|
TESTIMONIALS -
<< Previous - Page 1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7 -
Next >>
Guest Photo Albums
Here are just some
of the testimonials from a few of our happy customers.
|
"Our vacation was
fabulous and as you promised, the staff was exceptional and
provided above and beyond our expectations."
Suzanne Stubblefield
View the Stubblefield Photo
Album |
 |
|
|
|
|
"This was my second
year in a row to vacation at Villa Ocotal. Obviously I had a
wonderful time last year! We had 3 repeat visitors and 5 new
ones in our group this year. Everyone agreed that is was the
trip of a lifetime. We feel like we should be on the
"Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" TV show while we are here.
The staff takes such special care of all our needs. I can't
compliment them enough. And, thank them for putting up with our
antics -especially Gabrielle at the bar. The Costa Rica people
are so gentle and kind that we aspire to be more like them when
we come home. We love this country and their people. Gabrielle
even invited us to his championship soccer game (we declined
because it was pouring down rain). We felt as if we got to know
him well enough we even gave him our own special nickname.
Congratulations to him he scored a goal and his team won 1st
place! All of the excursions organized by Jonathan were perfect
(Arenal Volcano, Boriquen Zip Line & Jungle, Deep Sea Fishing,
Beach/Surfing day at Tamarindo and hiking at Rincon de la Vieja
National Park). He does such a great job of recommending trips
that suit our goals and getting us organized and on our way. We
can't compliment him enough - he is just GREAT! We will be back
with a new group in a couple of years!"
Reese Party October 2008
View the Reese Photo Album |
 |
|
|
|
|
"I just wanted to
let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at Villa Ocotal. The
staff was fabulous and took very good care of us. We loved the
villa, the pool, the games, and the pool table. Our kids had a
great time swimming at both the pool and beach. We really
enjoyed our tour guides, Jose, who took us on the zip lines and
Carlos, who took us on a great nature walk in the rainforest.
It was the perfect place for a family reunion. Thank you so
much for your help. We would be more than happy to recommend
you and Villa Ocotal to any of our friends in the future.
Thank you again."
Wendy Holcomb and the Gaintner, Hess, White and Holcomb Families |
|
|
|
|
|
"Everyone was
wonderful. Gabriel II is a fantastic your man - wonderful
English - always went above and beyond. German - what a
gentleman. Doris - incredible cook, sweet. Jose is very
knowledgeable and friendly tour guide and his driver Antonio is
quiet but very responsible. Spa services great - used 3
days!!! Housekeeper Maleen was quiet but very, very hard
worker."
The Bowen Family
"The
staff was so wonderful and very professional. There was nothing
that we needed that was not provided. The Villa was
exceptionally clean and security was great. Always felt safe.
Our excursions by Jose were exceptional. Gabriel, German,
Doris, Maleen and all the staff made us feel welcome and took
wonderful care of us! We will definitely be back."
The Long Family
"All staff very warm,
happy and friendly...I love them and wish I could stay here
longer. Jose, our tour guide was smart, energetic and wonderful
and very knowledgeable. The Villa security was very good and
the rooms immaculate. German and Doris were friendly,
professional and charming. Gabriel, the bartender is my new
best friend!!! Thanks for the wonderful time in Costa Rica." |
|
|
|
|
|
"Just a quick note
to say "Thank you"! You made our vacation (Dec. 29 - Jan. 5)
truly spectacular. All of you did a great job of taking care of
our every need. I must say that this was the best vacation I
have ever taken in my life, one that will never be forgotten. I
have include some pictures, enjoy!
Thanks again!"
Laura Mullen
View the Mullen Photo Album |
 |
|
|
|
"My name is Tommy
Pidduck, I just stayed in one of your villas in ocotal, with the
"Sempel" group. I wanted to pass on how much fun and what a
first class time I (and I'm sure the group had). Your staff and
the facility were excellent. I would be hard pressed to think
of way the week could have been better."
Thanks a million,
Tommy Pidduck |
|
|
|
|
|
"Our stay at Villa
Ocotal was everything we hoped for and more. In fact, the house
was perfect for our family, with all the age differences and
needs. The staff was most helpful and we had no communication
problems! German anticipated all our needs, and couldn't have
been more professional or attentive. The menu's were excellent,
as well. Gabriel, though, fixed the best smoothies- just ask the
kids! If I were to have any complaint, it would be that we
couldn't stay any longer.
Thank you so much
for all your help and suggestions. Costa Rica was a memorable
vacation for our entire family. And, you were great to work
with, Pam."
Schuck Family Dec. 2007 |
|
|
|
|
"We just wanted to
send a little note thanking you for such a fabulous
experience and vacation. The villa was absolutely gorgeous
and the staff exceptional. Herman and Doris are fantastic
host and cook and Gabriel became part of our family while
bartending and sharing his knowledge of the county.
We have come home and
shared your site with many hoping they will experience Costa
Rica as we did
Thank you again and we hope
to go again in the near future."
|
|
|
|
|
|
"We had a WONDERFUL time. We
absolutely LOVED the villa and Costa Rica. All 8 of us agreed
that it was the best vacation we have ever been on. The villa
was perfect, the rooms clean and beds comfortable, the food
delicious, the staff was so nice and attentive and the area was
beautiful. Even the weather cooperated (mostly). We will
definitely be back, hopefully as soon as Oct. 2008. We were
expecting a lot and our expectations were exceeded!
Thank you to both of you for
indulging all our questions and concerns up front. That set our
minds at ease and helped us with a comfort factor.
Upon arrival the welcoming
staff and pina coladas was a great way to kick off our
vacation. The entire staff was fantastic (German, Doris,
Christina) but I want to especially praise Gabrielle and Ronaldo
for putting up with us at the bar - what a great job they both
did. And, to Jonathan for doing an excellent job of scheduling
activities and excursions. And I want to express our gratitude
for Jonathan's and Gabrielle's excellent English skills, what a
wonderful surprise that we didn't have to struggle with the
language barrier.
Thanks so much for providing
the villa and staff for our pleasure."
Reese Group |
|
|
|
|
|
"Your choices in hiring those
that you did are right on. They work so very well together.
They either read each other minds or are so well orchestrated in
their duties that I felt they were not only taking care of every
need, they anticipated them. We all felt that we were living
with friends. Gabriel (big) and German are very managerial
without making you feel it.
Doris is a delight. There
was not one bad meal. Gabriel (little),also such a delight, he
was always near by to assist her and to make sure she understood
our compliments. German also was a delight and extremely
helpful.
I didn't see a bad room in
the Villa. The presentation of the room with the swan towels,
etc. was 5 star. Thanks to Christine. How delightful she is.
I slept as if I was in my own bed and mine is a Sleep Number
Bed.
Gabriel (little) is a God
send to your Villa. He bartends, served us at breakfast,
translated without making anyone feel uncomfortable, and
answered so many of our mannnnnnnnnny questions with very
informed answers. After I asked if he had a picture of his son,
which he didn't, he suggested that we could stop by his home to
meet his son and wife on our way to the airport. We were so
very touch by that and we were excited to do just that. So
sorry we didn't take any pictures there.
When we were leaving for the
airport everyone came to give us hugs and kisses as we were
leaving. I've seen that on TV at 5 star hotels for their very
special wealthiest guests. I'll bet those people didn't feel as
"family" we as we were being sent off.
Gabriel (big), Jonathan and
Orlando took us to the airport and made us feel as if they were
seeing off family also. Hugs and waves sent us on our way.
We were taken to Coco Breach
to see our Steelers play. Jonathan stayed close and we enjoyed
being able to see the Steelers.
We chose to go to the
National Park to experience the nature of Costa Rica. It
rained, we enjoyed thanks to Jose. Then we had lunch which was
explained to be very Costa Rican which we also enjoyed.
Jonathan. Another delight.
From the ride home from the airport he was into us as 60+ (just
barely) and handled us as if he hadn't noticed. Such tact.
Another one that we asked mannnnnnnnnnnnny questions and got
mannnnnnnnnny answers. He brought to our attention the election
regarding Free Trade that was going on that first weekend we
were there and we were very excited about being there for that
very important event. We read everything we could read and
watched the news very day. He gave us the pros and cons and
stayed ambivalent about what he wanted the outcome to be. He
also gave us insight to his life growing up and living in Costa
Rica which we totally enjoyed hearing about.
When it came time to
contribute our meager (as we came to see) school supplies he
informed us that we were to meet his mother when we went to the
school. He explained that he tries to distribute to other
schools but he wanted us to meet his mom. Which by this time we
really wanted to meet her also. I can't understand how the
English teacher can teach English without workbooks. We are
working on that. HE NEEDS HELP.
Those children were so
HAPPY.
Jose. Another delight. As he
seemed to know that our tours could be tedious he chose to
enlighten us on the environment, history and government of Costa
Rica. Again, answered mannnnnnnnnny questions.
We all felt that we were
living with friends.
Connie Acquaro
Doris & Pam,
As one of the ladies in the
McConnell group I just wanted to let you know how wonderful
everything was and we can't say enough about the help. They
were warm and friendly and when we left we felt like we were
leaving family. Their training is excellent and we certainly
felt spoiled while we were there.
Betty Ahearn ---McConnell
Group
Very sweet and accommodating
and food was good.
Sandy Contis
It was one of our best times
ever.
Joyce Acquaro
View the McConnell Photo Album |
 |
|
|
|
|
"Our entire family had a
fabulous time. The staff, the food, the service, the villa, the
pool, the patio area – everything was really first-rate. The
children enjoyed themselves immensely, with the pool, the
constant frozen drinks, and beach so close by."
Amanda Lietman / June 07 |
|
|
|
|
|
"We had a tremendous
experience--it was truly magical. My mother and father loved
every minute of it. The cousins, all 12 of them, had such a
great time at the house and down at the marvelous Playa Ocotal.
One day they were in the pool from 6am to dinnertime. The pool
is the most perfect set-up for young kids. All of it was
great. Thanks for working with us last minute and for providing
us with a great rate and a great stay. We truly loved it all!"
Best wishes,
Ann Hillers |
|
|
|
|
"First I have to say a huge
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how amazing our entire
week was! You made me look like a hero for finding you and
your wonderful villa! My husband's family was SO impressed
with everything.
The wedding was beyond our
dreams!!! When we finally came back from the beach (we were
there for quite a while...hanging out at Father Rooster with
our photographer, Shaun) it was pretty dark...the villa
looked, gosh, I know it's a Cinderella word, but enchanting is
the only thing I can think of at the moment. Everyone had
decorated, the band was playing (I was SO tickled that there
was an accordion player!!!), the flowers, the table, the
lighting...it was so magical!!! I knew you would take good
care of us, but we couldn't possibly have imagined how
romantic it really would be!
Bari's cake was GORGEOUS and exactly what I wanted! It was
also one of the tastiest wedding cakes I have ever had! We
ordered chocolate cake with orange frosting. It sounds a bit
odd I know, but it was amazing...rich and elegant and the
perfect ending to a perfect dinner.
German and Doris were
angels from heaven! The food was perfect...fresh, tasty,
varied and hearty! Even my Tristan, who is world's pickiest
boy ate like a piggy. He tells me every day he misses Gabby
and asks constantly if we can move to Costa Rica!
But back to the
wedding...the flowers!!! What can I say????? I got my ivory
roses, she brought white orchids for my hair, the ceremony
flowers were so gorgeous and the villa looked SO elegant!!!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!! I cried when they
arrived and I saw those roses! Thank you, thank you, thank
you!!!!
Even the decorations in our
room that night brought me to tears...my mom too...ok, that
sounded sort of weird, didn't it?...she had to run up to my
room to get something for me and saw how they had decorated.
She said "I don't want to spoil the surprise (sniff, sniff,
sniffle), but wait till you see your room!!! It's so
beautiful!!!" cue the waterworks!!!
The ceremony was so
beautiful! It was all I could do to keep from crying through
the entire thing. But the Costa Rican vows are really
beautiful, all joking aside. It was really an honor to be
married there.
Ok, so let me prattle on
about the rest of the week... our arrival was great! I have to
say the best resource Costa Rica has is not the water, the
greenery, the monkeys...it's the people!!! This was my second
time there (my first to Guanacaste) and nothing has changed in
10 years as far as the people go. They are the most real, the
most genuine and kind people I have encountered in my life. I
have traveled a lot of the world and have worked in the travel
industry both as a flight attendant and in the wholesale tour
business (Mark Travel Corporation who run Funjet, United
Vacations, Pleasure Break Vacations etc) and Costa Rica is by
far the most perfect place on Earth in my mind (and now my
husband's as well) We would truly love to live there some
day...
Your staff is to be
commended! By the end of the week we all cried a little when
we had to say goodbye. Ok, I cried A LOT. I hated saying
goodbye to our little Gabby...he is such a wonderful person!
My family, new and old, really considered them friends in a
day or two of arriving. I hope you don't mind, but my
father-in-law took over the kitchen Thursday night!!! He
really wanted to cook some traditional Italian fish for
everyone...he's an amazing cook and it's always been his
hobby. We made the staff that was there that night at dinner
time sit and eat too...please don't be mad...we made them, but
it was so hard for us to have them with us day after day and
not think of them as part of our family too! They were so
sweet and shy and humble about it...you have found real gems
there. They made that villa feel like a home away from home.
It was such a pleasure to give my moms and my best friend and
my new cousin some much deserved time off from taking care of
their homes...but we all felt it was such a guilty pleasure
everyone there worked SO hard to take care of us.
Thanks from the bottom of
our hearts..."
Warmest regards,
Dawn (Feb. 2007)
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Thanks guys for helping me
arrange our Costa Rican Holiday. Everyone who came thanks
me every time we talk and say it was one of the best experiences
they have ever had (and these are well traveled folks!)."
Click here to read
the full testimonial |
|
|
|
|
|
"Jonathan was terrific in arranging tours! Jose and Junior
were great tour guides - very knowledgeable. Edith was
fabulous! The staff was most accommodative. Special thanks
to Gabriel Uno and Gabriel Dos and Edith. Gabriel numero
dos was awesome! Extra Special thanks to the entire staff!"
The Sempel Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I wanted to take the time to
tell you what a fantastic time we had at Villa Ocotal. Sue’s
60th birthday was a huge success. The Villa was immaculate, the
staff was unbelievable and the food was always on time and
excellent. The whole staff gets a huge round of applause from
all of us.
I couldn’t have scripted a
better vacation. We are already planning for my 60th birthday
in July of 2008. When you have time, could you send me some
information on the bigger villa just down the hill from ours. I
have a feeling we may need more space when word gets around.
I wanted to take the time to
give individual praise to German, the kindest and most warm and
gentle host. He was especially good with the baby. Elba and
Doris were fantastic in the kitchen. Each meal was sumptuous.
I didn’t get the know the housekeeping woman, I think her name
was Edith, but she did a marvelous job of keeping the rooms
clean at all times. I especially bonded with the young
bartender, Gabriel. What a fantastic smile and personality. He
was always there for us. We also had the honor of being able to
celebrate his birthday too! Hope he is there for years to
come. Jonathan did a great job of planning the trips which were
enjoyed by all. Last but not least, Raul was a joy to be
around. What great fun he was to be with.
Thanks again for everything.
Hope to do it all again some day. Love and thanks from all
the Burton-Middleton clan."
Yours truly,
Patrick Burton
View the Burton Photo Album |
|
|
|
|
"We were part of the Miller/Amerling/Chefetz group that rented
the Villa Ocotal from February 3 - 10, 2007. We want to write
and give you our impressions, and thank you for making our
vacation so memorable. It was a very important vacation since
it was a gift from our 88 year-old mother to her children and
their spouses.
The vacation could not have gone any better from the time your
staff met us at the Airport on February 3rd (with an
air-conditioned van and cold drinks) to the point at which
they dropped us back at the Airport on February 10th! The one
thing that stands out above all else was the dedication and
commitment of the staff. They worked non-stop for the entire
week to make sure our every need was met. The food was
delicious, and the rooms were clean & spacious and offered a
magnificent view of the ocean. The location of the Villa
offered a spectacular view of the harbor and the surrounding
hills. The maintenance, upkeep and services were timely and
provided in a cheerful , pleasant manner. The proximity to
the beach was an added benefit, and information/arrangements
for activities and tours made our visit to Costa Rica very
memorable.
In addition to life at the Villa, we enjoyed a trip to the
Pallo Verde National Park, deep sea fishing adventures,
snorkeling, a canopy excursion and massages both at the beach
and at the Villa. So, as you can tell, we had a fun-filled
time. We would recommend without reservation your Villa to
friends that were looking for a wonderful, sunny, relaxing
vacation.
In closing I want to commend German and Gabriel for an
outstanding job of management of our day-to-day life at the
Villa. Gabriel stopped by daily and German's attention was
constant. Attached are a couple of pictures we took while at
your Villa."
Sincerely,
|
 |
|
|
|
|
"I am one of the guests from the Pogge party who recently
stayed at the Villa. I just want to express how wonderful
everything was for us. I am also in the hospitality industry
(I have a restaurant up in Westchester County, NY), and I have
very discerning taste when it comes to service, quality and
value. The staff at the Villa went above and beyond what I
had expected in terms of the level of service that we
received. German made sure that our every need was met and
really is a person who exhibits extreme professionalism in
what he does. Of our group, I was the only one who speaks
Spanish, but regardless, German was always able to comprehend
and execute any requests from others in our group.
Also, Ulysses demonstrated exceptional service from the first
moment I met him. I was very sick upon our arrival and
probably looked half dead to him as I sat waiting to get
checked in at the Casa Blanca. He came over to me and gave me
his number and German's name and said that if I need him to go
to the pharmacia, he would be happy to do so. Wow!
To you, I would like to express many thanks for providing a
band for Eric and Karl's birthday, they were awesome and a
good time was had by all!
Well, again, thank you for everything and I hope that you
pass these good words on to my new amigos at the Villa. I
will certainly be recommending Villa Ocotol to anyone that I
can. I hope one day I will be able to return to experience
the Pura Vida!!!!"
Muchas gracias,
Natalia Macri
Pogge Group (Mar 06)
|
|
|
|
|
|
"This vacation was
magnificent because of your hard-work and dedication to your
guests.
It has been an honor and
surely our privilege to be in your presence and your beautiful
country.
From our hearts, we thank
you. You are warm, kind and gracious human beings. And, you
are welcome in our home when you come to America.
Until our paths cross again,
we wish you God’s peace and love."
Daniels Group (Aug 2006) |
|
|
|
|
"There were so many pluses on this vacation (between the
villa, the food, staff, etc.), beginning the moment we stepped
off the plane.
Villa staff greeted us at the airport with smiling faces. It
was clear from the start the staff aimed to please. There was
a gentle rain in the late afternoon on our first day. We'd
never seen such vivid colors or beautiful double rainbows
until we watched our very first Costa Rican sunset. The
weather cooperated all week. Hot mornings, lazy afternoons and
occasional, short rains only added to the enchantment.
The food was delicious and we enjoyed the Costa Rican cuisine
prepared by Elba and Doris. We only had to ask and our needs
were met, whether related to food, drinks, towels, etc.
German, the two Carlos' and Gabriel ensured that we had to ask
for little. (German was the best!)
The canopy tour was great! Some from the group were hesitant
at first. After the second or third zip line, they overcame
their fears and everyone loved sailing through trees. It was
an experience every visitor should take advantage of. We
rented scooters and motorcycles, hitting different beaches and
other locales. This was a great opportunity to stop and see
many of the different areas in Guanacaste, at our own pace.
The band at the villa, on the last night, capped off a
wonderful week that ended all too quickly. We had a GREAT
vacation and talk about returning in the not too distant
future. Hope you all will be ready for us!"
Santiago Group (Aug. 2006)
|
 |
|
|
|
|
"Everything is going great.
Sheryl and I were just doing our thank you letters for the
wedding and saying that we owed you guys a letter thanking you
for everything. We're like walking commercials for you guys.
Send our love to Gabby,
German, Martina, Carols and the rest of the gang."
Ron & Sheryl Conigliaro (July
2006) |
|
<< Previous - Page 1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7 -
Next >> |
How
To Get Here
.jpg)
