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Leave the Cold behind, Winter in the Safe Quiet Paradise of Costa Rica

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Leave the Cold behind, Winter in the Safe Quiet Paradise of Costa Rica

Outdoor pool
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, fireplace, foosball, books

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroom1000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
N/A
  • Turu Ba Ri Nature & Adventure Park
    25 min drive
  • Carara National Park
    30 min drive
  • Caldera Port
    33 min drive
  • Puntarenas (JAP-Chacarita)
    39 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

Exterior

Buen Camino Hotel, San Mateo

Pool
Breakfast included
Kitchen
Pet friendly
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, (24)
The price is $67
per night
$76 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 10 - Dec 11
Buen Camino Hotel, San Mateo

About the neighborhood

San Mateo

With a stay at this vacation home, you'll be centrally located in San Mateo, 8.3 mi (13.4 km) from Aguacate Mines and 8.3 mi (13.4 km) from Minas Del Aguacate. .This family-friendly vacation home is 9.8 mi (15.8 km) from Turu Ba Ri Nature & Adventure Park and 14.2 mi (22.8 km) from Caldera Port.
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What's nearby

  • Carara National Park - 30 min drive - 17.8 miles
  • Caldera Port - 33 min drive - 14.2 miles
  • Puntarenas Beach - 49 min drive - 23.5 miles
  • Marina Los Sueños - 57 min drive - 30.9 miles
  • Jaco Beach - 59 min drive - 33.4 miles

Getting around

  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 68 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bar Y Restaurante Anita - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪El Coronel - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Soda El Ranchito - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bar La Tranca - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Bar y Mirador Aeromar - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Leave the Cold behind, Winter in the Safe Quiet Paradise of Costa Rica

Our one bedroom guest house, rents by seven day minimum, weekly, or monthly, long term renters are welcome. Features a King Sized Bed, balcony, patio and high speed broad band. Perfect for working at home, honeymooners, and retired couples. Large private pool, complete with showers and washroom facilities. Temperatures range from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius which holds the pool temperature comfortable for swimming or massaging with the Jacuzzi Jets.
The Property is beautifully landscaped and maintained. Rooms have A/C and ceiling fans, cable TV, and high speed internet.
Located 45 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport and the newly developed area of Escazu and Santa Ana, for those who want to shop.
The beaches of Herradura, Jaco and Esterillos are 45 minutes away for golfing surfing, walking, or biking on the beach.
Beautiful sun sets.



Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including a water park and an outdoor pool. Additional features at this vacation home include an arcade/game room, barbecue grills, and bike storage.
Featured amenities include limo/town car service and a water dispenser.

Property manager

Grace Lund

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Fenced private pool
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Limo/town car service
  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Water dispenser

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Printer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking is not allowed on the property.

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the city center
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Foosball table
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Tennis
  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • No smoke detector (host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Composting
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Property does not allow children
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet
  • Water dispenser
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children
Note from host: When accompanied by a responsible guest

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No tents or camping allowed on site.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Leave the Cold behind, Winter in the Safe Quiet Paradise of Costa Rica Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Keith M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Casita close to Ecovilla
We came to San Mateo to visit the area and meet with builders for our new property in San Mateo Ecovilla. Ivan and Grace are really great and were helpful with great feedback and recommendations about San Mateo. They have 5 dogs that are very well behaved and friendly, but are also well trained to stay off the terrace of the casita. We had a wonderful time and plan to stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela R.

Liked: Cleanliness
We Had A Lovely Stay!
We can't say enough about our great stay in Grace & Ivan's Casita! Their home is in a quiet, peaceful, gorgeous location. All amenities needed are already in the home, beautiful pool & comfortable king size bed. Both Grace and Ivan went above and beyond and also helped us with our car repair problems-THANK YOU so much again! We take away from this nice stay a bonus of having two additional great people we call friends, Always Pamela and Josef
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barry F.

Liked: Cleanliness
4 Weeks of Excellence - second time in CR
All is true as per the previous on line 5 STAR reviews of Grace's Guest House Set in a rural area the location is fairly central to all of our interests (beaches, golfing, nature, sight seeing, shopping, restaurants and supplies) The car rental was essential for us.All in all great vacation as Ivan and Grace took us to places we would have never found on our own. The Casita was perfect for our needs and very well equipped as well as being privately located on the property. The property is truly a resort like setting( giant banyon trees, manicured hedges and variety of plants and flowers and iguanas and birds). Only steps from a well maintained pool. As for the hosts, Grace and Ivan are simply the best. You will not find finer people. We knew them for many years from when they lived in Canada but really got to KNOW them this past month. What a pleasure and a treat. Ivan and I coached our son's hockey team years ago so we had a lot in common .We are both Edmonton oiler fans and we got all the games on TV so good. And Grace, a real pistol with a huge heart. She has 5 rescue dogs that she has taken in. We called them our Walmart greeters as they happily met us at the gate every time we returned to the Casita. Great to meet Grace's CR family and friends .Grace and Claire clicked well. Don't worry about the doggy-do-do as Teo the grounds keeper and security guard was out every 6:00AM searching and picking up after the doggies.On days off Ivan or Grace had the pleasure.
Stayed 29 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Duane R., Olive Hill, Kentucky. USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Outstanding Hosts
Owners Grace and Ivan live on the property 50 Yards away in the main house. Wealth of information provided by them and very helpful in understanding the area. Made to feel very welcome there and Ivan had no problem with me borrowing items to keep the rental clean. Location is within 10 to 15 min drive to 2 smaller towns that will have most of what you need. San Mateo does have a good bakery. Jaco a bigger place with beach 30 miles away but will take an hour to get there. You will need a car at this property. Very friendly dogs on the property that will come and greet you most days, just need to let Grace know before leaving and coming back so dogs can be secured. Enjoyed our stay here and meeting with Grace and Ivan. Tao keeps the property well maintained and looking good.
Stayed 32 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing retreat!
We arrived at the end of August and stayed for a month. We decided not to rent a car because our hosts, Ivan and Grace, were available to take us (for an agreed upon fee) when we wanted to go for a restaurant meal (we mostly ate in), get groceries in San Mateo or Orotina or go to a dentist appointment in San Jose! They also picked us up after our first night in San Jose and then took us back to the airport at the end of our stay. They are a lovely couple and helpful with advice on restaurants and things to do. We had never stayed anywhere for a month and we were so glad we had a lovely spot from which to work and relax. The shared pool is absolutely divine, their grounds are well kept. The casita itself is just what you see in the pictures. As this was our 4th trip to CR we wanted to have just peace and quiet and that is what we got! Thank you Grace and Ivan for a lovely stay.
Stayed 28 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peg T.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Little Bit of Paradise
This little gem of a place is the perfect spot for exploring the Costa Rican countryside and culture. It is located under an hour from the San Juan airport and less than an hour to beaches or mountains depending on which direction the wind takes you. Grace and Ivan have a lovely little casita surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. It is a quiet, cozy retreat that is impeccably maintained. We could not have asked for better hosts! Both Grace and Ivan speak English and they were incredibly helpful to a couple of non-spanish speaking gringos. They provided insights into local culture and travel advice for exploring days. They will help you with anything you need! They will provide transportation at a reasonable cost and are very willing to show you the sights and sounds of Costa Rica. We took advantage of their offers but we also rented a car for part of our stay which we highly recommend. We also enjoyed seeing Teo's (security/grounds keeper) smiling face each morning. The Costa Ricans are beautiful people with ready smiles and warm hearts. The country is clean and trash-free unlike other countries we have visited. If you want a great experience, give this place a whirl. You won’t regret it.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous in San Mateo
Fabulous. The house is as described, a private oasis on the large property that includes a superbly well maintained swimming pool. The magnificent large, old, tree right in front of the "casita" houses a variety of animals, including iguanas and squirrels. Sitting on the covered veranda in front of the "casita" allows for the quiet observation of more animals than you see in many natural parks, including a large variety of birds. Often, in the early morning, you can hear howler monkeys that are apparently in the large trees behind the property and a distant river. The "casita" itself is spacious, while its kitchen has all modern appliances that make it possible to live there conveniently and full time if desired. Necessary purchases can be made in one of the many retail outlets, a short taxi drive away. Spending part of the snowy northern winters in this place is a bit like being in paradise. The stay in this casita is further made very agreeable by the pleasant and helpful hosts, Grace and Ivan and their groundskeeper Teo. Yes, highly recommendable if you can get it.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne & Brad D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our month long holiday
It was wonderful! Our hosts helped us see the country and drove us around to different sites. They were kind and generous with us. The guesthouse was perfect too. It has everything you'd need. We'd definitely recommend staying in here.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
Excellent
Stayed 17 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lorna D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Welcoming and helpful owners
We had a great time staying at Grace's casita in San Mateo, the property is beautifully landscaped with lush gardens. The house was exceptionally clean with all amenities needed for our comfort. Grace and Ivan were very helpful in showing us around the different areas, where to shop, best beaches and much more. Although the property is located in a small town its ideally situated within close proximity to San Jose, and other provinces. The only thing I would recommend is that you need to have a rental car. Overall this was a wonderful vacation.
Stayed 29 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

jerry w.

Liked: Cleanliness
casita stay
very nice property and very helpful hosts.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

terence M., ormstown

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Winter Getaway
The guest house is a beautiful cottage in the San Mateo country side. Great, well equipped, very homey & comfortable. The landscaping is stunning--so many different trees & flowers blooming. The pool was refreshing and you feel like you are in an oasis with the landscaping. Our hosts, Grace & Ivan, were fantastic. Very helpful giving us information on local sites (parks, beaches, restaurants) and directions. They took us to a look out in the mountains to see a spectacular sunset which we really enjoyed. We would definitely recommend this cottage to anyone wanting to go to Costa Rica.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brett S., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Grace's Guesthouse is the best!
The casita is beautiful, spacious, clean, private and very well-equipped. Internet is fast and reliable. Local amenities are conveniently close. Can use Uber or taxi for local trips. Quiet scenic walks. Hosts Grace and Ivan are the best. Friendly and helpful beyond any normal expectation.
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nancy D., HAPPY VALLEY

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Hosts Ever
1st the property: The casita itself is immaculately maintained and clean from top to bottom. It comes with everything you might need to enjoy a comfortable stay in San Mateo. The yard is beautiful and equally attended to complete with fruit trees and tropical plants (the large tree in the middle is amazing). The pool is large and accessible for all swim levels as there is a shallow seating area perfect for younger children. Also well cared for. Next the hosts: Ivan and Grace made us feel welcome and comfortable from the moment we arrived until the end of our stay. They asked us what groceries we might want to have stocked ahead of time and cooled down the casita before our arrival (which was after midnight). We were fond of them right off the bat and by the end of the week we felt like members of their extended family. We took in our am coffees together and enjoyed many conversations. They catered to us beyond what anyone would expect and made us feel right at home. We loved all 5 of their well-behaved dogs who filled the void from missing our own. The place is perfect whether you'd like privacy or to be in the company of the finest people you'd ever meet. Thank you Ivan, Grace, Teo (groundskeeper) and perros Lobo, Toto, Benji, Roxy and Doggie!! We can't wait to see you again soon! - Nancy, Jeremy & Canyon
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Keith K., Winnipeg Canada

Leave the Cold behind, Winter in the Safe Quiet Paradise of Costa Rica is exactly right!
We spent two weeks at Grace and Ivan’s Casita and it was “Paradise”. Firstly, Grace and Ivan are just amazing they made sure we were comfortable and treated us just like family. They invited us to their traditional family Christmas dinner, which was amazing in itself and such a pleasure to meet their family! The casita is surrounded by beautiful trees, plants and flowers and inside was just as beautiful and so comfortable. It has everything you need (even an ice maker, rice cooker, blender, it’s all there) and the Apple TV was perfect for us “Winnipeg Jets Hockey Fans”. Keith and Ivan had so much in common especially when it came to hockey and Keith really enjoyed chatting with Ivan (often to the point of interrupting his work day :)) We also really enjoy having their dogs around, they are all so friendly and love to be around people. We did have a vehicle as we were travelling to various parts of CR but Grace and Ivan were more than willing to drive us to different places, which was great as they are so knowledgeable about the area and can recommend things to do and see. Great hosts and tour guides! We have formed a friendship with Grace and Ivan and will be returning to their Casita on our next trip to CR!
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Frederick C.

Perfect for first time Costa Rica travelers!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! We chose not to arrange transportation due to the high cost of the rental and fuel (they pay by the liter not the gallon). Ivan is an alertive and conscientious driver. We were not used to the driving there but got acquainted with it really quickly. Thanks to Ivan's driving skills, this was/is no concern. Ivan and Grace took us around to all of the spots we requested and helped us time our leaving so we would not get rained out as we came on the tail end of the rainy season and it rains very early in the afternoon. They charged us a very reasonable fee and saved us a ton on the transportation costs. The guest house is incredibly charming and the pool was great. We don't typically care for dogs, but their dogs are very friendly, mellow, and greeted us at the gate every day we returned. We really enjoyed ourselves and are thankful we stayed with them, as there were a lot of unknowns we would have been challenged with without their assistance. We even had the chance to hang out with their delightful friends and family. I highly recommend staying with them if you are looking for an authentic experience and need someone to hold your hand through the experience. Thank you Ivan and Grace! God bless.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

John (Jack) H.

The only thing more lovely than the casita were the hosts.
Great location, near one national park and not too far from others and the water. Beautiful cottage, exactly as described. The hosts were truly wonderful. Can't wait to get back.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2016

10/10 Excellent

Michael I.

We thoroughly enjoy our time in San Mateo.
We have been to this property several times and it suits us perfectly as a way to escape the Canadian weather. We particularly enjoy listening to the Ottawa morning radio show via internet and hearing reports of -25 deg. weather back home. The accommodation is great. The property is very well maintained and Dona Carmen comes in regularly to clean the casita. The owners are very helpful and friendly and willing to correct any problems that occur immediately. The property is in a rural setting so you will need a car to get around. The location is perfect for touring the countryside, going to the beach or visiting San Jose.
Stayed 23 nights in Feb 2016

10/10 Excellent

Ted L., Cincinnati OH

Quiet respite
We spent 4 days at this casita, situated in an outside-the-village setting in the hills towards the Pacific. Grace and Ivan are very gracious hosts with 6 impeccably behaved dogs that you can interact or stay away from at your pleasure. We chose the former. We also chose to "chill out" instead of venture out, hanging out by an ample pool. The casita is in great shape and well equipped. Whether you are touring the country and want a break in the middle or want some quietude, this place is very nice. Thanks to our hosts for their hospitality.

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Great place, great value, outstanding hosts!
This wonderful casita is part of property owned by Ivan, a native of Canada, and his wife, Grace, a native of Costa Rica. First, the property is magnificent! The rental is a stand-alone casita with a living room with cable TV and free wi-fi, a full kitchen, a beautiful bedroom with a king bed, a big bath with a great shower, a laundry room and lovely porches on both sides of the casita. There is a large, perfectly maintained lawn between the casita and the main house (which is beautiful) with it's large swimming pool. In the lawn is a gigantic Banyon tree with epiphytes, philodendra and many flowers. There are citrus trees in the yard and we had fresh squeezed orange juice every morning! However, the very best part of this experience was meeting Ivan and Grace. Not only are they the most pleasant, personable and helpful people but they step up in an emergency. My wife had a modest medical situation arise. In a country whose language we don't speak. No problem. At 7:00a.m., Grace bundled my wife up, took her into town to a lab for a test, then went with us to the doctor's office and then to the pharmacy to have a prescription filled. Not only did she and Ivan do all this for us, they were genuinely happy to help. They are proof, absolute, that this world is filled with good and wonderful people. This property has our highest recommendation!