Rental Guide, Las Brisas del Mar

Click >│Home│ Info │ Maps │Activities│ Food │Weather│ Tours │Travel│ Photos │ Tips │Resources│

Welcome to Casa Borthwick (Unit #17) in absentia! Our home is your home for your stay. It is our sincerest hope that you enjoy our home, the Las Brisas complex, Playa Junquillal and all of Costa Rica as much as we do.

The new Las Brisas common property caretaker, Gerardo, his wife Maria, son Josué and daughter Judit live in the house next to the entrance gate. Gerardo is learning English, Maria’s English is improving. Technically the Las Brisas Association employees, such as Gerardo, should not be distracted with rental issues. However Maria is not an association employee and may be available for extra cleanings and the like to help supplement the family income. Please check with the rental manager or Gerardo for details.

Fanny (house-keeping), Moises (landscaping), Guillermo (night watchman) & Jonathan (maintenance)

We have a hard working and cheerful crew. Take time to say Hola, as they are all very nice people. Please treat the Las Brisas employees and other Costa Rican residents with respect and patience. Things will go better this way.

Unit Location: I suggest that you park in or near the southern most parking shelter just visible to the right in the complex pictured on the WEB page: http://borth.home.sprynet.com/Info.htm . Our Unit is #17, the northern most of two 2nd floor units in the southern most building in the complex (nearest said southern most parking shelter). Look to the left of the door for numbered tiles.

Keys: For your convenience, keys to the unit normally will be issued at check in. However at times they may be mailed to you together with an addressed mailer for their return after your trip. If you have a problem, Roberta & Gerardo do have an emergency keys to the unit. Important information on key safety is in the text below in the OWNER RULES.

Extra Maid Service: Should you require extra maid service such as extra cleanings or making beds during your stay Roberta may be able to arrange it. At last check the cost per hour to you is a very affordable 900 colones per hour for the cleaning and cleaning management. I will throw in the cleaning supplies for free. Advance notice to Roberta directly or through me for the purpose of scheduling would be appreciated.

Unit #17 Phone & Internet: After an amazing amount of effort our unit now has a phone number: +506 (2658) 7042. To make long distance calls you will need a phone card and an Internet PREPAGO card to connect your computer. See also Tips. Please be aware that in Costa Rica there is a charge for local phone calls based on connect time. Also phone service in Costa Rica is less reliable so there is a possibility that this phone will not be working.

Air conditioners at Las Brisas: With less clothes, blankets, fans and ocean breezes we have learned to adapt to life without air conditioners at Las Brisas. The second floor, the fact that our unit is oriented perpendicular to the off ocean breezes and seven ceiling fans helps. I find that when we use the A/C we have a tendency to not go outside as much. Much better to jump right in and acclimate to the ambient temperature. We like being slightly hot in Costa Rica rather than freezing in Pennsylvania anyway. Live in less clothes. If I get hot while working in the heat of the day I go take a swim. Then I return and switch bathing suits (this is the reason for all the hooks in the shower). Three in rotation seems to always allow a dry one. But some friends from Toronto and some further north cannot endure without their A/C. You decide.

If the A/C is off, I suggest opening all upper vane windows and all windows and doors facing the ocean. Open the windows in the 2nd Bedroom. The front door is optional, the screen door has a lock but the main door lock is more secure. Optionally use the ceiling fan in occupied spaces. When using the guest bath close only the outside door to allow ventilation between the two rooms to continue. At times when the wind gets strong or the nights cool you will need to close some of the lower windows.

Medical Problems: Our unit has a small first Aid kit located in the kitchen cabinet nearest the rear sliding door. Las Brisas has a more comprehensive kit in the mail room. For serious problems see the contact information maintained by one of our neighbors: www.staybeachfront.com/Emergency.htm and the MEDICAL CARE section of my tips WEB page.

Surfing: In Playa Junquillal I have seen surfers 200 feet south of the Las Brisas front yard, off the rock point 50 feet north of the Las Brisas front yard, near Bernardo's (Tico beach bar in walking distance of Las Brisas with board) and slightly further north at Playa Blanca just north of Hotel Iguanazul. These breaks are not well known. On a good day one can enjoy our pool area and watch the surfing action at the same time. My surfing friend Frank who lives in the house on the hill west of Las Brisas asked me to move this information here (from my main WEB page) to help keep it that way. Also see the WEB page linked in Donation topic below for a picture of Frank surfing and how to support his favorite cause; maintaining the quality of our beaches and ocean.

Donations: In response to requests I have gotten in the past “How can I help the locals” or “Can I bring gifts for the local children” I have developed this “how to” WEB page: www.staybeachfront.com/Projects.htm

CAR RENTALS FOR OUR CLIENTS:

As you can see from the GROUND TRANSPORTATION section of my travel WEB page I have had good results with Mapache rent a car over the years and continue to use them personally. The sales agent I have been dealing with has offered to “work a little extra hard” in taking care of my clients. If you contact him you might want to identify that you have a reservation for Ron’s Unit #17, Las Brisas del Mar, Playa Junquillal. This of course is entirely optional. I receive no commissions from this.

~~Verny Cortes Ch.~~

~~Sales and Reservations, Mapache rent a Car~~

~~toll free: 877 MAPACHE~~

~~tel~~ ~~+506-2665-4444~~

~~fax~~ ~~+506-2665-4343~~

~~www.mapache.com~~

~~Email: VCortes@mapache.co.cr~~

Something is going on with Mapache, no one there I know any longer. Last few trips I rented with someone else. Sigh, I’m back to searching for a relationship where I don’t feel I need to shop around every time I travel.

ARRIVAL AND OPENING

o On your way to Las Brisas stop at Villa Roberta B&B to check in.

o Please introduce yourself to the caretaker Gerardo when you see him.

o If the water is not working see Gerardo or the Rental Management to have it turned on.

o If the unit is not properly cleaned please politely inform the Cleaning or Rental Management and the owner if possible.

o Move the outdoor dining table away from the wall and move the wicker dining chairs to the outside. Set up the sling chairs and move the small drink table outside. (The rental management may have already done this for you)

o Upon arrival, please inspect the condo. Please notify the owner or rental management as soon as possible of any problems or deficiencies, not after the rental period.

o This unit was re-stocked during the owners last visit. Click here for the unit Inventory. Feel free to use any supplies you need. If you use, lose or break items please restock a similar amount of low or missing supplies for the next occupant to use.

o Need advice or information? Ask anyone around the pool. Fellow owners are a good source of advice. Also, Roberta is very familiar with the area and Gerardo is also a good source of non-tourist type information. Helmuth runs trips if you are looking for a guide tour.

CLOSING AND DEPARTURE

o Please remove all perishable food from the refrigerator, freezer and cupboards. Unless otherwise instructed the condiments and cooking oils can stay. It might be months till the next occupant arrives. We usually give our overstocks to other occupants, Maria or Moises. Moises especially likes the fruit juices and drinks.

o Wash all dirty dishes

o Either wash or place all dirty linens and towels in the laundry room.

o Unless the rental manager tells you to skip this step, reset the outdoor dining table against the wall in a position to avoid rain and move the wicker dining chairs to the inside. Fold the sling chairs and set them up against the wall and move the small drink table inside. Roll up the hammock and store it in the master bedroom closet. To avoid water damage should the windows leak, be sure that none of the furniture in the living room is touching the walls.

o Take out all trash, the receptacles are located in the wire enclosure at the southwest corner of the property, please tie trash in plastic bags.

o Turn off all fans, lights and air conditioners. Unplug all small appliances.

o To circulate air, open one set of overhead vents ¼” in the living room, laundry and a slider ¼” in the master bath.

o Leave all interior doors open. Open all drawers slightly.

o Lock all exterior windows and doors. The “stick” should be in position to lock the rear sliding door.

o Turn the hot water heater breaker off.

o Return the Condo keys to whoever supplied them to you.

o Tell the rental management, if possible, that you are checking out. Failing this inform Gerardo or another Las Brisas owner if possible.

o Tell us how the trip went. Make suggestions for improvements.

LAS BRISAS DEL MAR CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES FOR RENTERS & GUESTS

We hope you enjoy your stay at Las Brisas Del Mar and request you to respect not only the Individual Owner’s Rules, but that of the Association as well. These rules were adopted in order that renters and owners alike can enjoy a pleasant and safe stay at Las Brisas. Here are the Association Rules:

· Overnight apartment occupancy is a maximum of 6 people of any age, with adult supervision of children less than 12 years old at all times. Keep additional day guests to a reasonable number: The total number of additional day guests shall not exceed 4 people within a unit or on common grounds. Guests shall only be allowed between the hours of 6 AM and 11 PM.

· No pets permitted.

· Guests and renters are responsible for their own transportation.

· To allow for unit cleaning, departure should be no later than 10 a.m. from a specific rental unit. Arrival time should be no earlier than 3:30 p.m. If there is not a back-to-back rental, which is usually the case by design, these times may be relaxed, but only with the prior approval of the owner.

· Park vehicles only in designated parking areas. Maximum 2 vehicles per unit.

· Pool hours 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Stay out of the pool while it is being cleaned. Please use the designated pathways to pool area.

· To prevent overtaxing the pool filtration system, please shower to remove the suntan oil and sand from your body before swimming. When returning from the beach, please shower the sand from your feet and body upon entering the pool area.

· No glass (bottles, cups, etc.) permitted in the pool or deck area. Plastic containers and cans are welcome. Broken glass is the concern.

· Lifeguard not on duty; please exercise caution when swimming in pool/ocean. Remember, children under the age of 12 must be supervised at all times.

· Reserving of pool furniture is not permitted, but is first come/first served. Pool deck furniture is not to be removed from the general pool area.

· Playing of Loud music prohibited in general pool area, or in any area including within the units if it will disturb neighbors. Please consider your neighbors; loud parties and music past 11 p.m. is prohibited.

· Please remove or discard your trash from pool area when returning to apartment.

· Please tie trash in plastic bags and put in trash receptacles located beside the main gate. Put your garbage out by Monday at 7 a.m. to be picked up by the garbage truck...

· Hanging of towels, bathing suits, etc. on railings is strictly prohibited.

· We are on a septic system at the complex, which is suitable for toilet paper. But no tampons or similar items please! Please do not use the kitchen disposal for large amounts of waste and limit the amount of harsh chemicals, grease and oil that goes down the drain.

· The owners of Las Brisas Del Mar assume no liability for personal injury either to guests or renters, or for loss or damage to the property of guests or renters.

· Gates should be closed at all times. You may enter without notifying anyone, but please ensure gate is re-closed after you enter.

· Please be aware that dangerous actions that threaten the safety or health of other occupants or any significant damage to property at Las Brisas may result in your immediate eviction.

PAUTAS PARA ARRENDANTE Y HUÉSPEDES ASOCIACIÓN CONDOMINIO LAS BRISAS DEL MAR (The Same above GUIDELINES in Spanish)

· La estadía de una noche en un apartamento es para un máximo de 6 personas de cualquier edad, con la supervisión de parte de adultos en todo momento de niños menores de 12 años. El número total de huéspedes adicionales durante el día no deberá ser de más de 4 personas dentro de una unidad ni en áreas comunes. Se permitirán huéspedes únicamente entre las 6 AM y las 11 PM.

· No se permiten mascotas.

· Huéspedes y arrendantes son responsables de su propio transporte.

· Con el fin de permitir la limpieza de la unidad, la hora de salida de cualquier unidad específica arrendada deberá ser no más tarde de las 10 a.m.

· Los vehículos deberán parquearse únicamente en las áreas de parqueo designadas. Se permitirá un máximo de 2 vehículos por unidad.

· Las horas de uso de la piscina son de 7 a.m. a 9 p.m. Favor mantenerse fuera de la piscina cuando la estén limpiando. Sírvase usar los senderos designados para accesar el área de la piscina.

· Para evitar abusar del sistema de filtración de la piscina, por favor ducharse antes de ingresa a la piscina para remover el aceite de bronceo y la arena de su cuerpo.

· No se permiten recipientes de vidrio (botellas, tasas, etc.) en el área de la piscina o la terraza. Sólo se permiten contenedores de plástico y de lata. El problema son los vidrios rotos.

· No hay salvavidas de turno; por favor tenga cuidado al nadar en la piscina/ mar. Recuerde, se deberá vigilar en todo momento los niños menores de 12 años.

· No se permite reservar muebles de piscina, se usarán en el orden de arribo de las personas. No se debe remover los muebles del área de la piscina / terraza.

· La música muy alta no se permite en el área de la piscina, ni en ninguna zona dentro de las unidades, ya que puede perturbar los vecinos. Por favor tenga consideración con sus vecinos; se prohíben las fiestas y la música alta después de las 11 p.m.

· Coloque la basura en bolsas plásticas bien amarradas en los basureros situados contiguo a la entrada principal. Saque su basura antes de las 7 a.m. del día lunes para que recoja el camión de la basura.

· Se prohíbe colgar toallas, trajes de baño, etc. en las verjas.

· En el complejo tenemos un sistema séptico para el papel higiénico, ¡pero no para tampones ni artículos similares! Por favor no use los recipientes de basura de la cocina para grandes cantidades de desperdicios.

· Los propietarios de Las Brisas del Mar no asumen ninguna responsabilidad por daños personales a huéspedes o arrendantes, ni por pérdidas o daños a las propiedades de huéspedes o arrendantes.

· Los portones deberán mantenerse cerrados en todo momento. Usted puede entrar sin avisarle a nadie, pero por favor asegúrese de cerrar nuevamente el portón una vez adentro.

· Deberá estar consciente que usted puede ser desahuciado inmediatamente en el caso de acciones peligrosas que amenacen la seguridad o la salud de otros ocupantes o de cualquier daño significativo a la propiedad de Las Brisas.

OWNER RULES OF OUR CONDO UNIT #17

· If you have more than 6 people for overnight stay at any time please contact the rental Agent. They can help you with renting another Condo, House or a Hotel room in the area.

· The larger of $50 or 15% non-refundable deposit is due within 15 days of booking; balance of funds is due 35 days prior to arrival date. Renter must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license.

· Guests are responsible to protect the supplied keys(s) from loss or theft. I suggest the same or more vigilance that you have for your wallet or purse. A missing key could result in the theft of your personal property and mine so keep and carry them in a very safe place separate from information such as directions to Las Brisas or reservations that could lead a thief to the proper door for the key’s use. Don’t label the key(s) with any information. Having a door re-keyed, cutting all new keys and distributing new keys is a major undertaking and expense in Costa Rica.

· Please smoke on the back lanai (porch) if possible.

· Please treat the furniture with respect. Use drink coasters on all wooden furniture. Also, do not sit on inside furniture with wet clothes please.

· If you use the air conditioners, please ensure that all windows and doors are closed, when in use. You might find that opening all the windows and vents and using the ceiling fans is very effective, after you acclimate.

· Please do not remove furnishings, bedding, cutlery, dishes, etc. from the unit.

· You are welcome to take our plastic glasses, and the soft cooler to the pool, but please try to return the non-disposable ones before you leave. Sunscreen products seem to mark the plastic products. Try to take those with prior permanent sunscreen finger prints. It will make it harder for the CIA & FBI to trace your presence. J

· Please remember when using the clothes drier to remove lint after each load.

· Please use the cutting board available in the kitchen; no cutting on kitchen counters.

· Welcome to the Tropics. If you leave anything sweet laying around the ants will find it and swarm. We partially fill one sink well with soapy water to hold used dishes and glasses. Meticulously clean up all spills, or prepare to welcome new “pets”.

LEGAL TERMS OF OCCUPANCY (THEY MADE ME DO THIS)

· Management agents or authorized employees/repairmen may enter premises at reasonable hours for the purpose of effecting necessary repairs and inspections.

· Renter agrees to not use our condo for any unlawful or immoral purposes.

· Renter agrees they will only have the number of people staying overnight in the unit and for the period of time consistent with prior disclosures to the rental Agent.

· Renter agrees to not sublet or assign the rental agreement without consent of the owner.

· Renter agrees to pay for the total repair or replacement costs of the Condo, Condo contents and surrounding common areas in the event of damage or loss, caused by himself or any members of his party during his stay. Such damages and loss will be disclosed in writing and provided to the Renter by the owner or his agents.

· Renter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Owner, Agents and Condominium Association, from any and all costs, losses, expenses, legal proceedings, attorney fees, suits, claims or demands whether from loss of service or life, damage to property, or injury to the renter, renter’s agent, family, or guest entering the property, condominium or on common grounds, of every kind and nature.

Las Brisas del Mar beachfront vacation condo in Playa Junquillal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica !