I've just returned from Costa Rica and had the great pleasure of staying at the Casa Bella Rita B&B for six nights. I would highly recommend this B&B to anyone coming to the San Jose area.
I feel quite lucky to have learned about it from family living in the area, and also five family members who stayed at Casa Bella Rita in May.

To say this B&B is beautiful is an understatement! The setting is exotic, with a lovely pool, palm trees, flowers everywhere, and a breathtaking view overlooking a canyon - an artist's inspiration!
The house is elegant, yet homey and comfortable. I loved my room with its view of the front garden. It had every amenity including fresh flowers.

Steve and Rita were a wonderful host and hostess who have created something quite special. They are very warm and congenial and I felt right at home. They go out of their way to help with touring plans, and as an extra bonus provide transportation to/from the airport.

I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. I am already thinking of returning and staying at the Casa Bella Rita!!

We selected this B&B based on past reviews from tripadvisor.com. There were so many glowing reviews that I questioned if it could live up to them. I quickly realized it not only lived up to the reviews but exceeded our expectations. There is a reason they are number one.

We stayed the week of June 9th and miss it already.


Hotel:

We stayed in the Heliconia Bedroom which is off the main courtyard. It is separate from the main house and was spacious. All rooms have their own private baths and AC. We only used the AC one night. The windows kept it cool the rest of the time. There is a beautiful courtyard outside the Heliconia room, we feel asleep most nights listening to the fountain. The room was always spotless and we had fresh flowers daily. The honor bar was always well stocked with drinks and yummy snacks.


Location:

The location is perfect since it is a great center point. It is close to anything you need but you do not have to deal with all of the city noises. . The San Jose airport and city are approx 15-20 minutes away. . We were able to do day trips to all of the major sites. There are also popular restaurants close by. Although traveling for fun, I would still recommend this to any business travelers. You will find what you need and again it is close to everything. We loved that the airport pick up and drop off service was included. There was no hassle. Steve was waiting for us (even after our flight was an hour late).



Hosts: Steve and Rita are amazing. They make you feel right at home and helped make our trip a blast. They work very hard to make sure your experience is nothing less than excellent. You cannot find service like this anymore. Both are knowledge on everything Costa Rica. If they do not know, they will find out for you. They are great at listening to your needs and customizing your trip for you.



Rita acted as our travel agent and provided numerous options for our travel needs. She has up to date information including trip descriptions, duration, price, mode of transportation etc. She has done her research on what tour companies/private drivers are the best. We had great experiences with everyone they referred us to. They only work with reputable businesses/people. We always felt safe and comfortable.



We used a private driver for three of the four days we were there. We liked being the master of our schedule. This allowed us to take our time, see what we wanted to see, and come back when we wanted to. Our guide, Luis, spoke English and was great to have with us. He helped translate when needed as well. He knew of spots (hot springs, restaurants) the tours do not take you to. If you want to avoid tourist traps and see the real Costa Rica, go with Luis. My husband and I highly recommend hiring Luis for all of your travel needs. It is well worth it and his prices are reasonable. I cannot say enough about him.



Breakfast:

This deserves its own paragraph. I promise you will never leave the breakfast table hungry. Steve always provided fruit bowl, coffee, juice and hot gourmet breakfast. You get to have breakfast on the patio overlooking the amazing canyon. It does not get better than this. An example of breakfast would be an omelet or pancakes. Oh my.. So good...



Steve and Rita thank you again for an amazing stay!

Joe and Mary

Not much can be said that hasn't been said already.

Steve and Rita were great hosts. A previous reviewer was on the ball when they mentioned that Steve and Rita were great at keeping just the right distance. Attentive when needed, giving you space when you're relaxing. Etc.

I really enjoyed Steve's assistance with restaurant picks. Chicharones.... yummy. One night we actually ended up making burritos... between blackouts.

They made great recommendations for local site seeing, and were very helpful.

If we spend more time in San Jose, we will definitely be making a call to Casa Bella Rita.

Steve and Rita, hope you guys have come down off your caffeine buzz..... 7 lbs of coffee. That takes perseverance!

This a great place to stay. Not only is the B&B very comfortable, the scenery is fabulous, you overlook a very deep forested canyon. There were parrots, hummingbirds and other exotic birds flying in the canyon, my wife was thrilled by the hummingbirds. Steve and Rita are wonderful hosts and very pleasent people. The breakfast they serve are outstanding and very tasty. The frest fruit is delicious and the Costa Rica coffee was superb!
Casa Bell Rita is centrally located in San Jose and a good starting point for all your day trips. They have a driver, Luis who is very knowledgeable of Costa Rica and speaks perfect english.
The layout of the B&B is well done, with two large siting areas to rest and enjoy the canyon view. The bedrooms are large and spacious. During our time there we stayed in two of the rooms.
With all the amenities that are available, it is Steve and Rita who add that certain quailty that makes this B&B such a nice place to stay. My wife and I have stayed in many B&Bs in a number of countries, and have marked this place very high on our list of great places to stay. I would not hesitate to stay in this B&B again if and when we ever go back to Costa Rica.

John and Mary