6/10 Okay
Michele B., Calgary, AB, Canada
3 February 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
So much Potential
This is a stunning property and house. We all gasped when we first opened the door and took in the size of the kitchen and living room. Just gorgeous! The two large bedrooms were also beautiful. Although, the "bones" of this house are great, it needs some updating and attention to detail.
There is almost nowhere to sit and relax. The cushions on both the inside and outside furniture are either non-existent or so old it makes no difference. The cushions on the couches (wooden benches) had old, thin outdoor pads. We’re not T.V. watchers, but we do like to read. We ended up reading in our beds.
The linens – sheets, duvets, towels, etc. were all very old. Our duvet had stains on it and our friend’s duvet was lumpy. These need to be thrown out and replaced. Extra pillows would also be a good. Although, the dryer and washer both worked, our husbands needed to hold the washer down while it was spinning to keep it from jumping around. (Rahel did enquire if the washer was working and said they were going to get a new one.) The dryer needed a broomstick wedged into the door and opposite wall to keep it closed.
We arrived at this property late and it was dark and raining. It is very hard to find. Both Google & WAZE take you to the wrong road. The road is not good and we felt bad for our driver who had to negotiate his way around the rocky, rut strewn road. I would hesitate to use a rental car on this road.
We have rented with VBRO/Home Away (and other similar rental companies) for years and been to many countries. We have never written such a negative review. This was the most expensive place we rented on this trip. It was to be our “splurge”.
Now, there were some good points. The beds were okay, although, king beds would be a bonus. The pool is marvellous and is well-maintained. The trees and vegetation that surround the property make you feel like you’re in an oasis in the forest. We saw birds and animals including Macaws, monkeys, hummingbirds, and many others right from the house’s expanse of windows and outdoor deck. Communication with Rahel was exceptional. He got back to us quickly every time we sent a note. He arranged for a shuttle driver to take us to our next location and allowed us to check out late. This area of Costa Rica is a jewel and well worth the visit. The people are kind and friendly. We walked almost everywhere and always felt safe. I’m certain with time and attention, this property can be the “luxury” villa it claims to be.
Michele B.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2020