|
Thank you for
your interest in Villa Cascada Resort. Hopefully these
commonly asked questions and answers will present you with a
more
complete appreciation of what our Villa has to offer you and your
guests. After you look over these questions and responses, please
do not hesitate to phone or email any additional questions you or
your guests may have.
Question:
Is your Villa safe?
Response:
The Villa is located within the boundaries of a private gated
community known as “Playa Ocotal”. Many of the neighboring homes
are valued from $300,000 to as much as $2,000,000. This “private
beach community” has only one entrance in and out and that entrance
is staffed 24 hours a day with a security guard. For added
security Villa Cascada has its own gated private entrance with
intercom/remote entry and night watchman.
Question:
What is a villa, is it a private home or just a small hotel?
Response:
At one’s first glance of the Villa, which sits mid-way up the side
of a mountain, you might be inclined to believe Villa Cascada is
simply a small hotel. After your first night stay, you will
realize why we do not consider Villa Cascada the same as a hotel.
You may never stay in a hotel again after being spoiled by Villa
Cascada and our staff.
Guanacaste
Quarters: Rooms are located on the first floor. Handicap accessible
to the pool, deck, lower rooms and two entertainment areas.
Room # 1 has 1
King Bed and a Private bath.
Room # 2 has a
King Bed and a Private bath
Ocotal
Quarters: Rooms are located on the first floor. Handicap accessible
to the pool, deck, lower rooms and two entertainment areas.
Room # 3 has a
King Bed and a Private bath
Room # 4 has a
King Bed and a Private bath
El Coco
Quarters: Rooms are located on the second floor and share a
balcony.
Room # 5 has a
King Bed, Queen Bed and a Private bath and adjoins room # 6 (Great
for parents that have small children) (Ocean View)
Room # 6 has a
King Bed and a Private bath connects with room #5 (No view)
Room # 7 has a
King Bed and a Private bath (Ocean View)
Additional
Quarters: Rooms #8 & 9 are located on the second floor and face the
rock wall on the mountainside of the Villa. Great for late
sleepers as they are in the quietest area of the villa.
Room # 8 has a
Queen Bed and a Private bath
Room # 9 has
Queen Bed and a Private bath
La Pacifica
Quarters: Rooms are located on the second floor and have ocean
views and individual balconies
Room # 10 has a
King Bed and a Private bath
Room # 11 has a
King Bed and a Private bath as well as a Jacuzzi Tub
Room # 12 has a
King Bed and a Private bath as well as a Jacuzzi Tub
El Piscina
Quarters: Rooms are located on the second floor and have connecting
balcony.
Room # 13 has a
King Bed and a Private bath and can connect with # 14. (View
overlooks the rock wall on the mountainside)
Room # 14 has a
King Bed plus a Queen Bed and a Private bath (Overlooks the pool)
Room # 15 has a
King Bed plus a Queen Bed and a Private bath (Overlooks the pool)
Room # 16 has a
King Bed and a Private bath (Overlooks the pool and ocean view)
PLEASE NOTE:
Rollaway Beds and Baby Beds are available upon request.
·
Our staff will
rival any hotel/villa. They are sincere, accommodating and very
hard working. The only complaint we have is that guests are not
allowed to take them home with them. After being at the Villa for a
few days, most of our guests consider the staff as friends and
departures from the Villa include hugs (even tears) and best wishes
from both the Guests and our staff.
·
Our guests can
come and go to their private quarters, without having to pass
through a family room, living area, den, lobby or the kitchen area.
·
Villa Cascada
Resort offers our guests a tranquil and comfortable setting that
generic hotels and pre-packaged resorts do not normally provide and
the pool does not close at 10:00 pm.
·
When you and
your guests stay at our villa, relax by the pool, swim and dance
under the stars, our full time on-site staff has one purpose, to
continually strive to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Question:
Do you have a baby bed and high chair?
Response:
With prior notification, a baby bed and high chair will be waiting
for your arrival.
Question:
Is your Villa handicap accessible?
Response:
Villa Cascada Resort was designed with handicap accessibility in
mind. The Guanacaste and Ocotal Suites are located on the first
floor. There are 2 bedrooms in each of them and are both
handicapped accessible to the beautiful beach entry pool, deck and
entertainment areas.
Question:
How many people can Villa Cascada accommodate?
Response:
Villa Cascada can accommodate groups up to 34. There is a 16 adult
minimum at Villa Cascada and will have the entire Villa to
yourselves. There are 16 bedrooms for our guests. All of the
private quarters have king-size beds and some have an additional
queen-size bed.
Question:
What if I have more than 34 guests? 
Response:
Located directly below Villa Cascada, we have overflow
accommodations. There are 4 and 5 bedroom Villas that would insure
easy access for your guests to partake in all of your group
activities. The Villas may be included in your Villa Cascada
Reservation or you may add them at a later date if your number of
guests at Villa Cascada exceeds 24 guests. Please keep in mind that
the rentals will be subject to availability and the earlier you
request overflow accommodations, the better the chances are that
there will be availability. Your guests that stay in the overflow
Villas will pay your same daily per person rate and will take all
meals with you at Villa Cascada. The overflow Villas each have a
private splash pool as well as a large community pool exclusive to
the Villa guests. Daily maid service will be provided and the Villa
Cascada staff will attend to their needs just as they attend to your
guests staying at Villa Cascada. There is a minimum of 6 adults
needed to reserve each Villa. Each overflow Villa will accommodate
at least 10 guests per Villa. Villa Ocotal (8 bedroom Villa)
located in the same gated area may also be an option for your
overflow guests. A minimum of 10 guests is needed to add Villa
Ocotal to your Reservation Agreement.
 Question:
Can we have a wedding at Villa Cascada Resort?
Response:
Yes, we plan your wedding just as you would like it to be right
down to the last flower petal. Many of our large weddings use the
overflow Villas discussed above. We offer a simple, yet beautiful
Costa Rican Wedding; however, if you want a more elaborate wedding,
we can work with a wedding planner of your choice and we will assist
you in making your dream wedding come true.
Question: Can
we entertain friends/family at Villa Cascada that are staying at
other hotels/Villas?
Response:
Villa Cascada offers services exclusively for Villa Cascada Guests
only. If you have guests staying at Villa Ocotal or the overflow
Villas, Villa Cascada will provide all agreed services to those
guests. There is a security gate that prevents non-paying guests’
entry to the Villa grounds. This service is provided for your
privacy as well as your protection.
Question:
Can we have a Family Reunion at Villa Cascada Resort?
Response:
Absolutely, our staff will see that your family has a wonderful
reunion at Villa Cascada Resort and as previously stated you will
have many additional accommodations to consider for your overflow
family members.
Question:
Are there facilities for a corporate retreat?
Response:
Yes, we can have pre-planned activities for your employees or
customers. In one of our large gathering areas we have an elevated
stage and lectern.
Question: Is
Villa Cascada a good place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries?
Response:
It
doesn’t get any better than to be surrounded by friends and family
while having a party at the Villa. The staff will decorate, provide
a cake and make any event extra special. We will have a live Costa
Rican Band come to the Villa and play for your special event.
Question:
Is the Villa on the beach?
Response:
None of the homes in the area are constructed contiguous to the
beach; however, it is a very short 3 to 5 minute walk on a
well-defined paved road down the mountain.
Question:
What does all-inclusive include?
Response:
The “all inclusive price” includes 3 full and delicious
meals, afternoon appetizers and a continuous “open bar”,
including various national liquors, wines, tropical frozen drinks
and icy cold Costa Rican beers as well soft drinks, sodas, etc. The
meal times give you ample time to eat and visit and don’t worry
there will be plenty of food. I assure you your group will
not only enjoy the food, but will enjoy the view and convenience of
eating at the Villa. Your all-inclusive stay includes a full staff
that is exclusively yours for your stay at the Villa.
Question:
Does the Villa provide transportation for golf outings, surfing
trips to Tamarindo or other activities?
Response:
No – however, the staff will be happy to assist you in arranging and
negotiating a good fare for a taxi, van or bus (depending on the
size of your group) for your golf outings, trips to Tamarindo or
other activities. A driver and Van may also be secured for your
exclusive use during your stay at the Villa for an additional
charge.
Question:
What airport is closest to Villa Cascada Resort?
Response:
The Liberia International Airport is 20 minutes from Villa Cascada
Resort. All major airlines are currently serving the Liberia
Airport as well as several Charters in various areas fly to Liberia.
San Jose Airport is a 4 to 5 hour drive to the Villa. There are
commuter airlines (Sansa and Nature Air) that fly from San Jose to
Liberia.
Question:
Do you arrange Liberia Airport transfers?
Response:
Liberia Airport transfers may be arranged for a roundtrip charge.
Please request the current per person quote. Your flight schedule
must be provided to our office and your transportation will be all
set up prior to your arrival. The airport transfers are on a
prepaid and non-refundable basis only. We can also assist you with
San Jose Airport transfers and the price will depend on the number
of travelers. Please inquire in regard to these rates.
Question:
What types of beer do you have at the Villa?
Response:
We have Imperial, Bavaria and Carlson Beers and the American Beer is
Budweiser.
Question:
Is it appropriate to tip your staff?
Response:
Gratuities are not included so we leave the amount of tips left for
the staff entirely up to you and your friends and how you felt about
the service. If you feel that during your week’s stay you have
been treated to good personal friendly service, quality food, and
additional services, please let your feelings direct your decision
with regard to tipping. The tips are divided amongst the staff and
generally guests tip such as you would on a cruise ship.
Question:
Are we able to communicate with the states while at the Villa?
Response:
You may make international phone calls from the Villa office with
your phone card. You will also be provided with the Villa phone
number so that friends and family will be able to contact you during
your stay. Villa Cascada has wireless internet service that you may
utilize through your laptop, palm, etc. There are 2 high speed
internet cafes in Coco 8 minutes from the Villa if you prefer to
access a computer.
Question:
Will my cell phone work in Costa Rica?
Response:
Cellular phones are improving daily. You will want to check with
your own provider. There is at least 1 cellular phone from Cingular
that works in Costa Rica. You will need to purchase an
international Costa Rican phone card in make international calls
from the Villa.
Question:
Do you have a television at the Villa?
Response:
By design you will not find TV’s, clocks and newspapers in your
rooms. For one week, we hope each of you will be able to put the
world’s problems and inclimate weather out of mind and out of site.
We provide for your pleasure in the gathering areas, via satellite
two “Direct TV” linkups, which is conveniently located adjacent to
the Pool. There are 2 televisions in the common areas. Your group
will be able to conveniently access 55 music channels, movies and or
CNN. We also have a DVD player. We have a Karaoke machine for our
guests’ entertainment.
Question:
Can you describe the pool and recreation areas?
Response:
The pool has a sloping beach type entrance not steps and a swim up
bar for 9, a magnificent waterfall, a tanning shelf and a Jacuzzi.
We have four recreation areas. There is a bar area beside the pool
under a Tiki Hut and a sitting area with a Jacuzzi pool at the top
of the pool waterfall. There are two sitting and dining areas at
opposite ends of the Villa. For your entertainment, there is a Pool
Table, Shuffleboard Table, Pin Ball Machine, Ping Pong Table,
Foosball Table and Gaming Tables. There is also an exercise area
complete with workout equipment.
Question:
Do you need converters?
Response:
No – Electric is not different from the USA
Questions:
Do you have a safe at the Villa?
Response:
No
Questions:
Do you have any exercise equipment?
Response:
We have an open-air covered area with workout equipment. Early
morning walks or runs are quite popular with our guests.
Question:
What types of food do you serve at the Villa?
 Response:
We are constantly changing and
improving our menu at
the Villa.
Breakfast
consists of various egg dishes, pancakes, meats, breads and local
tropical fruits, cereals, wonderful fresh juices and a local staple
“Gallo Pinto”. Lunches consist of a variety of dishes and as always
requests are welcome. Wines are served with the evening meal. The
entrées consist of fresh grilled fish, beef, chicken and pork. An
assortment of local fresh fruits, vegetables and desserts accompany
your meal. Our most popular request is our fresh outdoor grilled
Pacific fish complimented with various sauces, grilled or baked
potatoes, assorted salads, breads and a local specialty rice dish.
The responses from our previous guests with regard to the food have
been outstanding!
Question:
Can you accommodate a vegetarian diet?
 Response:
Absolutely with prior notice we can accommodate any degree of a
vegetarian diet. Approximately 2 weeks prior to your arrival we
will contact you asking for any special food requests. At this
time, you can specify your dietetic needs.
Question:
Is the water safe to drink at Villa Cascada Resort?
Response:
Yes, the water is safe to drink and we always have cold bottled
water available at the Villa.
Question:
Do
we need to rent a car?
Response:
Most guests do not feel the need to rent a car as all tours prices
include transportation. Any transportation that you may need can be
arranged by the Villa. If you decide to rent a car, just let
Gabriel know and the vehicle can be brought to the Villa for your
convenience. Warning: If you drive in Costa Rica please be aware
that there are potholes and most Costa Ricans’ main transportation
is bicycle or on foot. There are typically no reflectors on the
bicycles and they are very difficult to see at night as the street
lighting is little or none. You will need to drive very slow and
leave any typical road rage in the states as currently there is none
in our area. Be prepared for bicycles and people not to move over
very rapidly if at all. They are not trying to test your
temperament; it is just a much slower pace life style that most of
us are not accustomed to. Remember this is part of the reason that
people love going there.
Question:
Can you arrange Deep Sea Fishing Trips?
Response
Yes, we have a close association with several trustworthy
individuals who will take you and your group fishing. Gabriel will
arrange your fishing expedition. The boat size dictates the costs
of your fishing trip. We have had fishing groups that desire bare
minimum and groups that want a 52’ Hatteras with all of the luxuries
of first class fishing. With prior notice, our staff will prepare
any fish that you catch.
Question:
Can your staff arrange tours?
Response:
Alejandro, our personal tour director can arrange many activities
and things for your group to do and see in Costa Rica. He is
extremely knowledgeable in regard to the history of Costa Rica. He
speaks very good English and is a proven favorite of our guests.
Some of the most popular attractions that visitors normally wish to
see and experience are: the tree top cable rides, canopy tours (you
take a rope ladder up into the forest canopy and then travel across
the rainforest on pulleys to a series of suspended platforms, where
interesting wildlife can be observed), snorkeling, scuba diving, jet
skies, sunset boat cruises, hot springs, mud pits, horseback riding,
tennis, deep sea fishing, world class golfing, surfing, kayaking,
jungle river rides, 4 wheeler rentals, bicycle rental ($9.00 for the
day) and several gambling casinos. We also have decks of cards and
dominos at the Villa for the guests who want a little relaxing
entertainment. We have recently added a Karaoke Machine for the
enjoyment of our guests.
Question:
Is it best to plan an itinerary and will you assist us with this?
Response:
We recommend that you plan your activities if you want to fully
experience the culture, sights and adventure of Costa Rica. We will
assist you in any way and will be happy to send you a sample
itinerary.
Question:
Are there fun activities that we can do at the Villa or nearby?
Response:
The water Volleyball set up is great at the Villa. You can plan
ping pong, pool and shuffleboard tournaments. You can plan a night
for a karaoke contest, talent night and/or skit night. Ask Gabriel
if there are any rodeos or festivals in the area – this is a great
way to experience the true Costa Rican culture. Father Roosters
(little bar on the beach) has a sand volleyball court.
Question:
Is the Ocotal Beach white or dark sand?
Response:
Playa Ocotal consists of dark sand that originated from volcanic
rock. The darker sand is the same texture as the light sand and
sparkles like glitter, very attractive in its own way. The beach is
so soft; you will feel like you are walking on cotton. Please look
at the photos we have taken of Coco Beach. They speak for themselves
about the beauty, privacy and serenity of Playa Ocotal.
There are some
rock formations that project out into the water, and these are quite
large, 50’ – 75’ wide and 100’ long. You do not have to be very
far from the water’s edge to experience great snorkeling. Sharks
are not a factor! The divers rarely ever see any sharks and if
they do they are usually the white-tip down around 80 – 90 feet
deep.
Question:
Is there a Spa facility close by for a massage? 
 Response:
Pamper yourself while you are our guest at Villa
Cascada. You can select the location of your service……… out on
your balcony overlooking the beautiful bay, in the privacy of your
room where the relaxing massage is sure to sedate your body and soul
or by the pool where you can enjoy the soothing sound of the
waterfall or enjoy the company of your family/friends. Manicures,
pedicures, facials and massages can be just what you need to
complete your tropical paradise. We can have your appointments set
up prior to your arrival or you can set them up when you arrive at
the Villa.
Question:
Can you please make any recommendations as to what we should wear
and what we should bring to Costa Rica?
Response:
Costa Rica is very casual. Lightweight t-shirts, shorts/jeans and
sandals/sneakers will be fine for day or night. This is the tropic
and you probably will not get cold. Don’t forget to bring the
insect repellent with deet. The Villa does not provide toiletries.
NOTE: Some products may not be available locally. It is a good
idea to bring anything that is important to you and may be hard to
find while you are away from home. Water shoes and close toed
tennis shoes are recommended for many of the tours.
To check
Currency Conversion Rates click
this link at our
www.costa-rica-villa-rental.com
web site.
Question:
Are any documents needed for adults to travel to Costa Rica and what
documentation must children have to travel?
Response:
Passport and photo ID are required. Don’t forget your legal
passport. (Your passport must not expire within 30 days of your
travel dates.) Bring your original passport and one copy. Keep
your copy separate from your original. Just in case you lose your
original document the copy will facilitate replacement and will
serve, as your interim document should you be required to show proof
of citizenship. EVERYONE, including infants, cannot
enter Costa Rica without a valid passport.
Question:
Are there medical facilities nearby?
Response:
A pharmacy is in Coco (7 minutes from the Villa) and can accommodate
a multitude of various needs that you may need while you are in
Costa Rica. A Clinic is 10 minutes away in Sardinal and the
hospital is in Liberia 30 minutes away.
Question:
Should we have our airline reservations prior to reserving the
Villa?
Response:
Because the Villa is often reserved a year in advance, most guests
book the Villa and then closer to their Reservation Dates, they
obtain their airline tickets
Question:
What if I have to arrive a day earlier than my Reservation or leave
a day later?
Response: We
can most likely accommodate you at a wonderful reasonably priced Bed
and Breakfast located in the same Ocotal area or wonderful Bungalows
located directly below Villa Cascada. Please inquire for rates and
availability.
Question:
How can we secure our dates while we gather the deposits from our
group?
Response:
We can block your dates without a deposit for a few days while you
confirm arrangements with your guests.
Question:
How many guests must we have to have Villa Cascada exclusively?
Response:
16 adult guests
Question:
What are the methods of payment?
Response:
Personal Check or Certified Checks
Question:
Can all guests pay by separate checks?
Response:
We ask that each group leader take payments from their guests and
forward 1 check for the group for each payment.
Question:
Is there additional tax that will be added?
Response:
No
Question:
What is the deposit amount?
Response:
If your dates are within 9 months of travel, the deposit of 50% is
due upon making your reservation. The final 50% is due 60 days
prior to arrival. If your dates are more than 9 months away, a 25%
deposit will be required upon reserving the Villa. A second 25%
deposit will be due 60 days later and the final 50% payment is due
60 days prior to arrival.
Question:
We
are ready to go – now what do we do?
Response:
You confirm your dates of travel and our office will send you a
Reservation Agreement. The Reservation Agreement will outline your
deposit(s) amounts and due dates. Payment in full for your
Reservation is due 60 days prior to your arrival. You will then
return the signed Reservation Agreement, a complete guest list
including children and their ages and your first deposit.
Question:
What if additional friends and family want to join us?
Response:
As you add guests to your group, we will revise your Reservation
Agreement and your guests may forward their deposit amount or full
payment to our office.
Question:
Now we are going – what would you want us to know?
 Response:
If your group has any
questions or concerns, please e-mail them to our office. It is
always best to have requests and responses in writing; however, you
are always welcome to phone if you need additional information. We
will send you a “What to Know before you Go” a few weeks prior to
your departure. It will have the Villa phone number and recap most
of what is written here.
Check out the
Costa Rican culture and take the time to know the people (unlike
many countries, Costa Ricans like
the tourist.) The general consensus from everyone is how friendly
and content they are. The past 2 years, my family and friends have
taken school and art supplies directly to the children in Coco
(small town within a few minutes from the Villa) – my daughter says
it is the absolute highlight of the entire trip and I must agree.
The children and their parents are so appreciative and share with
one another in a way that touches your heart. After recently
visiting the school, we requested a list from the teachers on items
that the school needs. Please let us know if this is something you
would be interested in and we will be happy to share some ideas with
you.
Question:
Will you need any further information from my group?
Response:
Prior to arrival (at least 4 to 6 weeks) we will need everyone’s
flight information. We will need flight information whether or not
you will be needing airport transfers or not. The flight
information will include arrival date, time of arrival, airline and
flight number as well as the same for departure for each guest.
Question:
What if one of our guests has to cancel, can someone else go in
their place?
Response:
Yes, just please let us know so we can revise your guest list.
Question:
Can this person receive a refund?
Response:
They are entitled to the same cancellation policy as listed below.
Question:
What if we have to cancel our trip?
Response:
If you cancel 90 days prior to your arrival, you will receive 75% of
all monies paid or a voucher for 100% of monies paid to be used
within the next 18 months. If you cancel less than 90 days, you
will receive a voucher equal to 100% of all monies paid to be used
within the next 18 months.
Question:
What if we get there and decide that we don’t want to go home on the
day of our departure?
Response:
More than likely another group will be arriving so you will need to
depart the Villa; however, do not hesitate upon your return home to
phone or e-mail our office and book a return trip…..many, many of
our guests have such a great time that they are making a trip to
Villa Cascada a yearly event.
Hopefully these
questions and answers will give you a better idea of what all is
included in our “all inclusive package” and what Villa Cascada and
the area offers. Thank you for your interest. Pura Vida! |
