Mermaid House in Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica
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Overview
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
4 guests
Minimum stay varies
The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
House Rental
Spectacular two-story jungle home, 10-minute walk from uncrowded, pristine beaches by public and private (caretaker has key) paths. 25 ft ceilings open into the canopy. All species of birds, monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife surrounds. Two large decks upstairs with spacious living room, modern kitchen and dining area. Exquisite floors, woodwork, etc. One bedroom upstairs, one downstairs (separate entrance) both with bathrooms (upstairs Jacuzzi tub doesn't work but shower fine). Caretaker lives on the property. Very secure. Wi-Fi.
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlyNo smoking
Enjoy the beautiful house and environs.
Bedrooms
1 Super King1 Double1 Sofa
Bathrooms
2 Full baths
Contribute
Reviews (6)
Chrissie F
1 contribution
The Mermaid House is a gem in the jungle
Our stay at the Mermaid House in Playa Chiquita was amazing. The beautiful house settled in the jungle had just been refurbished and very clean...Gorgeous! We were blown away by the monkeys howling in the jungle which we would watch off the balcony. It is just a few minute walk to stunning beaches. Wonderful dining venues a skip away and night life in Puerto Viejo was fun too. Gilbert, the caretaker lives on the property and was very kind and helpful.
I seriously could live there. We are already planning another stay there in a few months. Can't wait! Thank you very much Dave for the lovely experience.
Visited April 2018
Written 9 May 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidthoreau
Christine, thank you for the wonderful review. It was great having you and your friend stay at the Mermaid House. DT
Written 11 May 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glennis B
Whakatāne, New Zealand365 contributions
Really disappointed, run down , uncomfortable,
House has so much potential. In its hey day would have been wonderful.
It requires a lot of maintaince to be suitable. Nothing worked , lighting , fans , light switches , spa bath and showers It is also not walking distance to the beach, as there is private property in front of house. Defiantly not suitable for children as downstairs room is not connected to main house. Caretaker has dogs that come onto property which was an issue. Lots of better options out there.
Visited July 2017
Written 21 July 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidthoreau
I doubt this reviewer read the Trip Advisor description of the Mermaid House! (re Spa, beach access and downstairs bedroom). See pictures! Additionally I reiterated in my welcome note that the Jacuzzi didn't work and the multiple beach accesses are 10 minute walks on various public paths. The caretaker who lives in smaller house within the compound is very conscientious and keeps the grounds and the Mermaid House in lovely condition. His dog is mid-sized and friendly. The downstairs bedroom does indeed have a separate entrance as described in TA and I do not recommend it for small children without an adult. This review is highly inaccurate. Not sure about "hey day" comment as house was built ten years ago and is widely known as most dramatic and comfortable rental in the area. Thank you, David Thoreau.
Written 17 August 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janice B
26 contributions
Magnificent place
My husband and I traveled in Costa Rica for 2 months in March and April of 2015. This house was one of our favorite places during that entire time. The views from upstairs are magnificent. It feels like you are in the rainforest canopy. Birds, flowers, monkeys.
The caretakers are extremely friendly and helpful. More than happy to help out in any way. They are a lovely family. They don't speak English fluently, so it helps if you can talk with them in Spanish.
There was some confusion about locating the property when we first arrived. Better directions to the house would be helpful.
We loved it there and hated to leave.
Visited April 2015 Travelled as a couple
Written 3 January 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidthoreau
Thanks Janice. i was a pleasure having you.
Written 14 August 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zestful74life
1 contribution
Paradise in the Jungle
"My husband and our friends loved staying at the Mermaid House. The house was beautiful, the lighting, architecture, furniture, everything. It's like living in a luxurious tree house. We got the best of both worlds. The home is close to the little town of Playa Chiquita, by rented bike or on foot, and all of the awesome beaches in the area are easily accessible - by public paths - a ten ten minute walk max as beach only 150 meters from house. The bonus is that the house is tucked away in the jungle, which made the property very safe and quieter. David the owner and Gilbert the caretaker gave us tons of helpful info about the place and David was easy to reach by internet or phone if we needed him. The downstairs room and bathroom were separate from the common areas, which gave privacy for the other couple we were traveling with. There was a small but well stocked supermarket very close by, which let us utilize the well equipped kitchen. Also three or four restaurants. I would recommend this place for nature lovers especially bird watchers. Like many places tucked in the jungle in Costa Rica, we were paid visits by many wonderful birds, insects and animals. L L Burgi
Visited July 2015 Travelled as a couple
Written 14 July 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidthoreau
Thanks very much for the time and effort it took to write this thoughtful review of the Mermaid House and the Playa Chiquita area. Best, David Thoreau
Written 15 July 2015. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lidiya_Rus
Las Vegas, NV6 contributions
Beware!
My family of 4 stayed at the Mermaid House for 3 nights in March. We arrived late at night and had a hard time finding the place as there are no signs or lights around there. We also couldn't get a hold of the caretaker who was supposed to be expecting us, or of the owner who lives in the States. When we finally found it, there was a 12 year old girl waiting for us( the caretaker's daughter), she showed us the house. Well, the first bedroom is downstairs , completely separate from the rest of the house, as is the first bathroom. You need a key to get into each. We ended up not using them, since we didn't want to leave the kids by themselves at night. They slept on the couches in the living room. Even though there are screens on the windows, we saw a few lizards, flys and bugs inside the house. Now to the jewel of this property - THE JACUZZI ! Guess what? You can't use it! That was the first thing the little girl told us! When we tried to take a shower, we knew why- the water pressure was so low, it would take whole day to feel it up! So, while the tub looks nice, it's all it is for- looking at. We actually had to hose each other down outside a few times, as it was impossible to shower because of the water pressure. Also, the beach is not close at all, we had to drive and then walk for about 15 min. Overall, the info provided was very misleading, I would not have gotten this house if I knew the truth about it. We liked Punta Uva, but will stay some place else if we go back.
Visited March 2015
Written 22 April 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidthoreau
The Mermaid House has received over a dozen reviews from Flip Key and AirBnB clients and all have been glowing except this one. The house is in fact less that 150 meters from a beautiful private beach. They are two trails off the main road and both less than a five minute walk to the beach. I make a point of telling clients that although the Jacuzzi function of the tree lined master bath tub doesn't work, the shower and the tub itself are spectacular and in perfect working order.
Written 30 April 2015. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TinaEll
1 contribution
Great modern home in a tropical beach town
This is a great vacation home in a jungle setting. It is right across the street from the tropical beach – with many more walking or biking distance. The house is a solid modern home while at the same time retaining that jungle tree house feel. That bathtub was amazing! As was the size of the bedroom. Not sure the photos really do it justice.
The on-site caretaker was most helpful, check-in and check-out was effortless and efficient, although communicating required some rudimentary Spanish skills.
Playa-Chiquita is laid back with a Caribbean vibe and offers many quality outdoor restaurants and shops a few minutes walk. We had a hard time deciding where to eat as many places looked delightful. A few years ago we had stayed in Puerto Viejo but were looking for something more quiet and natural, but still within the beaten path. Playa Chiquita fits the bill.
The beaches we saw were almost void of people and had pretty fine sand, warm water and good waves. The beach is very natural – truly tropical - which we liked. We snorkeled and just played in the waves. There were quite a few surfers who seemed to catch good waves that day.
Unfortunately we were only able to stay one night (the owner was very flexible and helpful) but I would definitely want to come back to this location and home.
Visited November 2014 Travelled as a couple
Written 10 December 2014. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidthoreau
Hi Tina, Thanks so much for the review. David Thoreau
Written 17 December 2014. 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
- Linens provided
- Washer
- Towels provided
Nearby
- Hiking areas
- Horse riding facilities
Parking
- Parking available
- Secure parking available
Wi-fi and internet
- Wi-fi
Kitchen and dining
- Cooker
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
Location info
- Beachfront/Lakeside
- Kid friendly
Outdoor amenities
- Balcony
- Terrace
- Private yard
- Patio
- Deck
Entertainment
- Stereo system
Indoor amenities
- Internet access
Property features
- Ceiling Fans
Things to do
- Fishing spots available
- Watersports
- Cycling areas
Map
Getting there
Juan Santamaria Intl Airport
167.7 km
Changuinola Airport
36 km
Restaurants
Pura Gula
9 min
El Rincon Porteño
12 min
El Nido 'e Pulecenella del Caribe
6 min
GypSea Cafe
11 min
Attractions
Chocorart
14 min • Farms
Playa Chiquita
9 min • Beaches
Ride The Rainforest Costa Rica
1 min • Horseback Riding Tours
Playa Chiquita
8 min • Beaches
About the neighbourhood
Mermaid House is approx. 250 meters from the well-known town of Playa Chiquita. Guests are within walking distance of wonderful local restaurants, cafes, bike rentals, and gourmet markets. Recently there is a new lovely private 200-meter beach path (which Mermaid guests will have a key to) which will take you to famous remote beaches. The wildlife is like no other in Costa Rica!
Getting around
Buses and taxis are fairly inexpensive and drive past the main gate. Also, bicycles are available at three vendors within 200 meters of the front gate.
Access
Car not needed
How to get there
Caribbean Shuttle from San Jose to Mermaid House ($50). MEPE bus from San Jose to Puerto Viejo ( $14 ). Nice comfortable buses. Ride takes approx. 4 hours. 3.5 hours by car.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableHorse riding facilitiesWatersports
About this property
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All bookings are direct with the owner Property #FKN2223206481
Frequently Asked Questions about Mermaid House in Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica
- Mermaid House in Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica is able to accommodate up to 4 guests. See all property details.
- Mermaid House in Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica has 2 bathrooms available. See all property details.
- Mermaid House in Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica has 2 bedrooms available. See all property details.
- Stays at Mermaid House in Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica must last at least 2 nights. See all property details.