Finca Rosa Blanca

The gardens are beautifully kept, and the pool is lovely. Breakfast was included with a good choice, and they handled my gluten-free needs as a coeliac well. We also ate one other meal there, and it was really good. We stayed in La Piedra for two nights when we first arrived in Costa Rica. It’s tucked away, about a 30-minute drive from the airport, and we were greeted with a refreshing drink. The room was spotlessly clean, with a lovely bathroom and a large, comfortable bed. There was a minibar with reasonably priced drinks and snacks, plus an outdoor terrace with sun loungers and a wonderful view. Screens on the windows meant we could leave them open, and with the fan it stayed cool and quiet at night. A lovely, relaxing start to our trip. I’d definitely recommend it.

We had a spectacular tour to Poas with Kike, who helped us learn about Costa Rican food and culture early in our trip. His genuine, kind manner made it special. Mariana’s coffee farm tour was wonderful too. She knew so much, was funny, and kept us engaged. Andrea and Andres were friendly, welcoming, and gave great service at the restaurant. This was our first trip to Costa Rica, and Finca Rosa Blanca was our first stop. The airport shuttle with Gabriel was easy and convenient, Carlos was great at check-in, and the arrival juices were a nice welcome. The coffee and cookies were excellent, especially the unique, delicious cookie made with coffee flour. Our room was spacious and clean, with a beautiful view. No air conditioning wasn’t a problem with all the windows, and the shower was comfortable with good water pressure. With open windows in Costa Rica, you expect to see a critter or two. We had a really relaxing stay, will remember it for years, and would definitely return.

The rooms are beautifully designed, the atmosphere is stunning, and the staff were lovely and welcoming. I enjoyed the food, the great pool, even though it isn’t heated, and the jacuzzi’s amazing view. The coffee farm tour is a must, and I loved the coffee cookie. I gave four stars because there were a few problems. The room hadn’t been cleaned properly, and the towel was still damp when I got back. Without air conditioning it sometimes got uncomfortably hot. I also found the shower tap confusing, the water pressure weak, and a scorpion in the room, which was alarming. With better cleaning and temperature control, this could be a five-star stay.

For most of our two nights while waiting for our departure, things were nearly perfect. The rooms were clean, the restaurant was great, and almost all the staff were very friendly. We enjoyed the coffee tour, and the owner took time to explain the hotel’s history and how his family built it. I was sure I’d leave five stars until the front desk experience changed my mind. The woman working the desk on the mornings of January 4th and 5th was rude and acted as though my presence was a nuisance. I don’t know her name. After my wife and I asked whether we could buy more coffee, she said she was working on restocking it, then literally left the desk to avoid us. We’re reasonable and would have understood if supplies were low. The issue was how she treated us as paying guests. We spent $2400 in 48 hours and expected basic decent service. We checked out early because her attitude put us off, and arranged our own airport ride. She refused to remove the $45 taxi charge even after we said we wouldn’t use it. An Uber is $12, or an independently arranged taxi is $15, by the way. I wish I could give five stars, but at that nightly rate the front desk staff should at least act like they want to be there.