Equal But Different – The Hotel Business in Costa Rica Versus Nicaragua

Life was always a series of adventures to Edgar Neidhardt, and few have been more instructive and demanding than owning a hotel business in Costa Rica, and then the Kekoldi Hotel in neighboring Granada, Nicaragua.

The Kekoldi Hotel in Downtown San Jose

After a few visits to Costa Rica in the early 1990’s, Edgar decided to leave behind the often cold and gloomy weather of his German homeland for a new and perhaps more carefree adventure in tropical Costa Rica. Attracted by the eternal spring like temperatures of the Central Valley, he decided to renovate an existing building in the historic Amon district of San Jose in 1994. Using his imagination, and the decorating talent of the well known English artist Helen Eltis, his dream project became what it is still known as today – the Kekoldi Garden Hotel in San Jose, an art deco hotel just out of the immediate bustle of San Jose, but close to trendy restaurants, museums and theaters. “Business was brisk and I was happy with the results of what I had set out to do, but there was one problem,” relates Edgar, “Even though I owned the business, I didn’t own the building and the land. I was a tenant, subject to the whims of the owner who could raise the lease cost periodically. I wanted more security and opportunity by owning the land, and that is when I became interested in Granada.”

Manuel Antonio Beach Villa Center of Seaside Weddings in Costa Rica

According to About.com’s Guide to Romantic Getaways, up to 25% of couples now travel to exotic locations for destination weddings, and Costa Rica has become one of their most popular options, especially weddings on the beach.

“My husband David and I are really excited about this news,” says Discovery Beach House vacation rental villa homeowner, Evelyn Gallardo. “A wedding is such a joyful day for the bride and groom and we love the special energy it brings into our home.”

The Alta Hotel – A Boutique, Eclectic Experience in San Jose

Residents of Escazu to Santa Ana may have noticed a difference in the skyline along the “Calle Vieja” road between the two cities, and they are correct. There has been a transformation in the exterior of the landmark Alta Hotel in Costa Rica overlooking the Central Valley. Recognized as one of the original, luxury boutique hotels in the area, it has recently been acquired by the Nature Group, of which Nature Air Regional Airlines, the first carbon neutral airline in the world, and Nature Vacations are a part.

Tourism in Nicaragua – A Bonus for Costa Rica

Mauricio Alfaro, co-owner of the 5 leaves for sustainable tourism website, Costa Rican Trails, announces the launch of his new brand website, Nicaraguan Trails, which will feature packages for both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.  Mauricio, a visionary tourism entrepreneur states, “we have found an intense interest in people planning to visit Costa Rica for an extended period of time, most notably the Europeans whose vacations are for one month, they want to experience other countries.”

“When they travel all the way to get to this side of the world, Europeans want to see as much as possible. Offering Nicaragua as an extension, gives added value to the Costa Rica experience, and overall, Nicaragua is not a competitor of Costa Rica as they offer different experiences and sites that we don’t have, like Granada and Leon.   We have found that by assuring the European traveler that they won’t run out of things to do and places to see actually brings Costa Rica more business, as they choose to stay here most of the time anyway.  We’re glad we decided to move into this sector.”

According to statistics, Nicaragua attracted more than 1 million tourists in 2011, about 2.8% more compared to 2010.  With extensive campaigns by the governmental tourism board, known as INTUR, included running ads on TripAdvisor and The New York Times, this has lead Nicaragua to experience an increasing arrival of US travelers and international travelers.

Costa Rica Hotel for Sale, But Not The Memories or Lifestyle

In February of 2011, we published this article about a boutique hotel in Cahuita: http://theticotimes.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/from-luxury-yachts-to-luxury-bb-bungalows-in-caribbean-cahuita/, Owners, Joe and Chris, wrote to update us on their status, and we found their heartfelt expressions so poignant as to why many foreign residents appreciate Costa Rica, that we decided to publish their account in its entirety.
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We previously had written about the joy of moving to Costa Rica and pursuing our dream of having a small hotel near the beach and living Pura Vida after having originally started with meeting each other while working as crew members on private mega yachts, which together was our first great adventure.

Now, after making a very difficult decision to fully retire and sell this well established and successful hotel business (www.hotelforsalecostarica.net)so that we can move on to our next great adventure, we realize at times we have some very strong regrets! We are moving on to enjoy retirement, to travel and visit some of the many great people we have met here at our hotel from around the world, who we promised we would come see some day, while keeping Costa Rica as our base.

Now, “some day” has come.

Fernandez Aguilar Announces Opening of New Showroom in Escazu, Costa Rica

Fernández Aguilar, “Cermamicas Con Nombre Y Apellido,” is proud to announce the opening of their new and luxurious showroom in upscale Escazu, just three blocks west of the Paco Shopping Center on the old road to Santa Ana, Calle Vieja.

Formerly the location of the La Casa de Doña Lela Restaurant, that structure was removed entirely to make way for the advanced design concepts of architect Denise Michaud.  With floor to ceiling expanses of glass letting in the natural light, the tasteful use of marble and ceramic tiling, the ensuing comfortable browsing environment invites clients to explore their re-decorating ideas.

An interview with Costa Rica Retirement Guru, Christopher Howard

One of the most prolific writers about living and retiring in Costa Rica is Christopher Howard, a resident of Costa Rica for 31 years. Not only has he written many books and ebooks about Costa Rica and Central America, but he is also the only ICT approved (tourist bureau of Costa Rica) relocation / retirement tour in the country. I caught up with Chris after one of his seminars with the ARCR (Association of Residents of Costa Rica), which is part of his informative retirement tours.

What brought you to Costa Rica originally?
Basically my love for the Latin American way of life and for the Spanish language. I had lived and studied in Mexico and thought that I wanted to eventually live there. However, a voice inside me told me to look at the bigger picture and explore Central and South America to see if there was a better place to live. I eventually explored all of the countries in Latin America except for Colombia and Venezuela. In 1978 I came to Costa Rica and it was love at first site.

US Home Improvement Company Marketing Through Costa Rican Call Center

While many people are aware that big companies like Hewlett Packard, IBM, Proctor & Gamble, Western Union and Fujitsu have “call centers” in Costa Rica that provide everything from technical support and customer service to sales, few people are aware that smaller companies are also finding their way here. Once blemished by the unfair associations in the minds of many that a call center means a gambling “boiler room,” or some other nefarious operation, that is far from the intent of mainstay businesses in the US looking to save money on marking costs by coming to Costa Rica. And, with good reason.

For about half of what it would take to operate a qualified operation in the United States, a small business can set up a satellite marketing office in Costa Rica – an important financial savings, especially in the present state of the world’s economy. One such company is Dixon Group Services, an Atlanta based home improvement company specializing in roofing, decks, insulation, painting and energy efficient window installations.

From an Artists Workshop Retreat to a Sustainable Tourism Eco-Hotel

After two years of planning, in 2005 San Francisco art dealer and gallery owner Carlos Rojas, and Randy Langendorfer, marketing executive and then owner of a boutique contracting business specializing in restoration and renovation of vintage homes in San Francisco and Los Angeles, sold their businesses and all their possessions in the US to move to Costa Rica. The plan was to invite artists to Monte Azul, a 100 acre property near Chirripó National Park and along the banks of the Chirripó Pacifico River, to produce work that would be sold on site and at their gallery space in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan.

In the meantime they also developed the Monte Azul Boutique Hotel and Mountain Resort, along with an airy studio and gallery, outdoor restaurant and about 4 kilometers of hiking trails.

Restaurant Fire in Escazú Quickly Controlled

Diners at the Al Pinino Restaurant and the Saquella Café in the Multi-Central Paco shopping center in Escazu were surprised Saturday afternoon, August 11, at about 1:00 P.M. with thick billowing smoke emerging from what appeared initially to be a roof fire over the Saquella Café. Waiters were noticing customers to leave the restaurants for their protection and move their cars while the cause of the blaze was being determined and the fire department would soon be arriving.

The Anti Aging Institute of the Americas – Costa Rica’s Answer to Cenegenics

After a short article appearing months ago in the Tico Times newspaper about a new anti-aging clinic, (Can Anti Aging Treatments Unlock the Fountain of Youth), I recently met with Dr. Leslie Mesen, Chief Medical Officer of the Anti Aging Institute of The Americas to get a more detailed description of his expanded services. The clinic is located in The Country Plaza, across the street from the Villas del Rio condos, and kitty-cornered to the Costa Rica Country Club in Escazu. The offices and treatment rooms are on the second floor, where I sat down with Dr. Mesen and inquired, “Just what is ‘anti-aging’ all about and what is Cenegenics?”

Dr. Mesen answered, “Anti aging is a new medical practice specialty focusing on the health and well being of primarily middle aged men and women and seniors.

No Shortage of Investment, Expansion and Construction in Escazú, Costa Rica

Luxurious Viva Residences in Escazú Soon to be Completed

There seems to be no shortage of confidence in the business and housing sectors in Escazú.

More recent developments in the west end of upscale Escazú seem to hold true to the promise that the economy is alive and well in one of San Jose’s most affluent areas.  As an example, the most recent development under construction is the new and luxurious Viva Residences.

Eco Tourism Meeting Medical Tourism Development Opportunities in Costa Rica

Would you develop property in Costa Rica today?

With all the doom and gloom coming to us by way of the media, including those of some visitors and tourists from North America and Europe, the answer would probably be, “no”, says Robert Shannon of Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties Real Estate Company.

Costa Rica’s tourism is still flourishing but for how long, some think?  It’s hard to predict as one would have to believe the impact of world events would catch up with us sooner or later.

But, consider these facts:
1.  This year alone over 250,000 Americans will travel to Costa Rica and places like Thailand for affordable medical care. They will be seeking everything from root canals to heart transplants. The proximity to the USA and the high standard of health care Costa Rica offers suggest that a higher percentage will come here.

2. We keep seeing statistics that eco tourism / sustainable tourism is becoming one of the most sought after travel packages. This comes in many different forms, but one of the most popular is the vacationer seeking to get a feel for making their contribution to our planet by using these sustainable tourism facilities.

We have seen some good attempts at eco-sustainable projects and they are interesting, and often in provocative, if not primitive, places.  But, Costa Rica has yet to see a major developer get involved in what many consider a necessary part of the future that will impact all of us for the good – combining the medical tourism aspects with eco-tourism!

Theatrical Production Experience Aids Costa Rican Wedding Planner

Randy Gritz knows all about planning tropical weddings, and she should, as she has designed and organized over 200 of them in the past seven years! Originally from Philadelphia, Randy has made Costa Rica home for the last 20 years. She speaks fluent Spanish, has an extensive knowledge of the country and the people, which helps her successfully navigate the often unpredictable course of planning the perfect wedding ceremony and reception.

“Planning a wedding is like mounting a theatrical production,” says Randy. For years she has been an active member, producer and stage manager for The Little Theatre Group of Costa Rica. Founded in 1949 by Bert Williams, the Little Theatre Group is the oldest continuously running English-language theatre in Central or South America. A dedicated wedding professional and member of the theater group, she is always aware that this very special day is one that the happy couple and their family will remember for the rest of their lives, and therefore, must be perfect in every detail. “Each wedding has a different script and budget, and just like before the opening night of a play, a wedding requires careful direction and detailed planning,” states Randy.

New – Guided Dental Implant Surgery in Costa Rica

What is Guided Dental Implant Surgery?

Guided dental implant surgery is a computer-guided technology that utilizes digital x-rays enhanced with special software to allow the dental surgeon to see every angle and plan an exact procedure for placing dental implants within the patient’s mouth.

Using the guided implant surgery process, dental surgeons create a precise surgery plan, locating the optimal locations to make incisions and determine the best path to the implant area.  Because this process allows surgeons to see the human mouth in real-time 3D, they can avoid “hard-to-detect” problem areas, minimizing patient pain, surgery and recovery time.

Dr. Julian Conejo

“Colina Dental is the first dental clinic in Costa Rica to invest in this cutting-edge dental equipment to give our patients the most efficient, pain-free dental implant services available,” says Dr. Julian Conejo, dental implant specialist with Colina Dental.

“This process minimizes surgery time, dramatically reduces pain, and helps our patients heal faster than ever before.   With some patients, we have been able to provide a full set of teeth in one day, which was unheard of before this procedure.”

Rapid Growth in Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast, Through the Eyes of a Vacation Rental Owner

Even though the real estate market has slowed greatly in most areas of Costa Rica in the last several years, the Dominical and South Coast areas seem to be immune, with previous lot buyers now building their dream home.

Glen Love - rental owner

“When we first started building our luxury homes in Dominical in 2003, there were only 4 listings for the Dominical area on the entire VRBO website. Now, there are more than 90! That is certainly amazing growth for this once difficult-to-reach area,” related Glen Love, owner of Paradise Costa Rica vacation rentals. “Even before the improved Costaneras coastal highway from Manuel Antonio to Dominical was built, that didn’t seem to deter people’s interest in this pristine, remote area, including ours. It used to take almost two hours to drive the pot hole-filled dirt road with rickety, one lane decrepit wooden bridges – a real daring experience! Even so, the area grew rapidly.”

From Civil War Survivor to Rental Car Entrepreneur

The interview with Rember Guevara of Service Car Rental was ending when he looked at me pensively and said, “There is really so much more, what happened in my life, and how I got to Costa Rica.”  I said, “What do you mean?” not knowing anything about his past.  He then explained how he and his mother and brother were fugitives from the horrible civil war in El Salvador in the ’70’s and ‘80’s – the intimidation, the atrocities, and luckily, how they eventually were able to flee to Costa Rica.

To me, this put an even a greater emphasis on his story of entrepreneurship that I had just listened to.  Here was a person that had started out with some of the worst disadvantages in life, and now, he was the owner of a successful rental car company in Costa Rica, which is an extremely competitive market.  What a compelling testimony not only to him as a person, but also to Costa Rica for providing the environment in which he could reach his potential.

Rember Guevara - Owner Service Car Rental

Increased Vacation Rental Bookings Lead to a Rise in Real Estate Sales for Rental Homes

Manuel Antonio Vacation Rental overlooking the Pacific and Park

In response to consumer surveys from Trip Advisor, one of the worlds largest travel sites, indicating holiday maker’s preference for vacation rentals,  Escape Villas, Costa Rica´s leading vacation rental Management Company has announced a significant increase in property owners signing up for their services for 2011.  Traffic to their popular vacation rental website – www.villascostarica.com, has increased, as well as booking contracts, and home owners wishing to use their advertising and rental booking services.

One of the reasons for this is that according to a report released in May 2010 by TripAdvisor, the world’s top rated online tourism guide, vacation rentals have emerged as a popular choice for travelers in 2010. The Trip Advisor survey attributes this growing trend to vacationers seeking greater value and more varied amenities when choosing their accommodation.

In a survey of over 1,000 American participants, results illustrated how 68 percent of travelers are either planning or considering staying at a beach vacation rental in 2010. These figures show a marked increase of 52 percent compared to past renters who said they opted for a vacation rental or villa in 2009.