REviews

Have you stayed at Tiger's Den BnB? Please leave a review on TripAdvisor. 
My favorite place in the Central Valley Tiger’s Den is like my home away from home. I have stayed here countless times and in every bedroom. She has some of the most comfortable beds in Costa Rica and the location is super convenient for the medical tourism nearby, for spending some time remote working in Escazu, or for running errands around the Central Valley. Tiger is an incredibly sweet and caring person and I’ve benefitted from her care services after a couple medical procedures. I highly recommend a stay at Tiger’s Den!

- Erin M, 2024
The best place in Escazu. Tiger’s place is located in the best area of Escazu, super convenient (gym, groceries, multiple restaurants) and somehow the house itself is still so quiet and serene. Beautiful garden, sunny rooftop and multiple areas to lunge around during the day. Tiger was an amazing host with many interesting stories to tell, she took excellent care of me during my long stay ❤️ I had great sleep as the bed was comfortable and the rooms are nice and breezy.

- Andrea P, 2024
I went to CR for dental care. Tiger’s Den is a great place to stay. Tiger is passionate about helping people who have just had dental or medical surgery. Tiger will provide a delicious meal for you (minimal $) or you can cook in the large kitchen. There is Netflix a small library. The house is clean, beds are comfy and her dogs are precious and very well behaved. I look forward to returning in 4-6 months to finish my dental work.

- Debra M, 2023
Welcome Home! My experience at the Tiger’s Den was outstanding! The house is located off the main road in a quiet, safe neighborhood. It is a beautiful, cool, breezy home with a large kitchen and every appliance you may need. The lower bedroom is located off the kitchen, while several stairs lead to three more large, clean bedrooms. A path winds around the house to Tiger’s personal apartment and garden area where you are welcome to sit and enjoy the peaceful environment. There, winding stairs lead to a rooftop area perfect for yoga, sunning or just admiring the lovely view. And that’s just the house. Tiger is such an inspiration. She loves to exercise, and if you show any interest, she will gladly invite you along on her famous Tiger walk. Be prepared to break a sweat! She is a wealth of information and will provide guidance to get the most out of your trip. And best of all, she is an amazing cook and a very kind and nurturing person. For an incredibly reasonable price, a stay at the Tiger’s Den B&B is an excellent option for your housing needs while in the city of Escazu, Costa Rica.

- Gena S., 2023
Cozy and aesthetic home away from home. Tiger is the sweetest and most helpful host! My flight arrived late at night and Tiger was there ready for me when I got to her place. Being a solo traveler, it was nice to talk to someone local to the area for guidance on what to see, where to go, and what to do. For a little bit extra Tiger also cooks meals which are absolutely delicious! She used to be a chef at a restaurant and you can certainly tell based off of the flavor combinations in her dishes. I felt very safe and the house itself was quiet, unless you went into more of the social areas. I liked having a blend of both my own private space and time, while also being able to connect with cool fellow travelers. Tiger took me on a few hikes as well where I learned more about her inspiring backstory - highly recommend walks with Tiger around the neighborhood! She treats you as part of the family and I'm so grateful for that. Overall, excellent stay and I'll definitely be back!

- Anna R., 2023
How dare Tiger feed us good food!! Let me tell you, the only way you should ever go near this place is if you like good food, warm hospitality, interesting co-guests, fast wifi, a beautiful kitchen, comfortable beds and a clean house. My partner and I were nearly forced to enjoy the most flavourful, ingredient rich meals of our 5 week visit to Costa Rica. Yep, 5 weeks in Costa Rica full of jungle, beaches, mountains and countryside and somehow we still ended up spending a whole week with Tiger in Escazu.

Sarcasm aside, Tiger was our beginning and end to our trip. She made it so easy to be introduced to Costa Rica when we arrived and made it so easy to be prepared and relaxed before we returned to Canada, a voyage with added stress due to COVID. She has three very well behaved dogs that love to be taken for walks. The dogs live with her in her semi-attached part of the house, so not to worry if you're not a dog person. There are beautiful hikes, shops, a great fruit stand all within walking distance. If she likes you, she'll take you along to her daily errands, and nature excursions. Her home is littered with tasteful interesting art that you can't help by ask about. She has amazing life-stories too. And again...if you really understand cultured, good food, you won't be disappointed.

- Farmer Dave W., 2022
Home away from home! Tigers Den is a wonderful home. Jilla and her helper Celia are spot on with hospitality! I am here on a dental visit from the US and they have anticipated my every need. Homemade smoothies and soup, to bringing me coffee. What a fantastic chef . I look forward to more meals.The house is in a beautiful neighborhood and the inside is super interesting. She has collected things from all over. Very peaceful and serene. She has 3 dogs that are super well behaved and loveable. Why stay in a hotel when you can be treated like family here!!!!

- Gmaguggey, 2021
The Tiger's Den BnB is excellent not because of the incredible location, the amazing view from the iconic roof patio, the top notch and incredibly healthy food, the loving and fun time cats and dogs (Prissy, Dudes, LuLu, Taffy and Bella). It's excellent because of the people there, and during this time of Corvid, most specifically because of the person there. Tiger herself. I've traveled a lot, and I've learned that it's a given to enjoy the places, cultures, arts, views and experiences of a place. What REALLY makes anything excellent is the people you share it with. Even if it's just with yourself. Here, though, you get to get to know Tiger. A human person full of life and with endless experiences, stories and opinions. Who tells it how it is and takes care of those in her care. While I think any traveler would enjoy a stay at such a fine establishment. I want this review to reach those who are in Costa Rica now. Who know the place. Who know how hard it can be to meet new people that you want to spend your time with and invest yourself into. Come here, come to Tiger's Den, you will find few people more deserving of your time and money.
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- John T. Little III, 2020  ​
I stayed at Tiger's Den for three and a half weeks recovering from surgery with Dr. Lev. It was very comforting to have Tiger check on me every couple of hours to see if I needed anything. I'm normally pretty independent, but the surgery was quite extensive, and the extra attention went a long way. Sometimes it is just the little things that count so much- I really appreciated the pitchers of water with ice to cool my throat and keep me from having to get up for anything. She also prepared delicious smoothies full of fresh fruits, and nutritious powders to help sustain me. Tiger was available to help me with anything that would make me more comfortable, as soon as I expressed an interest in ice cream she was "on it". Tiger does have animals. She has 2 cats and 2 dogs. I like animals, but for the record the dogs stay with her all the time. I saw them maybe once or twice, usually first thing in the morning as they were going out for a walk. Anyone considering this house should expect animals both here and with her neighbors. I recommend Tiger’s Den for anyone looking for a more personable place to stay rather then a hospital. Tiger has now become a friend and I visit her when I return to CR. I do want to say to others to be realistic. They are deciding to not stay in a hospital, nor a 5 star hotel.

- ​Anya Beckett, 2019
Super GREAT in every way! Tiger's Den is the best experience away from home I have ever had, clean, comfortable, affordable (short or long term) safe, convenient location within walking distance to many shops including grocery. But what is best about this place is Tiger herself. Due to dental work chewing was not an option for me, after traveling night and day to get here, knowing that I couldn't eat and would probably be hungry (I was starving) she was thoughtful enough to ask and made me an amazingly good AND nutritional shake that had me feeling like a champion in no time. After my dentist appt. she made me a wonderful curry dish and blended it for me for easy chewing. She invited me on my of her excursions which were all delightful especially since I came solo, I never felt lonely, uncomfortable or bored. She is one of the most thoughtful and interesting people I've ever encountered. Forever grateful to meet and hang out with such a super soul!

- Superquerne, 2018
Veritable home away from home. I am not a world traveler. I've been out of the United States a handful of times, and most of those trips were to Canada, driving from Michigan because it wasn't that far from where I lived as a young adult. So planning a trip out of the country to celebrate my 40th birthday was a big deal and I'm so glad I chose Costa Rica as my destination but what made it even better was choosing Tiger's Den B&B as my home base.

From the moment I got to her place Tiger was so generous and welcoming. As a queer and gender non conforming person traveling outside of my comfortable bubble of the San Francisco Bay Area can be scary. Luckily, Tiger is a friend to all: gay, straight, slightly crooked, however you identify. She made it feel like I was coming home from my trip away, not the other way around.

The accommodations are comfy, and there is a kitchen for you to use, stocked with the staple items for cooking and dishes and utensils to make life easier if you don't want to eat out all the time. The location is only about a 30 min drive from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. There are plenty of restaurants and shops near by, including a grocery store just across the street from the entrance to Tiger's neighborhood.

I also enjoyed having two cats and a dog to pet and snuggle with while I was there, made me miss my own fur babies a little less. They are kind and gentle animals that don't even really bother you unless you want to give them attention. But if you are allergic or don't like animals this probably isn't the place for you.

All in all I was so glad I decided to stay in a B&B instead of a hotel while I was on my vacation, and I was lucky to have chosen Tiger's Den because of Tiger herself. You don't get to meet a gem of a person like her very often but when you do your life is forever made a little brighter, and that is priceless. Enjoy your stay.

- Cal, 2018
Wonderful Food (among other things) I echo the comments of others. Additional I'll add that the food she prepares is incredibly delicious and healthy...as I told her numerous times she should really open a restaurant...it's that good.

- Orlando Ben, 2018
​A stay at Tiger's Den in Costa Rica is like no other. Once you get there you notice it's really not too far from the airport. The house is in an upscale neighborhood with a nearby park where you will cutter ants in colorful lines as you walk to a steep set of hills for some great hiking and awesome views. A short walk from the house and you're in the middle of shopping, great restaurants, groceries and ATM with both U.S $ and Colones. Tiger has a good knowledge of Costa Rica, and contacts for affordable transportation. You're likely to meet people from all over the world there. Everyday I looked forward to one of her morning fresh fruit smoothies. For me it felt like being at my favorite aunties. I would definitely stay there again.
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- RosaLinda Matthews, 2018
Tiger’s Den BnB is simply the best! It’s in a pleasant part of San Jose called Escazú. Tiger is a wonderful hostess and will make your visit spectacular! The house and your apartment/Room is beautiful, clean and neat and filled with beautiful art. Tiger has a lot of good advice regarding the local area and places to visit in Costa Rica(and how to get there!) You’ll be happy you stayed at Tiger’s Den!
Five Stars!
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- Ben Meek, 2018
I just had the most wonderful time@ Tiger’s Den. Tiger (Jilla). Never have I felt more welcomed, at ease and curious as Jilla introduced us to Costa Rican foods, surrounded by a house filled with creative and exciting works of art. The place is immaculately clean, spacious and private. It contains 4 rentals-and a giant shared kitchen Roof top view and lounge space. Flowered garden.Tiger asked about our desires and interests for our time in Costa Rica and invited us to share part of her world. Her warmth, ease, humor and her dog LuLú makes me want to return -to Costa Rica and to Tiger at Tiger’s Den. Heart warming. Thank you.
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​- Judy Rattner, 2018
Last day in Costa Rica. It was an awesome 10 days. This was the first time that I rented a room instead of the entire house. My hostess, Tiger was more then just a hostess, even taking me to the ocean for 4 days. My first time in Central American and I don't know much Spanish. She was a fabulous translator and chef. The 2 other ladies renting rooms were adorable and so sweet. Thank you Jilla Tiger Levington Roth. I hope you have a room in September when I come back! Pura Vida!

- Peggy Pontsler Skinner, 2018
Tiger's Den is the best experience away from home I have ever had, clean, comfortable, affordable (short or long term) safe, convenient location within walking distance to many shops including grocery. But what is best about this place is Tiger herself. Due to dental work chewing was not an option for me, after traveling night and day to get here, knowing that I couldnt eat and would probably be hungry (I was staving) she was thoughtful enough to ask and make me an amazingly good AND nutritional shake that had me feeing like a champion in no time. After my dentist appt. she made me a wonderful curry dish and blended it for me for easy chewing. She invited me on many of her excursions which were all delightful especially since I came solo, I never felt lonely, uncomfortable or bored. She is one of the most thoughtful and interesting people I've ever encountered. Forever grateful to meet and hang out with such a super soul!
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- Christine Guerne, 2018
Earlier this year my husband and I ventured to Costa Rice for a dental ‘vacation’. Not only was the dental work excellent, we were very happy that we had landed at ‘Tiger Den’ for our stay. The house is cozy and charming with beautiful art. The kitchen is large and well-equipped, a fun place to meet fellow travelers and share adventures of the day. The roof top patio with pretty views made for great sunrise watching or afternoon snoozing. There were always cooling breezes, lots of windows and open doors. The location in Escazu outside of San Jose is charming and safe. We took walks most days and felt comfortable in the neighborhood, something important to us in a foreign country.
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Saving the best for last is the host Jilla. She is warm, welcoming and so very helpful to us in getting around, with recommendations for places to go and things to do. Jilla cooked for us the whole time we were there and we both came home feeling healthier than when we left. She is a wonderful cook with an eye for organic and wholesome meals. Having said that, Jilla also happily accommodated requests from my husband that were not particularly healthy! The produce is wonderful in Costa Rica. The weather is wonderful. The people are great. And Tiger’s Den to be recommended for a superb stay.
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- Taressa Borawski, 2018
​Tiger is the most amazing Airbnb host ever! She was very helpful and accommodating in assisting me as a solo traveller with my first visit to San Jose and the upscale neighborhood of Escazu. Her place is conveniently and securely located in a gated community within walking distance of nearly every amenity imaginable. A beautiful park is a few steps away and from there endless walking and hiking possibilities exist into the surrounding neighborhoods or mountains. Her home is spacious with a large well equipped kitchen, lounging areas inside and out and even a cozy fireplace, if required. There was a great sense of community created with Tiger and other travellers staying at her place making for a very enjoyable experience. Highly recommended. I will return again soon!

-Richard Naden, 01/03/17 –01/19/17
I have been living at Tiger's house every time I visit Costa Rica (~ 3 months) and although they are not long periods I have come to love Tiger as if she were family. She is a spectacular person, super kind, cheerful, charismatic, loving ... well, like a second mother. The house is super comfortable, it has everything you could need, and is in a great neighborhood, peaceful, quiet, and close to supermarkets and restaurants. Pets bring a touch of joy to the house. You will always want to go back to Tiger's house!
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He estado viviendo en casa de Tiger cada vez que visito Costa Rica (~3 meses) y aunque no sean periodos largos he llegado a querer a Tiger como si fuera de mi familia. Ella es una persona espectacular, super amable, alegre, carismática, amorosa... en fin, como una segunda madre. La casa es super cómoda, tiene todo lo que puedes llegar a necesitar, está en un excelente vecindario, es tranquilo, silencioso, y cerca de supermercados y restaurantes. Las mascotas dan un toque de alegría a la casa. Siempre vas a querer volver a casa de Tiger!

​- Andrés Moreno, 2015-2017
This place was really everything I needed. I was getting dental work done and Jilla really is a super host. She offered to make me just about anything I felt like eating and would that would be ok with my teeth work. Also she knows all there is to know about eating healthy and she stocks healthier food then you would get eating in a restaurant. She took me hiking and she's a few decades older then I am but she's in way better shape.
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She lives right by the mountains so it's just a matter of going up the neighborhood roads. She lives in a gated community with nice neighbors and outside of the community is a gym called Arena Trek that lets you get daily or weekly memberships and it's a five minute walk with a Fresh Market and several awesome restaurants in the area. She also has a friendly little dog named LuLu and two friendly house cats. I'm looking forward to coming back!
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- Mike Dee, 2017
Thank you so much for making me feel so "at home" in your house. I enjoyed staying with you and always felt I and my belongings were safe. Your kitchen is equipped with many so items I have in my own, it was like being in my own kitchen, but larger! If your house is still available early next year, I'll be back.

-Sandra Krause, 2014-2015-2016-2017-2018-2019
I recently returned from my third stay at Tiger's Den. This time I got to stay at her new place. It is even better than the previous one. She still has all the comforts and amenities, you will immediately feel at home. This time I got to eat a real meal (see previous review). It was spectacular. She happened to be giving a dinner party when I was there and I got invited! Thank you, Tiger. Hope to see you again soon.
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-Jan Rhoades, 2014
Tiger is an amazing host! She is friendly, caring and always willing to go above and beyond for her friends and family. I say family because that's what I feel I became after staying in her home in Costa Rica for a few weeks. I didn't really know what to expect from booking a stay in a stranger's home, but I was pleasantly surprised. She instantly made me feel welcome and comfortable. She was always very caring and thoughtful. Two things I value highly in a friend. Her cooking skills were also a fabulous perk during my stay. I left with new skills and lots of memories. I highly recommend a stay at the Tiger's Den in Escazú. It was an experience and a new friendship I will forever cherish.
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-Tatiana Lopez, 2013
Over the course of a half dozen stays at Tiger's house I have come to know her, and her hosting style, very well. In bringing an air of calm and graciousness to her relations with guests, and by keeping a well-organized living space, she creates a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. If you have requests, or need any assistance, she is more than willing to be helpful, often by going the extra mile with you to make sure your needs are met. I think of Tiger as a true practitioner of the Golden Rule. Her easy manner and hosting skills will put you at ease, and her well-appointed rooms will provide you with all you need for a pleasant stay.

-Mark Myers, 2013
Tiger was very hospitable - she made Brenton juice when he was sick, spun pottery for us to carve, and even invited us to her Thanksgiving dinner where we cooked, ate, and laughed with good company through the evening! Brenton and I were pleasantly surprised to find that her neighborhood is close to the Farmer's Market (where Tiger invited us to join her on Saturday mornings), a great place to go on a walk, and conveniently located near the bus line. I highly recommend her place if you are looking to stay in San Jose, whether short or long-term.

-Brenton and Julie Bird, 2013
Jilla is one of my favorite people on the planet. She's a warm and gracious host, fun, interesting, smart. She's an inspired cook and nutritionist. As a seasoned traveler, she creates a laid back, low stress environment for folks to enjoy before taking off on the next big adventure. In a word, Jilla is amazing. In fact, she's a great reason to visit Costa Rica.
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-Kimberly Esslinger, 2013
I really enjoyed my stay with Tiger. She took me to the best places to eat and shop. Her house is incredible, convenient to all of Escazu. She was very helpful with everything. I highly recommend staying at the Tiger's Den.

-Joseph, 2012
Tiger is a great hostess and a fabulous chef. I was a colleague of hers when she offered personal training and nutrition services at a very popular fitness center in the heart of San Francisco. We miss her out here but if you are traveling and cross paths with her...well, then our loss is your gain!

-Matt O'Brien, 2012
Escazu is a lovely neighborhood with a multi-plaza mall, Walmart, TGIFs, and many other stores a short walk away. I had stayed with Jilla for 2 weeks during my surgery and major orthodontics. CIMA hospital, where I had my surgery, is a short 10 minute walk away. ( I've moved, So now it's a short 10 minute ride) During my recovery, I was not in my best sorts. Jilla was a kind and gracious host, allowing me to use the bedroom with the TV while I recuperated. When I encountered complications, she called the doctor and helped as she could. She is a very healthy eater, making numerous shakes, of which I enjoyed a few. Thanks, Jilla.

-Richard, 2011
Tiger’s lovely home has a great location in an upscale area of Escazú and excellent security. The home, bedroom, and bath are very clean. Although Tiger was away when I stayed, she had a delightful hostess, Raquel, staying there to help everyone. Raquel answered all our questions about directions and things to do. I was there to receive outstanding dental treatment from Dr. Vinicio Prada and was familiar with the area. The other guests while I was there were absolutely great! Friendly and interesting, we enjoyed the time we were in the the communal area. Had a great experience!

-Alma Darling, 2011
I had a wonderful stay at Tiger's house. In particular I appreciated how helpful she was to me after my dental surgery. I was alone and would have had a hard time without her help. She fixed nourishing, delicious smoothies and purees for me, catering to my tastes. Tiger is a great cook and I can't wait until I can go back for a meal I can chew. Her place is an easy 5-15 minute (depending on the bus) bus ride to my dentist so I saved a lot in cab fare. There is also banking and grocery shopping within walking distance. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay with Tiger. She is fun, interesting and she took good care of me. It was a great place to recover from surgery. I look forward to a return visit.

-Jan Rhoades, 2011
Jilla (AKA Tiger) is such a hospitable, caring hostess. She cooks amazing food and has great tips if you're interested in healthy living. Definitely try her infamous fruit shakes! The neighborhood is very convenient to various restaurants, grocery stores, the major hospital, shopping, etc. The entire, surrounding area is very safe and the weather is the best ever! The hammocks and outdoor seating are lovely to just kick back in. I highly recommend staying here for a pleasant CR visit!

-Laura Leff, 2010-2011
The house is very large. There is a beautiful garden behind the house. We were mom and son (both adults) staying with Jilla. The kitchen is big and has all the amenities of home. Each bedroom is quite big with plenty of light, great storage, a lock box, a fan, (never was needed) plenty of linens and towels. Tiger is an expert in physical training and gave my elderly mother some great exercises for balance. She, a creative and helpful person. All the bowls, cups, and plates, were thrown by Tiger on her own potters wheel. They are beautiful pieces of ART!! From the plants to the paintings, she has added so many artistic touches to her home. It’s an extremely convenient location for San Jose theaters, businesses, museums, parks, great restaurants, the new plaza, San Jose's Jewish community, and the Synagogues. This area is one of the few that has real sidewalks making walks and jogs a pleasure. The views of the mountains from walking on the street are stupendous. And good internet connection!

-Kurt Mehl, 2010
Hola, I have know Tiger for 3 years and have been impressed with her graciousness and welcoming spirit. I would recommend her for anything she decided to take on. Great woman.

-Sharon Ann Wildey, 2010