Thanks for the video. My experience is the exact opposite of what you are saying. Have had an AIRBNB in Jaco 8 years, average 2-3 week stays, had my best year ever in 2023, my prices have held steady, and the guests are almost all pleasant and reasonable, delivering a very clean unit when they leave. I am already fully booked Jan, Feb, and March .... of 2025. You can make an AIRBNB work very well in Costa Rica.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing! And I'm glad it is working out for you. What's your prices if you don't mind me asking?

@mariomarques9951

6 ай бұрын

I have a one bedroom on the beach. $125/night, w/ discounts for weekly & monthly bookings. .@@TravelCostaRicaNOW

I had an Airbnb in Key Largo, FL 8 years ago when it just started getting popular...hardly any competition. I rented it out fairly cheap $65 a night...compared to the hotels at $300 plus a night. Some of them renters were such a pain in the ass!! Complaining about everything..."I'm like this is my house not a 5 star hotel...if you don't like it..get the fuck out!" Needless to say..I didn't do it for very long. 😂

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

good slogan, 'get the fuck out'.... NICE. Thanx for sharing..

Thanks for your video. You asked for comments: I own 2-bedroom Airbnb condo in San Jose (19th floor) in one of the best areas (Los Yoses/Barrio Escalante) and priced at $99 to $120/night, depending on season (sleeps up to 4). Listed since condo was built seven years ago. Many new condo High-rises going up in area, mostly one bedrooms for a lot less. I pre-screen all guests and turn down many bookings, if I’m not comfortable. Consistent 5-star reviews. My only complaint is that most of my competition does not charge and pay the required 13% sales tax to the tax authority, which puts me at a disadvantage, but I sleep well at night, knowing I’m doing everything 100% legal. A/C really not necessary in San Jose area, since comfortable most of the year. I have A/C unit in my master bedroom, but rarely used. Ceiling fans in all rooms and two balconies with nice breeze from 19th floor. Unit has washer/dryer, 2-bathroom/showers, secure parking and high-speed internet. Public areas include heated pool, gym, etc. I have no children and no pet policy. Condo rents out well, since great location (barrio Escalante with 50+ bars and restaurants), Automercado, Starbucks, San Pedro mall, all walking distant. Guests mostly from US for tourism, dental work, visit family, etc.

@barco581

6 ай бұрын

Escalante is a great area and your success mirrors what Michael said, you are competing on the higher end with amenities to attract North Americans, and it seems your unit is not just rented by tourists but professional workers. Probably no better place than Escalante and Escazu to do that.

@TravelWorld429

6 ай бұрын

@@barco581Yes, many professionals also book (near-shoring business owners, embassy personnel, United Nations court attorneys, European business people, etc, who generally have an extended stay. Good mix. I agree pricing at a higher-price point on a modern condo, in highly desirable barrios attracts good respectable guests.

Good morning love 🌺 You can always be counted on to tell it like it really is. Your channel is invaluable. Thanks for your hard work!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 🤗

Hey Michael. We finished our Airbnb last year and this has been our first busy season. Our listing was published last June and we only had a couple of guests. We're priced about $85 weeknights and $110 on weekends. We did a 40% off for November and December and promoted it with Facebook ads here in Costa Rica. That got us several guests so we could get good reviews to get the ball rolling. We reduced it to %20 off for January and February and are fully booked. March is getting full without needing to offer a discount. But like you said, "plain" Airbnb's are in a race to the bottom. Who is willing to work the hardest for the least amount of money. Same with hostels. We did the opposite with views of the jungle (and the top of the volcano), a welcome basket of snacks, a big pool, an included Extreme Hike, free laundry service, gardens to explore, as well as Wifi and A/C. You're correct that the easy days of creating a listing and collecting money are over. But I think there's still an opportunity for providing a high level of personal service.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

5 ай бұрын

thanx for sharing that bob. very helpful and much appreciated 👏

you speak the truth my man!!!! Tell it like it really is! Good on you.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

ahhh.. thanx for noticing... lol and double thanx for taking the time to comment.

Good info again Keep up the good work, love the podcast.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Thanx for commenting and double thx for listening

Yeah, I couldn’t agree with you more about Airbnb‘s in Costa Rica. We have one in Escazu and ended up turning it into long-term rentals. Less hassle, less work. And much more peace of mind.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Yes, that's it.... peace of mind. That's what I should have said, thanx Glenn ;)

Thanks for video.

A lot of valuable information. I used to have a VRBO here in Colorado.

Thanks for the video. Saludos from tx

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Thanks. I thought I lost you.... ;)

I think this was one of your best videos and I've watched, I'm pretty sure, almost every one from your very beginning when I was living in CR. I totally agree with what you said in this video. I am seeing more and more AirBnb's for sale too. Thanks for taking the time to give all this accurate info for those who still believe they can come down and make big bucks and survive just off an AirBnb. Glad the birds showed up too, for a little bit! LOL

thanks mike!!!! great info!!!!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Thank you Roger for your support.🥰

Them Ho’s be trippin’😂😂😂 You nearly made me and Thomas spit our coffee out! 😂😂😂😂

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

That's because I am f'in funny🤭

@pamelatill4805

6 ай бұрын

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW That’s why you’re my friend. I choose quality over quantity with my peeps. A sense of humor is a must!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

@@pamelatill4805 😋💯

I remember in 2017 there was lots to choose.. personally im not picky..but found it cheaper traveling in June..40 bucks.room ,pool complementary breakfast..great host & directions to see sights..I remember a restaurant named exotica in southern Costa Rica..Lucy was the owner..she was special 😊 good vid Micheal..

Thank You!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

you are welcome. thx for taking the time.

Thank you!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

you are very welcome😊

Converting some of those Airbnb to long term rentals will help reduce the sky high rental rates. But hotels are offering major cheap rates to compete with airbnb so its bad all around. Great video!!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

thanx, I appreciate you taking the time to say. :)

👍Dude love your stuff. Like to see more stories from the people on the street. Underdog recent history is cool. How did Costa Rica get to have no Army?

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Thanx Roy, nice to hear and thanx for taking the time to say, much appreciated. All good, I have quite a few new things coming....... ;)

@barco581

6 ай бұрын

Roy, it sounds like you would really enjoy a few hours at the National Museum in Costa Rica. A great detailed history of the Civil War and abolishment of the Amry, and a lot if it went down at that exact building!

@roymaitland6345

5 ай бұрын

Would love it. When I am there I going to the museum for sure. Drive cost to cost; 40" tires!

Everyone thinks they're rock stars now ... demanding to be pampered and nothing you do, will not be enough. 😢

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

exactly right... some folks just can't help themselves.

Spot on Mike!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

muchas gracias

GOOD morning! Good to know. Can't find link to odd couple.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

www.youtube.com/@OddCoupleCostaRica/

Hi Michael! Our first stay in CR was at a fabulous AirBnB in Heredia Centro and I'm grateful that the host is still our friend. :-) I have been curious how AirBnB hosting works for non-residents Payments are made to a US account? And would non-residents need to hire someone to greet guests, do all of the cleaning, etc.? Thanks for any info!

@zoemurillo6838

4 ай бұрын

Not 100% certain but pretty sure AirBnb will send you a statement at the end of the year for total income earned (have to enter SS# as host if from USA) just like for units based in the US. Guests do not need to be greeted and many enjoy the privacy of never meeting their hosts. Of course you'll need to hire someone local for cleanings, washing of bedding, etc and to send you photos of any damage to submit to AirBnb's third party for insurance coverage that they're now using (at least that's available for US listings). Suerte!

I can't add any Costa Rica Airbnb insights, however I have to push back on a certain type of Airbnb in certain types of neighborhoods. Here in Boston, before Airbnb got regulated, we had a nightly Airbnb next door to us in a residential neighborhood. Loud parties, trash, noise, etc. It really impact quality of life. If you want to get into nightly rentals go invest in a hotel. Now I know people will talk about property rights and they can do whatever they want, but there is a time and place for everything. And I have no issue with vacation Airbnbs in vacation areas. After all, vacation rentals have been going on for years.

Michael, great topic, especially for those wanting to own property in Costa Rica but want to Airbnb it when they're out of the country. Market saturation will make for a very difficult environment to get a return on investment. Congratulations on the sold-out Relocation Retreat scheduled for March. Not surprised having attended the one last March. Is Allen hosting the event in March? He could really use your help in hosting (just saying), or maybe have Rebecca host the event (who doesn't love Rebecca) 🥰

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Thanx Steve. Yeah, the Relocation Retreat is going well and I am now super comfortable now and will be more involved. Maybe it should be Rebecca and I🤣🤣🤣🤣

"Why didn't you write me, Ho?!?" Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha Love you, Michael!💖

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

haha.. thanx. I forgot I said that. Sometimes I forget where I am... lol ;). Thanx for commenting.

@Kattywagon29

6 ай бұрын

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW Please don't ever change.

Thanks

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

you are very welcome. :)

I have been watching tou for years, Love your vibes, first comment. I am an a consumer and I will probably move to Pejibaye. 10 years of researhs, Greatr advice for the hosts. I hate AirBnnb. Maybe lost out on some good eventures. When I look at airbnb optioins and compare.... I think I get it as a property owner, cancellations suck. So do the events that lead up to that.. On the caribean side, things have gone well. Mid countrty and Pacific, nothing worth complaining about. Just not great. Keep up the goog info, hopefully this helps the businesses...

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

5 ай бұрын

Thanx John, I appreciate the nice words.... as well as the insight, muchas gracias.

We only had ac in the bedroom.. couple times the power goes out.

Sound advice Michael, moving in July using Sarah Elena, she’s great by the way and looking for a nice more gringo style apartment not fancy USA type. Long term rentals!!!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

ahh. nice. I am sure it will all work out then. :)

@chrisv_b

6 ай бұрын

Sarah is great. And she will help in so many ways. Pura Vida

Forgot to say good info. Cheers and COLD BEERS

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Much appreciated!

Here’s a tip for Airbnb’s: LIGHTING. Some warm lighting, including lamps goes a long way in making people comfortable at night.

There is a house in my neighborhood that has turned over several times. And every time it goes back on the market I live in Terror that somebody's going to buy it and turn it into an airbnb. We don't want it in our neighborhood, we don't want transients, we don't want entitled renters we don't want any of it. I have a friend in Guatemala who had an Airbnb and she finally shut it down because the quality of people that are booking is simply not what you would want staying in your 300 year old, beautifully appointed home. Just recently another friend had to get the police involved to get an Airbnb guest out of his house. Who needs this hassle? My girlfriend in Guatemala finally put an age limit on guess. And she doesn't want anybody under 50 and she tries to discourage men. They seem to be the worst when it comes to disrespect for personal property

You know where else Airbnb is saturated and getting crushed_ Palm Springs. So many people bought airbnb´s during the pandemic and they are sucking gas now. I think your topic is spot on.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

thanx, appreciate that. And yes, seems to the sane for many locations around the world.

Just admit that you pump up with dumbbells before turning the camera on! Ha ha just teasing, cheers brother!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Probably the TRT I started a month ago... lol. And the heavy f'in lifting I've been doing that's kicking my ass btw ahhaha

@tonyglen33

6 ай бұрын

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW It's working! I'm on the fence about trying it.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

@tonyvegasguitar Well, not like you have to keep doing it if you don't like it. To be honest, I don't really feel different or even think I look different but I have only had 1 shot... so we'll see. If you do it, let me know how it goes.

I was in Potreto Guanacaste last month and I can't find a place to stay for less than $250

You mean the Taj Mahal isnt in La Fortuna? haha. My wife and I gonna be in La Fortuna latter Feb, as we go there alot and we rent an airbnb house/cabin in a community and it has a pool, outdoor kitchen, mini split a/c's in each bedroom only and not in living room as we leave the bedroom doors open, and usually 2-3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for around $100-$150 a night. Been there at least 10 times. 10-15 minute walk to downtown church area. Never had a problem other than a pet friendly house had dog shit in the yard. It was cleaned up in than than an hour by them. Cant wait again

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

that does sound nice. when's dinner?😉

@tpxrp6244

6 ай бұрын

Hell yea, I'll send an e-mail if ya meet for a beer or something. @@TravelCostaRicaNOW

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

I'll be here ;)@@tpxrp6244

Great Heads-Up for “Entrepreneuring”Minds! Renting Longterm will set you free- Short term rentals will WEAR YOU OUT! Yea, then you have the “sudden emergencies!” I had my share. Renting to “ Dancers,” ( strippers) won The Prize!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Totally agree... but I could help out a stripper in an emergency 😉🤣

@keywestcatlady

6 ай бұрын

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW AHhhh HaHAAA

@keywestcatlady

6 ай бұрын

Their prices were a a bit Steep for your average “ Joe,” according to the Rumors around the neighborhood- They even had a 2 for 1 Special!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

nice 2 for 1 lol@@keywestcatlady

I'd love to see some links to the AirBnbs that are renting for $35-40/night as you say. Everything I see is off the charts (even if mediocre). Someone could start a website to promote middle of the road pricing for AirBnbs that could do well (if it had reach). If AirBnb dies I see another similar site taking it's place

we use the have in Toronto. and we moved it to long term rental only. too much hustle and the customers OMG.... don't let me start. and yes the competition drove the price down at least in toronto.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

EXACTLY

Indeed, the ones that asked for discounts are always the picky complainers.

I just rented an Airbnb for 5 weeks. What website do I go to see more expats? I’m looking forward to working remotely and weekends

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

I think Facebook is the place... but not sure, I haven't been on there for years.

@navigatingsideways

5 ай бұрын

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW I hit a home run today and got many things accomplished. Not to mention I learned where my expats live and dine. It’s all about timing and I’m so grateful I still speak some Chinese. My AI business and consulting got a huge lead because of it. Worst case scenario I have an Administrative Director lining me up with tutoring for Spanish over the next 4 weeks. Ubers are cheap here but food is costly, even in local markets.

Good video Mike and BnB when they ask you to be washing bedsheets and towels,clean up that’s when being a housekeeper for them is a hard no for us. We respect peoples property and do our best to keep it clean,but not interested in them. As for your partner in the podcast I have seen his videos with his himself and wife,but not sure if he still puts them out. Isn’t he ex military ? so that’s his vibe and it doesn’t brother me.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

YEs, he is ex military. I think he has started to put out more videos not sure if his wife, Rebecca, is in them now or not. I think we have pretty good chemistry on the podcast and put out solid information.... but that's just me. Thanx for commenting.

How's the camping/glamping scene looking?

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

high end from what I have seen... but not sure if its really caught on

@rhondak_ManorMiravalles

6 ай бұрын

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW we're noodling around with the idea of putting in some wild camping spots down by the river--a lot of ecotourism in the Bijagua area and ATV tours come past our farm several times a week. So it might happen. Experimentally. We'll see, and I'll let you know how it goes.

I used to solely to Airbnb through my travels to Asia. It was good for a bit until condo owners protested their place was not as exclusive as they thought. Some countries that region have made it illegal, especially if a condo which is what you do in Asia. I have no Airbnb experience in Costa Rica but my cousin set aside three nights for us in San Carlos next month in her spare home. I'll actually be 20 mins from La Fortuna which is OK. I hear what you said of tack furnishings and such on ex-pat's Airbnb. When I was a teen, many decades ago, I was a bored dude in Barrio Mexico where my uncle fabricated furniture to the well heeled in CR. I went one these delivery runs, either to the Fishman's , Pozuelos's and other politicians at that time. Nothing was spared in these homes. My inclination is Ticos have better offerings on Airbnb then a ex-pat. #justsaying.

Practical...no attention to detail...velvet sloth...so true😅

I wish there was an economic way for a single to attend the relocation retreat.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Well, there are options. A couple times 2 people have shared the room... Quite a few singles do go. We could always see if another female was willing..... but I understand.

kitchenette is critical. just a place to make an egg coffee or quick meal

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Yeah, they all pretty much have those these days.....

I moved to Costa Rica 2021-2023 I picked but LaFortuna picked me IAM a Trader in the Global Markets started learning in 2018 my mentor said in class one learn how the markets work can live anywhere so when that not so go go juice was force well not so quick that’s the narrative now ( no one force you) I knew from the beginning do not swim in those water lol so I was smoked out due those gangster (Fed Reserve ) this month one year so IAM punching my return home to Costa Rica Q324 ❤

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Those 'gangsters (Fed Reserve)'- so true. Definitely is plus to plenty of options as to where you want to live in the world.... nice.

I had a brand new minimalist house that I decided to ABB in a popular surf spot in El Salvador. And yes whiny little bitch is the perfect description but I can say for the most part it was only my younger guests that wanted everything handed to them. Older guests loved the peace and quiet the house provided and got nice compliments about the architecture. I quickly took it out of ABB and sold it for a nice quick profit. Now Im building one in Costa Rica and I will never do ABB.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Wow, thanx for sharing. Glad that all worked out. Anytime you can make a profit ;) nice.

So sad people can’t just enjoy the culture of Costa Rica and must feel as though it is something to consume and profit from… not to learn from. I hope more people go there to learn like at Finca Tierra

in Tamarindo area its the hosts that are nuts. they rent the crappiest favelas for outrageous prices 300/ night. way overpriced. no more long term rentals. I dis agree about AC. If you have to have AC why bother coming to Costa Rica. You can sit indoors all day in cool air in the big US cities too. I come here for shade - open air - tropical landscape. Fans are more than sufficient. Outdoor kitchens are the ticket.

We just got back from our place in Santa Ana, after spending over 2 weeks. It is indeed an Airbnb. We just had a guest book long term on a month to month basis. I actually gave him a tour of the condo and grounds (that was a first on either side of the coin). He seems like a decent guy, but yes, he wanted a discount. I complied for the reason that he wants to rent long term and don't want the hassle of short stays. I did have guest just prior who wanted a full refund, which I granted. They were a royal pain in my azz! They checked in late at night on Christmas eve and started complaining and making up lies. First they claimed they didn't need our kitchen facilities, but went through every drawer taking pictures. Then they started posting pictures of hairs on floors. I kid you not, they looked like their own hair. I just think they checked in late and didn't like the neighborhood. But, went ahead and F'd up my Holiday. I just wanted them gone! We love our place, it is beautiful and clean. We will retire there and most likely stop renting it all together.

it's not just a costa rica thing... it's a whole industry thing. Airbnb's are over saturated now everywhere. The type of people who are renting are changing and definitely not a "high quality"

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

yup, very true.

Hey Michael, I love your videos and I've been subscribed for a long time. I get that you need to plug your travel business and the relocation retreat, but I just want to respectfully say that the plugs are getting longer and longer and they're always at the beginning of the video, and sometimes repeated again. I'm finding myself turning it off before you even start talking about the main topic. Again, I mean no disrespect, just letting you know in case others are having this response as well.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

All good and trust me, I understand, it hurts me to do them as well because I know they get old quick. I just don't know what other options I have. I am not sponsored, I don't have anyone helping me with marketing and such. I think I will just totally shorten it down to a few sentences and make it as brief as I can. Your comment is proof what I've known.... so thanx.

@athenachloewoodrow6356

6 ай бұрын

I totally get it, thanks for being open

Yo Michael!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

sup

Hey Michael! Jay Quesada here, from TecnoFibras TFCR. (Tub Factory CR) Wanted to stop by and say this is an excellent video! Attention to detail is so important and it’s something that has stood out for us after working with several AirBnb owners. We started working with Palo Alto Glamping and Arenal Rooms then noticed an uptick of Airbnbs. You hit the nail right in the head though by saying why have so many jacuzzis if they’re not going to work all the time. This is something we’re trying to change in the CR market, but we have received feedback and have noticed that some of the Airbnb guests are definitely demanding. This required us to cut certain CR suppliers and become a direct suppliers for certain jacuzzi accessories that perhaps were becoming issues for other cabins/airbnbs. Anyway, long message but I enjoyed your video and completely recommended to any of my future clients 🙏 Pura Vida.

Long term rentals are much better, to much cleaning and work on short term rentals

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

yup. exactly.

38% tax. No thanks. I removed mine from it and rent it direct.

👍🙏❤

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

🙂🙃😉

I'm not sure your premise is true. Maybe in La Fortuna but certainly not in Bahia Ballena. Also, why would anyone want to rent their house or a room for $80 per night. A Jaco prostitute costs more than that for 15 mins.

Yes in regards to your podcast....I like you Michael but can't handle your partner

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

me neither🤣🤣🤣🤣

@jackdempsey2241

6 ай бұрын

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW I like it better when your by yourself or with Johnny. How is Johnny's development coming? Haven't seen any updates???

An AirBnB sounds like way too much work for the return that you get for your investment. Especially when you consider the whinny entitled people of today. Not a chance!!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

YEs, I think you are right. Airbnb's ship has sailed. Done. Put a fork in them.

Babaganoosh

Your podcast buddy is too domineering for my taste.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

mine too 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@arcadiajeff

6 ай бұрын

However you guys are equally matched!

@quinngibbons6832

5 ай бұрын

Lol can't handle the facts, snowflakes!!

excellent video. I was originally going to build 6 studio apartments but decided to go with a high-end property. I prefer dealing with Airbnb complaints instead of being stuck long-term with a bad tenant.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW

6 ай бұрын

Definitely could work... but for the record, long-term you would be renting to mostly Gringo's, they are not usually bad tenants here. And if they were, well, we are in Costa Rica, so there's ways ;)