Costa Rica's Casa Tucana AirBNB review
When looking where to stay in Costa Rica, I checked everything. Hotels, apartments, houses, and more. When it came down to it, I knew staying in an Airbnb was the ideal situation. Hunting for the right one was a bit difficult. There are so many different spaces that looked great with good reviews that it took time to pick. After narrowing it down, it was finally decided to go with the beautiful Casa Tucana.
Location
Tucana is located in the gated community of Esterillos Osete, which is in Puntarenas. Renting a car in this area is highly recommended. Although there are local buses, I didn’t see many. It took us almost 2 hours to drive from San Jose Airport to the house. There was a lot of construction and most roads were one lane. We also made a quick pit stop at a store to pick up a few items and grab some food.
The house is about 20-30 minutes from Jaco and about 30 – 40 minutes away from Manuel Antonio Park. There is a beach that is 5 minutes away by car and there are stores and places to eat aka Sodas around. There are also several places to grab food or shop within the area, but again I suggest renting a car or at the very least having a driver.
Tucana
The house is beautiful. We pulled up to it and could see directly in through the glass doors. Upon walking inside we realized just how big the house was. Tall ceilings, stone floors, and an open concept. The kitchen and living room where off to the left and full equipped. The kitchen had everything needed in the way of cups, glasses, utensils, bowls, and even a double door fridge.
The living room had a white comfy couch and a television. The wifi was hooked up along with a DVD player. There were many DVDs with a wide range of genres as well. To the right were 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Each of the two bedrooms were very spacious had two big beds a piece. The bathroom had a pretty cool looking shower as well.
Walking down the hall to the left was a laundry room and then straight ahead and down a couple of steps was a huge master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The ensuite had a double sink, a huge garden tube, and a closest. Each bed had towel swans on it which we thought were so cute. Although they kept similar style and decor each room had its own personality. Each bedroom has an A/C unit that could be controlled with a remote. There were also fans in each room and a huge fan in the hall.
The Extras
Tucana has an indoor and outdoor dining table, so a meal can be enjoyed as you see fit. The outdoor table also doubles as a ping pong table. There is ample seating spaces all over the property. Sunbathing on the deck, relaxing in the shade, or just kicking back with a book can be done.
There is a nice size salt water pool with a beautiful view of a jungle like atmosphere. The pool also has a swing in front of it which I thought was awesome. It can be accessed through the master bedroom or from the doors in the kitchen. If you don’t feel like taking a shower inside, there is a shower outside. I wish I had time to try it, maybe next time. Up a set of stairs is a great place to relax. There is another seating area and a couple of hammocks.
An Overview
As I said before the house came equipped with wifi. From my experience the wifi worked in almost every room. The signal was best when in the living room or kitchen area. It was a bit spotty in the master bedroom and pretty much gone in the ensuite. Stepping outside to the backyard it virtually disappears. It worked well right outside the front door.
There was one lantern in the house that we didn’t find out about until the owner came by to check on us. Luckily a neighbor ended up lending us one since the power went out 30 minutes into us being there. We found out it was the entire area. There were no flashlights. We found one tea light candle and a handful of electric tea light candles that didn’t emit much light. The power was out for about 3 hours.
Once the power came back we had our hands on two lanterns. Sadly the electric went out again for the rest of the night and didn’t come back on till 2:20am. Luckily we had the lanterns, but we weren’t able to use any fans or A/C and it was pretty hot in the house. The owner charges if you use too much power so it is important to turn things off when you are not using it. We weren’t worried about that since the power was out for about 7/8 hours and we spent the next day out and about.
Tucana is a great house to stay in. It can hold up to 10 people, so it is great for large groups or even a small group of people. Either way it has ample space to spread out, but still be able to come together and hang out. I would certainly go back and stay at Tucana as I really enjoyed it. The owner was very nice and welcoming. Her husband also gives surfing lessons which we wanted to do, but didn’t get the opportunity. Perhaps next time!
Here is more info on Tucana if you would like to stay there. You can use this link to get $20 off your first Airbnb stay.
Joanna
Looks like an amazing place to stay. So beautiful and peaceful and has everything you need and could want on a vacation
Holly Dayz
It was beautiful. I would stay again and maybe even take more people lol. It was very peaceful.
Kim H. (@wh_travelwell)
Nice! I’ve been meaning to ask where you stayed in CR so this is right on time! thanks!
Holly Dayz
This lovely house! Very nice, I would certainly go back.
Keisha || The Girl Next Door is Black
Holy cow, that looks incredible!! Costa Rica is already fanstastic in itself and this house would just be icing on the very tasty cake!
Holly Dayz
It was a beautiful house. We had a lot of fun.
Keisha
Costa Rica is very high on my list for this summer when I’m back home in the states. So many different, beautiful regions to choose from. Tucana looks lovely. This is definitely one I’ll want to do solo.
Holly Dayz
I loved it and want to go back. So much to see and do.
kemkem
Very nice place! I had a chance to visit Costa Rica years ago with a local and did not :-(. Those were still very dangerous times. Now, l am moving it back on the list. This looks like a great place to hang out :-).
Holly Dayz
I would definitely go back. I really enjoyed myself. It was a great place to hang out.
Janelle McLeod (@IAmLadyJays)
OMG. Just absolutely stunning. I’ve always wanted to visit Costa Rica. It just looks/feels/seems so peaceful. You think this is somewhere though you can see yourself living? Or just only visiting though?
Holly Dayz
It was very peaceful. We felt like we had the country to ourselves which was odd because we went right at the height of their high season. I am not sure, I would have to go back and explore some more, but certainly go back and visit.
staciesayzso
Wow, I love how beautiful it looks in the pool area. A nice, private getaway!
Holly Dayz
Great house, it did feel like a private getaway.
Melanie
Wow! Looks like an amazing place. Also going towards this area in a few days. Although this house is quite pricy for one (4 people), I can imagine it must be incredible with a big family or a big group of friends. I LOVE the swing!!!
Holly Dayz
Very nice you will enjoy it. It actually wasn’t bad splitting it. And it would certainly be great for a group of people. The swing is my favorite!
Allison Jones
I honestly wasn’t crazy about Costa Rica when I went a few years ago. I didn’t like the food and that’s kind of a deal breaker for me LOL. This looks like e really cool place to stay though!
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Holly Dayz
Sorry to hear that. I certainly enjoyed myself and will happily go back as there is much to see and do there. The food was good. I am curious as to where you ate and the area you were in.
Noel Morata
This place definitely has all the right amenities and features you would want in a tropical retreat with modern conveniences, nice colors too!
Holly Dayz
I agree. It was a nice getaway. Peaceful, but not too far from some action.
Miss Jamila
I would to take some time and just travel. This place looks nice!
Holly Dayz
It is always good to even take a few days and see and do something new.
Mark Wyld
So many stories on central america lately i have read. I am think central america is to Americans what Asia is to Australians, close and cheap
Holly Dayz
That is most likely true, although Costa Rica is the more expensive country of Central America.
Kim-Ling
I love using AirBnB compared with hotels or resorts and we’ve used them so far in a few places around Europe. They just seem to have so much more character to them and this house looked like it was a winner for you. I wish I was lounging around that pool right now!
Holly Dayz
They do have character. Some of them are great. Hotels have their pros too though. I enjoyed staying at this house.
Reginia Cordell
Costa Rica is such a lush locale. Its scenery is just so lush. I’ve only had one experience with Air BnB, but it wasn’t so nice.
Holly Dayz
It is a beautiful. Aww I am sorry to hear your experience wasn’t that great.
elenasonnino
That outdoor area and hammock look lovely! I’ve never been to Costa Rica but have started to research it for a future trip and hadn’t thought about using AirBnB for it…but will now! Thanks!
Holly Dayz
The outdoor area was great. They have great options for Airbnb in Costa Rica.
Claudia Laroye
That looks like a lovely house to rent for visiting that area. Good to hear that you had good luck with the Air BnB house. I’m heading back to Costa Rica in July, splitting time between the Arenal area and Guanacaste. Can’t wait!
Holly Dayz
It was very nice. I would like to go back to visit and see Guanacaste as well as a couple of other areas.
Vicky and Buddy
I’ve never used Air BNB before. It seems like a good option though. It’s too bad the power was out so much. I would have been upset about not having the AC!
Holly Dayz
It is a great option to look into. Yea the power outage wasn’t the greatest, but we made the best out of it and it wasn’t the owners fault.
Valerie Robinson
Now that is paradise. Looks so cozy and private too. Beautiful photos!
Holly Dayz
There were other houses around, but it felt very private.
Trisha Velarmino
What a great place to unplug and do blogging work! I particularly love the hammock area. I can just sit there with my computer all day! Thanks for sharing! Will definitely check this out.
Holly Dayz
Yea that could be something else to do. I certainly didn’t lol I was enjoying myself. No work.
Kiwi
What a cute AirBnB! I think Costa Rica will be on my travel listing in the near future…thanks for showing the beauty of your stay!
Holly Dayz
I would like to go back there myself. So much to see and do.
everydayeyecandy
Looks like an amazing house to stay in! I have been looking into using Airbnb for my next trip so this was helpful! I love the concept!
Holly Dayz
It was a great house to stay in. Airbnb is a great option.
lesleycarter
A recent hotel that I stayed at offered free DVDs and I’d forgotten how much I love that. It’s become uncommon. The shower does look funky too. Sounds perfect!
Holly Dayz
That is cool. It is always the little details that can make a difference.
Erin
I’ve never used AirBNB before and am hesitant to try it. Seeing such beautiful homes as this, though, makes me think I’d probably enjoy the experience.
Holly Dayz
You should try it. I have had great experiences.
kayvonab
Oh how I wish I could have a get away like this right about now!! Sound amazing!
Holly Dayz
It was a great time. I would go back.
OutdoorsyDiva
Great review. I’ve been researching places to stay in Costa Rica but I really had my heart set on a treehouse. I will keep this in mind as an option. How was driving there? Were you afraid at all? Did the people drive relatively safe or crazy and fast?
Holly Dayz
Thanks. I wanted to stay in one too, but it didn’t work out so this was the next best thing. Driving was very interesting. They are safe for the most part.
sheenatatum
This is my dream house! I love browsing Airbnb. I’m going to add this place to my wishlist.
Holly Dayz
I love browsing Airbnb too. I have fun. I hope you can stay there one day.