Se Ua Manzanillo

The host was friendly and helpful, and both the village and the beach are very close by. We stayed four nights at Se Ua and would definitely recommend it. You can also catch a bus to Puerto viejo, which takes about half an hour. :)

Possibly the worst stay I’ve had. The place was run-down, and I should’ve done more research before booking. The property is right beside the main highway, which was hard to tell from the listing. It looks remote, but loud motorcycles with no mufflers go by at all hours. We brought food to cook, but the kitchen was far worse than the listing photos suggested. It was filthy, with cobwebs everywhere, old food in every crevice, and disgusting dishes, pots, pans, and silverware. We got through dinner carefully and went back to our room. It seemed okay at first, but once we turned on the lights, it looked worn out and dilapidated. I’m an avid outdoorsman, but even I could barely face sleeping there. I would’ve preferred a tent in the jungle, since I was eaten alive by “bedbugs” or whatever was biting me all night. I couldn’t stop scratching. Around midnight I sent a polite message through the app about the problems. I was up early the next morning after barely sleeping, and went to the kitchen to make breakfast with food from the cooler in my car. I heard a woman call out “Rickkkk,” then “Riiiiickkk,” then “Riiiiickkkkk.” I went over and asked the man there if someone was calling me. He said, “no, its okay, its nothing.” I turned back toward my friends at the breakfast table, then heard “get out of here, Rick.” I realized it was the host’s wife yelling at me. When I went to get my things, I noticed one of the beds had been removed from another room, as if they might have been sanitizing it. Do more research for a decent place to stay. I take responsibility for not doing enough of that. Cheers and Pura Vida.

I spent a few nights here, and the welcoming hosts and closeness to nature made it a great stay. Everyone was so nice and made me feel at home straight away. They offered to help with tours and general information, and gave me a tour explaining the idea behind Se Ua B&B. Everything there has been built by hand from recycled materials, so staying here also supports a wonderful cause. I’m planning to return with my whole family. Thanks to the Se Ua staff for a fantastic time!

Will was a great guide on the kayak trip through the jungle channels of Punta Uva. He shared lots of interesting information about nature, and we saw sloths, lizards, turtles, toucans, monkeys, and more. The host was also very helpful and offered several times to drive us to the beach or Manzanillo. We stayed two nights at Se Ua. The building is beautiful, clearly handmade, and you can see how much effort went into making it. It’s surrounded by nature, with lots of animals to see and hear on the property. Playa Grande is about a 15-minute walk away, and it’s uncrowded, so you can expect to be almost alone there. Manzanillo, a small and not very busy or touristy town, is about a 25-minute walk. You can also rent a bike at Se Ua for a small price compared with other rental companies in the area. The young cook makes very tasty breakfasts and dinners, all at fair prices. We recommend this place 100%. Regards, Ruth & Jan.