Rental Cars in Costa Rica: not always perfect, but....

While there's generally nothing but good stuff related to a trip to Costa Rica, let us not think that everything is perfect. As much as I'll recommend a place or service provider because they were GOOD,
I should also share when something was NOT.

We have rented our autos from Avanti in San Jose for years, beginning upon the recommendation of a friend. They were small, friendly and accommodating. Over the years though, Avanti grew, relocated, and then became USave.

Last year, we were double charged for our rental, their office using our credit card deposit AND our checkout [problem cleared through card member support] and I didn't complain. Anyone can make a mistake...

But this year, we were rented a 4x4 that sprayed motor oil all over the country, finding out only when we leaked in grand fashion in the valet courtyard at a swanky hotel. Dipstick registered nothing, but not a single idiot light had come on.

We had to cancel some of our excursions between Guanacaste and Alajuela because we just kept blowing oil.
Quarts later and at our "jumping off" hotel, the Buena Vista, hotel staff contacted USave to ensure that a person was sent out rather than the old, "We'll just pick it up from the hotel tomorrow" line.

A young man who was "not in a position of authority" came out and heard of our troubles.
I emailed USave to reiterate immediately upon our arrival home.

Our credit card was charged the full amount [not surprising], but no one responded to my email.

Not sorry - nothing.

How about all the motor oil all over Costa Rica?
My bet is that they are STILL leasing that pig out to the touristas.

And so, I will no longer rent an auto from Avanti/USave and will not recommend them.
Even to enemies.

Costa Rica suffers either way....

Sound like your kind of place?

"...After a day of sightseeing and adventure join us by the infinity-edge pool and the Jungle Blue lounge our private guest club house to relax and kick back with a refreshing tropical drink or cocktail from the bar. Here you can enjoy the stunning views of the rainforest, nature and Pacific coastline including Cano Island, Ballena Marine Park and Osa Peninsula and just let the Magic happen!

Jungle Blue Bar offers a selection of cocktails, tea & coffee, juices, soft drinks and wines as well as snacks both in the guest club house as well as poolside.

As the songs of the Toucans bring on the sunset the lounge at Jungle Blue Club House is illuminated by candles, citronela tiki torches and indirect lighting to create a special and romantic atmosphere were you can relax, plan your next day of adventures, catch up on news with free Wi-Fi internet or just enjoy a drink.

A delicious full breakfast (inclusive in the daily rate) is served in the Jungle Blue Lounge Club House from 7:30am to 11:00am."

I'm sold - look for our review of Tiki Villas in Uvita by the end of December!

In the mean time, take a peek at their web page:  

http://www.tiki-villas.com/index.html

and as always, stop by http://www.mango-tango.net for Costa Rica calendar offerings

When missing the tropics...

I add cream of coconut instead of cream and sugar to my morning coffee.  Lately, the half and half has been going bad....

Hotel Buena Vista - Alajuela, Alajuela Province

I cannot say enough about our wonderful friends at Hotel Buena Vista in Alajuela. This hillside B&B is a great spot for arrivals and departures from Juan Santamaria International and located at a convenient distance to Pacific beach towns as well as the diversity of the Central Valley. Buena Vista has been our hub for trips to our beloved Grecia, the artisan village of Sarchi, and the mighty volcano, Poas.
Four newly constructed villas have been added, and the renovation of the original hotel is near completion. As a traveler, I cannot stress the importance of a comfortable bed. I found the new beds at Hotel Buena Vista to be superb - just enough 'give' in a layer over a medium-firm foundation - sleep came quickly and without an Advil chaser in the morning. There is also plenty of sitting room in the new villas, generous under-roof seating on the balconies, and large stone-tiled bathrooms. We were equipped with a small refrigerator, a decent clock-radio and television with limited channels. Wi-fi was available in and around the original big house, but not at the villas. I was surprised this year to find that I could call the states with my AT&T world phone from the hotel. It's just a matter of time before that kind of connectivity is public knowledge and I can't tell the folks "at work" that I'm incommunicado...

Well done, friends. Hotel Buena Vista will continue to get my business!


http://www.hotelbuenavistacr.com/