Firefly Retreat
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→Overview
3 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
7 guests
Minimum stay varies
The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
House Rental
This beautiful house is located in a peaceful town in El Castillo. This comfortable home includes 3 bedrooms with queen size beds, 2.5 baths, WiFi, fully equipped kitchen, Cable TV, A/C in every bedroom,ceiling fans, washer and dryer machine. Surrounded by beautiful mountain views, Lake & Volcano Arenal... Only 15 mins away from the National Park.. Here you will be able to enjoy of many touristic activities around the area, whether you want to enjoy by yourself or with the family, this is your place to spend a wonderful and comfortable vacation..
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlyNo smoking
Please do not throw away toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes or diapers in the toilets, considering that the plumbing in Costa Rica is not suitable for that matter.
You can smoke outside the house, but please throw cigar butts in the trash.
Do not allow pets sleeping on the beds and also clean after their mess.
Bedrooms
3 Kings1 Sofa1 Single
Bathrooms
1 Half bath1 Full bath1 Attached (ensuite)
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Reviews (4)
Gleyner G
Melbourne, FL14 contributions
WOW
If you want an amazing view of a prototypical volcano where you can sip chilled beverages and breath fresh air, this is your vacation rental. We traveled as a family of six, with our three children and my mother and were all very comfortable. What we loved about this place, is that the kids only wanted to be outside. The zip-line park is very close, and !@#$ing amazing. We did the hike/zip-line package, and had a great time. There are also several hot springs a short drive away.
We saw all kinds of birds on the property, including toucans, humming birds, and parrots. When we go back to Costa Rica, we hope that this place is still available, as we'll probably return here.
Visited July 2016
Written 3 March 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
C00kie2013
Manchester, NH6 contributions
Cute house in a beautiful village & great location
The house is cute and I would say that the pictures are pretty accurate although adding a few more might be helpful to future potential renters. I did find the bedrooms to be on the small size but the closets were more than adequate. There is a nice deck on the lower level and porches on the upper level to enjoy the view.
When we first walked in, it was quite musty smelling, which I suppose can be expected considering it’s in the rainforest and the house may not be occupied all the time. After a day or so it seemed to air out. The kitchen is fairly well-equipped with the basic needs (pots, pans, utensils, dishes & glasses) but you’ll need to BYO some items such as paper towels and all varieties of soaps (dish, hand, body & laundry) and there is no dishwasher. We also didn’t find a baking dish to cook some chicken in that we had picked up in La Fortuna. An outside grill would have been a nice addition…which would have negated the need for a baking dish :) The WiFi worked well while we were there.
Stock up on supplies before you get into the village. There is a store and a soda in the village, but you’re going to pay more for some items…especially the beer.
The location is great and yes the road to the house is interesting for sure. Bumpy, twisty, turny, hilly, bumpy, bumpy… When we first drove it, it took us about 30 minutes to get to the house from the main road. After a couple of times driving it, we got used to it and picked up the speed. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive to La Fortuna once you hit the main road.
There are a lot of activities right on that dirt road to take advantage of. Pretty much anything you want to do in the rainforest of Costa Rica can be done a few minutes from your doorstep. Additionally, I would recommend taking a walk up the hill from the house, it’s a really nice (uphill!) walk with stunning views. I would also recommend going La Gavilana Herbs & Art right around the corner. They have some nice artwork, good coffee, breakfast, cookies and sorbet among other things.
On our first night we went to Howlers and everyone’s meal was good, but be prepared for a limited menu. Hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, salad, pizza and maybe one or two more items. They do have some good Costa Rican craft beers on tap to choose from in a comfortable and casual atmosphere.
Fusion, the restaurant down the street is pretty decent. The salads, ceviche and burger were very good although I don’t think that their filet mignon was a true filet. It didn’t taste bad, it just wasn’t the tender filet I am accustomed to. The staff was very friendly and accommodating and prices were pretty good. $241.00 for 6 people that each had the filet, shared 2 bottles of wine and a few drinks.
The biggest issue we had with our stay was the air conditioning compressor units for all the AC’s in the house (4) are mounted on the outside wall right behind the bed in the master bedroom. So any time one of those units turned on, we heard it, even with ear plugs. It was hard to get a good night’s sleep between that and bed being on the hard side (for our taste).
All in all we enjoyed our stay in the village. We were looking have a true Costa Rican experience and we found it.
Visited March 2016 Travelled with friends
Written 7 April 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ingrid D
1 contribution
Grosszügiges Haus für 6 Personen
Top Einrichtung im freistehenden Ferienhaus, schöner Garten mit Papageien und Kolibris mitten im Regenwald. Einziges Manko, ca 5 km lange Schotterpiste mit vielen Schlaglöchern.
Visited February 2016
Written 4 March 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jonesg99
Wrexham, United Kingdom43 contributions
Superb property with great views of Arenal
The house is superb - everything is of high quality and is very well equipped. There are balconies along two sides with wonderful views of the Arenal volcano. El Castillo is around a 10km drive along a dirt road off the highway - a bit rough in parts. There is a soda a short walk from the property - visited on a couple of occasions. Around half an hours drive to La Fortuna, hanging bridges, thermal springs etc. The National Park Centre is a short drive away - great walk from here to the base of the volcano.
Visited December 2015 Travelled with family
Written 20 February 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adventure626817
It's great to read such lovely review. I'm glad you got to enjoy our little corner of the planet. It is paradise down here awaiting for you. Welcome back anytime!!
Written 4 March 2016. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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What this rental offers
Bathroom and laundry
- Washer
- Dryer
- Towels provided
- Iron
Nearby
- Hiking areas
- Countryside area
Parking
- Parking available
- Secure parking available
Scenic views
- Mountain views
Wi-fi and internet
- Wi-fi
Kitchen and dining
- Cooker
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Kettle
- Toaster
Location info
- Kid friendly
- City getaway
Outdoor amenities
- Private yard
- Balcony
- Terrace
- Patio
Entertainment
- DVD player
- Television
Property features
- Ceiling Fans
Indoor amenities
- Air conditioning
- Cable television
- Internet access
Map
Getting there
Juan Santamaria Intl Airport
76.6 km
Restaurants
Essence Arenal Restaurant
1 min
La Ventanita
6 min
Restaurante phoenix
6 min
Fusion Arenal Mirador Restaurante
14 min
Attractions
Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal
5 min • Nature & Wildlife Areas
About the neighbourhood
Wonderful little town in the Arenal national park close to all activities and only 20 min from larger city La Fortuna for additional restaurants and needs
Getting around
Best if you rent a car however there are micro buses back and forth to Fortuna 3 times a day
Access
Car advised
How to get there
Just use Waze or google maps to locate Kelly’s restaurant “La Ventanita” in El Castillo 20 min from La Fortuna.
About this property
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Property #FKN2226997936
Frequently Asked Questions about Firefly Retreat
- Firefly Retreat is able to accommodate up to 7 guests. See all property details.
- Firefly Retreat has 3 bathrooms available. See all property details.
- Firefly Retreat has 3 bedrooms available. See all property details.
- Stays at Firefly Retreat must last at least 2 nights. See all property details.