Steps We Take to Keep Our Guests and Their Data Safe & Secure

At Special Places of Costa Rica, we want our guests to have a comfortable stay and a memorable trip to Guanacaste (of course!). However, as property managers, we also want our guests to feel safe and secure at every moment during their stay with us — from booking until check out — which is why we’ve implemented strict policies around personal data storage, payment collection, and property security.

Building trust with our owners and guests is one of our top priorities, which is why we take security so seriously. For your knowledge and peace of mind, here are some of the top security policies we have in place to responsibly handle guest data and protect guests throughout every stage of their stay. 

How We Responsibly Manage Guest Information and Data

#1

Direct Bookings

Our direct booking process is designed to be safe, transparent, and reliable. We offer a secure booking website environment with Guesty, our reputable reservation and booking system that is designed to protect guest privacy and information. Our team is also easy to reach and committed to communicating clearly and consistently with each guest. If you have questions during the booking process, we have answers!

#2

Guest Information

While collecting guest information is critical for a smooth, seamless stay, we only collect key information — including contact and reservation details — and store this sensitive data in secure, encrypted systems from booking through check-out. Access to guest information is limited to authorized team members and is always handled with great care and responsibility.

We also comply with data protection laws in Costa Rica, including the Protection of the Individual Against the Treatment of Their Personal Data (Law No. 8968). This law states that property managers must obtain guests’ consent to process their data, and guests have the right to access, rectify, and delete their personal data.

#3

Payment Processing

We understand that knowing your payment details are safe against cyber threats, data breaches, and other security risks is hugely important. That’s why we use reliable, secure payment gateways with encrypted transactions and other safeguards against fraud for all financial transactions made through our website. We handle credit card details and guest payment information with the same strict security standards and care as all other guest information and data.

Booking directly with Special Places of Costa Rica is safe, convenient, and more affordable than booking through third-party platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo — you can bypass guest service fees, which often add 10–20% to the overall cost of your vacation rental!

#4

Staff Protocols

Our team follows strict internal protocols for handling guest data and has defined procedures and policies in place for managing information. All staff members are trained on data protection and privacy to guarantee accountability and professionalism across our team, and password manager tools, like Dashlane, help us maintain controlled and secure access to sensitive data and systems.

You might also be interested in: How We Meet (and Exceed!) Costa Rica Vacation Rental Safety Regulations

How We Keep Our Guests & Properties Safe

#1

Keys and Keyless Entry

At Special Places of Costa Rica, most of our properties are upgraded with modern keyless entry systems (or “smart locks”) that enhance security, reduce the risk of unauthorized guests, and ensure a seamless, contactless arrival. We assign each property a unique access code for each reservation, with codes activated only during a guest’s stay and deactivated immediately after checkout. We do not reuse codes between guests, and we have unique codes for vendors and staff who need access to each property.

For properties with physical keys, we adhere to strict check-in and check-out policies to ensure keys are safely stored and exchanged. If the keys are lost for a particular vacation rental, we change all the locks on that home to ensure the security of the property and safety of future guests.

#2

Physical Security

We take vacation rental safety very seriously and have implemented a combination of technology, protocols, and partnerships to ensure the security of our guests and properties.

In addition to security alarm systems and other safety features, like smart locks, we provide guests with on-site security information and 24/7 emergency support to ensure immediate assistance if needed. We also stay in close contact with the Costa Rican Tourism Police to stay up to date on the latest local security recommendations and best practices.

Benefits of Our Vacation Rental Data Security Measures for Guests

As a guest of Special Places of Costa Rica, you can rest assured you are in safe and capable hands from the second you book your stay until the moment you head home from an incredible vacation. Our investment in reliable systems, strict internal protocols, and ongoing monitoring ensures you can experience the following security benefits from booking with us:

• Secure Booking Process — Our secure and reliable direct booking system protects guest privacy and information and allows you to save on third-party booking platform fees.
• Personal & Payment Data Protection — Our use of secure payment gateways with encrypted transactions ensures your personal and payment data will be safely stored and handled with care.
• On-Site Security — With high-tech enhancements such as keyless entry systems and security alarms, our homes are equipped with features to ensure guest safety and property security.
• Peace of Mind — With access to a 24/7 emergency support line and a team that stays up-to-date on the latest local security recommendations, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation to Costa Rica, knowing you’ll be taken care of in the (rare) event something goes wrong.

Why Guests Trust Special Places of Costa Rica for a Seamless, Secure Vacation Rental Experience from Start to Finish

As one of the most trusted property management companies in Costa Rica, creating a dependable booking process and a secure guest experience is always one of our top priorities. With our commitment to protecting keys, access codes, guest information, and payment details at every step of the way, you can book directly with Special Places of Costa Rica and stay with confidence.