The Reviews!

  • Ashley Finds the Rhythm of Jaco Beach

    My name is Ashley Roberts, I’m 28, and I planned a week in Jaco Beach to trade my routine for ocean mornings and warm nights. I stayed in a Downtown Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment, an easy stroll from the beach and the restaurants that light up after dark. The first thing I noticed was the backdrop: palms, mountains, and that long, gray‑gold arc of sand where the Pacific keeps time.

    I kept days simple and active. I started with Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, then fit in Hartley Ranch Prime Steakhouse. Midweek I added Tacobar Restaurant and wrapped up with Lemon Zest Restaurant. It’s easy to pivot with the weather—mornings for the ocean, afternoons for shade, and the hour before sunset for photos.

    I liked mixing beach time with short rides to nearby spots—Herradura’s marina, Playa Hermosa’s surf, and the shops around Jaco Walk. On another day I pushed farther: Tarcoles for the bridge overlook, Quepos and Manuel Antonio for emerald coves, or Parrita’s quiet backroads. It’s all close enough for relaxed day trips. Transport was easy—taxis and Ubers came fast, buses were straightforward, and drivers were patient about short stops.

    Nights had their own current. I tried a club one evening, a beachfront bar the next, and wandered past casinos just to see the lights. People were warm in that Costa Rican way—easy smiles, quick tips, and a habit of checking that visitors felt welcome and safe. Downtown stayed lively but never restless; I always had a clear, well‑lit route back.

    By the end, I had a rhythm—beach in the morning, an adventure or two, food at a place I hadn’t tried yet, and a slow walk home under warm streetlights. Jaco and the surrounding coast are as beautiful as the photos: jungle‑green ridges, long beaches, and sunsets that look staged. I left with a lighter step and a note in my phone that says, simply, “come back.”

  • My First Costa Rica Vacation — Dorothy’s Experience in San José

    My name is Dorothy Smith, I’m 43, and I spent a week in San José, Costa Rica. I booked a Modern Airbnb Apartment in San José that ended up being the perfect home base—comfortable, calm, and an easy walk to everything downtown. Stepping outside felt like changing rhythms—soft, bright mornings; warm, breezy afternoons; and evenings where the city lights stitched together a friendly skyline.

    My first stop was the Plaza de La Cultura, a perfect entry into the city’s heartbeat—neighbors greeting each other, fresh coffee in the air, and bright fruit stands. I set aside time for the Went to Jazz Cafe in Escazu, which layered history and context onto the streets I was walking. By sunset I reached Municipal Crafts Market, where the energy was relaxed but lively, and the food scene rewarded wandering.

    Afternoons were my favorite. I wandered Avenida Central and the plazas around it, watched a street performer, and ducked into a café when quick showers rolled through. Escazú and Santa Ana gave the day a different rhythm—sleek malls, leafy streets, and restaurants perfect for unhurried dinners. Getting around was easy: taxis and Ubers were simple to hail, buses were straightforward, and the whole city felt sensible to navigate. I kept small notes so I wouldn’t forget the details—golden light on historic façades, cinnamon warmth in café con leche, and quiet parks waking up in the morning.

    When the sun went down, San José sprang to life. I tried a downtown dance club, laughed through a few low‑stakes casino games, and felt the city’s friendliness everywhere—bartenders, taxi drivers, and people in late‑night lines. The nightlife felt welcoming instead of intimidating, and I kept noticing how safe the city felt as I moved between venues—well‑lit streets, helpful drivers, and clear routes back. Everyone I met was kind, the sort of warmth that makes you feel invited.

    By the end of the week, I was walking slower, looking up more, and collecting moments I didn’t want to lose. San José offered exactly the balance I needed: culture without complication, social without overwhelm, and grounded in everyday kindness. I’m already planning a return to explore more corners of Costa Rica’s capital and the nearby neighborhoods of Escazú and Santa Ana.

  • David Miller & Brenda Young’s Jaco Beach Getaway — Trip Report

    We’re David Miller & Brenda Young—29 and 34—and Jaco Beach felt like the right kind of reset. Our home base was a Downtown Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment—quiet when we needed downtime, close to the water when we wanted surf and sunset. The first thing I noticed was the backdrop: palms, mountains, and that long, gray‑gold arc of sand where the Pacific keeps time.

    I kept days simple and active. I started with Puddlefish Brewery Restaurant, then fit in Jaco Walk Open Air Shops. Midweek I added Lemon Zest Restaurant and wrapped up with Jaco Vice Nightclub. It’s easy to pivot with the weather—mornings for the ocean, afternoons for shade, and the hour before sunset for photos.

    Between outings I walked Jaco’s beachfront path and ducked into cafés for smoothies or gallo pinto. The vibe shifts a bit by neighborhood—Herradura for marina calm, Playa Hermosa for waves and surfers, and the Jaco Walk area for shops and families. Day trips open up the coast: Tarcoles for crocodiles, Quepos and Manuel Antonio for beaches and wildlife, Esterillos and Bejuco when you want open sand and space. Transport was easy—taxis and Ubers came fast, buses were straightforward, and drivers were patient about short stops.

    Evenings were mellow when I wanted and loud when I looked for it. A casual cerveza by the beach, live music in a corner bar, or a quick spin through a casino for the fun of it—the city felt welcoming and simple to navigate. It was the kind of place where you say goodnight to strangers you just met.

    By the end, I had a rhythm—beach in the morning, an adventure or two, food at a place I hadn’t tried yet, and a slow walk home under warm streetlights. Jaco and the surrounding coast are as beautiful as the photos: jungle‑green ridges, long beaches, and sunsets that look staged. I left with a lighter step and a note in my phone that says, simply, “come back.”

  • Discovering San José — George’s Costa Rica Trip Review

    My name is George Baker, I’m 44, and I spent a week in San José, Costa Rica. I booked a City‑Center Airbnb Apartment in San José that ended up being the perfect home base—comfortable, calm, and an easy walk to everything downtown. Stepping outside felt like changing rhythms—soft, bright mornings; warm, breezy afternoons; and evenings where the city lights stitched together a friendly skyline.

    My first stop was the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Natural Park, a perfect entry into the city’s heartbeat—neighbors greeting each other, fresh coffee in the air, and bright fruit stands. I set aside time for the Plaza de La Cultura, which layered history and context onto the streets I was walking. By sunset I reached Walked Avenida Central, where the energy was relaxed but lively, and the food scene rewarded wandering.

    Afternoons were my favorite. I wandered Avenida Central and the plazas around it, watched a street performer, and ducked into a café when quick showers rolled through. Escazú and Santa Ana gave the day a different rhythm—sleek malls, leafy streets, and restaurants perfect for unhurried dinners. Getting around was easy: taxis and Ubers were simple to hail, buses were straightforward, and the whole city felt sensible to navigate. I kept small notes so I wouldn’t forget the details—golden light on historic façades, cinnamon warmth in café con leche, and quiet parks waking up in the morning.

    When the sun went down, San José sprang to life. I tried a downtown dance club, laughed through a few low‑stakes casino games, and felt the city’s friendliness everywhere—bartenders, taxi drivers, and people in late‑night lines. The nightlife felt welcoming instead of intimidating, and I kept noticing how safe the city felt as I moved between venues—well‑lit streets, helpful drivers, and clear routes back. Everyone I met was kind, the sort of warmth that makes you feel invited.

    By the end of the week, I was walking slower, looking up more, and collecting moments I didn’t want to lose. San José offered exactly the balance I needed: culture without complication, social without overwhelm, and grounded in everyday kindness. I’m already planning a return to explore more corners of Costa Rica’s capital and the nearby neighborhoods of Escazú and Santa Ana.

  • Raymond Martin & Victoria Martin’s Jaco Beach Getaway — Trip Report

    We’re Raymond Martin & Victoria Martin—40 and 35—and Jaco Beach felt like the right kind of reset. Our home base was a Stylish Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment—quiet when we needed downtime, close to the water when we wanted surf and sunset. The first thing I noticed was the backdrop: palms, mountains, and that long, gray‑gold arc of sand where the Pacific keeps time.

    I kept days simple and active. I started with Amara Costa Rica Cocina Mediterranea, then fit in Ziplining through Rainforest. Midweek I added Jaco Walk Open Air Shops and wrapped up with The Pizza Shop Jaco Pizza Restaurant. It’s easy to pivot with the weather—mornings for the ocean, afternoons for shade, and the hour before sunset for photos.

    I liked mixing beach time with short rides to nearby spots—Herradura’s marina, Playa Hermosa’s surf, and the shops around Jaco Walk. On another day I pushed farther: Tarcoles for the bridge overlook, Quepos and Manuel Antonio for emerald coves, or Parrita’s quiet backroads. It’s all close enough for relaxed day trips. Transport was easy—taxis and Ubers came fast, buses were straightforward, and drivers were patient about short stops.

    Nights had their own current. I tried a club one evening, a beachfront bar the next, and wandered past casinos just to see the lights. People were warm in that Costa Rican way—easy smiles, quick tips, and a habit of checking that visitors felt welcome and safe. Downtown stayed lively but never restless; I always had a clear, well‑lit route back.

    By the end, I had a rhythm—beach in the morning, an adventure or two, food at a place I hadn’t tried yet, and a slow walk home under warm streetlights. Jaco and the surrounding coast are as beautiful as the photos: jungle‑green ridges, long beaches, and sunsets that look staged. I left with a lighter step and a note in my phone that says, simply, “come back.”

  • Kevin’s San José Trip Report

    My name is Kevin Wright, I’m 59, and I spent a week in San José, Costa Rica. I booked a Downtown San José Airbnb Apartment that ended up being the perfect home base—comfortable, calm, and an easy walk to everything downtown. Stepping outside felt like changing rhythms—soft, bright mornings; warm, breezy afternoons; and evenings where the city lights stitched together a friendly skyline.

    My first stop was the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Natural Park, a perfect entry into the city’s heartbeat—neighbors greeting each other, fresh coffee in the air, and bright fruit stands. I set aside time for the Plaza de La Cultura, which layered history and context onto the streets I was walking. By sunset I reached Central Market, where the energy was relaxed but lively, and the food scene rewarded wandering.

    Afternoons were my favorite. I wandered Avenida Central and the plazas around it, watched a street performer, and ducked into a café when quick showers rolled through. Escazú and Santa Ana gave the day a different rhythm—sleek malls, leafy streets, and restaurants perfect for unhurried dinners. Getting around was easy: taxis and Ubers were simple to hail, buses were straightforward, and the whole city felt sensible to navigate. I kept small notes so I wouldn’t forget the details—golden light on historic façades, cinnamon warmth in café con leche, and quiet parks waking up in the morning.

    When the sun went down, San José sprang to life. I tried a downtown dance club, laughed through a few low‑stakes casino games, and felt the city’s friendliness everywhere—bartenders, taxi drivers, and people in late‑night lines. The nightlife felt welcoming instead of intimidating, and I kept noticing how safe the city felt as I moved between venues—well‑lit streets, helpful drivers, and clear routes back. Everyone I met was kind, the sort of warmth that makes you feel invited.

    By the end of the week, I was walking slower, looking up more, and collecting moments I didn’t want to lose. San José offered exactly the balance I needed: culture without complication, social without overwhelm, and grounded in everyday kindness. I’m already planning a return to explore more corners of Costa Rica’s capital and the nearby neighborhoods of Escazú and Santa Ana.

  • William Anderson and Barbara Anderson — San José Trip Report

    We’re William Anderson & Barbara Anderson—62 and 60—and we carved out a week for San José, Costa Rica to finally see what the capital is really like up close. I booked a stay at a Stylish Airbnb Apartment in San José that turned out to be the perfect base: clean, quiet when I needed it, and an easy walk to cafés and parks downtown. Stepping outside felt like stepping into a warmer rhythm—sunlit mornings, light breezes in the afternoon, and evenings where the city glowed. The apartment gave me the calm I wanted between explorations, and the location made spontaneous detours effortless.

    I started by visiting the Central Market, which was the perfect lens into the city’s daily heartbeat—locals shopping shoulder to shoulder with travelers, bright produce, and the smell of fresh coffee drifting through the aisles. Later I set my sights on neighborhoods I’d heard about, getting a feel for how the capital blends energy and ease. I also carved out time for the Barrio Escalante Restaurants, a highlight that made the city’s history feel close and tangible.

    Afternoons became my favorite hours. I’d wander Avenida Central and the plazas around it, watching street performers and families, ducking into cafés when brief showers passed. Escazú and Santa Ana offered a contrast—sleek malls, leafy streets, and restaurants that gave the day a quieter finish. What surprised me most was how easy it was to move around: taxis and Ubers were simple to hail, buses were straightforward, and everything felt sensible and safe even late in the evening. I kept notes in my phone so I wouldn’t lose the small discoveries—like the way the afternoon light lands on the National Theater’s façade, or how the coffee at a tiny café near Parque Central tasted faintly of cocoa. Little things added up to a city I didn’t expect to love this much.

    When the sun went down, the city switched on. I tried a dance club downtown, laughed over a few small casino bets, and found that San José’s nightlife is more about connection than spectacle. People were warm everywhere—bartenders, taxi drivers, folks in line at the late-night bakery—and that friendliness changed how the city felt. It wasn’t just that Costa Ricans are welcoming; it’s that they make room for you in their night, like there’s always one more chair at the table.

    By the end of the trip I realized I was walking slower, looking up more, and collecting little details I didn’t want to forget—the golden light on old façades, the quiet of early morning parks, the comfort of knowing I could get anywhere without stress. San José turned out to be exactly what I needed: culturally rich without being complicated, social without being overwhelming, and grounded in everyday kindness. I’m already planning my return, eager to explore even more corners of the capital and its nearby neighborhoods.

  • Jessica Finds the Rhythm of Jaco Beach

    My name is Jessica Miller, I’m 33, and I planned a week in Jaco Beach to trade my routine for ocean mornings and warm nights. I stayed in a Modern Airbnb Vacation Apartment in Jaco Beach, an easy stroll from the beach and the restaurants that light up after dark. The first thing I noticed was the backdrop: palms, mountains, and that long, gray‑gold arc of sand where the Pacific keeps time.

    I kept days simple and active. I started with Puddlefish Brewery Restaurant, then fit in Hacienda las Agujas Horse Trails. Midweek I added Koko Gastro Pub and wrapped up with Surfing on Jaco Beach. It’s easy to pivot with the weather—mornings for the ocean, afternoons for shade, and the hour before sunset for photos.

    I liked mixing beach time with short rides to nearby spots—Herradura’s marina, Playa Hermosa’s surf, and the shops around Jaco Walk. On another day I pushed farther: Tarcoles for the bridge overlook, Quepos and Manuel Antonio for emerald coves, or Parrita’s quiet backroads. It’s all close enough for relaxed day trips. Transport was easy—taxis and Ubers came fast, buses were straightforward, and drivers were patient about short stops.

    Nights had their own current. I tried a club one evening, a beachfront bar the next, and wandered past casinos just to see the lights. People were warm in that Costa Rican way—easy smiles, quick tips, and a habit of checking that visitors felt welcome and safe. Downtown stayed lively but never restless; I always had a clear, well‑lit route back.

    By the end, I had a rhythm—beach in the morning, an adventure or two, food at a place I hadn’t tried yet, and a slow walk home under warm streetlights. Jaco and the surrounding coast are as beautiful as the photos: jungle‑green ridges, long beaches, and sunsets that look staged. I left with a lighter step and a note in my phone that says, simply, “come back.”

  • My First Costa Rica Vacation — Christina’s Experience in San José

    My name is Christina Davis, I’m 52, and I spent a week in San José, Costa Rica. I booked a City‑Center Airbnb Apartment in San José that ended up being the perfect home base—comfortable, calm, and an easy walk to everything downtown. Stepping outside felt like changing rhythms—soft, bright mornings; warm, breezy afternoons; and evenings where the city lights stitched together a friendly skyline.

    My first stop was the Barrio Escalante Restaurants, a perfect entry into the city’s heartbeat—neighbors greeting each other, fresh coffee in the air, and bright fruit stands. I set aside time for the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, which layered history and context onto the streets I was walking. By sunset I reached Went to Jazz Cafe in Escazu, where the energy was relaxed but lively, and the food scene rewarded wandering.

    Afternoons were my favorite. I wandered Avenida Central and the plazas around it, watched a street performer, and ducked into a café when quick showers rolled through. Escazú and Santa Ana gave the day a different rhythm—sleek malls, leafy streets, and restaurants perfect for unhurried dinners. Getting around was easy: taxis and Ubers were simple to hail, buses were straightforward, and the whole city felt sensible to navigate. I kept small notes so I wouldn’t forget the details—golden light on historic façades, cinnamon warmth in café con leche, and quiet parks waking up in the morning.

    When the sun went down, San José sprang to life. I tried a downtown dance club, laughed through a few low‑stakes casino games, and felt the city’s friendliness everywhere—bartenders, taxi drivers, and people in late‑night lines. The nightlife felt welcoming instead of intimidating, and I kept noticing how safe the city felt as I moved between venues—well‑lit streets, helpful drivers, and clear routes back. Everyone I met was kind, the sort of warmth that makes you feel invited.

    By the end of the week, I was walking slower, looking up more, and collecting moments I didn’t want to lose. San José offered exactly the balance I needed: culture without complication, social without overwhelm, and grounded in everyday kindness. I’m already planning a return to explore more corners of Costa Rica’s capital and the nearby neighborhoods of Escazú and Santa Ana.

  • Christopher’s San José Trip Report

    I’m Christopher Garcia, 31 years old, and I just spent a week in San José, Costa Rica. I booked a stay at a San José City-Center Airbnb Apartment that turned out to be the perfect base: clean, quiet when I needed it, and an easy walk to cafés and parks downtown. Stepping outside felt like stepping into a warmer rhythm—sunlit mornings, light breezes in the afternoon, and evenings where the city glowed. The apartment gave me the calm I wanted between explorations, and the location made spontaneous detours effortless.

    I started by visiting the Central Market, which was the perfect lens into the city’s daily heartbeat—locals shopping shoulder to shoulder with travelers, bright produce, and the smell of fresh coffee drifting through the aisles. Later I set my sights on neighborhoods I’d heard about, getting a feel for how the capital blends energy and ease. I also carved out time for the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San Jose, a highlight that made the city’s history feel close and tangible. To round it out, I spent an evening exploring Barrio Escalante Restaurants, where the restaurants are lively and creative.

    Afternoons became my favorite hours. I’d wander Avenida Central and the plazas around it, watching street performers and families, ducking into cafés when brief showers passed. Escazú and Santa Ana offered a contrast—sleek malls, leafy streets, and restaurants that gave the day a quieter finish. What surprised me most was how easy it was to move around: taxis and Ubers were simple to hail, buses were straightforward, and everything felt sensible and safe even late in the evening. I kept notes in my phone so I wouldn’t lose the small discoveries—like the way the afternoon light lands on the National Theater’s façade, or how the coffee at a tiny café near Parque Central tasted faintly of cocoa. Little things added up to a city I didn’t expect to love this much.

    When the sun went down, the city switched on. I tried a dance club downtown, laughed over a few small casino bets, and found that San José’s nightlife is more about connection than spectacle. People were warm everywhere—bartenders, taxi drivers, folks in line at the late-night bakery—and that friendliness changed how the city felt. It wasn’t just that Costa Ricans are welcoming; it’s that they make room for you in their night, like there’s always one more chair at the table.

    By the end of the trip I realized I was walking slower, looking up more, and collecting little details I didn’t want to forget—the golden light on old façades, the quiet of early morning parks, the comfort of knowing I could get anywhere without stress. San José turned out to be exactly what I needed: culturally rich without being complicated, social without being overwhelming, and grounded in everyday kindness. I’m already planning my return, eager to explore even more corners of the capital and its nearby neighborhoods.