First off, let me tell you what the Rancho Armadillo Estate isn't...

1. It's not the Ritz, the Hyatt or even a Hilton. This place is a bit more rustic and there's no room service.
2. It's not a bed and breakfast either. Our room was in a block of three units, each with it's own spacious mountain cable feel inside and a deck and view of Coco Beach just outside the door.
3. It's not a place for people with disabilities or too aged to make it up and down some stairs. The property is built into the side of a hill (near the top so the views are spectacular) with separate buildings for the restaurant/bar, the pool showers /restroom/Observation Deck/Lounge, and guest quarters so you need to be able to negotiate a few, (but not too many) stairs.

The Rancho Armadillo is more like staying with a really cool relative with a truly fantastic place. The atmosphere is casual, trusting and built on the idea that your only job while vacationing in Playa Del Coco is to have a good time.

Rick, the owner/manager/chef, has been there for 9 years and knows just about everything good (and not so good) to do, see and eat in the area and happily makes arrangements for anything you might need. Want a rental car? He had one delivered for no charge to the hotel. Want to go scuba diving? He had the dive master come to the hotel with all the equipment and he took me on a boat dive with just the two of us. And, the diving was right up there with anything I've seen anywhere else in the world.

Rick also helps you sort out the smaller (but also important) details as well. From keeping you from paying too much for a taxi, i.e. "don't pay the cabbie more than $2 for the ride to and from town" to sorting you out on the fact that vacationers can drink the water anywhere in Playa Del Coco without worrying about getting sick (he was right).

My wife and I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed Rick's hospitality during our time in Costa Rica and hope that you will tell him we said hello if you decide to visit him as well.

Pura Vida!

Rayce

We booked three suites for our family of seven during the week following Christmas. The place was amazing and we all had the most awesome time. From the minute we arrived, Rick and Debbie made us feel like we were visiting a friend of a friend. They made everyone feel at home and comfortable at this beautiful estate. We took their advice and booked all recommended activities ranging from renting a boat and snorkeling, to horseback riding, to the canopy tour. Everything was fun, adventurous and gave us an opportunity to really experience Costa Rica. We would also recommend having Rick create one of his gourmet meals for you. The food was outstanding and the atmosphere made it even more special. I would say that the only drawback with staying at Rancho Armadillo is ever having to book a vacation to another destination. This is a tough act to follow.

We spent five days at the Rancho Armodillo and Rick and Debbie made us very welcome. Nothing was too much trouble and Rick was full of advice and guidance to help us make the most of our time in Costa Rica. This included helping us with our itinerary after we left! The pool and its surroundings are sublime. The breakfast perfect! When we return to Costa Rica it will be difficut not to make our way to the Rancho Armodillo!

Stayed for 4 nights in January. Rick & Debbie were friendly and helpful hosts & helped us make the most of our stay in Coco.

Just like staying with a pretty cool relative.

Would love to return.

Thanks guys.