Costa Rica house rental basics
Renting a beach house or a mountain retreat is a relaxing, individual, and often surprisingly affordable way to spend your Costa Rica vacation. A Costa Rica house rental can be a simple, seaside cottage, a luxurious beachfront estate, or a charming and rustic hilltop hideaway.
Costa Rica’s friendly hospitality makes visitors feel at home as soon as they check in, and the natural beauty of the country inspires and envelops them.
House rentals are ideal for family groups and groups of friends who want to stay together. They’re also perfect for the vacationer who wants to get away from the typical tourist spots and crowds.
Advantages to renting a house in Costa Rica
A Costa Rica house rental gives visitors more autonomy and freedom than a traditional resort vacation. There are no crowds to contend with, no noisy neighbors, and no sharing a small hotel room. A house give you room to spread out and enjoy yourself. A house rental can often accommodate more travelers than a hotel or resort and, generally offers you the flexibility to cook some or all of your own meals. Deluxe rentals sometimes include a staff to help maintain the house and even to cook for you, if desired.
How to Find a Costa Rica House Rental
House rentals are much easier to find since the advent of the Internet. Thousands of rental properties are viewable via the computer and potential vacationers can communicate directly with the house owner or rental agency. Being able to see the exact house you will be renting takes a lot of the anxiety and guesswork out of renting. In addition, many travel agents and tour companies offer house rental packages, with airfare and transportation included, often at a discount. Be a savvy consumer when shopping for a house rental. Don’t be afraid to ask the booking agency for references and follow up on them. If you are dealing with a U.S. agency, consult the Better Business Bureau for feedback.
How much does it cost to rent a house in Costa Rica?
Accommodations in Costa Rica are generally much more affordable than similar resorts in the Caribbean and Europe. Expect to pay between $40 and $200 a night for a house rental, depending on the size, condition, and location. House rentals range from one-room bungalows to large, multi-room estates. Amenities vary widely. Some house offer sweeping views, others have pools or beach access. Some are just a simple and affordable accommodation in a lush setting. Customarily, house rentals require a deposit, usually around 20 to 25 percent, with the balance due 45 to 60 days prior to arrival. Some rental agencies accept credit cards; many do not. Make sure that you ask. House rentals generally carry more stringent cancellation rules than traditional hotels. If a renter cancels at the last minute, the house owner has less of a chance to re-rent the house than a hotel has of re-renting a room. Because of this, most rentals are non-refundable, once the balance is paid.
What to Take with You when Renting
Most house rentals in Costa Rica come equipped with kitchen gear, bedding, and most everything else you’ll need for your stay there. If you plan on cooking a lot, you might consider bringing spices or other specialized cooking equipment from home. Water is generally not a problem in Costa Rica. Mountain water supplies are often fed by underground streams and provide delightful and refreshing water. Swimmers will probably want to bring beach towels. For a longer stay, bring a couple of items to make the house your own, such as photographs or a favorite knick-knack.
A Costa Rica house rental can be a wonderful way to sample the friendly, diverse culture of this beautiful Central American country. Taste the food; settle in amidst the lovely scenery; and interact with the people who call Costa Rica home. It can also be an affordable and convenient place to stay as you explore all that Costa Rica has to offer.
Related links:
Choosing a Costa Rica House Rental on the Pacific Coast
How to Find Great Costa Rica Rentals