By Chrissie Long
Tico Times Staff | clong@ticotimes.net

February 1, 2010 - After a tense win over Canada on Saturday, Costa Rica’s under-20 women’s soccer team will be heading to the World Cup tournament in Germany in July.

It’s the first time in the tournament’s six year history that Costa Rican has qualified and they had to beat out two-time champion Canada to do it. Only Mexico and United States from the North American, Caribbean and Central American league (CONCACAF) will accompany Costa Rica to the tournament.

Costa Rica grabbed the 1-0 win over Canada with a free kick taken by Katherine Alvarado in the 19 th minute. The Tica lofted the ball over the head of Canadian keeper Cynthia LeBlanc from 35 meters out. Despite strong pressure from the Canadians throughout the game, they weren’t able to sneak the ball passed Costa Rican keeper Priscilla Tapia.

The game came at the end of a 16-game playoff tournament in Guatemala, in which Costa Rica came in third.  Final tallies from the qualifying matches place Costa Rica’s Raquel Cedeño as the top scorer (with 10 goals), followed closely by two players from Trinidad and Tobago.

The women’s under-20 team is not the only Tico youth team to experience success on the international stage. The men’s U-20 team advanced to the World Cup finals in Egypt in October, and managed to hold the Brazilian soccer powerhouse to a 0-1 game.

Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, retirement, family reunion or birthday, Lent Eckhart Properties wants your special event to be everything you could hope it to be — and have everything go smoothly so you can enjoy every moment.

Our personal concierge service can assist you and your guests from start to finish:

• Airport Pick-up and Return
• Accommodations
• Venues
• Catering
• Flowers &  Decorations
• Entertainment
• Extra Activities

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The Bahia del Sol Beach Front Hotel & Suites is located in the Guanacaste Region of the Pacific Coast right on the beach in Playa Potrero and only a few minutes away from Flamingo and Tamarindo, making its location the best place for those seeking relaxation or adventure. Bahia del Sol Beach Front Hotel & Suites is  the perfect place for soaking in the sun and sea air while enjoying  breathtaking views of tranquil Potrero Bay, taking romantic long walks on the golden sands and watching the spectacular sunsets of the Pacific Coast.

The Hotel Bahia Del Sol believes in practicing responsible tourism and is certified with the Sustainable Tourism  Association for practices that protect the environment, culture and communities in the area.

The Bahia Restaurant invites you to enjoy the impressive tropical cuisine that infuses fresh seafood with local flavors. With the restaurant’s setting, you have the opportunity to delight your senses with a wonderful meal, sounds of the crashing waves and the gentle breeze swaying the majestic palm trees. You can make your dining experience even more romantic with a beachfront, candle lit setting if you desire.

Hotel Bahía del sol offers the following types of rooms:

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• 9 Standard rooms
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• 10 Two Bedroom Suites
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A Luxurious Family Home in Reserva Conchal

Nestled in Costa Rica’s most prestigious gated community, this magnificent custom home offers 5 bedrooms, all with en-suite baths, a fabulous gourmet kitchen, infinity pool, expansive outdoor entertainment area and an enormous terrace.

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How far in advance do I have to book my vacation rental?

Generally reservations should be made 60 days in advance. However, if the property you want is available, you can reserve it up to 2 days prior to your arrival with a wire transfer or PayPal payment for the full amount.

How can I pay for my vacation rental?

You can pay by bank transfer, PayPal or cash. There are bank fees that you will have to add into your payment if you use the bank or PayPal. We will email you the information you need to make the transfer when you book your vacation rental.

When do I have to pay for my vacation rental?

Generally, a 50% deposit is required within 24 hours to hold your reservation, with the balance due 30 days prior. However, if you are reserving within the 30 day period, the full amount will be required.

Are there any other fees?

Besides the bank fees, which you pay directly to the bank or PayPal, we require a refundable cash-only damage deposit, which you can send with your transfer or we collect in cash when you arrive. The amount of this deposit varies with each vacation rental. If there is no damage to the property, the deposit will be completely refunded to you personally at the end of your visit. Some properties require a key fee, also. These fees will be listed for you at the time you book your vacation rental.

What happens if I cancel my reservation?

If you decide to cancel your reservation more than 60 days prior to the arrival date, you will be refunded 80% of your initial deposit. Cancellations made within 60 days will forfeit the initial deposit. Changes that result in a shortened stay are not subject to refunds. Reservations for Christmas and Easter weeks are non-refundable, regardless of time of cancellation.

How do I check into my vacation rental?

We will email you driving directions along with your confirmation. Once you arrive in Costa Rica one of our property management team will meet you either at your vacation home or at our office. Our representative will go through the home with you and make sure everything is in working order. We will also present you with our concierge package, which has our phone numbers along with suggestions for dining out, catering, private chef services, tour information, spa services, childcare and much more. Our staff is available to you 7 days a week to assist you in any way.

Is there maid service?

Yes. All our properties are inspected prior to your arrival to guarantee that everything is perfect for your stay. Maid service is generally included, usually twice a week. However, if you would like someone to clean more often we can arrange for additional service.

What other services are included?

Pool cleaning, maintenance and lawn and garden service are included. We also have a trained general maintenance staff for anything that could arise during your stay. If you are staying in a home that is part of a resort, the fees to use the resort may be included.

How do I rent a car, book tours, shop for groceries, rent surfboards, etc?

Lent Eckhart offers our concierge service free of charge to all our guests. We can stock your fridge, book your tours, help you choose a rental car appropriate for your stay and plan out routes for your travel. We also offer child care, private chef and catering services.

A Singular Private Home with all the Opulence of a 5 Star Hotel.

Available January 4, 2010

Casa de los Congos is perched high on the south ridge of Playa Flamingo and has spared no expense to bring you the highest quality in furnishings, electronics and amenities. 

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Many of our luxury property rentals are offering price reductions — the best time to book your vacation home is now!

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We at Lent Eckhart Properties strive to keep our prices up-to-date and do our best to verify any price changes.

Thank you for visiting us here at Lent Eckhart Properties.

Come stay with us!

Many of our beautiful vacation rentals are available for a discounted rate when you stay longer. Click here to view our private homes and condominiums that are available for 4 months or more.