I would not recommend Chalet Hibiscus.

Let's begin with the positive:
- the garden is beautiful and there is a (small) swimming pool;
-unlike the (Swiss) owner, the (Costa Rican) manager is really nice;
-there is no beach access because of the rocks (corail) but the sea is close by (sound of the waves by night).

We had originally booked Chalet2. When we saw the place, we refused to stay there. It is away from the other rooms but on very small ground, no lawn, just concrete and earth. There was garbage on the ground with a dog eating it. The terrace on the second floor is OK but you can't really stay on the 1st floor outside (we were with our 2year old son and he needs a place to run).

We then moved to one of the Cabinas. As with Chalet2, the rooms are very old and were not clean at all. They were dead insects everywere. It was imppossible to get a mosquito net with less then 10 holes in it. The mosquitonet covering all the openings in the wall were as well very old and full of holes. Out of the 5 lamps, only one worked. We went to get some bulbs but the problems were more serious (the whole electrical installation is too old). But the worst one: the 3 of us came back to New York with flea bites (and Chalet Hibiscus was our last stop so no doubt it is were we got it).

The other travelers we have met there were sharing our appreciation of the place (some have left after 1 night).

The small property of Chalet Hibiscus was the perfect location for my rustic Cahuita vacation. The roaring ocean was the only noticeable sound on site; there were no noisy party-raving youngsters crammed into a strip-rooms as can be found elsewhere in Cahuita for a few dollars less.

Noticeably absent were the frightening sounds of the Howler Monkeys at the other end of town, which was not the "adventure" I wanted to take part in before dawn, as others will tell of their stay at fabulous cottages that border the national park/beach.

The only possible downside is that Hibiscus is far from the main activity of the town (about a 10-15 minute walk), and that there are no signs anywhere providing directions or announcing its presence until you are right in front of their gate. Once you find the spot, you are cool.

Chalet Hibiscus is down the Black Beach Road, past most of the other bars and places to stay. From town, take any road that heads towards the shore, and make a left onto the last road you can. This is the Black Beach Road. Travel this road until you get to Hibiscus, and keep going even if you think you have past it; you haven't. ;-)

The beach that borders Hibiscus is beaten up coral reef, which is not cute. There is a small concrete bench and table at which you can sit and maybe meditate or eat a quick meal or have a quick drink, but the seaside here is not welcoming. Access to the national park beech is very easy, so you just have to leave your cabina and head to town for a good beach experience. A rented car took care of this problem, although I would have no problem with the walk.

The remoteness and privacy at Hibiscus are a great luxury, which I discovered after visiting a few other cheaper locations that looked like rows of prison cells. The laid-back staff (one or two people) were respectful and conveniently minded their own business. As a gay man, I felt totally comfortable staying there with my same-sex travel companion. Our cabin was the right size, with two hammocks and a small set of table and chairs outdoors beneath a roof. The interior was bare, but functional. Besides, I did not come here to smother myself in the hideous polyester of a Hilton hotel. Mosquitos were not a problem even without the mosquito netting around the bed. The bathroom shower and sink even had real warm water.

Unlike more commerial hotels, you had to ask for things like new towels, sheets, etc., but that was of little concern. Each room came equipped with a broom, and dustpan, and I found myself emptying the trash can a few times. If you are a hospitality diva, and want all kinds of pampering, be sure to ask for room service upfront. I totally recommend staying here to anyone who does not mind the minor efforts that such a location require in exchange for the many benefits Hibiscus offers.