HAROLD/ORBIT TRAVEL
From: Sohail Qamar
To: Harold - Orbit Costa Rica
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 6:56 AM
Subject: Just returned
Hi Harold:
Just wanted to say Thank You once again for your assistance in helping us visit Costa Rica. We just returned and had a wonderful trip thanks to your suggestions.
The Highlights Tour was fantastic and a great way to get acclimated to the country in a short period of time. We especially enjoyed the Coffee Plantation. Hotel Buena Vista was simple, but very nice, clean....we actually found the restaurant there to be one of the better ones we ate at during our stay.
We stayed at the Mar Verde at Manuel Antonio; again, a simple hotel, but we loved the proximity to the beach; it was clean and the front desk staff were very personable. We took the Jet Ski tour w/snorkeling and it was not to be missed! We have jet-skiied before, but this was well worth taking.
Again, a huge thank-you for your honest assistance. We have already recommended you to some of our German friends who hope to visit in 2007.
Kim and Sohail Qamar
Saludos,
Harold,
I just wanted to let you know how great things turned out on my recent trip
to Costa Rica from 8/14/04 to 8/23/04.
When I arrived at the airport, the company you used to book my 4x4 rental,
the agent was waiting just as you said outside at the curb. They wasted no
time in getting my luggage into the airport van and taking me to their
office not more than 5 minutes from the airport. This, as you indicated
saved me from any airport concourse charges. When I arrived at the office,
they told me they were unable to offer the vehicle I had originally
requested, a Toyota RAV 4, because the demand this season for 4x4's had been
so high and some tourists had not returned cars on time. This at first
concerned me, as I had visions of being outfitted with a substandard 4x4. I
had spent a fair
amount of time prior to the trip looking at vehicles on the internet that
were offered and had settled on the RAV 4 as my best option, both for price
and purpose, considering it was the rainy season. My fears disappeared when
they pointed to the vehicle they would be renting me.
It was a 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser with only 11,000 kilometers on it. Before
I could ask, they informed me it would be for the exact same price you and I
had talked about, $49/day even though it was normally a higer price for the
Land Cruiser.
The vehicle was a manual 4x4 that was exceptionally clean. It was 4.0 liter
diesel which made a huge difference at the pump, as diesel is both cheaper
and more economical and very powerful for driving through the mountains, on
the beaches or when crossing the streams and rivers as some of the bridges
were under construction along my travel route. It had ample space for my
needs, with two folding benches in the back and a 3:1 split for the rear
door, making packing and unpacking a breeze. As I logged over 1500km's on
my trip, having a CD player was perfect, an item I don't believe was
available in my original vehicle request. With all the traveling, over
challenging roads at times, I never once had a problem with the performance
of the vehicle.
The crew were helpful, polite and very professional. They explained the
details of the rental agreement thoroughly, taking extra time to explain the
insurance, etc. when I inquired. I've traveled to many other countries
before, but this was the first trip
renting a vehicle and traveling solo, but at no time was I apprehensive
about the process.
After signing the necessary papers, they provided me with two detailed maps
of the country and clear directions on how to get out of the city. I was on
my way in no time, only spending about 40 to 50 minutes signing papers and
looking over the vehicle.
The return was even easier than the pick-up. I had decided to return the
Land Cruiser a day earlier than expected which didn't pose a problem. They
were clear in showing me the reduced cost in returning the car early. When
I originally picked up the vehicle they looked over it, documenting any
prior damage so I wouldn't be charged for it. It wasn't until I had left
the city that I noticed a small ding in the drivers side windshield. When I
returned the vehicle, they noticed the ding. I explained that it had been
there prior to renting it and they had probably missed it on the initial
evaluation. I was concerned I might be charged for it, but they wasted no
time in conferring with one of the other employee's who confirmed it had
been there prior to my rental.
I would not hesitate to use your service again. In fact, I plan to return
to Costa Rica in
the future and will be using your company. My sister is currently planning
a trip to Costa Rica and I've already given her your contact information.
In a world where deception is the rule rather than the exception, it has
been rather refreshing to find someone who still believes in providing
honest and exceptional service at an affordable price.
Thank you for the memorable experience.
Sincerely,
Aaron T. Peters M.D.
Oakland, California
Reprinted from Tico Times, San Jose, Costa Rica, October 2, 1998 Business and Finance Section
SABRE STARTS PILOT PROJECT HERE WITH ORBIT TRAVEL
Sabre, the worlds largest computerized travel reservation system, is coming to Costa Rica in a brand new way. Sabre's Robert Cole, Director of Hospitality, in a recent trip to Costa Rica, his first, described the new system which will be operational by the end of the year.
Sabre will use the services of a local Internet-based travel operator Orbit Travel. Orbit will handle the day to day dealings with the hotels themselves, to make sure the lodgings meet standards, follow through with guest reservations, and do any troubleshooting.
Sabre is a publicly traded company althought 82% of its shares are held by American Airlines which developed the Sabre system.
dear harold,
may i have your assistance again .i am returning to costa rica-this time with my wife,
rather than my daughter.
The Hon. Michael A. Kelen
Federal Court
Trial Division
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H9
From: "Michael Kelen" michael.kelen@fctcf.gc.ca>
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 12:10 PM
Subject: Re: travel reservations feb 21 to 27
Dear harold,
our trip was outstanding.
your reservations were flawless.
we appreciated your advice about avoiding san jose,and staying in the middle
of a coffee plantation at the buena vista.
our car was so new it did not even have its licence plates yet.
finally villa blanca was so beautiful.good recommendation.
with many thanks
Michael
From: "Mike France" <jacomike1@hotmail.com>
To: <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 8:35 PM
Subject: Re: costa rica rental car
last time I was in Nosara and was involved in a minor accident (go figure in Costa) and AMEX told me that the damage waiver included was only valid in the continental US,Canada and 100 miles into Mexico that little bump cost me $1250.to turn the car in. But thanx for the explanation on the rate. Mike
France
Orbit advice: we absolutely want you to get the discount on insurance for using any regular american express card or gold or platinum visa, mc but we know from long experience the credit card companies sometimes make life difficult and they will only cover collission not liability in Costa Rica mastercard depending on what bank issues the card will only cover 2 weeks maximum on the collision so if you rent for more than 2 weeks you have to get our agent who delivers car to call them and verify how long they will cover when you take delivery of car usually amex does not pull this type of problem like this client experienced one other thing driver slower in costa rica than you do in the states or europe : the slower you go the more wildlife you see on the road
From: RVal16011@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Dear Harold:
Just a note to thank you for informing us about the fishing boat and the accommodations in Golfito, Costa Rica. Our trip went extremely well as all reservations and accommodations were better than expected. We especially enjoyed the boat we fished on for three (3) days. The boat was called the Happy Hooker. It is probably one of the most beautiful, well equipped boats we have ever fished from. We were especially pleased with the Captain and his crew. They were all very friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. The fishing was great also. If you see the crew of the Happy Hooker any time soon, please give them our regards and tell them we look forward to fishing with them again in the near future.
Thanks again,
Sincerely,
Bob Valenzuela
Graphic Consultants INC.
16011 Parthenia St.
North Hills, California, USA
August 8, 1999
Joseph J. Joyce
Vice President
And Associate General Counsel
ORBIT
SJO-1370
PO BOX 025216
MIAMI, FLA 33102
DEAR ORBIT:
As per the instructions from Harold at Orbit, I am enclosing a cashier's check for $300 payable to you for the following reservation.
Private bus to pick up on Wednesday, August 11, 1999 upon arrival in San Jose at 8:36 on Continental flight 779. Transfer of the Joyce party of 6 persons to Nosara, Costa Rica.
Please advise where they will meet the bus at airport.
Sincerely,
Dottie Adolfson,
Secretary to Joseph Joyce
August 19, 1999
To: HAROLD mail@orbitcostarica.com
From: Dottie.Adolfson@pepsi.com
JOYCE FAMILY BACK SAFE AND SOUND THANKS
FOR ALL YOUR HELP DOTTIE
SEPT 7, 1999
DEAR ORBIT
THANKS FOR ALL THE ATTENTION ON MY VISIT TO COSTA RICA.
I AM BACK TO SAN FRANCISCO FOR TWO DAYS , ON TO NEW YORK FOR ONE , AND WILL BE IN ITALY FOR MY ANNUAL SALES MEETING WITH COMPARI. COME AND VISIT ME IN SAN FRANCISCO NEXT YEAR IF YOU LIKE.
IF ANYONE NEEDS TO ASK FOR REFERENCE IN SAN FRANCISCO, TELL THEM I HAVE KNOWN YOUR FAMILY FOR 17 YEARS.
MAURICE KANBAR
CHAIRMAN
SKYY VODKA
SAN FRANCISCO
MAURICE KANBAR INSTITUTE OF FILM AND TELEVISON
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
NEW YORK
From: Susanna Macomb macomb@tiac.net
To: harold/orbitcostarica mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Wednesday, May 03, 2000 6:03 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: macomb
You know your stuff. I checked with American Airlines in NY and the price was $800 round trip. I check a local consolidator in NY and they wanted $619 with no discount for our 8 year old. Your price of $584 for adults and $472 for our son was the best by far for tickets on American.
From: Susanna Macomb macomb@tiac.net
To: Harold at Orbit mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Saturday, January 06, 2001 11:09 AM
Subject: Hello and Thank You!
Hello Harold
We just want to thank you for our dramatic and spectacular trip to Costa
Rica. It really felt as if we visited 5 different countries. The view
from The Mariposa reminded us of the Amalfi Coast of Italy. The Buena
Vista and the coffee plantations reminded us a bit of the hills of
Tuscany---coffee versus vineyards. The beach at Manuel Antonio was
reminiscent of the Caribbean but with monkeys, sloths and iguanas in the
background! Tortuguero was exotic yet peaceful---straight out of a
Tarzan movie. This was for us new and unique. There were other times
while driving through the clouded mountains or visiting a volcano or on
a boat through the mangroves when we felt as if we were in Tibet or
Vietnam. The diversity in your region of the world is amazing--in
landscape--weather--flora--fauna--animal life and ethnic population.
We loved all our hotels except the Camino Real. It felt like Houston,
Texas (not Costa Rica!) and it was inconvenient to boot. Though, we
must admit that the food is good there. Costa Ricans--Ticos are lovely,
gentile people--very accommodating as well.
We enjoyed you and your colorful stories.
If you ever need something from the states...do remember Edward is in
the export business with employees who specialize in South America.
And yes, they do speak Spanish!
Best to you,
And thanks again---it was really memorable.
Susanna, Edward and Adam Macomb
P.S. 6:00 am on January 2nd-- the day we were leaving---we opened the
curtains in our hotel room to usher in the daylight. There stood a
glorious double arched rainbow.
Not a bad way to start the year! We shall take it as a sign of hope and
goodness.
From: Nick Fogler
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Date: Friday, March 02, 2001 8:59 AM
Subject: Re: Drop off charge...
Harold,
Can confirm that the $50 was credited to my account on the 27th. Thanks
again for your follow up. Will not hesitate to recommend.
Cheers, Nick
On Sat, 24 February 2001, "Harold at Orbit" wrote:
i have spoken with the director of the rental car co
not only does he agree that we have it in writing that the chrage was $30
but he claims a service person got fired for this
as well as reversing the $50 on your card
only you can tell us if this is true
we rely on feedback positive or negative to know that our promises are not
broken
when you recieve this credit on next bill we would appreciate your writing
immediately since we will want to use you as proof we do keep our
committment
-----Original Message-----
From: Nick Fogler
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Date: Saturday, February 17, 2001 1:12 PM
Subject: Drop off charge...
Hi Harold,
We returned our rental car on the 15th as planned, but they charged us $80
for the drop off charge - $50 more than you said it would be. They said
there was nothing they could do. I'm obviously a little upset, as the
overall price ended up being significantly higher than promised, and we
booked through you largely because it looked like a good deal. Anything you
can do?
Thanks, Nick
DROP OFF IS $30 FOR TAMARINDO
NOTHING MORE
From: Edward Gorman jr. <ed7578@peoplepc.com>
To: Harold at Orbit <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Date: Saturday, March 17, 2001 9:16 AM
Subject: Re:REFERENCE
Harold,
Please feel free to use me for reference as it was most helpful to not have to leave a non-refundable deposit when we had no idea if we would be able to make the flight. But that is the downside to traveling for free. YOU WENT BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY TO HELP US GET THE 4 RUNNER AND THE SERVICE WAS GOOD AND THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AS PROMISED . Once again thanks for your help.
Ed Gorman
CAPITAN
DELTA AIR LINES
NEW LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
From: C. Maffia maffial@concentric.net
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Thursday, September 09, 1999 9:04 PM
Subject: Wayne/Skelton Honeymoon couple
Hi Harold,
Just wanted to say that my clients loved your country and had wonderful things to say about nicola and the orbit bus pass program.
I really appreciate all the time and PATIENCE you took with me in trying to GET TO KNOW YOU thousands of miles away and your willingness to share phone numbers so I could check references. I will spread the word about the Orbit bus program to my other 200 agent friends.
Thanks again for all your help.
Linda Maffia
Inhouse Travel
dba Cradle Travel
6192 Johnston Road
Albany N.Y. 12203
From: James Miller <miller@buphy.bu.edu>
To: harold <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Cc: <miller@bu.edu>
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2002 7:46 PM
Subject: thanks for your help
Dear Harold,
Many thanks for your help in arranging a rental car and a place to stay on
my first trip to your beautiful country. The car was brand new and the price
was good. All in all, a great vacation, and everthing went smoothly- no
surprises!
And especially, thanks for your indispensible advice conerning property
purchase in Costa Rica. You gave me a boat load of information on where (and
where not) to look for property and the three days of tours around the
central valley taught me more about the market there than I could have
learned in months on my own. And thanks for putting me in contact with
excellent professional help (notary and
engineer). With the many surprising ins and outs of dealing in real estate
in Costa Rica, I would strongly recommend your program as essential to
anyone seriously interested in investing in property there.
I'll be back!
Thanks again,
James Miller
Professor of Physics
miller@bu.edu
Lexington, Massachusetts
ORBIT NOTE: WE ARE VERY PROUD OF DR. MILLER'S DISCOVERY OF A NEW KIND OF
PARTICLE OF MATTER FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO READ THE NEW YORK TIMES JULY 31,
2002 ARTICLE AND WERE HONORED TO HAVE HIM VISIT WITH US AND WERE OVERJOYED
TO LISTEN TO HIS STORIES ABOUT STEPHEN HAWKING THE WORLD REKNOWNED PHYSICS
PROFESSOR.
From: Bob Frieden <rfrieden@energyguide.com>
To: Harold at Orbit <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Date: Thursday, March 08, 2001 6:55 PM
Subject: RE: Car rental
Harold:
Everything went well. Costa Rica is a beautiful country filled with very
nice people.
The car rental people were very helpful and professional and the land
cruiser was what we needed. I will recommend you to my friends and would be
happy to serve as a reference.
Thanx for your help.
Bob
From: David A. Williams, Communication Advisor
To: harold at orbit
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2001 11:24 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: Fw: 2 weeks
Harold,
Thanks so much for suggesting the five fabulous tours: a great introduction to your beautiful country. Thanks again for being there when we needed you and for setting up the car for the week. It was perfect. We went back to the Buena Vista for our last night--a beautiful spot with lovely people who gave us many great suggestions for our car tour.
We will recommend you to our friends and will certainly contact you for our next visit.
Cheers, David and Gail Williams, Tucson<?smaller>
Dr.David A. Williams
Communication Department
University of Arizona
daw@u.arizona.edu
520-621-8073
From: Martin, Mark E. mmartin@Sidley.com
To: 'Harold at Orbit' mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Tuesday, January 02, 2001 9:29 AM
Subject: RE: Confirmed Reservation -- Toyota Land Cruiser
Harold -- Just returned from Costa Rica. Your people were very
accommodating. The Land Cruiser had enough luggage space (barely) remember
we had seven passengers-- and the automatic transmission was helpful for us.
Thanks. Mark Martin
Sidley and Austin
This e-mail is sent by a law firm and may contain information that is
privileged or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please
delete the e-mail and any attachments and notify us immediately.
Dear Harold at Orbit:
We have just arrived back from Costa Rica. WE LOVED IT! The country, the culture, the people, just about everything! We had a simply wonderful time. We would like to thank you for all your travel arrangments and advice. Everything went so smoothly. We will certainly recommend you to all our friends etc. It won't be long before we come back to Costa Rica. Meanwhile, thank you once again for helping us have a "perfect" vacation.
The Orbit Costa Rica private bus transfers worked perfectly. The drivers were always on time, (never a minute late)! They were courteous and very helpful and extremely good drivers, which is difficult on Costa Rica roads. Although not many of the drivers spoke English, it did not matter as the voucher system worked marvellously. The vehicles were usually mini-buses and often than not, we were the only passengers. The only thing we could fault, was that the air-conditioning in the vehicles, did not function very well. It did not bother us, as there was plenty of ventilation from the open windows.
When we arrived at our hotel the first night, the driver of the interbus gave us a booklet of vouchers for all the hotels, travel arrangements and tours (we obviously signed a credit card receipt). The vouchers stated the dates, destinations and pick-up times, so no money was exchanged for the entire trip (except for tips, which may I add was not expected from any of the drivers or guides). My husband and I travel all the time - all over the world, so we are used to delays, hiccups etc., and a lot of our trips have been "first class" travel too, (Jack is President of a Swedish Company, so his job necessitates a lot of traveling). We have never been on a trip that was so well organized, everything ran like clockwork! Please do not hesitate to use us as a reference, at any time. If we can be of further help, just let us know.
Kind regards,
Lorraine & Jack Beagley
PS - Yes, we are British and living in Danbury, CT.
From: CHRISTISON,PAM (A-FtCollins,ex1) pam_christison@agilent.com
To: 'harold/orbitcostarica' mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Thursday, March 09, 2000 6:12 AM
Subject: RE: CHRISTISON,PAM
Yes, the cheapest I could find plane tickets was about $800. But I got them from the consolidator you recommended for $550. I mailed the cashier's check this morning for the hotel reservations. Will you let me know when our reservations are confirmed? Thanks--
Pam
From: Lynn Clark
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Monday, October 16, 2000 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: Change in reservation #5173
Harold,
Thanks for arranging Buena Vista for 19th while holding it on the 16th. We just need one more day to find out if Arenal can take us on the 16th. I really don't mind making the drive that night , and I don't want to have to drive 3 hours to Arenal and then 4 hours to Monteverde in just one day. We booked both Arenal and Monteverde with Albert of Travelnet and I have found this company a complete disaster. Wish there was someway to warn others not to use them. But even though I contacted the hotels directly, the answers came from them. So I guess some hotels don't deal with customers directly. Travelnet does not allow for any alterations in the initial stages of planning a trip. That seems so crazy to me. It is hard enough to plan such an adventure as this without ironing out some wrinkles. You and your company do business in the way we do here and I have found you terrific to work with. I just wish I had used only you from the very start. Live and learn. I will be back in touch on Wednesday.
Thanks for everything. Lynn Clark
From: "Scott Brane" <scott@branepartners.com>
To: "'Harold - Orbit Costa Rica'" <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 10:59 AM
Subject: RE: rental
Harold
The service was excellent. In fact, it was my best rental experience in
Costa Rica. The Toyota 4 runner was excellent and trouble free. When we
first arrived and picked up the car I noticed the tires were kind of worn
down and I had some worries about driving it for a month this way. I asked
them to change the tires and mechanic agreed they needed to be changed. I
left the car for less than one hour and came back to a vehicle with new
tires. Thanks again for the great rental experience.
Scott
ORBIT NOTE: WE FIX ALL PROBLEMS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
From: AdelaideR@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Monday, June 26, 2000 6:36 AM
Subject: rio sierrpe package
I wanted to let you know I had a great time in Costa Rica and appreciate all you did to help make the trip happen. I couldn't believe how smoothly everything went!! I also wanted to pass on my compliments to Mike at Rio Sierrpe Lodge. He organized wonderful tours for us, and the food and accommodations were great He was especially helpful in suggesting an alternative tour for me and Louis. Being three months pregnant, I didn't want to do an overly strenuous hike or attempt a dangerous boat landing. He was able to accommodate our needs perfectly. Instead of attempting to land at the rocky Corcovado Park entrance, we went to San Joselito and spent the day there snorkeling and hiking. We had a lot of fun and our tour guide and boat captain were both excellent. Caño Island was also beautiful.
Thanks again for all your efforts. Adele
From: Minnig, Cliff Jr. Cliff_Minnig@CSX.com
To: 'Harold' mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Wednesday, July 28, 1999 10:50 AM
Subject: RE: Vacation
Hello Harold,
Yes, we booked last year with you also......and will again next year why not, your service and knowledge is superb.
Have sent the fax with the credit card info
Thanks.....
From: Ben Mull
To: Orbit Costa Rica
Date: Friday, June 16, 2000 9:08 AM
Subject: Buena Vista
Hi Harold, back in the ole' USA!
The hotel was great. They have color TV's now with some channels off of a satellite dish. We got to watch game 4 in the lounge. Andre, Victor, and Ivan are all real nice and several "little" things are included that make them look like they really try for that customer service. Free taxi to the airport (both ways), just about anything on the breakfast menu for free if you stay for a few days, and they even upgraded our room for no additional charge just because I asked!! GREAT PLACE. wish it were closer to the business appointments we need.
Ben
New Orleans
Hi there!
I just wanted to write a brief note and let you know how impressed my wife and I were with your service while in Costa Rica. We had a wonderful time in Guanacaste at the resort you recommended. After coming back to San Jose, when we had problems with our hotel, you immediately arranged for accomodations at a lovely downtown hotel and made sure that all of our transportation needs were taken care of professionally. Your service and ability to quickly get things done in this country are impressive. Further, your suggestion of the tour turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Thank you for helping us have a terrific time in Costa Rica - we''ll be back.
Sincerely,
David J. Moraine Attorney at Law
419 South Carroll, Second Floor
Denton, Texas 76201
Djmattorneyatlaw@cs.com
I looked at your website & one of your customer letters was actually a business friend from California !! What a coincidence ! So, I guess this is a sign that I need to rent from you !
The folks I knew on the list were the Resniks from Santa Barbara. They own 2 Relax the Back Stores in that area & I own the Relax the Back Store in Memphis TN.
We see each other each year at our national conference.
Regards -- Chris
ORBIT NOTE:
The other day I was playing bridge on the MSN game room and some fellow at the table said are you the orbit guy from costa rica. I said yes but how did he know since you just use nicknames on the MSN. He said he had visted our site since some bridge friend in costa rica told him about it.
It is a small world after all. What most people do not know is Jeff Bezos founder of Amazon taught me about the internet in 1992 about 5 months before i decided to retire to Costa Rica long before he dreamed up Amazon.
Date: Thursday, March 02, 2000
7:49 PM
Subject: vacation
Hi Harold
I would like to thank you for the way you handled all our travel requirements while we visited Costa Rica this winter, all arrangements hotels, car rentals and tours were first rate. We certainly would recommend Orbit to other travelers
Regards
Ed Forster
St. Albert Alberta, Canada
elsro@compusmart.ab.ca
From: EWEpp@aol.com EWEpp@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Saturday, June 05, 1999 4:30 PM
Subject: Re: FABULOUS!
Sorry so tardy in replying to your mail. Our trip on the Perfect Hooker was without fail one of the best fishing charters. Captain Yens and crew were extremely helpful, accomodating, and knowledgeable. We fish the Florida Gulf and Atlantic quite a bit and were very please with this charter. The vessel was beyond expectations and we were all very pleased with our catch. Hope to return another time to go for Marlin and/or Tuna.
Our visit to Costa Rica was fabulous! We hope to return very soon. The car rental company was very helpful and convenient, and provided no problems coming or going. Our only complaint was that we did not have enough time to do everything.
Thank you for your help and advice. We were very impressed at how easy everything was. You will be the first that I contact on our return trip.
Thank you, Thank you!!!!
Susan and Edward Epp
Tallahassee, FL
From: PeterTurnerWE@aol.com PeterTurnerWE@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Thursday, March 09, 2000 2:49 AM
Subject: Feedback
Thank you for organising the requested bookings. The trip was excellent and I really appreciated the Rav 4 advice. I would consider this mandatory for the Monteverde/Arenal route and it made the whole trip more pleasant. Most of the Guanacaste roads could really use a 4 wheel drive too and certainly the more interesting routes. I few little updates. The trip from Arenal to Monteverde is a good 4 hrs and Monteverde to Samara 6 hrs. The Flamingo Marina is NE facing, has no reasonable beach and is a real wind corridor. It is probably OK for a boat mooring, but was not what I was looking for and has seen better days. The beach to the south of the peninsular is very good if anyone is in the area. The El Octol has a dangerous beach and is posted as such, and has neither sunrise not sunset, facing north. The bungalows have bright furnishings, but the ants have made a home in the rooms and turn over would appear to be low, so maintenance is less. The restaurant has a nice terrace, but on this occasion the wind was incredibly strong and took the edge off it. El Sapo Dorado trails are too close to development/farmland to be rich in wildlife, but the location is fine and the new Skywalk through the forest canopy a few to the north km (not in the Monteverde park), even in the torrential rain, is magnificent and a must for anyone in the area. The comments are just to help with advice for others - trip was really good and I thank you again for arranging the bookings.
Regards, Dr. Peter J. Turner
From: Ryan Herbst
ryan@compxchange.com
Date: October 15, 1998
To: Costa Rica Travel Network
Dear Harold:
I hope you are doing well. I am sure you will recall my last visit last year, when my Peruvian wife had problems with her passport and you graciously provided time and help. It was hard for me to believe North Americans like me can enter Costa Rica with just a drivers license and South Americans need a visa.
We are again planning a trip to Costa Rica, this time with another couple and would love to have you assist us once again.
Hope all is well,
Ryan Herbst
Computer Exchange
Voted "Best Computer Store" 1997 Houston Press Readers Poll
From: hugh pettit hpettit@gateway.net
To: Harold mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Wednesday, August 25, 1999 10:15 AM
Subject: Re: Car Rental Request
Service was good - no problems. We really didn't need the 4X4 capability, however highly recommend a 4X4 to future customers as the axle clearance allows easier access over the dirt and rock roads. My brother-in-law was with us during part of are visit and had to "crawl" at a very slow speed in a Nissan stationwagon over CR's dirt & rock roads to avoid undercarriage damage
Hugh Pettit
San Francisco
From: French, Martin V LCDR frenchmv@eisenhower.navy.mil
To: 'harold/orbitcostarica' mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Wednesday, July 12, 2000
11:27 PM Subject: RE: Honeymoon
[French, Martin V LCDR]
Harold, LCDR is Lieutenant Commander. I fly with Fighter Squadron 11(F-14 squadron). We're currently deployed in the Persian Gulf with the USS Eisenhower. It's been hard trying to fly combat missions in the morning,land, get to a computer and try to arrange matters for the honeymoon. But, you've made it a breeze. Rental cars- We'd like to reserve a Toyota Corolla.
OK on the Mariposa.
Looking forward to meeting Ed at the Buena Vista since you told me he is retired navy man.
From: Ben Vaughn
To: harold at orbit costa rica rental car
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008
3:52 PM
Subject: Ben's Referrals
Hello Harold,
Harold, I have appreciated working with you during these years. My real estate business is slow and I'm now looking towards my web sites to generate some cash for me. I'm in survival mode. Its been a pleasure working with you.
All the best,
Ben Vaughn / Uvita Costa Rica
San Buenas Golf Resort
Partner
Webmaster
Dominical.biz / Uvita.biz
From: Gail Schauer
schaug@merck.utulsa.edu
Date: July 29, 1998
Orbit:
Thanks so much. All is well. Wonderful country. Loved the volcano and the cloud forest. All the people we met with were very helpful and firendly. You are quite knowledgeable of the country and you can use my recommendation.
Gail
University of Tulsa
From: wiendert hensen tico2429@hotmail.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Friday, March 10, 2000 6:00 AM
Subject: Re:reference
DEAR ORBIT I AM VERY HAPPY WITH YOUR SERVICE. YOU PUT MY PHOTOS OF MY PROPERTY AND DESCRIPTION AND MY PHONE NUMBER UP JUST AS YOU PROMISED THE NEXT DAY AFTER I PAID YOU. I SPEAK DUTCH, ENGLISH, SPANISH IF ANY ONE WANTS TO CONTACT ME HERE IN COSTA RICA. MY TELEPHONE NUMBER IS ON THE SITE UNDER THE REAL ESTATE LISTING FOR THE PROPERTY IN ASSERI, COSTA RICA.
WIENDERT HENSEN
From: JL tvprod@southshore.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Saturday, December 11, 1999 5:56 PM
Subject: Hello Hey - voice from the past.
Had to come back to the United States to produce television show on National Rodeo Finals. They conclude tomorrow. Looks like my friend Dick Arlett wants to do the "Holiday In Costa Rica" show. I have told him about you and your program. May want to talk to you about names, places etc. If all goes as planned we will try to come for preproduction meetings soon after Christmas. Since MartinAir is one of our sponsor will be coming down with them. Think that we may have lots to talk about. Really missing Costa Rica. I hate the cold. Let me know that you get this and I will call you. Take care. I appreciate all the advice you gave me while I was in Costa Rica the year I spent there.
Jerry Landreth.
(This gentleman was the former publicity advisor for Huphert Humprey and worked in the White House Travel Office for Jimmny Carter)
To Orbit
From Gordon Duncan
55 Water Street
NYC
By the way everything was as promised, Costa Rica is a beautiful country and I met many people who were quite charming. I will return gladly and will use Orbit again.
Stewart Freeman
Managing Director - Gotham Health Group
American Society of Bariatric Physicians
267 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York
Dear Orbit Travel of Costa Rica
Many thanks for helping me before and during my first visit to Costa Rica. Your system is great and your insight and instructions were a great time saver. It was impossible for me to understand before my arrival how important your information was in my vacation satisfaction. The tour you gave me was fantastic and I now have a real impression of what you mean when you state that Costa Rica is a mix of the third and first world and how easy it is to get lost without a professional guidance.
I will be coming back soon and bringing a friend.
Stewart Freeman
Sept. 24
Back to the real world. It was wonderful and Costa Rica is beautiful and the Tulemar was fantastic selection for our honeymoon. The white water rafting and the crocodile tours you selected for us were great with first class guides.
We now completely understand what you meant by being careful about renting cars in Costa Rica and we suggest to anyone who rents a car to have a third party like Orbit there to stand up for the tourists if the rental car company tries to give you a poor quality car.
Thanks for all your help.
Cathy and Rusell Ahern
Haverhill, Massachusetts
P.S. Tulemar was great. Gilbert at the front desk was extremely helpful and pleasant and went out of his way to help us find things. Rooms were perfect and spotless. Tara had view of top of the world. Cathy.
From: Carolyn Swartz cswartz@bpictures.com
To: harold/orbitcostarica
Date: Wednesday, April 05, 2000
5:45 PM Subject:
Re: March 20th Sorry it's taken me so long.
I still feel like we got back yesterday -- it's just been one very long week of playing catch up. First -- it was great meeting you and thanks very much for your help. We had a great time and no question, we'll be back. Now that I've been there, I realize how much hand-picking you've done -- and how narrowing the field to the really good places is really a valuable service. Each of the places we stayed was really nice. Parador was actually better than I expected. It's really a restful and relaxed atmosphere with the sprawling grounds, the large area by the pool (compared, say, to Mariposa.) If there was a casino or disco, I never saw or heard it. It's in the specs but either it's not in use or not there (which was good.) Needless to say, I was relieved that the place was as low key and disco-less as it was. Xandari is really, really cool and we want to go back. They've really thought of everything. (Apparently, Leona Helmsley is not the only one who believes in plenty of big fluffy towels and terry robes.) You're right -- all we needed was more time. Although Julian started having Nintendo withdrawal symptoms by the end. (I did plan too much road time the first three days -- to Arenal on Day Two, to Manuel Antonio Day Three.) But the drives were plenty gorgeous. Anyway -- we'll be in touch and hope to see you again next year same time. And if you ever need/want to use me as a reference, feel free.
Carolyn
bPictures Production New York City
From: Donald A. McFarlane
To: orbitcostarica.com
Date: Thursday, February 03, 2000 4:26 PM
Subject: Re: Car Rentals
Great. Thanks.
Looks like you offer a great service (I've done this trip for a number of years and this seems the most painless vehicle rental yet!)Donald A. McFarlane
Associate Professor of Biology W. M. Keck Science Center The Claremont Colleges, 925 North Mills Avenue, Claremont CA 91711-5916
ph: (909) 607 2564
fx: (909) 621 8588
email: dmcfarla@jsd.claremont.edu
webpage: http://jsd.claremont.edu/faculty/mcfarlane/mcfarlane.html
Extinct Mammals of the West Indies
website: http://jsd.claremont.edu/bio/extinct/extinctmammals/
From: James H Morse
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2001 11:35 AM
Subject: thanks for lots of good advice
Hi Harold,
Lorraine and I returned home two days ago from our great adventure to Costa Rica.
You were right about renting the car, it really made our trip great. We had heard lots
of negative reports about the horror of driving in Costa Rica that we had felt that we
wanted to be escorted the first time visiting. It wasn't necessary at all. We are
experienced travelers and I've driven some of the worst places in the world, so Costa
Rica didn't pose too much of a problem.
We did get a new car as promised and had no problem with the mechanical nature of
the car at all and after awhile I gained great confidence in driving the roads, even the
Quepos to Dominical road. It was more dusty than anything. So, having the car did
give us the freedom to stop and go places we wouldn't have done on a planned tour.
Following is an assessment of my feelings about the hotels:
Buena Vista - An excellent hotel. The staff is very efficient and very pleasant.
Andre, the manager and the rest of the waiters, Wilson, Victor and Alan
treated us great. We became very friendly with all of them and this
made our stay more fun. The hotel is spotlessly clean and everything
works properly. The view was great and it was a pleasure being up and
out of the city. I would use this hotel as my first and last hotel on an
itinerary, since it is close to the airport and provides complimentary
airport transport. The food was excellent and service great.
Tilawa - Located in a great spot with a commanding view of the Lake arenal and
has lots of wildlife there. However, this hotel was in rundown condition.
The swimming pool was not working during our stay and who knows if it
is fixed at this time or if it ever will be. It appears that the owner has not put any
money into maintainace and repairs. The place needs a new paint job, the
room curtains look as if they are original and ten years old, the grounds need
some upkeep. It is a shame because this hotel is located in a beautiful nature
spot. The few employees who are on the staff did a nice job. The food was
very good and the menu was extensive. Andreas the manager was very
efficient and helped us with lots of things to make our trip in this area good.
The hotel was o.k. for me and my wife but i would never bring a group to this
hotel.
Villa Teca - This hotel was a most pleasant surprise. The photo on your website shows
only one cabina close up, so a viewer has no idea of how nice the gardens are
or how beautiful the restaurant is and the swimming pool set amongst the gardens.
I took several photos of this excellent hotel and i would supply one for you to replace
the one you have now. The rooms were real nice and clean. The cabinas have been recently
repainted different colors from your photograph. The swimming pools are both sparkling
and set nicely into the lush gardens. We loved the restaurant with its thatched style
and open sides that give a nice view into the gardens. The whole area is nicely lit at
night giving a very festive look. The entire staff here was very efficient and pleasant
and we enjoyed talking with them and making friends. The birds and animals are around
the gardens and surrounding jungle and the owner feeds the monkeys bananas in the
as an added attraction. I will absolutely use this hotel for a group.
Villas Blanca - Another very pleasant surprise. This is a very nice hotel with the small cabinas
set into lush gardens and situated right into the cloud forest with plenty of birds and
animals. this hotel was very busy with tour groups of birders and nicely run. The food
was very good and the hotel staff pleasant. I would also use this hotel for a group photo
tour. Good value and great location for pictures.
Villa Rio Mar - We loved this place. It lived up to the great photos on your website. The cabinas were very nice with the thatch roofs, bamboo interior and teak wood railings. The netting gives a nice romantic touch to the porch. The swimming pool is sparkling clean and huge. The gardens were beautiful and lush with lots of birds flying about. The restaurant was great with the same ambiance as the Villa Teca and a very pleasant staff. I complimented the chef twice while I was there for outstanding meals and the waiters and waitresses for excellent service. The reception people were very helpful and I would absolutely bring a tour group here
I took 35 rolls of slides on this tour. Costa Rica is very scenic and has such abundant wildlife that it is a dream place for people who like to take pictures.
Thanks for all your help in setting up this tour Harold and it was nice to hear your voice.
From: WECLOSE1@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 7:49 AM
Subject: Vacation
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL OF THE ACCOMMADATIONS, THEY WERE ABSOLUTLY
WONDERFUL.
We all had a wonderful time.
Could you please tell us were to find a recipe for the beans and rice we were
served everywhere we went?? Thanks
Sheila Howard
Orlando, Florida
Had a great time with my little brother - this is my fourth one in the big brother program.
Samara, the mountains, San Jose were great. I would recommend your service to all tourists coming to Costa Rica.
Randy Shroy
From: Jim McCullough
To: harold at orbit
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 6:47 PM
Subject: Re: Confirm Reservation
Hi! We are just back today from our month in CR, had a great time and want to thank you very much for the car reservation, everything was just great. Also your advice on staying at the Buena Vista was right on, it is a lovely place and we enjoyed New Year's Eve and New Year's Day there, great staff!
Thanks again,
Heather Roney and Jim McCullough
From: Donna Kerr donna.kerr@sabre.com
To: harold/orbitcostarica
Date: Wednesday, July 26, 2000 9:03 AM
Subject: Re: Costa Rica
Hi Harold, sorry to be so late in replying.
The Costa Rica trip was fabulous with the exception of our 8-year-old getting sick. As for the accommodations, I have no complaints. Here is the run down: Palma Real was a nice new hotel with a very friendly staff. I am not sure about the location as far as resturants but at least it seemed like a decent part of the city. El Parador was a jewel. It really deserves the five star rating or at least a four star. It is a fascinating facility with beautiful landscaping, outdoor sculptures and the lobby was interesting with an upstairs library with a pool table. The entrance was gated with an attendant so our car was safe. The pool was wonderful with a swim up bar that served snacks. The breakfast buffet was fabulous with very good quality of food that made the stay there very cost effective. We ate most of our meals at the casual resturant and it was very good too. Villa Blanca was probably my favorite for several reasons. It is a very comfortable, quiet place with villas that were equiped with a wood burning adobe fireplace that was wonderful to dry off by after getting drenched in the pouring rain. My husband was able to take the canopy tour for about $60 I took a guided nature tour for $20. Our guide Alvero was excellent with a vast knowledge of the country and its nature. The food was outstanding. Local women cooked a delicious buffet of local foods. It really was larupin'. The woman that ran the place was very friendly. She said that it is owned by a former President of Costa Rica and he visits regularly. I recommend Villa Blanca for lots of reasons besides the above. It is fairly close to San Jose and it offers the tours and horseback riding. It may be a good place for older people as they are building a paved trail that is shorter. Highlights Tour was definitely worth it (you were right). We had a wonderful guide. We were able to see a two-toed sloth. Thank you for all you did to help us have a good trip. One last thing, Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays. That bit of information is not in any of the literature I read about it. I don't know if that is true for all of the National Parks but we were sure disappointed to find it closed the day we had planned to hike it. Take care and I will contact you when we come back.
Please put us on your mailing list if possible.
Thanks again.
Donna Kerr 5619 S. Richmond Tulsa, Ok 74135
(This lady works for Sabre which is the worlds largest airline reservation system)
From: Roger Kilpatrick
To: harold at orbit
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2004 7:12 AM
Subject: Thank you!
Many thanks for all of your efforts in making arrangements for our recent trip to Cost Rica! Everything was perfect...except American Airlines!!! Your thorough planning really helped us make the most of our time in Costa Rica.
You are right!!!! We believe!!!! Buena Vista was delightful and they were so nice.
The country is beautiful and the people are so nice!!! There is still lots to see so hopefully, we will return!
Carleen Kilpatrick
Greensboro, N. Carolina
From Dave Anderson
PIONEER DISTRIBUTORS LTD.
2074 Alpha Avenue-Burnaby, B. C. v5c5k7
Phone (604) 291-1477 Fax (604) 291-1097
To Orbit Travel San Jose
Jan 31, 2001
Good morning and greetings from all 8 of our travel club by way of this message.
Thank you for making our 4 days with you so enjoyable. You were super hosts and we have enjoyed your great country.
We had a good trip on the ship after leaving Costa Rica and arrived home Sunday fully jet lagged.
Your knowledge of the country was outstanding.
Please come and visit with us in Vancouver.
Dave Anderson
cc: our travel club
Gil Jacobs
Chairman
Emil Anderson Construction LTD.
1148 6th Avenue
Hope, B.C.
604 869-5614
Kenneth W. Mahon
Chairman
Adera Group
1111 Melville Street
Vancouver B. C.
604 684-8277
James B. Crawley
Chairman
Crawley Petroleum Corp
105 N. Hudson
Oklahoma City, Ok
405 232-9700
From: Susan Degress
Hello Harold! Here is my feedback from our trip to Costa Rica. We LOVED Costa Rica and want to go back. I would use your company again. You booked our first and last night's accomodations, as well as our rentacar. We stayed in our timeshare the rest of the week (CondoVac La Costa in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste).
1)first night's stay was hotel Torremolinos. This was very convenient and clean. We liked the fact that our room for 3 was divided in to 2 sections,
so our third party had some privacy and a separate entrance to her sleeping quarters.
2) last night's stay was at the beautiful Buena Vista hotel. We will go there again, because we didn't really have enough time to enjoy it. We were
only there for 12 hours. I would love to stay longer next time. The view of the plantation was great!!! (the pictures on your website cannot even do it justice.) And the host was very nice.
Again, thanks for your help, Harold. I'll recommend you to anyone going to CR.
Susan DeGress
Breckenridge, CO
Hola David -
I'll forward this to Harold from orbitcostarica.com in San Jose, CR to get you a good 4wd - it's dry season so the roads and rivers won't be that bad, but the best truck to rent for 2-3 people is the Hilux, for 4 people, the Fourrunner. The Rav4 is a trooper, but has less clearance and smaller tires.
For a surf trip to Witch's, try Carlos or let Orbit contact him. Both can also drop you off for an overnight camping trip.
Other spots south of Tamarindo would be Langosta, where the rivermouth has surf even when it's small. Avellanas is a wide open empty beachbreak with offshore rocks - shallow and hollow at lower tides. And my favorite right point is Playa Negra, about 40 minutes south of Tamarindo. There are other ! spots, too, which you get to discover on your own.
Have a fun trip. Send some pics when you get back!
Greg
david wermuth wrote:
yo... me llamo david, and i was checking out your ideas and getting ready for a trip to costa rica in april. you layed out a bunch of beaches to check out, and i am pumped. i am planning on flying into liberia, and driving south to flamingo beach and tamarindo. last time i was in costa rica, i got to rip A SOLID 6-8 FT. SWELL AT TAMARINDO, AND BOdY SURFED SOME MASSIVE CLOSEOUTS AT FLAMINGO. it was awesome. this time i want to check out those spots again, and then a few more. my friend and i just want to cruise the coastline, check out ! waves, and stay in many different places... maybe even a boat trip to witches rock and ollies. i want to camp out on the beach... is this allowed/safe? i also saw you recommend rentals with orbit... we want a four wheel, but nothing fancy. last year i bombed thru a few rivers in a little piece of shit car, and almost stalled the thing. don't want that again. does orbit rent in liberia? or can you help me out there? also, where do you recommend we go after flamingo beach and tamarindo. that is as far south as i know. thanks a lot... gracias amigos... david (from northern california where the water is muy frio)
From: Villalpando, Raquel (Exchange) rvillalpando@bear.com
To: 'harold at orbit' mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2001 10:42 AM
Subject: RE:
Hi Harold :) Hope things are great with you!! Just got back from
Costa Rica on Wednesday. It was an amazing trip.... best vacation
I ever had. Thanks for all your help!!
****************************************************************
Bear Stearns is not responsible for any recommendation,
solicitation, offer or agreement or any information about any transaction, customer
account or account activity contained in this communication.
From: DavidCNYC@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Sent: Saturday, September 01, 2001 6:01 PM
Subject: Re: Thanks...
Harold, thanks for putting together our fine vacation. It was nice to
speak with you on the phone briefly.
The kids had a fine time, learned a lot, and we felt we got both an
adventure and a restful vacation; well-paced on your part.
Regards from mid-town Manhattan. If you've not been back since '92, you
would find it much changed indeed.
David Crommett
From: Nick Butcher
To: 'harold at orbit'
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 1:19 AM
Subject: Thanks
Harold
We have now returned back to London. Just wanted to thank you for all your help in booking things for us, making the trip far more enjoyable. We loved Cala Luna and Punta Marenco also - great recommendations.
You would not be surprised that after the trouble we had with Sansa for our flight to Tamarindo, we confirmed our flight to Palmar Sur the day before and still arrived on the day to find that they had cancelled our booking because we had not paid in advance. Fortunately we got the last 2 spare seats. Unbelievable !!
King Regards
Nick Butcher
Macquarie Bank Limited
London
From: Charles Houy
To: harold at orbit
Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2003 9:39 AM
Subject: Re: Car Rental
Harold,
We're back home following our "perfecto" Costa Rican vacation, and wish to thank you very much for your excellent help and advice. The 4 Runner was reliable transportation and priced well. The agent delivered the car to the Marriott San Jose on time and was very friendly and helpful, and at the end of our trip, while she picked it up an hour or so after they said she would come, no harm done. And the SUV worked otherwise 100%, including holding 4 large suitcases, one large duffle bag, and 2 smaller carryons with 4 people; carried us across some difficult roads, including 30 miles of dirt/gravel on the way to Playa Samara.
The Highlights Tour was perfect. The breakfast in the beautiful coffee plantation, Poas, jungle river boat trip, etc. Our driver and interpreter were both A+; will send you their names when I remember them. Have never seen so many tropical plants, so many varieties unknown to me.
One night at the Smithsonian Observatory Hotel was not enough for us, despite very heavy rain. The rain did stop enough for us to see the large red glow of the lava about 11 p.m., and the next morning it was clear and sunny. Wonderful walking trails, very good food, great views, nice rooms, showers, etc.
We then drove across the new bridge at Pto. Moreno on the way to Playa Samara; the bridge is terriffic, and the roadway is superior; we were, however, sorry that we wouldn't be taking the car ferry across.
Playa Samara was exactly as you described; the beach was great, the Villas de Playa Samara were not great. Although we planned to spend a week there, one night was enough. The Villas people were somewhat helpful, but the 2-bedroom unit we occupied had only one air conditioner, was not very clean, had biting ants in the beds, crummy linens and pillows, mattresses needing replacement, poor showers, a kitchen that barely worked and should be ripped out and replaced with new, but a pleasant exterior landscaping..... We have complained both to the Villas management, and to Interval International (the time-share swapping people).
And we will also seek out your advice again in the future, because you proved yourself to be a straight shooter with excellent advice and great arrangements!
Am passing your name along to several friends who are considering CR trips. One fellow, Clive Waugh, is thinking of resettling in CR. Thank you very much! Plan to talk with you again in 4-5 years when we can return! Please keep us on your mailing list as well.
Regards,
Charles Houy
Newton, Massachusetts
Hey Harold --
I looked at your website & one of your customer letters was actually a business friend from California !! What a coincidence ! So, I guess this is a sign that I need to rent from you !
The folks I knew on the list were the Resniks from Santa Barbara -- They own 2 Relax the Back Stores in that area & I own the Relax the Back Store in Memphis TN -- We see each other each year at our national conference.
Regards -- Chris
ORBIT NOTE:
The other day I was playing bridge on the MSN game room and some fellow at the table said are you the orbit guy from costa rica. I said yes but how did he know since you just use nicknames on the MSN. He said he had visted
our site since some bridge friend in costa rica told him about it.
It is a small world after all. What most people do not know is Jeff Bezos founder of Amazon taught me about the internet in 1992 about 5 months before i decided to retire to Costa Rica long before he dreamed up Amazon.
From: CJ Conant
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2001 8:08 AM
Subject: Re: rental reservation
Harold,
You might remember me, last February-March I rented a 12-pax Toyota minivan from you guys but I was terribly paranoid about renting from you just because it was over the internet. Furthermore it was my first time to Costa Rica and I had serious concerns about renting a car because of all the horror stories I had heard. When we arrived at the airport everything was in order and when we returned the vehicle there were no surprises about what we owed. Also I am so glad we rented a new vehicle because those roads in Costa Rica do terrible things to vehicles in a short time. The only problem we had was a flat tire which we were able get patched for just three dollars.
Now I am looking to travel to Costa Rica with my wife and I wouldn't feel comfortable renting from anyone else.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Conant
From: BetsyDailey@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Cc: bobandjoanie@attbi.com
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 7:01 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: costa rica
Harold
Sorry we didn't get in touch while in San Jose, but our time was so limited.
We basically had a great trip...Punta Marenco was a highlight, both in terms
of beauty, fantastic food and people we fell in love with. The only thing
we
would have changed was the weather (stormy and rainy) but it didn't really
stop our activities. Next time we probably wouldn't sign up for tours ahead
of time. There were plenty of folks ready to take us into the jungle and
the park adjacent to the resort (PUNTA MARENCO RIO CLARO PRIVATE RESERVE)
proved more interesting than Corcovado National Park (except for the
waterfall and river experience). Also, we wanted to cancel the snorkeling
trip because the seas were up and it was raining. We were charged for gear
which we didn't know about ahead of time. Then they messed up and didn't
have the right amount of gear or the right sizes.
La Mariposa was a welcome relief...clean and dry sheets and a beautiful pool
for the kids. We had been spoiled by the food at Punta Marenco and found
the hotel food expensive and not very good. Larry (the manager) helped us
with finding good native restaurants. He was a true delight.
Buena Vista was also terrific with such beautiful views and great host.
All in all it was a great and very memorable trip and you were toasted many
times.The only real glitch we encountered was the return back to snowy
Atlanta with an extra 30 hrs. there. Quite remarkable when you think about
moving 14 people around. thanks for all your help and look us up if you ever
are in the States.
We loved the bungalows at La Mairposa.
Chow
Betsy
From: Steven Kimball
To: harold at orbit
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2001 7:35 AM
Subject: Re: kimball
Good morning Harold,
Thanks for getting back to me. I understand the charge now. As usual, you have been very helpful. We'll be sure to recommend Orbit Travel to our friends. You folks run a first class operation.
Best wishes,
Steve
NOTE: This client had question about the name of the charge on his bill which was different than the hotel name. Costa Rica is sometimes confusing to newcomers since most hotels names are not the actual company name that owns the hotel.
From: Begley, Jennifer
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 8:04 AM
Subject: What A trip
Harold,
I want to thank you for all your help and guidance with our trip.
Buena Vista as a starting and ending location is excellent. Victor and Wilson were unbelievable.
La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio was to die for. A little expensive on the food, but the staff and views made up for it. I felt like a queen in my own mediterranian villa.
We ended up leaving there early and going to Arenal. We stayed at Tabacon. The view from my suite was unreal with the lava flowing right out my window, but I disliked the hotel. Too many people, too commercial.
Again, I thank you for all your advise and will let you know next time we will take another trip to that beautiful country.
Jennifer Begley
203-301-7426
From: <Annski56@aol.com>
To: <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Sent: Tuesday, Nov. 27 2001 2:09 AM
Subject: Re: our vacation
Our vacation was wonderfull. The Buena Vista and Tambor were great. Thanks
for all your help.
Karen Allen Penny Grimmer
Chittenango, N.Y. Mercer Island, Washington
From: Margolis, Michael J (Exchange)
mjmargolis@bear.com
To: harold at orbit <mail@orbitcostarica.com
Sent: Monday, July 2, 2001 3:01 PM
Subject: Re: trip
Everything was wonderfull. Enjoyed all the tours and the hotels and
the personal attention.
Mike Margolis
Senior Managing Director
Bear Stearns
***********************************************************************
Bear Stearns is not responsible for any recommendation, solicitation,
offer or agreement or any information about any transaction, customer
account or account activity contained in this communication.
From: JR22656@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2001 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: trip to costa rica
WE JUST THE BEST VACATION OF OUR LIVES. YOUR HELP WITH THE RESERVATIONS MADE
OUR TRIP SO EASY. EVERY RESERVATION WAS PERFECT. THE LODGES WERE GREAT AND
THE MARIPOSA AND XANDARI WERE JUST BREATH TAKING. THE RAV 4 WAS PERFECT FOR US AND THE PRICE WAS LESS THAN I HAD EXPECTED. WE PAID MUCH LESS THAN OTHER GUESTS AS WE HEARDS THEIR COMMENTS ABOUT THEIR RATES. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL TRIP WE WILL BE BACK IN MARCH .
JOHNNY AND KELLY RUSSELL
JR22656@AOL.COM
SAN BENITO TEXAS
Date: January 30, 2001
From: j_crouser@hotmail.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Subject: Re: Reservation at Buena Vista
Harold,
My friends and I had a great trip! The Buena Vista was the best!
Josh, my co-travelor, really appreciated the deluxe accomodations and good food. He quickly realized that much of Costa Rica operates at a slower pace and with fewer ammenities than he usually expects when traveling. Of the 5 places I have now stayed at in San Jose, the Buena Vista had the best accomodations, service, food and view!
Also, the Residencias de Golf was very convenient and worked fine for our overnight in San Jose, when flying to and from outlying cities. Thanks for your patience with our changing requirements. It all worked out well, and we had the rooms needed when our friends joined us.
I won't hesitate to contact you the next time I am planning a trip to Costa Rica.
Regards,
Jan
From: Enrico Stradiotto <estradiotto@CONCASTPIPE.com>
To: 'Harold at Orbit' <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Date: Monday, March 05, 2001 2:36 PM
Subject: RE: Ecotour
>
>Hey Harold,
>
>I wanted to take this time to thank you for helping to organize my trip.
>Costa Rica was fabulous and the day tours were excellent. Sorry we could
>not spend any more time together than our first encounter, but I will
>endeavor to do so when I return to the country soon. Thanks again!
>
>Enrico
>
Date: January 10, 2001
From: jr22656@aol .com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Subject: help with trip to costa rica please
My wife and i are planning to visit Costa Rica in June of this year.
June 1 thru 10. We will be flying from Houston Texas.
Could you help with reservations and transfers, and setting up the flights. A good friend of ours used your service and was most please. He brought a group of students from the college here in Brownsville Texas.
I hope you can help with our plans.
My e-mail is jr22656@aol .com,
john russell
kelly russell
439 palo verde
san benito texas 78586
956-245-4149
thanks for you help.
johnny russell
Follow up:
Date: January 22, 2001
From: jr22656@aol .com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Subject: RE: help with trip to costa rica please
YOU GUYS ARE GREAT.
I HAVE THE AIR CONFIRMED WITH HILLARY, THE RAV 4,
ARENAL OBSERVATORY, SAPO DORADO, MARIPOSA, XANDARI, DOES MY WIFE NEED A
PASSPORT?
ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO DO?
THANKS
JOHNNY
From: Genaro Lopez gnrolpz@UTB1.UTB.EDU
To: Harold mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Friday, September 03, 1999 5:18 AM
Subject: Re: Fw: SCIENCE GROUP
Dear Harold:
The trip was FANTASTIC!!! No one got sick, one turned ankle, one stolen
passport
but overall a tremendous success.. your guides were absolutely professional
in
both their knowledge and their conduct, the wildlife experience for our 18
biology students was second to none. Please send me you mail adress and I
will send you a copy of the local newspaper report..I will also add the
literature on constructed wetlands. Hope to see
you next year also..
Tu amigo, Genaro.
Professor of Biology
Science Dept.
University of Texas Brownsville
From: Mary R. Windt mrwindt@localnet.com
To: HAROLD AT ORBIT mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Friday, December 01, 2000 2:20 PM
Subject: Re: Reservation
Dear Harold
We just returned from our short trip to Costa Rica, which was followed by a
cruise through the Panama Canal. I want to extend a tremedous thanks for
your help, honesty and input in suggesting day tours out of San Jose.
As you recommended, we took the Orbit Hightlights Tour. I must say it was
truly a highlight of our entire 2 week vacation. As we learned when we were
in Costa Rica, there were several companies offering a similar Highlights
Tour. The company Orbit choose to book us on this trip was excellent and we
feel we got the best package around. We had a small group and the guide was
excellent. We loved everything about the tour - the coffee plantation, the
Poas Volcano, the Hummingbird Gallery, the Salve Verde Lodge and the river
cruise. The day was certainly a well-spent one! The only criticism I would
make is that your tour description doesn't even convey how much you
actually see of the country (and the wildlife!) We were pleasantly
surprised at how wonderful the trip was. I also truly appreciate your
honesty in steering us away from one of the tours. Once we were in San
Jose, we could see that you were absolutely right in your recommendation.
It was a pleasure doing business with you. I look forward to traveling to
Costa Rica at some point in the future!
Thanks.
Mary R. Windt
Thanks for the information and booking. The Tilawa looks great.
Rory Grewar
291 Elm Road
Winnipeg, Canada
From: Sarasmyl4@aol.com Sarasmyl4@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Friday, January 05, 2001 1:29 PM
Subject: Our Vacation
Harold,
I wanted to thank you for all of your time. We were understandably nervous
about setting everything up online. But all reservations were made &
everything went fine. The Buena Vista was beautiful & everyone there was
wonderful. Puerto Viejo had beautiful beaches & we enjoyed Cahuita but it
was a long drive from San Jose! The Torremolinos was a great hotel too, &
everyone was very helpful! The Arenal Observatory Lodge had big new rooms,
but we were disappointed that we couldn't see any lava flow - so don't know
that that was worth it. However, hiking there we saw our first monkeys!!
The high point of the trip for us was definitely Monteverde. The Establo
was a nice hotel & it is a neat town. The sky trek was awesome. We also went
horseback riding and did lots of hiking. Enjoyed the ecological farm more
than the cloud reserve. We ended our trip with the Highlights Tour from
San Jose. That was a full day, but we enjoyed it! Would consider staying at
the Selva Verde Lodge - it looked neat, was on the Saraquipi river & had lots
of trails, & was right in the rain forest. River rafting on the Pacuari was
also great!
All in all, we truly enjoyed ourselves & are hoping to visit Costa Rica
again! Thank you again for all of your time, help & patience.
Sara Kaplan
ORBIT NOTE: ALL OUR TOURISTS WANT TO SEE THE LAVA FLOW RIGHT BY THEIR ROOM BUT IT IS BETTER TO HAVE TO TRAVEL A MILE OR TWO TO SEE IT FOR SAFETY.
ALSO THE REASON WE NEVER BOOK THE SARAQUIPI THAT THE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR TAKES YOU TO FOR LUNCH IS AT NIGHTTIME THE BUGS GET BAD---DAY OK, NIGHT NO.
This is a great way to book Harold. You've really hit on something. Mullins has already figured it out. Authorization signed and will be faxed today. If any glitches, please let us know and we'll do what it takes to
get it straight.
Thanks again.
Bob Wright
239 North Maple
Beverly Hills , CA
From: WILSON, CHRIS CHRWIL@SAFECO.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Subject: RE:
Date: Monday, November 10, 1997 6:50 PM
I work in the computer industry so I've been exposed to literally thousands of different kinds of web sites. What you've accomplished with your site takes most people along time to figure out if they ever do. In general your site is fast to access, very understandable, very informative/relevant, and you didn't go crazy w/ wild colors, massive graphics and the information is just what we needed.
Dear Orbit
Thanks for your persistence in obtaining the space at the Aguila de Osa and helping us figure out how to get there from Dominical. We know we waited too late to make the reservations and really appreciate your help in getting us those three days.
Mary Ott
Silver Spring Maryland
Orbit
I appreciate very much the time and effort you are expending in making our trip enjoyable.
Jan Johansson
Univeristy of Vermont
Orbit
Thanks for the offer. Thats very kind. I can't thank you enough for your help with our problem in getting the hotel to correct our reservation.
Believe me next time I will only deal with you.
Melody Adamico
DEAR ORBIT
AS YOU KNOW FROM SEEING MY FACE EVERYTIME YOU TURN AROUND, I HAVE USED YOUR SERVICES A TOTAL OF 9 TIMES SINCE 1995.
YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT COSTA RICA THAN THE COSTA RICANS.
TELL THE TOURISTS THAT I HAVE TO COME TO COSTA RICA TO RELAX AFTER THE STRESS OF MANAGING THE 6000 APARTMENTS I OWN IN
THE BRONX AND BROOKLYN. COSTA RICA WORKS. IF I COULD ONLY MOVE MY APARTMENTS TO COSTA RICA , I WOULD BE A LOT MORE TRANQUIL.
V. F. OWEN
NYC
From: REBOandCO@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Wednesday, August 02, 2000 7:53 AM
Subject: our recent trip
Harold, We cannot thank you enough for leading us to El Sesteo and Mar Verde. They were just what we were looking for. The transportation on ground and in the air was prompt and dependable. Thank you for allowing us to have such a memorable trip to Costa Rica. WE WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK! Sincerely, Rebecca Kemak
From: Doug CaJacob sds@bright.net
To: orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2000 11:30 AM
Subject: Trip Great trip.
The arrangements were flawless. The car worked out well. . Buena Vista is top notch. Sapo Dorado is great too, especially the resturant. The Observatory is OK, a little tired. I'd stay on the other side next time. Villa Teca would not be my choice on return, nothing wrong with it just nothing special about it. Thanx. I'll be back 2/2001.
I'll get ahold of you before then. Doug CaJacob
From: JLKADISH@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 1:32 PM
Subject: Car Rental
All is set with the airline tickets, thank you very much. There was a considerable savings.
Let me know about the car rental.
Thank You
Jeff Kadish
From: Cheri tico2000@swns.net
To: 'harold/orbitcostarica' mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Thursday, June 22, 2000 7:12 PM
Subject: RE: Rentar Auto
Hello Harold!! Thank you for your interest about my experience renting a car with your agency and the Toyota renta Car. I was very happy with the service every one there was very helpful and the service couldn't be better. I will continue to use your services in the future and will recomend to others using your agency. Thank you and it was a pleasure to do business with you.
Sincerely Olman E Alvarado.
Sept 10,1977
Dear Orbit
My girlfriend and I had a wonderful time on the tour to Tortuguero and the
hotel was nice. Also the first night in San Jose at the Sesteo was very
nice and it was interesting to meet the Dutch manager Peter. Good value
and I highly recommend this way of booking since you know so much more
about the country than travel agents in my country.
Thomas Christensen
Copenhagen, Denmark
Dear Orbit
I am now living in Costa Rica and really appreciated the discount airfares you obtained for me through your air fare specialist. They really saved me a lot of money on my trips back and forth to Costa Rica.
Jack Simmons
Escazu, Costa Rica
Dear Orbit
Many thanks for making our fist trip to Costa Rica a great vacation. The first night at the Rodeo was fine and the accommodations were great. However the real Costa Rica opened up when the Suzuki Sidekick you reserved for us took us to the Tulemar in Manuel Antonio. What a jungle and beach paradise. The ultimate however was back to San Jose in the mountains at the Xandari. The Xandari is not in this world but closer to heaven.
Gary Bauer
201E 86 Street
New York, NY
From: Mary McVey Gill mmg@psych.stanford.edu
To: orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Thursday, February 10, 2000 9:22 AM
Subject: Re: reservations
ORBIT
We took a taxi to Huasa or whatever that town is and got the minibus there. (Just FYI in case other people are going to Playa Grande.) The guy who drove the Huasa to Arenal route, by the way, was fabulous--he gave us a wonderful tour all along the way and was so knowledgable about everything! He drove much less fast than the bus drivers and didn't try to pass all the time, which was great. Wish I could remember his name--he lives in Tilaran and was just driving his own regular car. The hotels were all superb, everyone was friendly and nice, the food was great everywhere, and in general we had a fabulous time and are dying to go back again. Thanks for all your help.
Best, Mary
Stanford Univeristy
Dear Orbit
Orbit really saved us a lot of money on the airfare to Costa Rica on Continental. We searched all over in the states to get a deal and could not. We saved over $180 per ticket from Norfolk with you guys.
Thanks.
Gwen Deckson
Chesapeake, Virginia.
Dear Orbit
We saved $139 on each ticket with you from Orlando to San Jose. Thanks a lot. Your service was much better than we could have hoped. I do not know how to do it but we went to several agents here and could not get that price on Lacsa Airlines or any other.
Cheryl Jimsen
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
From: Clive Pinder clive.pinder@scala.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Subject: Thank you
Date: Saturday, January 03, 1998 7:58 PM
A brief note to thank you for helping arrange what has been a wonderful
visit to Costa Rica. The car rental went smoothly and Buena Vista and the
tour were a perfect star. Our trip to Playa Negra was excellent, despite
some excessive winds and poor surf. The Tilawa is a wonderful hotel and the
location excellent.
Harold, I will recommend your service to others.
To Orbit
From Paul Cohen Toronto
Had a great time. Parque Del Lago was good value. Tour of the volcano was great.
Enjoyed immensely the Marenco and the Osa Peninsula Jungle Tours. Just let your clients
know in advance about how remote it really is and to take everything they need from San Jose.
From: michael mather, cpa matherx@primenet.com
To: Harold mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Wednesday, July 21, 1999 2:41 PM
Subject: Re: costa rica
Harold - Thank you for your timely reply.
The car rental was good. No problems with the van which, did indeed, fit all 8 of us plus our luggage. Our one night stay at the Arenal observatory Lodge was great. The volcano was active, billowing smoke, and glowing red after sundown. The hotel staff and restaurant staff were courteous and helpful. The final mile of the drive to the Lodge was a workout for our fully loaded Mazda Van. I would recommend the Lodge to anyone.
The El Ocotal resort was nice...but...I walk with a cane, and I had a very hard time climbing the walkway between the lobby/restaurant and my room. The walk down to the beach was likewise a hard chore. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone with physical disability which effects the ability to walk far distances. This difficulty caused us to leave the Resort one day earlier than planned. The people at the hotel were helpful and courteous.
The Villa Teca Hotel was good fun. We were the only guests there the first night. The friendliness of the Hotel employees during our stay was excellent. would also reccomend this Hotel to future guests. The Manual Antonio area is a very special place.
I am from Phoenix, Arizona, and would gladly recommend your services to all interested parties planning a trip to Costa Rica.
Thank you again... Mike Mather CPA
From: Cawp2 cawp2@aol.com
To:mail@orbitcostarica.com
Subject: Thanks
Date: Friday, January 02, 1998 12:33 AM
Just returned from Costa Rica this afternoon and wanted to let you know how
smoothly most everything went. As well, you asked for some impressions
so…..
Napolean- Accommodations are nice, breakfast was an added bonus.
Pines --- Rustic accommodations, but perfect for our family. Jovino and his
family are a pleasure!
Ocotal - Beautiful! The hotel is in a wonderful location. A little remote for the teenagers - but we had a wonderful time there snorkeling and going into coco.
Buena Vista - Lovely little place - charming gardens, my daughter loved the birds
that abounded, the room large and comfortable! The New Year Party was fun too!
The auto Rental - perfect - everyone was very accommodating.
All in all, you did a great job - and we appreciate your recommendations and
effort. Let me know if you would like any other info.
Wishes for a very happy and healthy New Year.
From: Anna M. Amato a2detroit@adni.net
To: airdiscounts@orbitcostarica.com airdiscounts@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Sunday, July 11, 1999 7:27 AM
Subject: air / car reservations
Hi there...I've used your service in the past and wish to use you again! Here are our travel plans:
(4) people travelling to Costa Rica on Tuesday, December 28 (as early as possible)
(2) of us are departing from Detroit Michigan
(2) of us are departing from Memphis
We wish to fly together the final leg of the trip if possible...or at least arrive in Costa Rica around the same time. We will be returning on Tuesday January 11, and would like to fly back together on the first leg of the trip, if possible, or leave around the same time.
Also, we would like pricing on the following: least expensive four-wheel drive SUV vehicle - only air conditioning required for the entire two weeks (pick-up and drop off near main airport)
We will also have you book our San Jose hotel (I still need to get the name from my friend but it's downtown somewhere) for Tuesday night at the least, as well as one room with 2 double beds at the Hampton Inn on Monday, January 10.
I will fax the credit card information following your email response.
Thank you for your help with our travel plans....we love Costa Rica and plan on returning time and time again!
Best Regards,
Anna M. Amato
President
Edtec Consulting
Redford, Michigan
From: Jim Potts overgoods@yahoo.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Tuesday, August 24, 1999 7:48 PM
Subject: late reply
Dear Harold,
Sorry for the long delay in answering your email, but have been gone again and just super busy. The trip was wonderful. Every detail was taken care of and there were no problems. If you want me to write something that you can use on your web site I will be glad to do so. I can't wait to return. When we talked on the phone before I left Costa Rica I mentioned the possibilty of trying to bring a group to Costa Rica. I am very interested in pursuing that idea. I also am investigating working with 2 small colleges in our area to bring a group or groups to Costa Rica. Let me know what you would suggest for areas to go to and what ever. Thanks again for the super job on all of the arrangements for our trip.
Jim Potts
Kansas Jayhawks
From: Eric Dudley edudley@crosslink.net
To: Harold mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Saturday, October 17, 1998 11:37 AM
Subject: Re: Reservation Request
Harold,
Just returned from San Jose last night. Everything was great! Had a wonderful time.
Thanks so much for your help.
Eric William Dudley
1309 Paul Jack Drive
Hampton, Va. 23666
Email: edudley@crosslink.net
Phone# 757-827-5843
From: Maureen B. Schmidt
To: HAROLD AT ORBIT
Date: Friday, October 13, 2000 10:48 AM
Subject: Re: quote Hi The trip was perfect.
The airline tickets were correct. The folks at the Buena Vista treated me like a queen. The Verde Mar was exactly as advertised- in the middle of a rainforest but a minute away from the beach. The beach was very clean-no litter. Jerome runs a good ship. The desk staff were all very nice. This was the perfect vacation. I appreciate all your help in making it so successful. Do you arrange trips to Nicaragua? No plans, just curious.
Maureen Schmidt
From: Sheera55@aol.com Sheera55@aol.com
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Saturday, September 04, 1999 5:56 AM
Subject: thanx
We just returned from a wonderful vacation and wanted to thank you immensely for all of the help you provided. The Buena Vista Hotel was perfect - Ed was there to pick us up at the airport. The Toyota Hi Lux was a perfect vehicle for us - and the price you got for us was well below all of the other places I had priced around for. We really appreciate all of your help, especially your promptness in answering our e-mails. We will definitely recommend you to others.
thanx again,
Shira Werb
From: lenny sloat To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Thursday, November 18, 1999 6:08 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: Hotel Reservation
Harold, we had a wonderful trip and would like to thank you for all of your assistance. The Parador and their staff were wonderful. Thank you, Lenny and Sonja Sloat Leonard Sloat Address CMR 440, Box 112 APO AE 09175 Telephone 011-49-6155-605785
From: Susan Degress
To: harold at orbit
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2001 5:30 AM
Subject: Final response
Harold,
You know what.... I have to apologize here. In all the back-and-forth, I must have miscalculated the $48. I was thinking that amount was only for the hours lost. But, it must also be for the gas because it s too much for merely the hours.
So, I apologize for that error.
I just checked my card, and it appears that they have now refunded me the $48. I m going to drop the $7.50 issue (please don t pay them!)
SUSAN DEGRESS
ORBIT NOTE: THIS CLIENT WAS OVERCHARGED $12 FOR GAS SINCE WE HAD TO REPLACE HER VEHICLE DUE TO THE ANTI THEFT DEVICE NOT WORKING. SOMEONE AT THE RENTAL DIVISION MAKE A MISTAKE WHICH WAS OUR FAULT BUT THE POINT WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IS EVEN THOUGH WE ARE NOT PERFECT WE TRY TO CORRECT ALL MISTAKES. IF ANYONE WANTS TO WRITE HER SHE WILL TELL YOU WE ANSWERED ALL HER EMAILS. THE $7.50 SHE REFERS TO IS THE CLEARING BANK FOR VISA CONVERTING CURRENCY WHICH IS NOT IN OUR CONTROL.
From: Suzanne Thompson <suz@coastal.edu>
To: <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2001 12:11 PM
Subject: from Martin Romijn
Hello!
Below is an email from my fiance. He asked me to forward it to you.
Thanks!
Suzanne Thompson
Dear Harold,
The trip was wonderful. We had a very romantic time at Xandari. On
Friday night the owners asked if we had hiked that day. My fiancee
replied, "No. We got engaged in your bungalow #19 instead." They
were excited for us. At night when we returned to the room, they
had had an incredible bouquet of local flowers delivered. We did go
hiking the next day, and swam under a waterfall. The plantation is
beautiful, and so peaceful.
The rest of the stay in Costa Rica was very nice too.
I was surprised how friendly the people of CR are.
I thank you for everything and will contact you again when we plan
our next trip to Costa Rica.
With kind regards,
Martin Romijn
From: pipherthomas
To: mail@orbitcostarica.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2001 1:57 PM
Subject: Great trip!
Dear Harold,
I just want to thank you and Gabriela for doing an excellent job of organizing my trip to Costa Rica. Mr. Massey and I had a great time and all the connections worked beautifully.
Thanks!
Tom Pipher
Miami , Florida
The following gentleman wanted to check with past clients of Orbit. Here is what he wrote to them and the replies are what he sent to us at Orbit. Hopefully this will give you some comfort that we do our best to make sure you will enjoy your trip to Costa Rica.
Scott Theuer wrote:
Hi: We are considering booking our Costa Rican travel with Orbit Travel, and understand you've used their services previously. We'd appreciate any comments you have.
Thanks,
Scott Theuer Scott@Theuer.com
Reply #1
From: Susanna Macomb
macomb@tiac.net
My trip is not until this coming Dec. He did get me airfare below the price of a specialized consolidator in New York. He also worked awfully hard to arrange hotels in a very busy (and booked) season. My friend who used him says that he really knows the country.
My advice: Costa Rica is a diverse country. Be very, very specific as to your preferences and needs. Susanna Macomb.
Reply #2
From: Mary McVey
mmg@standford.edu
Monday, July 31, 2000
They were great! The buses are a convenient way to travel and the hotels were very nice. Buen viaje! Mary
Reply #3
From:
Minnig, Cliff Jr.
Cliff_Minnig@CSX.com
Monday, July 31, 2000
Hello we have used Orbit the past 3 years, they provide excellent service with low air fares from the US. His knowledge of the Hotel's so far has been right on. The company they use for transportation (Nicola, driver) is on time, and very helpful........... would highly recommend booking through them. As a side note Harold's wife is the equivalent of the U.S. Attorney General. Have a great time....... Costa Rica is unbelievable
Reply #4
From:Eric
edudley@crosslink.net
Monday, July 31, 2000
Hi Scott, Yes, I did use Orbit Travel for my trip to Costa Rica. Their service was excellent. I booked a roundtrip flight, hotel reservations, and several interesting and enjoyable tours through them. I know you will be pleased with their service and you will find Costa Rica a great place to vacation. Enjoy your trip, Eric Dudley
Reply #5
From: Pam Christison
pam_christison@agilent.com
Monday, July 31, 2000
Harold at Orbit has an unusually brief correspondance style. He speaks english--I think he's from the US--but he's been in Costa Rica for several years. He is the only on-line travel agent that responded to all my questions. The airline ticket consolidators that he recommended gave me good prices for my tickets to San Juan--about $530 round trip from Denver. This was about $200 cheaper than I could find anywhere else. I didn't use Harold to book all my hotels, because I was a little nervous about doing that, but everything I booked through him was as represented. We stayed at the Hibiscus in Cahuita--the cabinas were very small and not too well maintained, but everything worked and the setting was GORGEOUS. We stayed at Canciones del Mar in Jaco--this was our favorite hotel on our whole 3-week trip. It's on the beach in Jaco with really great management & nice suites. We stayed at Mimo's hotel in Quepos--it was kind of pricey compared to what we'd paid elsewhere but quite nice. And we stayed at Buena Vista in Alajeula, which we really liked. The view is wonderful & the service was great too. Harold had suggested Canciones del Mar and Buena Vista, and we were really glad we took those suggestions. He also set up a full-day highlights tour on our last day in the country, which took us to some excellent places that we wouldn't have gotten to see otherwise. We traveled across the country by public transportation, which was okay--we didn't have any problems, and it was VERY cheap, but we spent a bit of time waiting for the buses, and at times they were very crowded. I think if I was to do it again I would take private transportation like the Orbit bus system. I would NEVER try to drive in San Jose--the traffic is insane, the streets are not marked, and everyone we talked to who tried it got hopelessly lost. One guy we met had to hire a taxi to drive to his hotel so he could follow it back. Also the roads really are very bad--we were very glad that we hadn't rented a car, but if we had we would have wanted a 4-wheel drive. We LOVED our trip to Costa Rica. I would use Harold again to book my vacation--the hotels I picked on my own (through a couple of guidebooks and the internet) were good but some of his were better. I hope your trip is great too! I would be happy to answer more questions if you want.
Pam Christison
Reply #6
From: Computer Exchange Sales
sales@compxchange.com
August 1, 2000
I have used them twice. They were very helpful both times. We love Costa Rica and cant wait to return.
Reply #7
Linda C. Maffia
lmaffia1@nycap.rr.com
August 1, 2000
Hi Scott, It was the first time I used them and as a travel agent did allot of background checking. The couple I sent there using Orbit were my cousins going on their honeymoon. They reported no trouble and loved the trip. Orbit was great to work with once I felt comfortable using their service. I would definitely use them again. Any other questions let me know.
Linda Maffia
Cradle Travel Consulting 518-464-1130
Reply #8
Adolfson, Dottie
Dottie.Adolfson@pepsi.com
August 1, 2000
We found them to be reliable and efficient. The transportation worked.
Dottie
Reply #9
Jennifer Zbozny
jzbozny@hotmail.com
August 1, 2000
Hi Scott!
I can't say enough good things about Orbit Costa Rica. There services were quick, informative, and completely trustworthy. In fact, at one point I think I was e-mailing them twice a day with "first time to Costa Rica" type questions - and they always responded within 24 hours. Their suggestions were excellent - they made me feel very comfortable too - they gave me their office numbers in Costa Rica so I could call them at any point on my trip if I had questions or needed assistance. And, of course, I did. I needed to arrange another internal plane ticket for a friend who flew down to meet us. We were in a teeny town. I called O.C. and they managed to have the ticket waiting in the teeny office in the teeny town for me. They also were able to recommend some very practical "do's" and "don'ts" about where to go and what to do around the places we had chosen as our "base point". Very reliable. Very trustworthy. We had a great trip and I have O.C. to thank for it. Feel free to write me if you have other questions - I'm happy to do what I can. Also, if I don't hear back from you - have a terrific time!
Jennifer
Reply # 10
Jerry
tvprod@southshore.com
August 1, 2000
Scott - I think that Orbit does a great job. Orbit has one program that I really like where you actually design your travels after you arrive from day to day. So many tours make you follow a rigid schedule. I have never known anyone who has complained about their arrangements. I have rented cars through Orbit and have had friends use the service. I am thinking of leasing a small hotel in Escazu and will use Orbit as one of my sources for clients. If I can answer anything else let me know.
Jerry
Reply #11
Doug CaJacob
sds@bright.net
Monday, July 31, 2000
Scott,
Yes we used their services. They worked with us thru many iterations of what we wanted to do. They helped us work thru a consolidator for our air travel. It worked flawlessly. They booked a Toyota 4runner (it was a 2000 model - like new). No problems. The lodging arraignments all worked well with the exception of one place that double billed us and they helped straighten that out expedicoiusly. Do carefully review the properties they present. I suggest you only take the newest, top of the line places within their normal range as quality down there is measured differently than here. Would I use them again? Yes, in a heartbeat. It was a good value. I'd be glad to help with anything else if you would like.
Doug CaJacob
Reply #12
From: Hugh
hpettit@gateway.net
Monday, July 31, 2000
Hello Scott,
We traveled to Costa Rica in June of 1999. We used Orbit to only rent a car and had no problems with Orbit or the rental agency. We got a mid-size(a small SUV) 4 wheel drive that could seat 4 people convertibly - believe is was a Chevy - Suzuki makes the same model. We were only 2 people and found it was just the right size. You will find the roads in terrible condition - many pot holes in the paved roads and many not paved at all. We only needed to use the 4 wheel drive once in 3 weeks. However, if we went back to CR would definitely rent a 4 wheel again to have the "high" axles to clear the million rocks on the unpaved roads. By the way before we booked our car, I telephoned Orbit, which is located in San Jose, CR, from California and spoke with the owner. He is from the East Coast - I think he said New Jersey. He was very helpful.
Good luck
Hugh
Reply #13
From: Djmattorneyatlaw@cs.com
Monday, July 31, 2000
Orbit is highly recommended. They are very knowledgeable and will help your trip be as good as it can be. I will definitely use them again.
DJM
Reply #14
From: RVAL16011@aol.com
Monday, July 31, 2000
Orbit was my first experience with booking everything over the Internet. Is was just coincidence that I dealt with Orbit Travel. I found them to be responsive, accommodating, and eager to please. My trip went without a hitch and was pleasantly surprised that everything went so well. I would certainly use them again.
Good luck, RVAL16011@aol.com
Reply #15
From:Genaro Lopez
gnrolpz@UTB1.UTB.EDU
Monday, July 31, 2000
Scott: Harold and Company are superb...they really treated us nicely. and they had the best prices!! I don't think you can go wrong with them for CR travel arrangements.
Buena suerte, Genaro Lopez, PhD. Sponsor, Gorgas Science Society Univ of Texas @ Brownsville
Reply #16
From:French, Martin V LCDR
frenchmv@eisenhower.navy.mil
[French, Martin V LCDR]
Monday, July 31, 2000
I did the same thing you did. Wrote about 10 emails to former customers to make sure the company was legit before making any commitments. I got good responses from everyone. We did a lot of research for our honeymoon and ended up trying to work with AAA, then we stumbled onto the Orbit website. We are paying 1/2 the price AAA was charging, for the SAME exact airline flights, and staying at the exact same hotel. We didn't just save a couple of hundred bucks, we saved over 50%. Service with Orbit was always same day. You write them an email and they answered a couple of hours later, unless you're asking them to research rental car places, then they'd answer the following day. We haven't gone to Costa Rica yet, so we don't know how things are going to go, but Orbit's been great so far.
Hope this helps.
Reply #17
From:Donna Kerr
donna.kerr@sabre.com
Monday, July 31, 2000
I would be happy to recommend Orbit Travel. Harold was very helpful and he responded to my E-mails promptly. He booked my hotels making it very easy for me and think he was able to obtain a good discounted rate. He really pushed the Highlights Tour and we are glad he did because it was well worth it and our guide was excellent.
Have a great time.
Reply #18
From:Donald A. McFarlane
dmcfarla@jsd.claremont.edu
Monday, July 31, 2000
At 08:08 AM 07/31/2000 -0400, you wrote: Hi: We are considering booking our Costa Rican travel with Orbit Travel, and understand you've used their services previously. We'd appreciate any comments you have. I used Orbit this past March to broker the rental of a minibus and a four-wheel drive truck (ultimately involving two different companies). Orbit's arrangements went very smoothly, and the price was competitive. I would definitely use them in the future. Sincerely,
Donald A. McFarlane Associate Professor of Biology W. M. Keck Science Center The Claremont Colleges, 925 North Mills Avenue, Claremont CA 91711-5916
ph: (909) 607 2564
fx: (909) 621 8588
email: dmcfarla@jsd.claremont.edu
webpage: http://jsd.claremont.edu/faculty/mcfarlane/mcfarlane.html
Extinct Mammals of the West Indies website: http://jsd.claremont.edu/bio/extinct/extinctmammals/
From: Scott Theuer Scott@Theuer.com
To: HAROLD AT ORBIT mail@orbitcostarica.com
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2000 5:48 PM
Subject: RE: punta marenco
Owner of Punta Marenco, Iliana (think I got the spelling right) could not
have been more accommodating. Someone was waiting for us at Palmar Sur, taxi
arrived about 20 min later. Ride is about 30 min over *very* bad road.
Waited about 20 min more for boat and we were on our way. Iliana met us at
the beach - cabins are about a 5-8 minute walk from boat/beach (not right on
the water as we had thought, but very nice). She had a late lunch waiting
for us on arrival - very small and intimate setting - like being in
someone's house while we ate - exactly what we were looking for. Tour of
Cano was OK but slightly disappointing because we went primarily to see the
stone spheres but there are much better examples sitting right by the Palmer
Sur airport. Nice hike though and she packed us off with a nice lunch. Cano
beaches are very pretty, but surf is more dangerous than it looks - swimming
not advised for small kids - but other guests told us snorkeling very good
100' offshore. Corcavado tour was a little short because heavy rains the
night before prevented us from making a river crossing that was necessary to
get to the "good area". But nice anyway - saw monkeys, Toucans, macaws, etc.
Took many pictures (25 rolls) but have not received them yet, will send a
few of Morenco so you have more. We will without a doubt go back to Punta
Morenco again. Saw enough of Aguilla De Osa, Drake Bay Resort and La Paloma
that we know we made the right choice (based upon your recommendation).
Misc. notes on other parts of trip:
Highlight Tour was a very good recommendation of yours - very long day but
very well planned. Just when you *really* needed a break they took one.
Although tired, even the kids (6 & 9 if you recall) made it through the
almost 12 hours. You really come away feeling like you've seen a lot. Guide
was very fluent and knowledgeable. Bus was brand-new (and I noted had
exhaust-brake - *very* important considering the grades that were
descended - other vehicles including other tour busses had overheated brakes
near La Paz waterfall). Driver was very smooth and cautious, a very nice
ride. Food was good, although breakfast was a little skimpy - many quests
wanted a little more food and there really wasn't enough. Highly recommend
this tour to others.
Arenal Observatory Lodge - initially we were disappointed as were other
guests we ran into - we were expecting to see much more in the way of lava
flows since such a big deal is made of the views available from the
room -even on their web site. Important to let people know there is *NO*
flow (at
least now) visible on the south or west sides, which means neither Arenal
Lodge nor Observatory Lodge can see any flow whatsoever from rooms. Only
location for viewing is $25/person ride around mountain to north side.
ORBIT OPINION --"BEING NEXT TO LAVA FLOWS IS DANGEROUS---THAT IS WHY WE
RECOMMEND ARENAL OBSERVATORY AS BEING SAFE NOT NEXT TO LAVA FLOWS"
We didn't bother. However, once we got over that,
Observatory VERY quiet and nice. Room in new building was large, but not too
private (huge windows for viewing volcano also look directly onto road
passing in front of room which is used by staff and guests - there you are
laying in bed in the morning as everyone walks/drives by your room - most
people kept their drapes closed which pretty-much defeats the purpose of the
view). Old building setting much nicer but I think rooms are smaller. The
morning (free) hike with guide is not to be missed. Very knowledgeable, and
took us to an area of old lava flows that was magnificent. Saw many
interesting things along the way as well. Also, a good self-guided walk to
waterfall that is quite something. Staff very accommodating and gift shop
had some of the nicest feather paintings we found anywhere (including
several shops in Sarchi). Would go to Observatory again but not the new
building.
Buena Vista very nice - wish we could have stayed longer. Must request the
Sun Deck rooms - great views. Very accommodating - they were able to do a
large load of laundry for us the night of arrival and had it done 2 hours
later at a very reasonable cost. Stored our bags as you suggested - and they
did so for free.
Travelaire - mixed reviews - very happy with the trip down - highly
professional crew in twin-engine turboprop, checklists in English, uniforms
etc. Professional airline. Trip back was something else, and will be writing
to Travelaire for detailed explanation. Apparently in an effort to carry
more people than they had planes for, sent a rented Piper Aztec in fair
condition with young kid in blue jeans to pick us up. Fire up, onto the
runway (not the beginning), blast off, into the clouds without a planned
route, clearance, etc (he tells me this is how it's done but pretty hard to
believe), inop fuel gauge, etc, etc. Fly in the clouds most of the way with
pilot chattering and laughing with his buddies on the radio, and arrive at
Pavas. Bear in mind as I make these comments that this is what I do for a
living. Although the pilot clearly knew the airplane and had obviously done
this a lot, I was *very* uneasy. If I wanted to load my family up into an
old rented piston twin with a young kid flying I could have arranged it
myself for probably half what we paid Travelaire. This was not what we paid
Travelaire for, and again, I will be asking for a *detailed*
justification/explanation from them - perhaps you could also do so on our
behalf. I also found it interesting that Travelaire makes a big deal about
only using twin-engine airplanes, and on our return to Pavas we find a
single-engine Travelaire Cessna 210 sitting on the ramp waiting for
passengers.
ORBIT OPINION ----"TRAVELAIRE THE BEST OF THE COMMUTER AIRLINES--SOMETIMES
IT SEEMS THAT HAVE TO CHARTER EXTRA PLANES AND PILOTS BUT IF YOU HAVE TIME
WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND RENTING CAR AND DRIVING. THIS CLIENT SAVED 8 HOURS ONE
WAY BY FLYING"
Xandari - what's not to like? About the only gripe was that they did not
respond to numerous messages a week prior regarding pickup at Pavas, so we
assumed they weren't coming and arranged our own, only to find the Xandari
van waiting and the driver a little miffed when we tried to explain we had
arranged other transportation. Driver did not speak much English so got
someone to interpret for us and patched it all up. Place is incredible, very
relaxing, but very $$. The walk on the trails is worth it, but allow a
couple hours or more to do it.
All in all, trip was a raging success, and we lucked-out weather wise. Was
beautiful most of the trip - what rain we did have was either at night or
was light enough it didn't deter any activities. We'll be back. One comment
about camera film - very low-light conditions, recommend 400 ASA film at a
minimum, 800 would be better. I only has 200 ASA and am worried many
pictures will be too dark or possibly blurred because I had to use a very
slow shutter.
Shuttle Bus right on schedule for pickup, driver very pleasant and stopped
at good place for a break. However, return pickup was about 45 minutes late,
drivers spoke essentially zero English, drove the trip back pretty wildly
(to the point that my wife almost got car sick), and the stop was adequate
but rushed at a local bar along the way. Interbus accepts credit cards if
they have the info in advance. Did what you suggested - Hampton then cab to
Buena Vista.
From: "Kurt Zarwell" <kzarwell@hotmail.com
To: <mail@orbitcostarica.com
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2002 12:50 PM
Subject: Thanks
Hello Harold,
Thanks for the making the auto reservation and for the advice on the Rav 4.
I had a great trip and would recomend your services to anyone. I think its important to have a third party such as yourself to help negotiate if there are any problems. Thanks again and good luck.
Kurt
From: "Mike France" <jacomike1@hotmail.com>
To: <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2003 1:21 PM
Subject: costa rica reviews
Harold,
Just a note to thank you for your help in organizing my family trip to Costa Rica. We had a great time and plan to return @ the end of March. Thanx,
Mike
From: Jim McCullough <jimmccullough@videotron.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 6:47 PM
Hi! We are just back today from our month in CR, had a great time and want to thank you very much for the car reservation, everything was just great. Also your advice on staying at the Buena Vista was right on, it is a lovely place and we enjoyed New Year's Eve and New Year's Day there, great staff!
Thanks again,
Heather Roney and Jim McCullough
From: "Paul Avalone" <paulie603@hotmail.com>
To: <mail@orbitcostarica.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 10:33 PM
Subject: RE: costa rica
I recently retired to Costa Rica and rented sight unseen by email a wonderfull condo in Avalon in Santa Ana from Angela and Harold of Orbit Travel. They did exactly what they promised and their advice thru the months has led me to the paradise I hoped for in Costa Rica. Angela especially is an expert in all aspects of real estate and is a well know certified appraiser for the banks in Costa Rica. They referred me to an attorney who handled all my needs in obtaining all the documents I needed to live here. If you need any more info you can call me at 203-4028. Best time to call is afternoon or night since i spend my mornings in the pool at the condo.
Paul Avalone
former unhappy resident of New York City retired from the rat race at 56.
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