Arrival, Stay, and Departure FAQs

Arrival

How do I make a reservation?

The easiest way to make a reservation is to click "Book Now". Or feel free to call us at 614-638-6265. When making your reservation, we require 30% of the total rent to be prepaid, with the remaining balance being due 90 days prior to check-in, which is non-refundable at that time.

When is check-in time?

Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m. You will not have access to the unit until or after that time. We reserve the right to extend check in time to 6:00 PM due to cleaning or maintenance, however this is very rare.

How will I receive my confirmation and key / arrival information?

All confirmation and arrival information will be sent via email. You will receive the reservation confirmation email within 24 hours of making your reservation. You will receive a second email with final confirmation and arrival instructions after your final payment has been applied to the reservation, 90 days from arrival. If you do not receive these emails please contact our office.

Is the property I see on your website the actual one I stay in?

Yes, the property you see on this website is the property which is for rent.

How many people are allowed to stay in the unit?

We have made the unit available for a maximum of 10 guests. There are 4 bedrooms, with 5 queen beds.

What personal items should I consider bringing to the condo?

Most of the necessities for an extended stay are provided, but personal things such as preferred laundry detergent, shampoo and soaps are a few of the recommended items for you to purchase upon your arrival. There is a Super Massia grocery store just a few minutes drive in Flamingo.

What is the change/cancellation policy?

If you change your reservation there is a $25 fee for any change. No changes can be made within 90 days of your arrival. If you cancel your reservation prior to 90 days before your arrival you will receive a full refund minus a $295.00 cancellation fee. A cancellation within 90 days of your arrival will result in a loss of all monies. All cancellations must be confirmed in writing.

What if I notice damage issues upon entry of the unit?

Please be sure to notify us within 24 hours of any issues found at the property by calling Lucy at +506 85060644, otherwise you may be charged for unreported damage found by inspectors upon your departure.

Can I get travel insurance?
We all know unexpected things can happen. And optional vacation Rental Insurance provides peace of mind coverage for the loss of prepaid, non-refundable expenses due to certain unforeseeable circumstances that may jeopardize your vacation investment, and force you to incur unplanned expenses. Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage is available for events such as:

  • sickness or injury of yourself, family member or traveling companion
  • flight delays due to adverse weather
  • interruptions of road service
  • terrorist acts
  • and mandatory evacuations

A plan can also include other valuable coverages such as Medical and Dental, Baggage, and Emergency Assistance and Transportation in addition to useful services such as identity theft, concierge and 24/7/365 emergency assistance. Additional terms and conditions apply; please read Descriptions of Coverage/Policies and contact Generali Global Assistance at 866-999-4018 to assist with questions and purchasing your travel insurance.

Review a Description of Coverage / Insurance Policy

Stay


What if I have a question while I am at the house?

You will be provided with our contact information and our staff are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and our office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Is laundry conveniently located?

Yes, laundry can conveniently be done in the dedicated laundry room in the home. Use of the washer and dryer is free of charge.

How do I dispose of trash?

Trash can be disposed of into receptacles outside of the house.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed. A penalty of $200 will be charged if any evidence is found.

Is there a fully equipped kitchen in the unit?

Yes, the unit has a fully equipped kitchen, including, but not limited to:

  • Full Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee Maker
  • Pots & Pans and Other Cooking Utensils
  • Dishes, Glassware, Mugs and Silverware

Are towels, linens and supplies provided?

There are ample towels and linens provided in the home. All bedding is provided. To ensure you are comfortable when you arrive you will also have been provided with an initial stock of paper towels, toilet paper, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, dish detergent and laundry detergent. We do not provide any additional supplies, so please purchase them if you need more. 

What about the supplies in the kitchen?

We have done our best to stock the kitchen with everything you might need. Our cleaning staff will leave spices, coffee and other non-perishable items left from previous guests, but these will not necessarily be stocked, so please check for these items before you go grocery shopping.

How many TV's are there?

There are four ROKU TV's — one in the main room, and one in each of the upstairs bedrooms — which in addition to getting normal cable, also feature "apps" such as YouTube, Netflix, HULU, and others. 

Are there any rules regarding the pool to be aware of?

We have a beautiful pool and pool grounds; please just remember to dry off before re-entering the house, and for drinks, please use a plastic cup or bottle. No glass at the pool.

Is the home cleaned daily?

The home is cleaned and sanitized before your arrival, and after your departure. A mid stay cleaning can be scheduled to accommodate your schedule. The fee will depend on the condition of the home at the time of service.

Anything about the air conditioning?

Let's do the green thing for Costa Rica! Please make sure to turn off the A/C every time you leave the unit. Also, try to keep temperature between 24°-25° C/ 75°-77°F that is the optimal temperature for the machine's good performance.

  • For drinks, please use a plastic cup or bottle. NO GLASS at the pool

Is there a list of grocery stores?

From closest to farthest:

Playa Flamingo

  • Super Massai in Flamingo. Our favorite. Very close, and good selection of all products.
  • China Super in Brasilito
  • Super Economico at the Brasilito Bridge
  • Merkdo in Surfside on the main strip

Villa Real and Potrero

  • Both have larger fruit & vegetable stands
  • Farmers Markets Saturdays 8-1pm Tamarind Farmers Market (near Banco
    Nacional)

Conchal Area

  • Super Conchal (In Brasilito)
  • Pali in Huacas

Tamarindo

  • Mega Super, on the road to Tamarindo, fair prices
  • Maxi Pali - on the way to Tamarindo. Owned by Walmart. Affordable
  • Auto Mercado - "American" grocery store - on the way to Tamarindo

Where is a good place for souvenir shopping?

  • Souvenir shop in Plaza Flamingo, above Marie's restaurant. Good selection. Fair prices.
  • Sea Star Souvenirs, Brasilito 2654-5450
  • Souvenir shops on the square in Brasilito
  • Dozens of stores will be found in Tamarindo Area

What about restaurants?

Of course, the internet is a great place to learn more about each restaurant and see their menus, however here are some favorite nearby choices:

Potrero Area

  • La Forketa - +506 2215-0226 - Italian, wood oven pizzas, homemade pastas, juicy steaks, located on the main road
  • Cafe del Sol - +506 2573-4233 Three story cafe with bakery, american seafood, central american. We love the cashew nut chicken dish & cheese cake here. Located across from Bahia del Sol on the corner. Has billiards and live music in the high season.
  • French Bakery - located on top of MerKado. Opens 7:30am with fresh croissants, breads, and other baked goods.
  • Bahia del Sol Nasu Restaurant /+506 2654-4671. Seafood and International cuisine offered in a resort setting located right on the beach.
    You can swim in their pool if dining here.
  • The Sailing Center / +506 2654-6056 Right on Potrero beach, across from Bahia del Sol, popular hangout among locals, has a pool to use, rents out all kinds of water equipment and boats, often has evening bonfires.
  • The Shack / +506 654-6038. Open Breakfast, Lunch, Supper. Live music and dining, located off of the main road in Surfside. Open late
  • Fat Daddy's, just east of Bahia del Sol, American, Asian, Seafood, Sushi, Thai, vegetarian friendly. Has a pool you can swim in to cool off
  • El Garden - located beside the Brewery. Has several "fast food" options like Hawaiin Poke Bowls, Bagels, Pizza, Meat on a Stick, etc.
  • Apps & Taps - opening Jan 2020 - located where Maxwell's used to be on Avenida Tres (turn right at Perla's).
  • Potrero Grill - great steaks and pizzas - located on Narania
  • The Beach House - 2654-6203. Beachfront restaurant with amazing views of Potrero Bay.
  • The howler whisky - Nice Bar and cocktails. Has a pool / +506 8576-6080
  • Surf Box / +506 8349-9773. Great spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They never disappoint!
  • Coco Loco / +506 2654-6242. Beachfront, casual dining with sensational sunset views.
  • Camparino / +506 4700-5399. Amazing wood fired pizza and homemade pastas.
  • Angelina's / + 506 2654-4839. High-end dining with pasta, pizza, meat and seafood located in the Plaza Flamingo on the top.
  • Amigos Tacos & Beer - Fast food tacos and margaritas. Next to Super Flamingo going up the North hill.
  • Marie's Restaurant - +506 2654-4133. Local hangout with a great breakfast, located in the Plaza Flamingo.
  • Restaurante Pleamar - is located at the bend in the road heading towards Flamingo. Soda. Affordable local food.
  • Estero Azul Soda - 2654-4607. Serving seafood and typical food at the Flamingo. This is our favourite soda. Fresh, good portion sizes. We love the casados. Located down the gravel road at the bend to Flamingo (turn right at Pleamar).
  • Alo Nico's - 2654-4008. Awesome place for breakfast or lunch
    Closes at 3pm. Salads, sandwiches, casados, crepes. 400m south of BCR
  • Gracia at Mar Vista - 6110-1687. Amazing fusion food and great cocktails with stunning views. Has a pool you can swim in. Closed Mondays.
  • Scooters Chillin' & Grillin' - 8727-4731. Located on the top of the Mariner Inn in Flamingo. Serves smoked meats, local craft beer. Closed Tuesdays
  • La Locanda Restaurant - same mall as BCR. Has Italian and Middle Eastern food
  • Margaritaville Beach Resort Hotel Restaurants - all open to the public. Nightly they have live music upstairs at the restaurant on the beachfront.
  • Shogun - Oriential cuisine - Chinese, Filipino, Sushi, Japanese, etc. Located near Banco Nacional

Brasilito Area

  • Patagonia del Mar - Argentinian grill and sushi. Has a pool / +506 8800-0005
  • La vid - Italian Restaurant. Great pizza and salads / +506 6110-1687
  • Masala - Indian Restaurant /+506 2654 -4125
  • Papaya at Hotel Conchal - + 506 2654-9125. High-end cuisine, seafood and steaks.
  • Deli cafe - Nice Coffee shop and great bakery. Right at the corner where Patagonia del Mar is located.
  • Don Brasilito - 2654-5310. Bar atmosphere, serving Mexican food and pizza.
  • Soda Brasilito - 2654-5597. Cheapest meal around for some of the best typical foods. Local food. Casados 2500-3200 colones.
  • Lica 2Locos Smoothies- Awesome fresh fruit smoothies. Open mid-morning until early evening.

What about tipping in restaurants?

Pursuant to Costa Rica Law, all restaurants charge 10% automatically on your bill for service. This percentage is shared among ALL restaurant employees. If you have been extra pleased with your service, some people choose to add on an additional 5-10% gratuity. This will go directly to your server. Remember, there is a sales tax (13%) and a tip (10%) already on the bill, so when you tip extra it is usually done on the subtotal, and not on the 23%.

What about the drinking water?

The water in Potrero is supplied by Surfside Asada, and yes, is good and drinkable! In fact, you can drink the tap water in Costa Rica safely in almost every part of the country. In some rural areas, such as the Caribbean, and in non-touristy places, you may choose to stick with bottled water. We suggest you refill your water bottles to save the environment. 

Where are the banks nearby?

  • Banco de Costa Rica, Playa Flamingo - 2654-4984 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
  • Banco Nacional, Playa Flamingo - 2654-5950 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.)

Where can I exchange money?

If you want to exchange US to colones, the best place to do that is at one of the 2 banks that are located in Playa Flamingo, above (Banco Nacional, BCR). You will need your passport. When you enter the bank, take a ticket and wait your turn. The ATM will give you US or colones.

Where is a nearby Church Service?

  • Beach Community Church, English speaking, nondenominational Christian church service 10am Sunday mornings. Live worship band, message, and Sunday School for children

Where is a nearby Post Office?

  • Villarreal on the way to Tamarindo, 2653-0676 or 800-900-2000

Where can I order flowers?

  • Floristeria Cristal, Huacas. Flowers for any occasion, and they deliver. 2653-8762 (floristeriacristal@yahoo.es)


Departure

When is check-out time and how do we check out?

Check-out time is 10AM and you are expected to leave the property free of excess laundry, dishes and trash. Please lock the units doors, including the terrace doors. Please empty out the refrigerator. Please turn off all lights and fans. Please return keys to where you picked them up. There will be detailed departure instructions in your packet upon arrival. Please make sure all laundry is done, except for last day linens (only one set of towels per person and one set of sheets per bed). Simply place them on the queen bed. Failure to comply with the above may result in additional charges accrued to your security deposit.