Casa Bella Rita Boutique Bed & Breakfast

My stay at Casa Bella Rita completely changed my approach to business travel! Can I say how wonderful it is to launch your work day in a foreign country with a delicious breakfast and then greeted in the evening with a cocktail to unwind? Steve & Rita are delightful hosts, very attentive and easy going. The rooms are fresh and clean, and decent wifi makes it easy to work after hours. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Casa Bella Rita is not-to-be-missed!

I returned from my stay at Casa Bella Rita less than a month ago and would highly recommend the B&B. Rita and Steve are personable, helpful and funny. Their dogs are an added plus for dog lovers, but I have a feeling they would keep them away from those that are not dog lovers. They formerly were restaurant owners so you can expect a breakfast that is much better than what most B&Bs serve (including the presentation of the food). I felt like I was completely catered to regarding advice and bookings of day tours. They offer extras not typical of all B&Bs and more commonly found at hotels (pick up from the airport, wine, mini refrigerator, snacks and TVs in the rooms). A pool and scenic view of a canyon below from the pool area are also part of the perks for anyone that chooses to stay at Casa Bella Rita as well as a huge yard with tables and hammocks. The layout, interior and exterior design of the B&B were much better than the what the photos indicate on the website. The bed was comfortable and the room was quiet. It is a good location for those that want to split their time between seeing the downtown area, the beaches, national parks, experiencing a zip line and visiting a volcano or animal sanctuary/waterfalls.

We were blown away by the B&B. Driving to it was an experience and wouldn't have expected such a beautiful and exotic place from the outside gate. The view from right outside our door was gorgeous! We were originally booked to stay in Tucan room and ended up being bumped to the Mariposa room. They are an extremely friendly couple and help you with whatever questions you have with genuine generosity. We were able to enjoy a nice walk to a local restaurant that Rita and Steve suggested and then relax from the long flights outside on the hammocks overlooking the canyon after . The breakfast the next morning was delicious, they helped cater to my fiance as he eats very healthy meals when he vacations. We enjoyed fruit and granola with yogurt and pancakes. Thanks again for a wonderful 1st impression and visit to Costa Rica!

We found Casa Bella Rita on the TripAdvisor Site and it was so highly rated I decided to give it a try. From my first email correspondance with Rita I felt right at home and well taken care of. Everything worked out just as we planned. I prepaid for the room with a US check to her US bank account, which saved me the hassle of paying during our stay. The Inn is very beautiful and our room upstairs on the 3rd level was much nicer and bigger than the picture on-line...and we thought it looked great on-line. Rita and Steve were indeed very friendly and helpful. The Inn was a beautiful place to stay. Our walk into Ciudad Colon was a fun adventure. My kids loved the dogs and birds. And most importantly, Steve and Rita were completely cool with our 4:40AM departure for a 7:00AM flight home. Rita even drove us to the airport and prepared us some homemade snacks for breakfast. I would recommend Casa Bella Rita without hesitation.

We had a wonderful overnight stay with Rita and Steve recently. They do such an amazing job of making you feel at home. I'm pretty sure our two kids (7 and 10 years old) were ready to move in with them! The B&B itself is like an oasis with a stunning view of a deep gorge and river out back and a nice little courtyard with a small pool. We stayed in the canopy room on the top floor which was perfect for our little family. Our kids slept on the double while we slept on probably the most comfortable king bed I've ever experienced. I really had trouble waking up the next morning for our short ride back to the airport. We also ate dinner with them and two other couples and had a lovely time. Both the food and company were great. They also brought out one of their pet parrots for us to enjoy .... the kids loved that! (and so did I). Overall a fantastic experience at Casa Bella Rita. We would definitely stay there again!

Landed at San Jose airport and were met by Steve of Casa Bella Rita. The shabby chic accommodations struck the perfect balance between staying with friends and luxury hotel details. A beautiful garden entrance with fountain, delicious food, and one of Rita's special cocktails took the edge off the long flight and quickly put me in a "tranquilo" state of mind. Breakfast of fresh eggs and local sausage the next morning set us on our way, with Luis (Rita's recommendation) as our driver and guide in and around San Jose. ( I would love to come back and allow Luis to show me HIS Costa Rica. His knowledge of, and pride in, his native Costa Rica came through in everything he shared with us). Luis took us to a soda in San Jose next to the open air market full of souvenirs and native crafts. It being our first day, we demurred from buying the Boruca masks and carvings that we fell in love with, but ended up coming back on our last day to collect them. The prices were lower here, AND their was an impressive selection of these exquisite carvings, as well as wood and leather specialties, even compared to some higher end galleries we visited between treks through the rain forests. Of the 4 cities we visited ( San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio) it turned out the best shopping to be had was right their in San Jose.(Now we know). Rita had a hand in everything we did for the rest of our trip , and her recommendations were dead-on! Trust her. This being a research trip as well as a vacation, we moved at a pretty brisk pace. I would love to come back and spend some more time at Casa Bella Rita. Thank you Rita , Steve and Luis for making my first trip to Costa Rica so rich...

We stayed at Casa Bella Rita in early Sept. 2010, my only regret is that we were only there one night. The view from the patio overlooking the canyon was gorgeous, the hosts outdid themselves at seeing that we were always comfortable and the home was sparkling & casual. . I would plan another trip to Costa Rica just to stay here for a longer time. Abbe & Steve Tobin

My husband and I have been traveling to Costa Rica for several years yet this was our first time staying at Casa Bella Rita. Everything about our experience was excellent from the environment to the view to the extra plush towels in our room. Rita offered several dinner suggestions and Steve prepared a delectable breakfast. They were wonderful hosts. We breathed the vacation sigh of relief the moment we entered the warm and welcoming home of Rita and Steve.

Steve, Rita and Casa Bella Rita are the reason why six stars should exist as a rating on BedandBreakfast.com. Heck, make that twenty stars. Not only does Casa Bella Rita live up to its outstanding reviews, Steve and Rita exceed them. I can honestly say that by far and away, our stay at Casa Bella Rita was one of the very utmost highlights of any CR experience I'v ever had. When my communication with Rita first began, Rita spent a great deal of time emailing me back and forth, providing various suggestions and recommendations of other places to stay, and she answered my many questions with a great deal of patience. We were able to spend our first night's stay at Casa Bella Rita, and without a doubt, we could not have been better situated. Steve was ready and waiting at the airport to pick us up once we landed - Rita was happy and more than accommodating in her welcome, and once inside Casa Bella Rita, we were overcome by feelings of relaxation and serenity. After an incredible breakfast the next morning, we set out on our adventures in CR; however, mid-week, we were caught victim by an almost-unheard-of Costa Rican hurricane our first night in Manuel Antonio, and quite literally, the next day...we both looked at each other and, in various forms, referred to phrases of "let's just go home." And the funny thing was - by "home," we meant to Casa Bella Rita, with Steve and Rita. Our bad luck in Manuel Antonio turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as upon our return to Casa Bella Rita, we had the most wonderful last two days and nights of stay. Between the fun and relaxation at the bed and breakfast and the incredible "La Paz" tour that our gracious hosts set up for us, we could not have asked for a better last two days in Costa Rica. Nowhere else could you possibly find better views, a better home, or better hosts. Whether you are a Costa Rica first-timer or a "CR Vet," Casa Bella Rita must absolutely be your go-to stay. --E & R

HOSTS: Rita and Steve are wonderful hosts. From the moment you arrive at their B&B, they welcome you into their home and make sure your needs are met. They are helpful, efficient, kind, funny and honest. They are truly hospitality-oriented. If you need anything, just ask them. They are gracious hosts, amazing people. SUMMARY: If you're looking for your" home away from home" to start, enjoy or end your trip in Costa Rica, then you need to stay at Casa Bella Rita. You'll want to go back ASAP!

We loved our stay at Casa Bella Rita! The B&B itself is so beautiful and the canyon that it overlooks is amazing. We had the opportunity to stay in two different rooms during our six night stay and both were gorgeous and full of character. Considering that Casa Bella Rita is equipped with all of the modern conveniences of home as well as the best chef in Costa Rica (Steve!) we never wanted to leave. Additionally, to say that Steve and Rita were gracious hosts is an understatement. They utilized their extensive knowledge of Costa Rica to help us plan out our vacation so that we could experience as much culture and adventure as possible during our stay. Since the B&B is located just outside of San Jose and is also only a car ride away from volcanoes, waterfalls, zip-lining, and many beaches (just to name a few things) it is in an ideal location for experiencing what Costa Rica has to offer. In summary, we enjoyed everything about our stay at Casa Bella Rita and can't wait to go back. The only thing that we didn't like was having to leave.

Rita's husband Steve will meet your flight and whisk you away to their little piece of paradise a few miles sotuh of the airport. If you like (as we did!) they will arrange a "lovers package" that includes two nights luxury B&B, a special dinner and a "couples massage"... well worth it! Steve and Rita (who once ran successful restaurants in Michigan) will make your stay memorable. Friends right from the start, they can make whatever you wnat "happen". For us that meant not only having three lovely nights stay with them (and their pets!), but having their Tico friend Luis drive us to a remote part of the Pacific coast, where we wanted to chill on a tropical beach. Tell you what... we are so glad we hired Luis, because there are no street addresses in Costa Rica, would you believe? As for finding your way... well, best left to the locals! Casa Bella Rita is to be highly recommended - and that's from someone who's been in the hospitality game himself for over 20 years!

If you are traveling to Costa Rica and are looking for a place to stay, go no further. Casa Bella Rita is the place to stay. Steve and Rita DeVore provided excellent and comfortable accommodations. Every morning, they were there with smiling faces and Steve's tasty made to order breakfasts ready to start your day at your pace. For the first two days, we wanted to read, sample the local cuisine and admire the gorgeous view from their balcony. They have a pool which is located on the patio overlooking a panoramic view. Casa Bella Rita is quiet, but is ready to spring into action for help you see Costa Rica at a moment's notice. Rita provides excellent safe drivers who know Costa Rica like the back of their hand which is very important since there are not many street signs any place. They picked us up always at the appointed time and delivered us safe and sound to our destination. Casa Bella Rita also provided tour advice about what to see, how to see it and professional tour operators at a very reasonable cost. Did I mention that they pick you up at the airport and bring you back as part of their professional service. You can't do this by yourself. Remember there are no street signs. In short you need to start and end your trip to Costa Rica at Casa Bella Rita.

This b&b is fabulous. Comfortable accommodations, great food and the best hosts - Steve and Rita made us feel like it was our home!

Rita & Steve are so great at what they do it's dangerous - we didn't want to leave! They made us feel like family, connected us with a wonderful tour guide, and served gourmet meals that were inspirational. No other B&B will do when we go to San Jose.