www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I just returned from a wonderful week in CR and managed to squeeze in an overnighter at Kayas Place in Puerto Viejo on May 4th. I wasn't sure what to expect after reading some of the previous posts on this subject. As it turned out, my stay at Kayas Place was a pleasant surprise.

Along with my good buddy from the States and my favorite Tica from SJ, we spent a fun-filled day in Puerto Viejo before returning to the hustle and bustle of SJ. Our only regret was not allowing ourselves more time to explore the tranquil, laid-back environs of the southern Caribbean coast.

Kayas Place is rustic accommodations...plain and simple...no turn-out service or chocolates left on the pillows. This seems to be typical of the cabinas and jungle lodges in this area. We booked the second floor "Oceanview" rooms overlooking the Caribbean. The rooms are compact with large two-tiered beds that are quite comfortable. A small fan in each room, along with a soft ocean breeze, keep the rooms well-ventilated (although ceiling fans might be a welcomed addition for us hot-blooded gringos). The toilet and shower are co-located in a small, but functional, corner of the quarters...personal privacy is afforded by a single curtain drawn across the entrance to the bathroom. Outside each room on the balcony, is a hammock and a large wicker couch, for those of us who enjoy basking in the sultry Caribbean air.

Downstairs, an open-air reception, dining and bar area is a fun place to hang out and chill out. The beach is a mere 20 yards or so across a dusty and somewhat busy road (which is a minor distraction to this idyllic setting). The warm, soothing Caribbean water is another 30 or 40 yard walk across the black sand beach. Free Beach mats are available at the front desk.

Although there is a lot to experience around Puerto Viejo and points south (eg fishing boats, jungle hikes, dolphin and turtle watching, and even cruises to Bocas del Toro, Panama) our time constraints did not allow us to partake in these activities. Our hosts, JT and Sara, were more than happy to make these arrangements for us. They have been in CR for six years and seem to be well networked in this southern Caribbean community. I hope to return in late August to enjoy their hospitality and explore the rest of what this area has to offer.

My stay at Kayas Place in PV was a refreshing alternative to my usual mongering experience in SJ. At $26.50 per night (incl. tax and CRT discount during Green Season), my buddy and I thought Kayas Place was good value. (I was charged an additional $10 for my Tica guest upon arrival). One word of advice, though...BYOT (Bring Your Own Tica). I did not have the opportunity to search for local talent, but a cursory survey revealed limited mongering opportunities. I spotted several good-looking waitresses, shop keepers and young touristas (from Norte America and Euroland), however I am uncertain of how well a middle-aged monger will score with these cuties!

Blue Devil

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Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

BlueDevil,

Now that is what I call an excellent review. While it was overall a very positive review, you pointed plenty of potentially negative aspects that the individual could read and decide if YMMV. It included a far more detailed description of the quality of the room and the immediate environment than I have yet to see elsewhere (e.g. the "bathroom" is a bit unusual, the adequacy of the fans and ventilation etc.). And you included info of particular concern to this crowd such as the added cost for your chica as well as the room itself and the opportunities for local P4P. Very often, I find other reviews here, leave out one or more of those essential elements. There should be more reviews here like this.