Hotel Villa Caletas, JACó

This is my new favorite place on earth (replacing the Grand Hyatt Wailea). The staff is absolutely amazing, the views are just sick fantastic, the food DELICOUS, and the relaxation factor was over the top. The two things I was worried about--the isolation and the lack of WiFi in most rooms--turned out to be a non-event. Cabs into Jaco were ~$15, and while WiFi and internet access was available in the Concierge and Ampitheatre area--you know what? Turns out it was time for me to un-plug for a bit. I only gave 4 stars for cleanliness because of a few bugs here and there, but it didn't bother me, because--NEWS FLASH--we're in a jungle here! We're in THEIR world. So if a few creep through the windows at time--well, that's eco-tourism for you. I will most definitely be back, and can't wait to climb those steps again!

This is a world-class hotel in a truly spectacular location. The infinity pool overlooks the Pacific and sits next to a Greek amphitheater where guests sip wine while absorbing the spectacular sunset. The rooms are first rate with wonderful showers and jacuzzi baths, very unlike many other Costa Rican hotels. The hotel has a private beach which is about a 20min jeep ride down from the hotel but it's for tanning only as there's a strong riptide there. The hotel is targeted at couples more than families. The beautiful spa is the main activity. The only perplexing thing was that they served fake OJ at breakfast. You'd think a 5-star hotel would serve the real stuff.

This hotel, although 2 hours a way, was worth it. We did some room trading while we were there (all great) and ended up in the coolest villa on top of the mountain with 180 degree views of the ocean on. The private infinity pool and the privacy were well worth the 300+ steps to the lobby. We white water rafted (a must) the first day, zip lined the second, lounged the third and always found ourselves in Jaco for dinner. Casual town (flip flops) very warm people. Tips: Don't drive. Roads are rough and drivers crazy. When they tell you to close your windows at 6pm- do it! HUGE scary bugs. Telephone service is horrible, send an email home instead. Do the white water rafting. It's like a nature Disney World there.

Before I visited Vila Caletes and the other hotels we were going to stay at I looked up a number of review sites. I was surprised to see many disapproving reviews for Vila Caletes. Upon arrival I didn't believe a word, the rooms are stunning, the views are the best you will ever see. Having said that, the customer service was horrible. The wait staff at the restaurant over charged us then refused to remove the charges. Then after we left they continued to charge our account for who knows what..we paid cash for our whole visit...they racked up about $200 in charges!!!!! We were not the only unhappy customers another couple we talked to also had additional items charged to their lunch bill. Plus if you want to go to Jaco be prepared to spend $40+ because the only way you can get there is by taxi. The beach at the hotel is too rocky to walk or swim. I would say be wary and don't get your hopes up.

Sunday - We land in Costa Rica at San Jose airport. I reserved a 4x4 described as a Chevy Blazer equivalent... I got a Daihatsu Terrios. New, but a piece of junk. Anyway, we were on the road to Hotel Villa Caletas outside of Jaco… a winding two-hour drive through beautiful countryside on the newly paved hwy 34. Be advised, most roads are so pot-hole strewn you'll need the 4x4. When we reached the easy to find hotel we were pleased. Sitting atop a mountain, our villa was private with a view from the double doors, across the balcony, through the jungle to the ocean below... Monday - We wake to sunshine, a cool ocean breeze, and a new friend. Charlie the spider was still devouring the innocent leaf-bug from the night before. We headed into the only nearby town, Jaco, 10 minutes away. Our goal was to get lunch, a cooler, beer, tequila, etc... avoiding the expensive minibar!!! Upon returning from Jaco we decided to take a dip in the hotel's "Infinity Pool." Then came the hot-tub... We then awaited sunset... the most beautiful sunset ever. Tuesday - The Tarcoles River (250 Crocodiles/ sq mile) was located about 20 minutes to the North. The nearby Carara Biological Reserve, pulling a Toucan and two Parrots out of the bushes to hold and hand-feed. Wednesday - Canopy tour, at 27 stories high it was awesome. Thursday - We parked along the beach at Playa Manuel Antonio and walked 100 meters along the roadside to a stable we had passed. We rode on the beach and through the muddy mountainside where the horses often times mis-stepped along the edges... making this another adrenaline filled adventure. Friday- The Rainmaker is a Conservation project located roughly 22 kilometers North of Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio off of Hwy 34. We tasted some edible plants and smelt others like citronella. This was our most intimate experience with the rainforest. Abundant flora and fauna filled our every glance. We hiked (bring water) up to the Suspension bridges for some fantastic views an estimated 90 meters high along 250 meters of bridgework. If you are anywhere near the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, this is a must. Arrange the tour yourself by calling ahead to avoid an increase in fee due to hotel commissions if they book it for you. We paid $45 USD ea and it was worth every penny. Bring your binoculars as we saw a three toed sloth and a Jesus Christ lizard (named for how it runs on its hind legs when threatened), but they were too far to photograph. We also spotted Poison Dart Frogs, a Blue Morpho Butterfly, Millipedes, Tiger Ants, Tree Frogs, bright mosses, Martini Fungi, a Stick-Bug, and assorted lizards. The trails have been known to harbor Vipers, Monkeys, and various other creatures as well, although we did not encounter these. Saturday - Oh, and one last breakfast at the hotel... All week our server Juan was the best...

I was cleaning out my files and came across the brochure we picked up while staying at your hotel back in the 90's. You were just beginning to build the bungalows and scorpions were not happy! We had a drink in your lobby bar and the bartender placed a giant beetle on our table for "conversation". He was very slow so we weren't overly concerned (the beetle, not the bartender)! We came for lunch and stayed 3 days while you arranged fishing for the men and the ladies enjoyed the pool and your Canadian guests! The food was remarkable, the staff so gracious, the rooms so elegant and we loved the breezes through the dining room! We'd come back in a heartbeat! And we will! Thanks for the memories! the Morgans

Our son got married and had their reception at Villa Caletas and it was awesome! The service was great and the food was delicious. The dining in the restaurant was a little pricey, but the breakfast on the balconey was reasonable, and the view is stunning. The room was very nice and clean (Jr Suite), and the bathroom had a large ceramic tile shower. Word of caution, the room's at the bottom of the outdoor stairs (this is built on a mountain) are very strenuous to climb, and there are no other options to get to them, so request an easy access room if you need it. The resort provided transportation down to the beach, which was great and the service for food/drinks on the beach was great. The infinity pool is very relaxing after working out in their glass walled exercise facility. On the outside of the resort in the town of Jaco, most of the establishments prefer American cash. Highly recommend this facility.

Don't listen to the negstives on this one. This place is a step back in time. We were at the hotel in January for our honeymoon and all I can say is wow!! Room 16 was unbelievable! get it if you can. Aqua blue plunge pool private courtyard deck with huge iron gate for privacy. Lantern with candles and the room service was great. (even considering the heat and nearly two hundred stairs up and back to the restaurant) But as we learned Costa Rica is all about the ups and downs. besides it keeps your heart in great shape!!! I give the valets and servers much praise for their hard work for us. As for the Jungle I loved the semi overgrown feel of the grounds. Made me feel like I was in a place out of a novel. Face it, bugs and Costa Rica go hand in hand. What you gonna do? So if you cant beat em, join em! Loved the leaf cutter ants running up the stairs! Toucans in the morning and Macaws at dusk. The big pool is Fabulously beautiful. and the architecture wonderful and old world. I say give it a shot and enjoy this private, awe inspiring viewed, old world paradise! And remember... Room 16!

We stayed six nights and loved every minute of it! The service was excellent. We didn't really like the first room that they gave us (no ocean view & a long walk to the pool). They gladly switched us to another room. Loved the private beach. We were the only ones there! Not to far from Jaco beach (we had our own rental car). The pool and sunset was amazing. Frank (waiter in restaurant) was very helpful. Eric (bell boy) was great. Everyone was very friendly. The food at the restaurant was great. The atmosphere incredible. Some spiders, lizards and bugs. Hello! Jungle, rainforest! Gonna happen! We would love to come back at some time. Do the Chicklet zipline!

We were here on our honeymoon and the private casitas overlooking the Pacific were breathtaking! We had toucans outside our balcony daily. The pool and restaurant were lovely! What a great value!