, is through a remote control gate which could only be opened by staff of the villa. Kind of a hassle everytime you wanted to go somewhere, or return, especially early or late. This villa does have a great view of Playa Hermosa from the Spa and adjoining patio. Very relaxing for reading or drinks at Sundown. Upon my return, I did address all issues with the owner and he replied to most but not all. No mention of why we only got 4 bedrooms & 2.5 baths. Next time, I think I will look at other properties that are represented by an agency instead of by the owner who is trying to rent direct to the public.

Owner response:It is clear that there has been a terrible misunderstanding. The vacation rental property in question # 155829 is in fact a Villa and Condo same dwelling with a separate identity and price structure.The Villa consisting of 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.The Condo with a totally independent entrance has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The fee paid was for the Villa only and not for the condo and that has been established. What surprised me is the fact that there was no mention to me during the two weeks stay I wasn't even aware of the discrepancy till I read it on the review. Yes the fourth bedroom of the Villa is a little small compared to the other bedrooms although the room is still the same size a new split A.C. unit was installed soon thereafter. We have elected do provide laundry service by our full time staff; however renters are welcome to do their own laundry if they so please, the facility is located on the main level. The barbecue available at the time may have proved to be inadequate for the quantity of people using at the same time and we have replace it with Weber gas quick starter charcoal BBQ.Internet unfortunately at the time a dial up 256 kbp was considered High speed and that was all that it was available, now I am happy to say that we have wireless 1 Mbps. Our villa is located in a gated community and, as such, there are rules to follow. For security reasons there are available only 2 remote controls per household. Renters with family or friends normally have 2 or even 3 cars going in and out at different times.We elected that since we simply don't have that many remotes to go around for every one it was best to have our security guard to stand on duty from early morning till late night till every one was back home a problem that will not be a concern if the renters have only one car and also soon we shall be able to obtain additional remote controls.Last but not least, I want to thank this renter for honorably acknowledging the misuse and operation to our Kitchen appliances to which He has honored by paying for repair costs.Thank you

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Stacey Ferguson (Raleigh, NC)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/31/07

This house has great views and it is open and airy. It is centrally located to enjoy the many treasures of Costa Rica. The owners were very helpful upon our arrival and Arnold and Marissa took good care of us. The house was always clean upon our return. One note--the main house has 4 bedrooms and the apartment has 2. The apartment would be perfect for older teenagers or perhaps grandparents, but it requires exiting the gated part of the house and would not be appropriate for children to stay in alone.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Marie Casey (Cleveland, Ohio USA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/24/07

WOW!!! What a wonderful vacation. Playa Hermosa is a great little laid back town with a great beach and very friendly people. This rental experience was great from start to finish. The friendly owners made sure that we were able to find the place and even gave his cell number to us in case we got lost. The property is BEAUTIFUL and brand new. Gorgeous views. I loved waking up early in the morning to watch all the birds while enjoying my coffee. The staff (Arnold and Marissa) were absolutly fabulous. Marissa would have the place clean for us when we returned from our activities every day. What a nice suprise to come home to fresh flowers that she would place everywhere for us! They were also very friendly and always had a warm smile for us. I can't say enough good things about this lovely vacation home. I can't wait to return. Any questions feel free to email me.

Owner response:We would like to thank you very much for your wonderfull comments I also would like to say that you have come as guests and left as friends and as such we will give you a much discunted rates in future visits. Regards Sam

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