Michael

Reviews

64 total reviews

98% Excellent

64 reviews

4.97

2018–2026

Cleanliness 5.0

Accuracy 5.0

Communication 5.0

Location 5.0

Check-in 4.9

Value 4.8

64 reviews

2BR Villa in Playa Flamingo

Sergio

Excellent, 4 months ago

Great place! Worth coming back to.

This is a beautiful condo in an outstanding location. The kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms were well equipped and as described. There were 4 air cooling systems that were easy to use and effective, plus ceiling fans. We cooked most of our own meals and found the kitchen had everything we needed. The grounds of the condo complex are well kept and the lounge chairs are comfortable. There is the usual resort competition for chairs in the morning. It would be nice to have a few more shade umbrellas installed and chairs available for guests and owners. Flamingo Beach is now one of my favourite beaches and is worth returning to. It is flat, sandy, very swimmable and great walking. It is also not crowded at all. We would love to return to this condo unit and Flamingo Beach.

Michael’s condo is exactly as described and down in the photos. It is a very well equipped and comfortable villa for 4 people; with comfortable beds, and a fully equipped kitchen for preparing meals. The resort service was outstanding and everyone was so helpful and accommodating. Pools and beach were spectacular, we loved that there were always plenty of loungers at the beach and pool; with fresh beach towels provided daily. Location was very convenient to great restaurants and groceries too. The Palms is located on a quiet end of gorgeous Playa Flamingo; and each villa has its own private feeling terrace. Sunsets were spectacular. Michael is a gracious host, always quick to respond.

2BR Villa in Playa Flamingo

Matthew

Repeat guest

Excellent, 1 year ago

This was our second time staying at Michael's place in Playa Flamingo. It is the perfect place in the perfect location. It is so comfortable and it's only steps from the ocean. We absolutely love it!

You won’t regret booking The Palms! A private, quiet retreat that was upscale and away from the hustle and bustle and party scene of some of the other Pacific Costa Rican beach towns. As a family of 5 with 3 kids ranging from 8-13 yrs old, the size of the condo was great, the kids enjoyed swimming in the waves at the beach, boogie boarding, and playing in the infinity pool with stunning beach views and sunsets. The grounds were beautiful and the staff was very attentive and kind. The bartender made me a drink off menu simply because I asked for something “uniquely Costa Rican!” The condo itself was well-stocked with staples to make for such a convenient stay. It’s even better than we imagined. There was a hiccup at check-in which caused some stress and a maintenance issue, but the Palms and host quickly made things right which was very appreciated.

Las Palmas was a dream. First, Michael as a host was incredibly responsive. He was quick to answer any questions we had. It was our first time in Costa Rica with our family and I always feel like booking and Air b and b can be a bit of a gamble in terms of location and quality of the place. This was everything and more. It was accessible to restaurants, the beach was magnificant, and the staff at Las Palmas made it feel like you were at a 5 star hotel, without tons of people. We were in walking distance to many resturants and a short drive from others (though the cost of taxi's was pricey, not Michael's fault, just something to be aware of). If you need groceries, the staff would fully stock your place. I cannot recommend this place enough for someone who wants many of the luxuries of a hotel (and more) without crowds in the most beautiful setting in Costa Rica.

I would highly recommend The Palms. This particular condo was great. We loved the location, great view of the pool and the ocean. We loved having coffee in the morning from the balcony off the master bedroom and equally loved sitting on the covered patio downstairs. The staff at The Palms is outstanding! I highly recommend staying here. Playa Flamingo was by far my favorite beaches (of the ones I saw). There are great restaurants in the area, too.

This place was fantastic! Exceeded all my expectations! The condo was exactly as described. The view from the second floor was magnificent, especially at sunset. The beach and the facilities were second to none, and everybody at the palms was extremely helpful and friendly. I am so happy that we decided to book this rental! In addition, Michael was extremely responsive and extremely helpful throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend this unit, it would stay here again, in a heartbeat!

We loved staying at here at Playa Flamingo. It was gorgeous with stunning views and amazing sunsets. The unit was very clean and fully stocked with whatever we needed. The staff on the property was always very responsive to any needs or questions. We felt very safe staying here with the 24 hour security guard. We heard the Playa Flamingo was the best beach in Costa Rica and we can confirm that it definitely is. We cannot wait to come back!

The Palms is a beautiful spot. Michael’s place is exactly as described. Nicely decorated, well-equipped kitchen, and a beautiful patio and balcony. The pool and beach were very relaxing. Every evening we watched the most spectacular sunsets from the condo. The staff at the Palms are top notch - so friendly and welcoming. There’s no restaurant onsite, but they placed orders for delivery from select restaurants for us which made things super easy. They quickly responded to every question or request.

I loved Michael's place and wish I could move in. I did not want to leave. The Palms offers all of the benefits of a hotel (daily house keeping, pool bar, concierge) with all of the benefits of a home (fully stocked kitchen, living space, outdoor space) all in one. The staff was so friendly and I can't think of a better place for our family with two little kids. The family pool had a shallow end that my 1 & 2.5 year old loved. I hope we can come back!

Don't hesitate to rent this beautiful place. The kitchen is well-stocked with basic supplies, as are the bathrooms. It is gorgeously decorated, clean, and homey. Upon arriving* we were greeted by the concierge, and we dropped our things and took in the most beautiful late-afternoon sun and view of the pool and beach. We had been debating scheduling activities and exploring beaches beyond Playa Flamingo, but when I saw it all, I told my family "we aren't leaving this resort." We enjoyed Coco Loco for a dinner, but ended up using the well-equipped kitchen for the rest of our stay. Highly recommend Super Massai for groceries - you could go to Tamarindo (I hear there is a large supermarket) but there wasn't anything I couldn't find at Super Massai. *Note: There is highway work being done in the main route to Playa Flamingo. We totally passed the alternate route for the work and had to turn around. Frustrating (not at all a ding on this host), just a forewarning to future stays!

Villa 19 was absolutely amazing!! The Palms in Playa Flamingo is amazing! The staff are really incredible, they think of everything & are quick to help with anything needed at all. We felt like we had our own private slice of heaven on earth. The villa is well equipped with all the modern luxuries, and the property was a dream. The two pools were wonderful! The poolside bar was wonderful! And the beach was just amazing. It was very private - we spent sunrises being the only people in the ocean that we could see. The beach has the softest sand I have ever felt, and the sunsets were out of this world. The concierge arranged a private boat tour for us (we only snorkeled, but could have done fishing & more) - the captain & crew of our boat were awesome & we got to see a momma humpback whale with her baby, and also saw 2 sea turtles mating. Cannot recommend Playa Flamingo & Micheal’s place at the Palms enough!! Already planning next year’s trip there (we’re planning on staying longer next time!).

2BR Villa in Playa Flamingo

Mercy

Repeat guest

Excellent, 4 years ago

Absolutely loved staying here! Beautiful, incredible staff, wish we were staying longer!

This was our 2nd visit to Michael's The Palms unit and it was fantastic as always. Michael was extremely responsive whenever he was needed. The unit is well outfitted with any/all cooking needs. I can't say enough good things about The Palms property, the staff is very friendly, it has the best beach in the area, the grounds are extremely well maintained and the location can't be beaten. Our family rarely returns to the same international location more than once but we'll soon return for a 3rd visit to Michael's Palms unit.

My family and I had a fantastic stay at Palms Villa 19. The condo was very spacious and just as described. The grounds and beach were perfect. Easy to get chairs by the pool/beach and the beach itself was empty...felt like our own private beach. Loved having bar service by the pool and Coco Loco a short walk for food. Michael was very easy to communicate with. The concierge and other staff were very friendly and helpful. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.

This is an incredible villa in an incredible location. The location sits front -facing to a gorgeous ocean view over a beautiful property. The villa itself is spacious , comfortable and provides every amenity you can think of. We enjoyed coffee every morning on the patio off of the master, and dinners every evening at the large table downstairs outside after watching incredible sunsets from the edge of the Palms property which is stunning . There are grills on the property which we used several times, and we enjoyed the infinity pool each day . My son’s fiancé and I had excellent massages right there in a tent on the lawn , adjacent to the ocean. Every staff member we encountered was genuinely friendly and professional. The concierge staff is outstanding. They graciously provided everything we asked for including arrival groceries , setting up our airport transportation , fresh fish delivered, transportation for my son who was in a different location in Guanacaste AND setting up a private dinner with Chef Leo which was FABULOUS. HIGHLY recommend!! The Palms is a phenomenal property on a beautiful, quiet , gorgeous section of Playa Flamingo . The quality of ALL staff working there added to our unforgettable vacation . We cannot wait to return.

This villa is beautiful and well appointed. The location is perfect, Michael is very easy to communicate with. He provides a lot of those extra touches that you can’t expect everywhere. The resort is beautiful and well kept. The staff are very kind, I don’t know that I would bring my kids or grandkids as it caters to an older audience. Have been here twice and would definitely come again.

Host Response

Thank you Nancy for your feedback. I am going to share your review with my community at the Palms about making sure the Palms is more inclusive to families. We are in the process of relaxing some of the rules that were established before renting was popular at the Palms. We are working to make sure that families of all ages feel welcomed at the Palms. Thank you again

The house is in a great condition and the location by the beach is fantastic. It is, however, not a great fit for families with young children. The house is within a small community and there are strict rules that are not suitable for little kids. Kids are not allowed to play on the lawn next to the house or use a ball in the pool; the family pool, in particular, has many restrictions that made our kids very frustrated. It was surprising, particularly as there’s also an adult pool., and the family pool was often empty when our kids got such feedback. The staff got aggressive whenever they felt that the kids were breaking the rules (eg playing with a small ball in the pool). We didn’t know that before and wouldn’t have come there had we known that this is the situation.

Host Response

We are sorry that you and your family felt frustrated by the rules that the staff is enforcing. The Palms is very family friendly and the staff tries their best to make sure that guest have the most freedom they can have. Sometimes during peak times we have to enforce the rules more to make sure ALL guest are comfortable. The Palms is welcoming to all families with kids of every age and again I apologize that you felt frustrated with the staff. I will make sure to speak with them and come up with a better solution for future travelers. Thank you

2BR Villa in Playa Flamingo

Matthew

Repeat guest

Excellent, 5 years ago

This is a very luxuriously appointed condo in the best complex on the best beach in Costa Rica. We were 100% satisfied with our stay in very way. Can’t wait to go back.

2BR Villa in Playa Flamingo

Nate

Repeat guest

Excellent, 5 years ago

Fantastic experience. Michael and the local team handled anything and everything. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to everyone.

We absolutely loved our stay at Palms Villa 19 from the location (straight from the gate, close to the adults-only pool and the grilling station) to the amenities (boogie boards, SUPs, massages) and most importantly the staff. The concierges are so accommodating. Danise especially helped to coordinate very last-minute party decorations and a cake for family staying off-property and was so gracious. Dayana was also very helpful. We plan to return!

Even better than we remembered! Our second trip to Michael’s home at The Palms was unforgettable and my only complaint is we didn’t stay for two weeks! The setting is amazing. The patio and upstairs balcony are private and truly poolside and oceanfront. Steps away are the adult pool followed by the infinity pool, bar and white sand beach! The ocean has perfect waves for playing, and the water is clear and warm. Lounge chairs and umbrellas at the pool and beach are plentiful. The condo is luxurious and so comfortable with absolutely stunningly gorgeous views of the pools and ocean, palm trees swaying, sunsets to die for, etc. Dayana, and the concierges team, were the best! Our kitchen was stocked with groceries, car service was provided for our son who was arriving separately, Covid testing was conveniently done in our condo before our flight back to the US, pretty much on-demand reservations for the on-site gym, jet skis, barbecues, cleaning services, etc. The poolside bar was equipped with fruity drinks, ice cold beer and thoughtful hospitality. Coco loco is a short stroll away and also provides quick room service. We also ordered frequently from Alo Nico. The layout of the condo was perfect for our family of five, with my husband and I in the glorious master and our three teens in the second en-suite bedroom (two in the two twin beds - that can also be set up as a king - and our youngest in the loft). There’s a third full bathroom on the main level that our teen daughter claimed for herself. So much room to spread out when inside, but truth be told we were outside most of the time. We left feeling rested, nurtured and happy, and we will be back!

2BR Villa in Playa Flamingo

Carlos

Repeat guest

Excellent, 5 years ago

Wonderful cool

High quality and very well appointed beach residence. Spacious master with grand views of the pool and beach. Sunsets from the balcony are wonderful. Second bedroom offers great comfort, and a loft for extra guests (children as adults may not easily access the space). Fully equipped kitchen with everything you need for vacation meals. The saltwater pools are sparkling and refreshing - with poolside service for meals and refreshments. A rare location with titled beachfront offering spacious access to Playa Flaming beach. Short walks to nearby restaurants and shops as well. This is a quiet, relaxing, and safe place to visit - good for young families and retirees alike. You won't be sorry you stayed here.

2BR Villa in Playa Flamingo

David

Excellent, 6 years ago

The villa at the Palms not only met my expectations, but vastly exceeded them. It’s a little slice of heaven. From the lush & comfortable spaces, to the extensive onsite Concierge service (that can help with excursions, dinner reservations, etc.), to the private beach, and pools with bar side service... it’s all the advantages and benefits of a resort without the crowds. Thanks to Michael and all the staff at the Palms - myself and family LOVED it and plan on returning again next year. SO if you’re still searching, stop looking for something better... this is it!

This is a great unit at the Palms, which itself is just beautiful, perfect in every way. The Palms somehow manages to be very luxurious while feeling casual and unpretentious. The beach is beautiful, clean, has warm water with enough waves for our kids to have fun body-surfing but never felt dangerous. The staff is the best we have ever experienced, and we've stayed at some very nice, high-end places. All were great, but my personal favorite was Chef Luis, a great guy, not to mention spectacular chef... everything he makes is delicious and he's flexible, willing to make special or silly things not on the menu (like plain pasta for our 12 year old picky daughter). The sunset dinner on the beach is a must-do! Honorable mention to bartenders Anthony, Wilky and Ariel ... everyone there is wonderful, clearly like their jobs and proud of the Palms. The unit is well located near the center of the complex, with amazing views from the balcony, patio and living area. Also very convenient is the grill/bar area for cooking your own BBQ, just a few steps from the unit. Decor and furnishings were all nice, high-end. Kitchen was well-equipped with spices, etc. Also, host Michael was quick to respond to my questions which I appreciated... We loved Flamingo Beach*, The Palms, and Villa 19 ... none of our family (mom, dad and kids ages 12, 14 and 16) wanted to leave, which is the best indicator of an amazing vacation :) *also we hear that 'Coco Loco', a nearby bar/restaurant is really cool, and it wasn't even open during our stay as they were recovering from a recent fire so closed temporarily.