Gideon

Very nice and unique house set in the middle of the jungle. You get to listen to the howler monkeys and birds every morning. About a 10-15 min drive to the closest beach (4x4 needed). Both Gideon and Ulises who helps Gideon with the guests were really helpful and attentive. The only issue we had was with the house's cleanlinesss since we found dirty bathrooms and kitchen plates. Besides that we had a great stay.

First, the house is beautiful. It has an enviable location and environment. It was probably a gem when it was built. We find it in a regular state. Some travel tips: 1- Consider that the entrance can be complicated upon departure, in this case a 4x4 it is best to go up with speed and not forcefully. 2- During our stay we did not have internet. We recommend bringing contingency plan, ice-KOLBI has an acceptable signal on site. If required, you can go eat an ice cream in Alice, Playa Chiquita, an excellent and quiet place (key: tacotaco). 3- Perhaps the most important: Once you enter the stone road, don't turn off until you reach the CROSSROADS that says "LOS VAGOS." DO not enter through that street but take the right AT the crossroads. 4- They bring insect repellent. 5- Keep in mind that the water for consumption must be replaced, the owner will not cover it. In this case the best and cheapest thing is to go to some supermarket in Puerto Viejo (Old Harbor) is very convenient. 6- Bring hand soap, dish soap, bath soap, and other cleaning utensils. 7- Do not leave doors open overnight as wildlife can enter. 8- Be careful in laundry room. Always bring a closed shoe to enter the place and check well. During our stay we found a snake inside it.

If I could rate this place purely based on the host and his kindness and quick response time it would definitely be a five. Unfortunately there were a few issues that I feel cannot be overlooked. When we arrived it seemed as if the house was not ready for us at all. In fact it seemed as if no one had been there for months. I contacted Gideon immediately and he remedied most of our problems as quickly as possible! The house is beautiful! The porch is perfect for relaxing and hanging out. If you do not like bugs please do not consider renting this property as it is deep in the jungle and is very open to the environment. We enjoyed the wide variety of beetles and other insects that we spotted while staying here, but bugs are not for everyone, and they do tend to leave behind a mess. Overall this house wasn't as clean and comfortable as I had hoped, and believe me it kills me to say that because I was so looking forward to staying there and seriously Gideon was wonderful through the whole booking and staying process. As far as I can tell, the oversights to readiness and cleanliness were not his fault, but the people he has hired to maintain the place. It is a shame to see such a beautiful location receive less care than it needs and deserves.

We arrived during the night and no lighting was provided to get to this very difficult place for newcomers. Truly the jungle with everything that it means for uninitiated people like me.

Very difficult to find in the dark, but jungle location is lovely & unique and house design is also. Four wheel drive mandatory to get there. Problems: roof leaks over bed/mildew on mattress. Dryer does not work/ can't do laundry. Path to house from parking is extremely muddy. Open lattice allows insects in house. 4 towels for 4 guests not sufficient in moist climate. TV/cable/ Wi-Fi not operable. Written instructions needed. Housekeeping marginal. Would advise future travelers to purchase local cell phone to contact caretaker.