In Search of a Sunrise

In Search of a Sunrise

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Review: Kaya's Place, Puerto Viejo

I'm not usually one to do these sorts of things, but for Kaya's, I feel they deserve a round of rave review from me. This is a most excellent hostel, more akin to an eco-lodge than most hostels I happened to see while in Puerto Viejo. The only drawback to my stay at this place was the lack of computers to use to get online to update my blog, but with ATEC just five minutes down the road, and very cheap, this was NOT a large drawback at all.

The staff at Kaya's are very friendly and very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and are more than willing to offer all sorts of advice on things to do and alternates. From the best sodas to eat at, to the best places to go snorkeling, they have the lowdown and can help you get the most out of you stay.

There is an amazing array of food available in the kitchens, including wood fired pizzas - the Hawaiian Pizza was to die for, as was the bacon and egg sandwich. All reasonably and competitively priced. And let's not forget that there are ten available types of beer on tap, including craft beer, made by the proprietor, JT. The honey mango beer is to die for! :)

It is a short walk on the outskirts of the main town, just a few minutes to be precise, and the road at that point is lit enough and fenced on one side, so there is little concern of any shenanigans from locals who want to  help part you from your valuables. Truth be told, in a whole week, I never once felt worried about being robbed or otherwise. I am certain there are stories you will hear, some of them very true, but for Kaya's and its distance from town, there is little cause for concern if you take proper care to your environment. And you know, if you are worried about it, a cab will only cost at most 1000 colones (2 dollars) to get there from some of the bars on the far side of Puerto.

As for the rooms, they are clean, freshly laundered and cleaned every day should you wish it. Most importantly, they are bug free. The odd stray mosquito may get in if you leave your door open for any reason, but the window frames are netted to keep the critters out. My only bug related issues stemmed from sand fleas at the beach across the road, and this is not really a big issue. That being said, lol, I did hang my mozzy net over my bed nightly just to be sure - dengue is nothing to laugh at and take chances with.

All in all, I would totally recommend Kaya'\s to anyone who would be visiting Puerto Viejo... cost competitive and all the amenities you  would expect, minus the computers. Free wifi, water is safe (and backup systems in place should the mains be shut off by the city), even a pool table and common area to accomodate many visitors. Well worth the thought of a stay, especially if you choose to not be in the thick of the drunken mayhem of the village.







Trust me - if you want a nice relaxing place to spend your time, with easy access to the village and all of the beaches, Kaya's Place is the one place you need to consider...

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