8/10 Good
Kym L., Aylesford
11 Mar 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
3⭐️ (but could easily be 5⭐️)
On the 6-hour drive from Osa to Parrita, I discovered our SIM card wasn’t working and I wasn’t able to contact the property manager, Sergio, to give him our ETA. We decided to just use the “prep guide” provided by the owner to find the beach house. The guide gave detailed directions to the house, along with a picture of the property showing a black gate and a large white “El Pelicano” sign, so we had no doubt we’d find it.
We drove up and down that dirt road numerous times not seeing the sign or gate as advertised. We considered that we’d been scammed. We drove back toward Parrita to see if someone could help us. Eventually we got in touch with Sergio who said he’d meet us where we were in 30 minutes to lead us to the house.
Sergio is a blunt, opinionated fellow. We felt properly chastised about not contacting him earlier. Fair enough. He showed us around the house, pointing out a few things, for example only to put about 2 pieces of ice in the blender because he’s had to replace the plastic container part twice already, that the “accessories” on the inside shower (the head and handheld combo) decreases the water pressure, and if the stove doesn’t light with the clicker, we should go buy some matches. When I mentioned there being only one roll of toilet paper in the bathroom, he assured me there was a roll in the outside bathroom as well. We would have to buy more, if we wanted. (Note: there was no TP at all in the outside bathroom.) We don’t hold anything against Sergio for any of these issues, he’s just doing his job to his best ability. When I asked about the gate and sign, he just shrugged it off and indicated the sign had been removed and the gate painted brown. I said the picture should be updated in the “prep guide,” to which he replied that if people contact him, he meets them somewhere and leads them to the house. It seemed a circular conversation.
PROS: The property is lovely. We saw many capuchin monkeys, geckos, crabs, and different birds. The plunge pool is very refreshing. The leaf skimmer, although ripped along the edges, works fine to clear the tiny leaves. The gazebo is welcoming though it could use better lighting for evening reading or game playing.
- Shower water temp/pressure are inconsistent
- The blender is horrible
- Toaster - only 1 burner works
- Supply 2 rolls of TP for each toilet
- Have hand soap in bathroom
- Stock garbage bags
**Contact Sergio AHEAD of time and for ANY issues, not the owner**
Kym L.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023