David is a super nice host and we had great communication for everything we needed help.

Perfectly located if u have a long trip to go back to San Jose . Cut your trip and stay one nite at David's home (1 hour from San Jose) His studio is 1100 sf( 100 m2!)!! Very large very quiet secluded back if the property. Place is very clean. Extremely comfortable , David has thought of every detail . It is close from great restaurants u can reach by car(5 mns) And lastly David is wonderful Thank you David ! You rock, man!

David's place was extremely roomy. Met our expectations. He is a great host! His easygoing personality made us feel welcome. I wish we could have stayed longer. He showed us some pretty cool spots and made sure we made the most of our time in Orotina.

David was a very attentive host and had a great knack for detail. He greeted us warmly and even agreed to rescue us when we became lost:-) Inside the home he thoughtfully supplied us with bottled water and fresh melons grown localy!!! This was espically kind (the primary reason we chose to come to Costa Rica was our wanting to experience the delecious fruits known only in this part of the world). David's home was very clean and spacious. The bathroom area was great, plenty of hot water and a very modern design. We really liked the open feel of the home and the entire windowed wall made it look and feel as though we were in the courtyard amongst the mango trees:-) PLUS, the bed was comfortable, the cable worked, we had wifi connection, we were able to cook within the kitchen and WE HAD AIRCONDITIONING! Now obviously no one comes to this lush & lovely land to sit around inside a home, but we unfortunately & severely underestimated the power of the sun, (only 3 days into our 8 day tour) and therefore became extremely limited in our ability to move, hindering our travel plans quite and bit. To our great delight, we were able to attend La Iglesia De Jesucristo De Los Santos De Los Ultimos Dias, where nearly everyone in the chapel greeted us with either a handshake or to my surprise, a hug & kiss:-) We absolutely recommend this home & also recommend booking your tour through a knowledgeable guide, such as David. There is simply so much to see in this area that may be overlooked by someone unexperienced like ourselves. This home is close to shopping, resreraunts, the park and church:-) 100% Great Job!

David's place is really comfy, it was hard to leave! The space is new, furniture and appliances too, which was great because I like to cook. AC worked great and shower lets you choose your exact temperature! The best was David's membership access to Punta Leona. For a few extra $$ we got to enter a secluded private beach club on a beautiful white, sand beach about 20 min. from house. Awesome because there are showers and a restaurant right there so you don't have to move around looking for food or feel sticky traveling back to lodging. The water there is also really calm, which I prefer as I'm not a great swimmer and elsewhere in CR there are strong rip tides. So happy I found this place, it's going to be my escape from the city!

Great help from David

The Appartment is very clean, a lot of space and with a fully equipped kitchen. The family is very friendly and gave us fresh fruits and water. I can highly recommend this casa.

I needed a quiet place in a strategic location to spend a couple of days working and David's place fit the bill perfectly. The flat is spacious, clean, well equipped and in a nice quiet location despite its proximity to the highway. David communicated well with respect to arrival and check-in and was really helpful when we had a little wifi glitch in the morning of my first day there.

This is an absolute steal. Walter and Carol are great hosts, and they have a great place. The cabina is a great fit for a couple (but not more people) with a bed, living/dining room and bathroom. The BBQ area and pool are also great. This is a great choice for anyone looking for a place to stay in Atenas.

Carol & Walter are the best hosts we've ever had. Knowing that we were moving to Arenas in a month, they actually found us the perfect place for our needs. They greeted us with a beer and we immediately felt welcomed and relaxed. They even drove us around to look at other potential options. Their casita was wonderful. The kitchen stocked thoughtfully, the bed and couch were so comfortable; you won't find a better home away from home than Casa del Rio. Thank you so much Carol and Walter. Hope to see you again soon!

Great place to have some rest, you can hear birds at morning. Carol & Walter were very welcoming.

Great experience with Walter and Carol. They're engaging, friendly, interesting people who know the area well and are gracious, helpful hosts. Their dog, Maya, is very chill -- playful if you want to play with her, but quiet and easy-going. The grounds at the house are beautiful, with butterflies, hummingbirds, and parakeets everywhere. I enjoyed the house's location in the central highlands. You're close enough to the main highways that it's easy to drive to the airport or the beach. It's 60-90 driving minutes away from a lot of interesting sites -- Poás, La Paz Waterfall Garden, Zoo Ave, Carrara National Park, Jaco, etc. It's about 5-10 minutes from the house to the town of Atenas, which looks pretty ramshackle the first time you head in, but is full of a lot of nice people and some of the best restaurants I enjoyed during my two weeks in Costa Rica. Great experience and exactly what I signed up for -- thanks!

Staying at Walter and Carol was more like visiting long time friends than with strangers. They are extremely gracious hosts and what might have just been a vacation into a cultural experience. We rank them so much and I'm sure we will keep in touch as friends.

We booked this place based on the location and the comments and let me say that it didn't let us down. Since before booking Walter was available for any question !! And since the first da of being there we felt like home! The Casita is perfect and the hosts are amazing! Always there if we needed something and always ready to help us!! We left costa rica with amazing memories and even more amazing friends! !! Definitely coming back! Ps. Carol makes a delicious cheesecake ;))) I recommend the Casita to everyone! You will not regret it! Big thank you to Walter, Carol and let's not forget about Maya she is the cutest!!! Pura Vida!!!!!!

Walter and Carol are fantastic hosts and made us feel at home from the start, especially helpful for us to learn the finer points of Costa Rican living! Providing invaluable advice with all aspects of getting around the area, shopping and traditions, they treated us as family, making our transition to living here as smooth as possible. Whether it was taking us to neighborhood wedding and birthday celebrations or meeting other "expats", we always knew they had our best interests at heart. Anyone planning a visit should take advantage of their exceptional knowledge and experience with the local culture and customs. We really enjoyed staying in their very well equipped and comfortable guest house (casita), with its open spaces and large screened windows. Even when the weather was hot, it was always pleasant there. Weekly maid service and the use of their laundry room was a bonus. We were particularly fond of their beautiful landscaping, covered picnic area (rancho) and especially their lovely pool and deck. Many hours were spent relaxing in the hammocks and pool area, watching for hummingbirds and toucans in the extensive vegetation around the property, even picking mangoes and limes from their trees. The city of Atenas has a good selection of restaurants and shopping, home to a sizeable expat community, with plenty of opportunities for socializing. It is well situated between San Jose and many other traveler destinations, with the beaches near Jaco less than 2 hours away. Although some neighborhood stores are close walking distance and taxi/bus travel is relatively easy, recommend renting a car if you plan much travel outside Atenas. Most importantly is the wonderful relationship we have with Walter & Carol, who have become dear friends! Friendly and cheerful, they graciously included us in their lives, at the same time giving us our "space". A special treat was sampling Carol's fantastic cooking creations! We look forward to continuing our relationship with these great hosts and highly recommend them to anyone wanting to experience real Costa Rican living!

You will not meet friendlier hosts than Carol & Walter, who are laid back and very easy to get along with. They go out of their way to help and the little house is clean, well equipped and situated in a quiet and colorful garden.

I don't want to tell your about this place I want to keep it for myself! Everything about the stay was excellent. Vera & Lara are wonderful hosts. The apartment is excellent & being able to sit on the balcony in the morning & watch the birds in the trees around was spectacular. The house has lovely grounds to walk in also. The views from your balcony & the main house are superb. The swimming pool is really nice also. The climate in Atenas was once voted the best in the world. I could go on but I think you get the picture. Nigel

Vera was exceptional as host. Gave me not only a tour of her place but also a drive through of Atenas to let me see where things were re: banks, an excellent grocery store, etc. Vera and Lara provided extra insights and were extremely helpful my whole stay which was not long enough. I would definitely return ! Do note that the town center is pretty far walking distance but taxis are easy to get an Vera was very helpful for this service as well

Atenas is a multicultural town that will make you feel like you are at home. My wife and I stayed at La Casita which is a cozy apartment over looking the valley. Vera was a great host, always looking after and trying to help us out with our stay in Costa Rica, she was very motherly to us. Their connection to Katia (taxi driver) is fantastic. Katia's prices were reasonable and she would go an extra mile to help you with your commute. Our experience at La Casita was more than we expected, a perfect place to relax. We only hope to come back again with our family in the future.

We stayed at this listing for 11 nights and had a good experience. The inside of the property is as shown in the pictures, very tidy and clean. While the couch provided is pretty basic and not too comfortable, the bed is lovely, and provides for a very good night's sleep. The kitchen utilities are sufficient to make pretty much whatever you would like. The gym was well-stocked for your workout, and we enjoyed using that, and the pool looks very nice, but note that it's attached directly to the host's house, not yours or somewhere in the middle. Our favourite part of the day was waking up early early in morning (around 5) and watching and listening to the birds chirp and fly about. We were able to see several tropical and colourful birds, including some toucans! The outside surroundings and the views of the jungle area are better than the pictures provided. Be aware, as it's the jungle, there are plenty of mosquitos and bugs at night, so be prepared for that, but thankfully, the listing is very well sealed, so that you don't have many bugs coming into the house. Vera was extremely helpful with anything we asked, including driving us to the grocery store for food, arranging to buy a SIM card, and arranging transportation with a friend of theirs from the airport to this listing, and from this listing to Jaco Beach. Overall, I would recommend this listing if you're looking to get a taste of the Costa Rican jungle.

To say that Vera (and daughter Lara) are welcoming is a total understatement! Not only did we immediately feel like 'family' but the extra touches were over and above: fresh chicken eggs, sharing special goodies from Brazil, and 'big' towels for my oversize hub. She's also worked wonders on this beautiful property - leaving nothing wanting: like walking sticks for the many trails, a laundry line to dry wet bathing suits. About the place and space: clean, well-kept and not a bug in sight. Humming birds were our visitors every day. Amazing views from the room and from the pool. Vera had answers to all our questions: supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations.

The name of this home says it all. Paradise. This home has everything you need for a 2 day stay or a 6 month stay. It is Costa Rica living at the paradise level. The rental casitas are on an estate built into the side of a hill overlooking the central valley. Also on the property are the owner's and caretaker's home and multiple hiking trails. Complete modern gym, laundry and covered parking. None of this matters when you see the views. Whether morning coffee on the deck listening to monkeys and watching toucans to gazing over the valley from the pool with flocks of parrots, herds of guinea fowl and large birds of prey the views are awe inspiring. The views from the trails that criss cross up and down the property is breathtaking. Staying with Vera is like visiting your favorite aunt. Listen to her stories and follow her advise and make your stay even better. Vera is a lovely person from Brazil that helps make your stay fantastic. The best way to describe my experience at Vera and Lara's? They said there was a television. I wouldn't know. I never had any desire to look at television. I sat on the deck or in the pool and watched nature's show. I would recommend Vera and Lara's place to any one and everyone. This was a fantastic experience.

Vera & Lara have an amazing place. I only met Vera and she was very nice. The home was just as pictured and beautiful. If I stayed in that area again it would for sure be there!

Wonderfull!! What a (URL HIDDEN) is really paradise!!! We got our own little house with a nice balcony and an incredible view. The house was really clean and the kitchen had everything we needed. It was all amazing!! Also there was a really beautiful garden well-maintained with trails and even a look out point. We could use the pool and that is luxury! Vera and Lara were excellents hosts. Really nice people. It is nice to meet people like that!! So....if you are in this area that is for sure, the place to be! Highly recommended!! Vera. Bedankt voor de enorme gastvrijheid. We voelden ons echt thuis, misschien tot binnenkort.

Joe and Liz'a place was nice, clean and peaceful. We were able to visit many wonderful places from this central location. Evenings sitting on the patio watching the sunset were wonderful.

We had friendly, helpful and prompt information before we arrived and Ana and Norman, the managers, met us as agreed at San Ramon, which saved us trying to find the apartment. It is spotlessly clean with a very well equipped kitchen, lounge with TV, good internet and a comfortable bed. The views are stunning, across hills of coffee, right down to the sea at Puntarenus. The sunsets and cloud formations are beautiful. Unfortunately it was too windy for us to sit on the chairs outside to appreciate the view from there. There is safe parking in front of the door. It is very convenient to drive into San Ramon and about 45 minutes to the nearest beach. Also for exploring the hills around.

I stayed here with my wife and two young girls in April 2017. The location was good, a 10 minute walk into Atenas, along pavement most of the way. The apartment is set within a three storey block of apartments, all very friendly and quiet, occupied by both expats and Ticos, never busy. The apartments are set within bigger grounds that the children liked exploring. The pool and pool area are excellent, girls loved the slide and my wife and I were able to swim lengths (pool has a 25m lane!) There are two friendly employees on site, Rudy and Andrea, who were always on hand for questions or problems. We organised car hire through them, and also found out about amenities in Atenas. They will also come and do housekeeping on request. Apartment was very clean, spacious for a small family, nice view from balcony. We also used TV, Internet, aircon, Washing machine, hob, microwave, coffee machine - no problems. Simply excellent value.

The apartments are ok. a bit out dated but for Costa Rica still really nice. the place if for sale and the owner is not there, has really nice care takers, you must speak Spanish other wise nothing can be arranged as they only speak Spanish. The resort is in a minimum maintenance state, the pool is nice, the waterslide was turned on once during our 12 days there. not many guests around in March which is nice. We had to leave early as we had people downstairs who smoked on the balcony, I am asthmatic we could not stay longer. Also if everybody runs the A/C its is really loud. The view is really nice. the main road is going past the property and the cars and trucks starting at 5.30 am until 11 pm endless traffic and very noisy at times. There is no cleaning service available, and you need to maybe buy some stuff for the kitchen if you start cooking. we bought some good knives and a scissor. The washing machine is perfect. Bring your own pool towels and some shower towels, hand towels and face cloth, cleaning cloth.

the apartments are very clean and have a wonderful view...The pool is perfect to lounge around and cool off....

Nous avons passé une très bonne semaine tranquille et calme. Tout s'est bien passé. La description est conforme à la réalité. C'est propre avec la climatisation. Il faut juste savoir que l'eau chaude fonctionne uniquement les après midi avec la chaleur du soleil. Je recommande sans hésitation cet airbnb qui fait parti des meilleurs que nous avons connu au Costa Rica !

Andrea fue bastante colaboradora para que nuestra estancia fuera placentera. Agradezco mucho la colaboración brindada en todo momento.

After a little rocky start at the apartment (broken internet router and a horrible smell) we had a great stay at Casa de Bell. We loved the fact that it very light and that we had a whole view of the valley. In fact, if you walk around the balcony, it provides almost a 360 degree view. At this time of the year (late December and January) it is a bit windy so if you don't like wind, I would pick the lower apartment. Both apartments are identical so it is a matter of taste whether you like more view, more wind (when it is blowing), more light, few stairs, next to the pool, etc. The bed is extremely comfortable and the woman who cleans makes the place sparkle (she comes in once a week but with the wind and for only about $10 we had her clean another day a week). There is also a TV which we watched infrequently (unless you like news there isn't much to watch) but the internet connection was excellent so we were able to download movies, etc. I was also working while I was there so good internet was critical for me. It is a great location but be prepared - walking into town can be a challenge unless you are physically fit. Or are prepared to get fit. You are obviously at the top of a ridge so it is a long way down (hence the great view) and a long way up. But taxi's are very inexpensive $3-$5 to and from town. Overall a great experience. A few short comings that may get corrected (there was no workable grill for instance) but we will definitely be back.

The host canceled this reservation 119 days before arrival. This is an automated posting.

What a great discovery! The house is very comfortable and set on a fantastic location. Due to this, the views are stunning by day and by night. The house has got all what you need and it felt very safe. The town is very close by too. Just as close to San Jose as to travel to beaches and national parks. To top it all, both the owner and manager are really nice and accesible to questions and requests. Will definitely be back!

This is an ideal location for a couple (or one person) who want to relax and enjoy the great views, comfortable accommodations, and some peace and quiet. Keith was very prompt in making the initial arrangements, and then Pete and Stef (the property managers) looked after us very well throughout our entire 6 week stay. The house is very clean, very safe and very comfortable. We loved the views across the Central Valley both at night and during the day. All appliances worked great, the pool was clean and refreshing and we had good solid internet throughout. For any birders, we saw 61 species just on or from the property. The only consideration for anyone staying there is you need a car to get into town, or you can call a taxi (2,ooo colones each way) into town for groceries. The comfort, view and overall atmosphere was wonderful and we hated to leave after 6 weeks.

This is an awesome place to finish your CR trip or to spend a few days traveling the Central Valley. It's very new and built with class, there are great views on the valley, the kitchen is very equipped compared to other places in CR and the car is parked just outside and on the same level so loading/unloading it is very easy. It's not too spacey for a 4 member family like us but its still OK. Pete the property manager is very helpful with tips on local stores etc. I wouldn't recommend it as 1st place in CR if you're coming trans Atlantic since its little too far from the airport (30 mins plus) and check in process can also be time consuming since you have to set an appointment with Pete, however if you arrive from the US then its fine.

My wife and I really enjoyed staying at the Casa de Bell! Upon arrival, we were greeted by Keith and his wife Maria as well as his property manager Pete and Stef. They welcomed us to the apartment and took the time to show us around the property. The apartment is very spacious, clean and open. The view is absolutely breathtaking and is very enjoyable in the mornings on the balcony with a hot fresh cup of coffee. There was also a complimentary cleaning service that cleaned the apartment once a week. We spent a month at this apartment with no issues or complaints. Instead, we spent the time relaxing and enjoying the benefits of living in Atenas, Costa Rica.

We stayed for a month at Casa Bell, and it suited us perfectly. As others have said, the pictures and description are completely accurate. The property manage, Pete, looked after us, checking in regularly and keeping on top of things. We had a car and we're glad we did, because the Casa is on top of a steep ridge that we wouldn't want to walk too often. Georgeous view to San Jose by both day and night. Comfy Layzboy chairs in the living area. Weekly maid/laundry service included. Great value at the price.

Our time at Casa de Bell was pure joy. We stayed on the second floor apartment that overlooked the nightlights of San Jose, and the rancho and pool. The weather was excellent with warm breezes most days and cool breezes in the evenings. We stayed for the month of April, which had some very windy days/nights, some afternoon rain at times, and excellent daytime and sleeping temperatures. Sunrises and sunsets over the mountains were beautiful. The place itself has a kitchen with everything you need, a comfortable bed, excellent internet service (we had to continue our writing work while in Costa Rica), plus the pool for a daily break from our work. The only complaint about the furnishings is the couch is not as comfy as we’d like, but we put a couple of pillows on it and all was well. The water in the pool was maintained at an excellent balance so that the only thing required of us was to skim the leaves and flowers that would blow in every day from the breezes that kept us so comfortable. We enjoyed swims in the morning, afternoon, and evenings; it was delightful. We also enjoyed working on our computers (when necessary) and then relaxing and reading by the pool on the lounges in the shade of the rancho. We delighted in our wildlife “neighbors” that included iguanas, geckos, nesting birds in the rancho and palm trees (we saw some of the babies hatch and grow), and a variety of hawks and other birds that dance across the sky. The privacy, quiet, proximity to town for when we wanted or needed anything made for a perfect place to relax and unwind while maintaining our US work schedule as we began to explore Costa Rica. One of the best bonuses for Casa de Bell is Pete, the manager of the property. Any issue we came across was quickly and effectively handled. He is a wealth of information about the country, the community of Atenas, and the process of relocating here (something we came here to discern). He’s very friendly, very helpful, and a nice guy to be around. All the workers Pete uses (gardeners, handymen, and maid) and networking contacts he recommends are as nice as Pete and excellent sources for Spanish practice (though most speak English too). We highly recommend Casa de Bell as a place to stay. Barbara & Keene Little, Seattle Washington, April 2016