Have you ever booked a vacation rental and upon arrival are totally disappointed because the amenities that were promised didn’t exist? That’s what happened to us when we booked and prepaid for Casa Galivan, the place had been misrepresented by the owners on the posting. After voicing our disappointment of all the amenities that didn’t exist I notice the website has been updated. But note, there is still is no hammock on the beach.
My husband and I spent the better part of a day repairing screens, they should be good for awhile. (After an infestation of flying beetles I wasn’t prepared to continue on without doing something about it. There is no screen way up top in the front but there doesn’t seem to be lots of bugs coming in up there). The toilet should also be ok for awhile after tree roots were removed from the pipes and tank. That was day 5 and 6 of our visit. Must say I was disappointed when the owner didn’t respond to my request for cleaning supplies to deal with disinfecting after the sewage backup! And then there were the hammocks on the deck. My husband landed on the ground the one day due to the rotten rope. It’s ok now that he has replaced some of the ropes, but who knows for how long. You fix as you go with whatever you can scrounge or buy in town. The one set of sheets that you get for the bed are thread bear and ours had little cigarette burn holes. Yeah, they work, but... And a majority of the towels were stained, just saying. You don’t expect the same quality as a five star hotel, especially down in the Osa, but I’m just letting you know what to expect. Better to go in with your eyes open.
What became very evident throughout our stay was once the owner was paid up front for the rental he couldn’t care a less. Renter beware! Note: there are some really nice properties in the vicinity if you search, nicer locations as well. We met people along the way that had much better experiences than we did at Casa Galivan! (And their price point was about the same)
As for “wildlife galore”, birds yes, wildlife (?) on premises, not in our 18 nights!
All bookings are direct with the owner 