| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 3 positive, 0 negative]
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| 11/01/09 |
Positive
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When I look for a hotel, my first priority is that the room have some outside access, like a porch, lanai, or patio. After a day of sightseeing I want to relax at my hotel, yet still enjoy the outdoors. Shelter From the Storm provided the most wonderful outdoor access I have ever found in 40 years of travel! This little boutique hotel has only 4 private villas, but each one has a dramatic view of the ocean below, and each is surrounded by lush primary growth jungle! The setting is simply incredible! We stayed at the smallest and least expensive villa, Baja Las Rocas, which has a large veranda with a gorgeous view of Coronado and the Oso Penninsula. We could see and hear the waves crashing on the rocks below. And the surrounding jungle is full of birds and monkeys. From our veranda we saw troops of monkeys swing past through the trees, huge blue butterflies flutter slowly by, a lone sloth slowly feeding. We saw more wildlife from our veranda and from the pool area than we did in 3 weeks at National Parks!
The villa was immaculate and was furnished with beautifully hand-crafted furniture. The bed was very comfortable and the large tiled bathroom had a huge walk-in shower. There was even a fully equipped kitchenette. The pool area was lovely and quiet, with a covered rancho area with a gas grill and bar for the guests. This was not your normal luxury hotel, with a nice room but crowds of people, traffic noise, and a few exotic flowers planted about. Staying at Shelter From the Storm was a unique experience.
The owners Daryl and Donna were very friendly and helpful. They showed us around the other villas, which were even more incredible, with full sized gourmet kitchens, huge verandas with great views, and fantastic spacious open-air living areas. Like the other guests we met, we definitely plan on returning, although it’s hard to decide which villa to stay at, since each one is so unique.
This HomeAway Connect ad is a bit confusing, since it only gives the price for renting all 4 villas. I guess you need to ask Daryl and Donna for rates for each individual villa. Not sure what they are currently, but they were really reasonable when we stayed there.
Btw, we looked at other hotels in the area and stayed at several nice hotels in other areas of Costa Rica. They were nice, but just normal hotels. If you want a truly unique experience, try Shelter From the Storm. |
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Anonymous |
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| 09/04/09 |
Positive
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Wow!! My wife and I along with our 9 month old daughter stayed at Shelter from the storm for 5 days this July. It is quite simply STUNNING!!. The location was perfect close to everything and easy to find yet extremely private, we were looking for property in the area and agents who new the area well and came to collect us were blown away time and time again they had no idea shelter from the storm was there. The accommodation is beautifully appointed, maintained and extremely clean. The hospitality that Daryl and Donna give all their guests is second to none. I cannot say enough about Shelter from the storm. A beautiful setting with magnificent views, loads of wildlife and gorgeous pool and honor bar, at cost(yes they want their guests to enjoy themselves its not all about money). We loved it and so will you. This is also a great deal, you would pay way, way more for something similar.
Check it out you won,t regret it.
Cheers Donna and Daryl we will see you soon
Nelson, Michelle and Soliece |
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Nelson and Michelle, Doha
9745276327 |
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| 07/09/09 |
Positive
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Shelter from the Storm offers everything you could ever want in a beautiful setting with spotless villas, views that are hard to tear yourself away from, great pool and the most accomadating owners - Daryl & Donna. It's hard not to constantly use superlatives to describe this place. The drive in is just a couple minutes off the main road, near km marker 151, up a rocky but well-kept road. I would definitely get a 4WD for the area, I used Solid and they provided great rates and service. I stayed in the Monkey House and Villa Las Rocas and would happily stay again in both, they are so well equipped I could live there easily! The welcome basket is such a nice, personal touch and I can't think of a single thing I could for want for that wasn't already provided for. The Monkey House enjoyed visits from the capuchins every morning around 5am and again around 5pm. My favourite activity at both places was just sitting on the deck enjoying the wonderful views, plus visiting with their cats and dogs. Never used the a/c, the breezes were constant and I even found myself a little cool at night. Very few bugs, even at night with the patio light on, bug spray really wasn't needed.
A book is provided with a wealth of info on nearby restaurants and beaches and activities. Do take a trip to the Chef's Table at Villas des las Aves to eat, best to get there before dark to make the leaving easier. La Mancha right up the road also had great food at very decent prices, while across the road La Parcela had great views but expensive drinks. Delicious in Dominical was a great place for breakfast and the Plaza Pacifica was nearby for the atm and groceries.
Rancho La Merced and Hacienda Baru are close by and have very nice hikes and a must-do is the tour to Nauyaca Falls. The main road is in great shape and I would suggest flying into Palmar Sur rather than Quepos if not driving in.
Thanks to Donna & Daryl for their warmth, helpfulness and the extra effort they put into everything. I can't imagine staying anywhere else in the area, it really is that special. I do plan on returning!!
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P Sinclair, St Petersburg, FL
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