I really wanted to like this place more – the owner. Miguel is a top-notch fellow – but let’s face it: it’s not for everyone. On the plus side: it’s very inexpensive. It’s also kept very clean, something a lot of other places can’t claim. Miguel is knowledgeable and very helpful, he knows all! Just ask! I LOVED having a Foosball table for entertainment. The location is both a plus and minus – it’s off the beaten path and very tough to find, esp. at night, but is close to everything and quiet at night. The cottages themselves are quaint and eco-friendly. The breakfast is $3 extra, but worth it – however, it is the same thing every day (eggs, toast, fruit, OJ, rice & beans).
BUT… the cottages themselves are Spartan and barren. Yes, there’s no air conditioning but you won’t need it here. The décor – ay caramba! The wall paint is lime green, there is no wardrobe, closet or drawers, no pictures on the wall, no clock, radio or TV. The bathroom has no place to put your toiletries except for the toilet top. The shower was Ok on my first day, but gradually more stingy with the hot water. I gave up on it on the last morn. The bed has thin sheets and no mattress cover. There are no hangers to hang wet clothes on in the bedroom – but that’s OK, they won’t dry in this climate anyway (ha-ha!), And oh yes: The bugs that sneak in if you’re not careful are big enough to split the rent. Some were assisted by a 1” gap under my door that could let in any bug (or worse) - I had to put a towel up to that.
Other minor gripes:
light in the bathroom is not good enough for shaving or applying makeup.
Miguel charges an extra 10% for credit cards (bring cash!).
There is no refrigerator (common or in-room), and NO ICE available, a major hassle for beer drinkers like me.
That said: after my first night here, I was OK with it, I was very rarely in the room anyway. This is a GREAT value, but If you need lots of pampering, TV, iPod chargers and room service, this isn’t the place for you. And Miguel rocks!
TIPS: Don’t even think of staying here without driving an SUV. You could walk if you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. Good luck with that, I gave every pedestrian I could a ride – do the same!
Bring a hair dryer - Not so much for your hair, but to dry your clothes. You will get wet in this rain forest climate sooner or later, guaranteed!
You MUST do the Costa Rica Sky Adventures zip line – unbelievable and worth every penny!!!
AVOID: the Cerro Chato hike (very strenuous, and not worth $10, since there is no view at the top, and the crater lake is almost unreachable without ropes, etc. ), and La Fortuna Catarata (nice, but $9 just to see a waterfall?!).