Lawrence
Reviews
54 total reviews
74% Excellent
54 reviews
4.72
2022–2026
Cleanliness 4.3
Accuracy 4.8
Communication 4.9
Location 5.0
Check-in 4.8
Value 4.6
54 reviews
This location is unmatched!! Your own private home with a beautiful pool, yet it is right on the beach. This house is away from all of the high volume touristy areas, yet close enough you can drive (or water taxi) to them if you are looking for that. We basically had our own private beach. We rented surf boards from the local surf shop and used them at our leisure. The surf is great for both beginners are experts. Make sure you have an SUV, as it is an unpaved road to get back to the house. The host is super responsive and will provide so many great recommendations. The best dinner of our entire week was the small local restaurant we walked on the beach to get to.
Host Response
Lew and family. Thank you so much for your kind words and review. It was a pleasure to host all. If ever down this way again. All are most certainly welcome. Kind regards, Larry
I have stayed at many AirBNB locations throughout the years and have never written a review. I wanted to now, because Larry, the owner of this house, and his amazing property, made for the vacation of a lifetime. The house was clean, spacious and had all the amenities a larger family would need. Larry greeted us upon arrival, showed us the property and from there we were settled in. We have been a "pool" on vacation family, but with this property, the beach is too close (less than 20 steps) and too warm and fun, to not be there. The sunsets were incredible and the location made us feel like we had the beach all to ourselves, with the busier city of Tamarindo less than a 10 minute walk/boat ride away. The restaurants in the area are fantastic with a variety of food options, markets with fresh fruit/veggies and a number of local coffee shops. The area (and gated community) made us feel safe and comfortable. And the monkeys in the yard was icing on the top. Best vacay ever!!!
Host Response
Luke. Thank you for your kind review and we are so pleased that all the family had a blast and enjoyed themselves at casa dorado. Certainly most welcome back and if ever down this way again. I'll do my best to ensure a shark is landed next time deep sea fishing ! Great experience..
My wife, 3 young sons, mother, and I vacationed there and it was absolutely perfect. It's a unique property in the area being two stories and literally right on the beach. The home is exactly as you'd expect for the area, it's a beautiful old house but plenty of all necessary amenities, working A/C, appliances, great water pressure, and the pool and yard are perfect for lounging. Everything is a quick walk down the beach (restaurants, cafe's, bars, beach rentals, market) unless you need a large grocery store or ATM which are a short drive. I also want to comment on how great the host Larry was for us. He gave a very detailed walkthru of everything once we arrived and was there for us the few times we needed him. We will be returning the future!
Host Response
Matt. Thank you for your 5 star review. Much appreciated after a wonderful time hosting your family. So pleased all had a lovely family vacation. Whilst good and acted on your constructive comments. Very welcome back. All the best, Larry
Great place, well kept yard and pool. Location was amazing, steps away from the beach and with walking distance to Tamarindo. Larry was also great about recommendations. The only thing that was lacking that we could recommend was updated kitchen utensils and coffee maker. Other than that we had a wonderful stay. Definitely not a deal breaker.
Host Response
Erika. Whilst thanking you for your review. As we like to learn from all guests so as to continually improve. As previously correctly responded to Kallie the member of your group with 11 U.S. Airbnb's. Who contacted me after departure. We immediately pulled out of our kitchen over 30 pots n pans ( two 3 x sets still in their boxes ) with associated utensils including longer ones for the BBQ and we promptly purchased an even larger coffee maker to complement the two already in the kitchen. Quite bizarre considering members of your group complemented early each morning our coffee makers as well as our kind provision of coffee, sweetners and filters for guests to enjoy. As well as corecting the wrongly stated lack of a casa laundry having shown you personally our full casa laundry, washer and tumble dryer. Offering as I do to all guests to personally provide laundry service, if desired, so that our guests can enjoy our beachfront facilities together rather than be sat in the laundry whilst on vacation. Nonetheless we are glad you all enjoyed casa dorado and I shall certainly be emphasising more our facilities to guests in the future. As well as continuing to seek any problems promptly from guests so they are addressed immediately. Kind regards, Larry
Casa Dorado is magical. Our family came here three years ago and loved the time we spent together, so we came back to see if it felt the same — it did not disappoint. The slow pace and the convenience of this perfect location are wonderful. You’re on the beach, with a private pool and yard that are clearly well cared for. Larry is on site and takes care of the pool, yard, and patio daily. Short walk to restaurants in the neighborhood as well as quick walk to the estuary, where boats give a quick two-minute ride to Tamarindo when you’re craving more action or wider variety of places to eat/shop. The house itself reflects the relaxed charm of the area. While it doesn’t feature the latest modern upgrades you might have at home, it offers everything you need for a comfortable stay and fits beautifully with the laid-back, beachside setting. Wake up to an incredible view and end the day watching gorgeous sunsets. Our family certainly hopes to return one day…
Host Response
Brian thank you for your review. Which on receiving we immediately convened a walk thru and investigation with our deep clean team used prior every guest booking. Having received only positives from guests and yourself after enquiring daily if all was good at casa dorado. Therefore a subsequent low cleaning review we take very seriously. Whilst we aim to learn from all and continuously improve. We act promptly to anything less than high standards. Although staff and hosts are still confident in our provision of a comprehensively fitted out beachfront Spanish colonial style casa in our National marine park. Well maintained and clean. Perhaps just not any shiny plastic cladding ? Nonetheless it was a pleasure to host you all and we're so pleased your family and yourself had a wonderful time at casa dorado. Kind regards and most welcome back, Larry
We had an amazing stay at this beachfront Airbnb near Tamarindo, Costa Rica! The location right on the sand was perfect for relaxing sunsets and ocean vibes, and everything was spotless and well-equipped. Our host was incredibly responsive and made us feel right at home. Highly recommend— we'll be back! 5 stars! 🌴🏖️
Host Response
Garrett. Thank you for the kind review and for all being such nice guests. Who really seemed to appreciate our beach front casa, gardens and pool. National park setting. Every down this way again. Please look us up. As all most welcome. Enjoy yourselves, Larry
Location was amazing!! I wish I knew the water taxi stopped at 5pm which made getting to Tamarindo for dinner a pain. It is a 45 min cab ride!! Eventually rented a few gold xarts and got around Playa Grande that way and loved it!! restaurants are actually better in Grande than in Tamarindo. House was an old Spanish colonial that needed a bunch of maintenance and definitely needed to be cleaned better. Laurence offered to do quite a bit for us but didn't necessarily follow thru. He had People visiting so that might've had something to do with it. We felt like he said he would take out trash, start the grill, help us find spots etc.... I probably expected too much after he talked himself up and I would've preferred maybe more honesty and it wouldn't have bugged me. That being said... this place was amazing! very remote and secluded, beautiful beyond words and very reasonably priced for what it is! I would reccomend this place solely on location and value if you like privacy!
Host Response
As we like to learn from all guests stays. I shall simply politely reiterate that your group were shown and informed on arrival when walking you thru the casa and onto the beach, of Tamarindo water taxis times and the 5 mins beach walk to them and 5 mins to Palm beach restaurants/bars/shops. As well as thru pre arrival messages. I also offered to assist n advise thru out your stay. As I do and assist all guests, but was refuted. At no time were you requested to pay for electric vehicle charging. Simply asked to read our new listing in line with Airbnb advice re electric vehicles and future bookings, post yourselves. Also thru Airbnb, being over 7 days stay we offered to provide our clean team for a mid stay cleaning service, fresh bedding and towels. As we had carried out pre arrival. But again denied. All though towels were left out to laundry every day. Trash was removed on each request by myself and twice I set up our bbq for you but you never returned until late. On a personal note. I am totally honest and tranparent and really enjoy hosting and assisting guests without experiencing your booking group behaviour and the vile condition my home was left in. Hang your heads in shame !
Location, Location, Location!! The location and beauty were unbeatable! We had the beach to ourselves most of the time since we were across the estuary from busy Tamarindo. Sunsets were glorious! Larry and Gary were great hosts and very responsive to any issue. They even arranged for a nearby restaurant to stay open for us on the night of our arrival, and accompanied us for the walk there and back so we wouldn’t get lost in the dark! The pool and grounds and BBQ were cleaned and prepared for us every morning, the beds were very comfortable and plenty of beach and outdoor towels were available for our use. We ate most of our meals at the rustic but beautiful villa, and the kitchen was well supplied. Fresh fish was delivered to our door, which was awesome! We managed without a car, and it was a bit of a trek to get groceries, but so worth the trouble! We would stay again at Casa Durado!
Our group review (6 mo-adults): Hopefully my consistent 17 years of traveling to CR will help justify my review. Casa Dorado is a gem! It has it all. Lets start at the ocean, my favorite spot. Two amazing surf spots right there, with low line ups. Amazing swimming and playing in the ocean for all ages. Endless walks, perfect sunsets and beautiful views. As you take your 10 steps from the beach to your beautiful grass lawn with a gorgeous swimming pool, the beauty continues. As for the lawn, a great space for yoga, small soccer play, or whatever you want. The pool is truly wondrous and an inviting place where you can see everything and where many spend their time. An outdoor covered area with seating, tables, and hammocks. A full kitchen inside faces it all and allows you to cook your away and not miss out on the fun! Relaxing living room and 4 rooms with 4 full baths for everyone to have their own. Larry and Gary (the hosts) are the magic of this place and bring it all together.
Host Response
Charita. Thank you for a lovely review of your time at casa dorado. Which is so important to us and good for staff as well as potential guests. All most welcome back anytime. Kind regards. Larry
Location was great, basically your own private beach. We had an issue that was quicky resolved by the owner. Only complaint would be some new sheets and beach towels.
Host Response
Jeff. Thank you for your comments which are certainly being addressed. As even though purchased additional new bedding and towels before I left for London surgery, start summer. I shall also on return, end August. Immediately restock thru out the casa with spares. As we want the best for guests. Also pleased to hear you all enjoyed beachfront casa dorado. All the best., Larry
The location of this property can truly not be beat! Located right on Playa Grande, and with a lovely, well maintained pool- we hardly left the property for our entire trip. Playa Grande is so quiet, it felt like we had a private beach to ourselves. The sunsets are incredible. We ate all of our meals on the patio and enjoyed relaxing in the hammocks. The interior is simple, but comfortable and well air conditioned. The photos are very accurate. Larry and his assistant were extremely kind and responsive. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Host Response
Caitlin. Thank you very much for your review and your constructive recommendations. Which we shall certainly action and implement with the aim of improving. So that lovely families such as your own can enjoy even more our beachfront casa dorado. Thank you also for letting me know Mikey was so helpful and assisted your wonderful stay in my absence. Much appreciated. Kind regards, Larry
Nice place, great location, and host is very accommodating!
Host Response
Blake. Thank you for your feedback. Which is very important to us to learn from and also for the two additional boogieboards left for our collection/guests use. We have been in a dillema before regarding the twin beds being in downstairs or upstairs bedrooms for kids But as we host many 3 generational families. Grandparents normally want the one half upstairs, sea front balcony, left as a Queen bedroom, so the twin beds stay downstairs. ( The other balcony half is the master king bedroom. ) Although we shall think again as we aim to please all guests, especially moms. Thank you all again. Kind regards, Larry
5 star location right on the sand on the southern side of Playa Grande where the water is perfect for swimming. One of the best spots on the southern end of Playa Grande. House conditions were a little more rustic than anticipated, kitchenware could use some updating, as well as limited kitchen amenities (no salt or cooking oil).
Host Response
Michelle. Thank you for your review. As we always like to hear guest feedback. So as to learn and continuously improve. Perhaps the kitchen salt and peppers condiments need replenishing. As certainly were there with a larger bag of salt n pepper on the side shelve facing the sink and cooking oil adjacent the cooker but we shall replenish from stock in the rear apartment kitchen. As well as all bathroom towels were bought new in May and the previous placed in the cupboard above the TV along with the beachtowels. If deemed good for outside beach n pool use only. The principal bedroom faucets are working well but we have lubricated for easier movement. Whilst thanking you for your comments. Pity these were not brought to our attention during your stay. Especially being informed an additional maids day clean was provided gratis during your stay. As all certainly would have been actioned immediately. Still we are really glad you all enjoyed your beachfront stay with us. As guests enjoyment is very imprortant to us. Whilst wishing you well. Kind regards, Larry
We had such an amazing time at Casa Dorado! If you're looking for a spot to soak in breathtaking sunsets from your balcony and enjoy beach views from a lovely pool, this is absolutely the place to be. There was plenty of room for everyone, and we really appreciated the charming traditional Spanish architecture. Plus, you're just a short stroll away from the beach and some great restaurants! Larry was super friendly and always quick to respond to any questions we had. Highly recommend it!
Larry is the kindest, most proactive host I think we have ever encountered. His love for the Playa Grande area and his home are very apparent. We had the beach area in front of the home all to ourselves, and it was walkable to one of the surf camps a cafe and a few other amenities. He left lots of information for us and made the check in very easy. The pool is spotless and beautiful. Lots of room for a larger size party. Tamarindo, with more restaraunts, etc, is easily accessed via the water "taxis" and an easy walk. Very charming spot.
Host Response
Sara. Thank you for your comments Sara. As we always wish to learn and continuously improve and whilst in London for surgery during your stay. I have spoken to staff on all matters and walked thru video. The grill is a traditional BBQ grill and good to use but guests need to purchase their charcoal. It is not gas nor electric run. Being beach front in a National marine park we can get a few smaller land crabs enter any ground floor open doors during their annual breed when they come down from the interior to the coast ( They are land crabs ) But harmless and avoid humans. Nonetheless we are pleased you all enjoyed your stay with us. Kind regards, Larry