Kimkim Trip Reviews

Trip exceeded expectations ! Hard to do justice to how great an experience we had in a short review!

Pre-trip communications were exceptional : informative, timely responses, detail-oriented

Trip plan was fantastic..locations chosen were spectacular and captured the essence and beauty of Iceland, with the appropriate amount of time allocated for each location.

Gummi our guide was amazing ! A really nice and down to earth guy and a great conversationalist. Having a knowledgeable local guide providing minute by minute accounts and anecdotes about the history of Iceland and at the same time describing in real time the day to life of Icelanders, was invaluable. From the moment we met him we clicked and by the end of the week we had established a real personal connection….which really enhanced the experience.

We loved what we saw of Iceland and genuinely hope to return to experience the rest of the country.

My wife (and I) will never forget her ‘big birthday’ trip.

From November 27-December 13th my wife and I had an amazing experience touring Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and many of the islands. I would have to say to have such a well planned trip, it first goes in the preparation. Tina was incredible, from helping us plan our trip, making sure our transportation was secure, setting us up with a very knowledgeable tour guide while we were in Bangkok, that taught us about the history and culture, and took pictures and videos of our trip as well. Tine gave us suggestions for different activities outside our excursions, and most importantly, being available during our stay. Anytime we had a question, she made time for us as if we were her only customers. If you are planning a trip, definitely reach out to Tina.

I wanted to specifically mention our transport drivers to and from the airport. On the ride to our hotel, our driver took the time to give us helpful hints for the week, later he messaged us links to places we might want to see and when we arrived at the hotel, he did not leave us until he knew we were safely inside the building. Our driver to the airport was also very helpful and concerned in making sure we knew exactly where to go. I thought they went above and beyond. Our tour guides were all very professional and extremely knowledgeable. Kimkim was wonderful by communicating with us regularly before and during the trip, especially since we had a few hiccups with our arrivals to Paris and one hiccup at the Eiffel Tower looking for the tour guide. We really enjoyed our time in the city of lights. The pastry making and perfume making was such a unique experience! Loved that and loved the river cruise!

Hotel Review

Aparthotel Quartier Libre Saint Georges

Paris

Very clean and comfy. Terrific shower. Great location!! Only complaint was that there usually wasn’t anyone in the lobby working. Had to call a number if needed assistance.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Having someone working onsite during stated hours

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Louvre Museum Visit

Paris

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Seine River Cruise

Paris

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Unlock the Secrets of Perfume-Making!

Paris

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private French Pastry Class

Paris

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I have never used an agency like this to plan a vacation before and I was a little skeptical. I take it all back now. Minah helped me plan the perfect 11 day trip across Thailand doing all of the things that were important to us. She handled domestic flights, hotels, transportation, and all of the excursions I dreamed of seeing. We didn’t have to worry about a thing! It was perfect!

The only "custom" things we asked for - diving and a pick up - that we were told were possible once we were on the island we were informed we not. So that went any see service/benefit.

For the boat review:
Legend Feedback

Day 1- Guide kept talking into the wind instead of to the group. No one knew what he was saying, even after informing him they could not hear. Guide miscounted people.

Day 2- Lack of towels in the swimming area, expected to return after snorkeling wet. Again, no towel provided. Guide still had not informed guests of the safest way to get on and off the Pangas- this is standard on other boats. Was told on day 2 not to drink the tap water in the room , luckily we knew that from previous boats. A little late for some.

Day 3- waiter still can’t remember food allergies. Again, standard on day 1 to go over guest allergies and confirm. None of this happened, I have to at each meal.

Day 4- partner developed a food borne travelers stomach. Atleast the doctor had meds, even if she kept trying to prescribe advil.

Day 5- clearly can’t manage time. Guide was 20 mins late for morning excursion. Afternoon they scheduled 1 hr - which ended up being much less due to island closure time - for a beach walk and snorkel. Most guests couldn’t complete the beach walk in that time. Multiple guest commented with the boat at half capacity they can’t imagine anything happening at full capacity. Crew forgot gas in the dingy, had to refill in the open water. Crew wasn’t ready to help off board, had to wait and call them. Guide again miscounted guests and almost left someone at the turtle ranch. On the beach a new guest thought I was crew because I was the only one stopping to help her. This happened a few times when I notice wildlife our guide wasn’t pointing out to the other people in our group.

Day 6 - guide miscounted again leaving the boat and left passengers because they claimed the notification was clear. We agree it’s been inconsistent the “get ready”, “and “up next” ad “leaving”. Sometimes they’ll say “up next” and never the other ones. Multiple people have missed their disembarkments.

Day 7 - people in our group requested to change guides and were approved to do so. People cleaning the room continue to not empty full garbage. after a week waiter remembered our drink order of water, guide still doesn't know the 8 people in his group.

Day 8 - hot tub temperature control breaks. Again I stopped to assist a guest struggling on the walk. No guide or crew stayed - they just left.

Overall. The boat was out dated, and the rooms couldn’t regulate temperate. There are ant traps in the room you have to avoid. They couldn’t go 1 hour without trying to sell something, to the point I got tired of being asked and started staying in my room. The wet room for snorkeling needs a fan like any other sane boat to try equipment if it's below deck. A small port window is not "airflow" - everything was musty and we took our stuff to the front to lay it out. No one on the boat had a tour so no one knew there was a front deck to sit on.

My “non luxury” Galapagos cruises had refreshments, and either warm towels after water or cold towels to clean your hands after an excursion, in addition to a substantial snack. They all also included at some level juice, wine and beer. This one had a single flavored water station and a small bite that was usually not there only on returning to the boat. It was pathetic- you had to wait in line for a single grape and glass of water freezing after snorkeling, and hope there was some left. The food was okay, if there was any left.

In general the communication leading up to the trip was lacking, and confusing. We were told one thing and then another thing on the boat.

I would never pay or recommend this boat ever again. I’m glad it was the itinerary I wanted.

Very well coordinated and orchestrated by KimKim and our local specialist. Tours and guides, including Angel, were knowledgeable and otherwise ideal. Just a few things that did not meet expectations: (1) getting an accurate final itinerary (but we were keeping our own version concurrently), (2) waiting time at the airport once we arrived was rather long (particularly challenging after 24 hours in transit) and the KimKim greeter and then the driver, ultimately, spoke no English, which made communications challenging, and (3) the hotel in Santiago did not measure up in any way to its billing.

I have been a huge cheerleader for KimKim, having taken a trip to Slovenia which was stellar in every way. So I did not hesitate to come back to KimKim again for a special birthday week in Scotland. Unfortunately, it was a trip that I could have planned on my own fairly easily for far less cost. I am at a loss to understand the value of KimKim for this trip. All in all, it was an uninspired, off-the-shelf undertaking with our specialist Stephen who I wasn’t convinced knew the area well when all was said and done. Never felt the enthusiasm I had in the past, but more of a bit of phoning it in and taking dictation. And through the process I did some push back (should have done more) but it never seemed to result in upping his game.

What I had loved about my past experience with KimKim was the surprise and delight of things to do or see that I would not have found or thought of myself. None of that was the case on this trip.

The itinerary for Glasgow turned out to be ho-hum at best. Lots of go to museum self-guided recos. The private walking tour that was booked was quite lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed it. BUT this came as a result of MY request for it, not the specialist’s recommendation (and a supplemental charge was added to do so). Ultimately, we were looking for some inspiration on things to do in Glasgow besides wandering around museums. I had requested a private Whiskey tasting several times which he said he was working on but never got back to me. Not one suggestion for something inspired.

Unlike our Slovenia trip, transfers to the stations, hotels etc. beyond airport drop off and pick up were not included and left to us to navigate via Uber and local taxis which were not included in the price.

Oban and the Highlands: I requested a castle and got a long in the tooth Isle of Eriska manor house that needs a whole lot of upgrades. And not being familiar with the logistics, it was a 38 pound taxi ride of at least a half hour to get into the town. And Oban area was the only recommendation that was offered. The 3 Isle tour day was fine. But again, I could have booked this on my own directly. It was full of tour groups on a crowded boat and on a coach. The islands, however, were lovely and once on them it was very nice. Our last day was the best day. Our private guide Campbell Cameron was sensational and the highlight of our trip. Kudos to Tartan Tours. THIS was the kind of experience I was hoping for the entire trip.

And the insult to injury is that when I voiced my complaint to KimKim requesting multiple times why this trip that cost me $11K actually would have cost approximately $6700 if I planned it myself, they never had an answer (and because it was so off the shelf it was easy to break out the costs). That is one big mark up for service. Other than just making reservations for things that I could have easily found myself, the value of KimKim for this trip is still a mystery to me. And to add insult to injury their recompense was to refund me a mere $500! Insulting at best to a good customer who has recommended KimKim multiple times to many others. Not only will I never use KimKim again, I will be sure to let all my travel friends know not to use them again and advise others to look elsewhere for a bespoke trip.

Activity Reviews

Full day in Glencoe and the Trossachs

Scotland

Saved our trip on our last day in the Highlands. Our guide Campbell Cameron was sensational and the highlight of our trip. Kudos to Tartan Tours. THIS was the kind of experience I was hoping for the entire trip. The scenery was breathtaking and his intimate knowledge of the place as in his bones. The loch ride was lovely and he drove us through all the nooks and crannies of Glencoe.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Walking Tour of Glasgow

Glasgow

Lovely guide who was very knowledgable and lovely. I had to request this be added to the itinerary as our "specialist" never offered anything of the kind. Oh yeah, and of course this was supplemental. While on the walking tour our guide took us by the council building where she told us there are tours of the interior, but only on weekdays. Our tour being on Saturday, we could not do it. This is something we would never have known about independently and could perhaps have been something for our specialist Stephen to suggest for our Friday itinerary.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Three Isles Tour – Mull, Iona & Staffa

Oban

Once at the islands it was great. But a crowded boat and coach trip. Could have booked this myself.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer in town

Scotland

If we actually had any I would be happy to review them. But other than one trip from the train to our hotel when we arrived, we were on our own

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

University of Glasgow Tour

Glasgow

Don't bother. Given by an undwhelming student who could care less. We left early

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

This Thailand trip was truly an excellent experience. Everything from the culture to the food was amazing. Our first tour guide Betty did a great job showing us the Mosque and China Town. We enjoyed him so much and he was very informative. I liked how well Kim Kim put the trip together also. We always felt like VIPs because of the private guides and shuttles, even the signage at the airport upon arrival was nice. We made a stop by Perfect Tailor and I would like to personally thank SK for the experience. Everything was perfect and I’m so happy we booked with Kim Kim! I will definitely book another international trip with Kim Kim after this.

Part 2 from Emily G: A few highlights and recommendations from this trip: Hakone - spend at least two nights and days in Hakone - hot springs area. A great place to wind down at the end of the trip. Lovely. Go to the Open Air Museum! Leisurely enjoy the baths. Ride the gondola (ropeway) and take walks. Loved MIyajima Island (after a sobering and important day in Hiroshima). Had only one night and wished we had 2. Much to explore and at a slower pace. Loved Takayama - much more than Kanazawa. 3 nights there is good. Bike ride outside of town with Tomo! Dinner at Alba! (tiny place, make a rez, tell Juske you learned about it from the women from San Francisco, etc). Two days walking on the Nakasendo Trail. So beautiful to be out walking in nature most of the day and not too hard at all - but i would add a 3rd day if you have time. All of our hotels were comfortable EXCEPT don't stay at ACAI in Kyoto. Too "hip", tiny rooms, you can do better. Of course you will visit the many shrines, temples and castles and I enjoyed them much more than I expected - and you will go to Tokyo (explore the neighborhoods), Osaka, Kyoto (go to the Philosophers Walk) if this is your first visit; and we heard of SO many other places to explore. One more thing - among the many benefits of working with KimKim are the many guided excursions and day trips/city tours that they plan. Every guide was Excellent! and went above and beyond in many ways, Ask for Yumi in Tokyo; Sumi in Kyoto; Fumi in Kanazawa. Ernesto in Nara; Mayumi in Nara and Hiroshima. Arigato! BTW, this trip went so well that we are already planning a second KimKim trip in February in New Zealand and impressed with the help of our specialist, Michelle!

This was an amazing trip especially for only being there one week. All of the guides were great! Wish I had more time.

Hotel Reviews

De Lanna Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Night Hotel Bangkok - Sukhumvit 15

Bangkok

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Elephant Day Care at Patara Elephant Farm

Chiang Mai

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Tuk Tuk Tour (Private)

Bangkok

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Doi Inthanon National Park Trekking

Chiang Mai

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Chiang Mai Sunset Point, Wat Pha Lat, Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Umong

Chiang Mai

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ayutthaya Day Tour with Lunch

Bangkok

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our experience with Hien and KimKim Travel was nothing short of exceptional. Hien curated an incredible itinerary and thoughtfully walked us through each day in advance, making the entire trip feel seamless and stress-free. She remained readily available throughout our travels for questions or last-minute adjustments, which gave us complete peace of mind.

The hotel accommodations she selected were flawless—beautiful, spotless, and perfectly located. Every tour and experience was tailored to our personal preferences, making the trip feel truly custom.

We cannot wait to book our next adventure with KimKim, and we recommend Hien without hesitation—110% all the way.

Hotel Review

Rayavadee

Authenticity & Character

Location

Beautiful beaches, food, clean, amazing staff

Staff

10/10 so helpful and nice

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean, super comfy

Activity Review

Half Day at The Elephant Sanctuary Krabi

Krabi

Incredible!! Friendly staff, one in a lifetime experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We worked with Adeline at Kim Kim to plan our first trip to Japan, and the experience exceeded every expectation. She handled all hotels, transportation and created a recommended daily itinerary with lots of travel tips. While not totally stress free as Japan is intimidating with its size, language barriers and cultural nuances, everything went smoothly and logically.

Our hotels in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto were close to train stations, clean and quiet. Only change I would have made is location of hotel in Kyoto. Since our time there was short it, we would have preferred to stay in the heart of the tourist area. However it did have a public bathing pool which was awesome at the end of a ten-mile walking day.

This was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Kim Kim delivered exactly what they promised and will absolutely use them again.

Hotel Reviews

The Blossom Kyoto

Kyoto

Room was smaller and no view. Loved shower, bathing pool and snack area. Location was not ideal for what we ended up doing but that was our fault as we changed our itinerary.

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Hiroshima

Beautiful hotel and location to train station. Wonderful food buffet and staff. Hotel was so quiet and fast elevators considering how large it is.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station

Excellent location and breakfast. Would have upgraded to a larger room if one was available.

Activity Review

Half Day Private Guide in Tsukishima

Tokyo

Carol was a fantastic guide. It was our first morning in Japan and we ended up not going to Tsukishima but to Asakusa and Shibuya and Meiji Jingu followed by a wonderful lunch off the beaten path. She showed us so much and gave us tips and places to explore on our own. Wish we had more time with her.

My trip to Japan was an incredible experience from start to finish. Planning everything through Kimkim was smooth and stress-free, and Eleanor made sure every detail was taken care of. I had three guides throughout my journey — each one was warm, knowledgeable, and made me feel welcome everywhere I went.

We explored Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and each city offered something unique — from Tokyo’s energy and food to Kyoto’s temples and history, to Osaka’s lively street culture. The most memorable part of the trip was visiting Hakone — the views, the peaceful atmosphere, and the onsen experience were truly unforgettable.

Overall, this trip exceeded my expectations. Everything ran seamlessly, and I can’t thank Eleanor and the Kimkim team enough for helping make it such a meaningful adventure. Highly recommend!

The guides we had in Japan were amazing and they provided excellent experiences. Our hotels were great. We loved our trip.
Our contact at KimKim was not resident in Japan. It seems like he was working off a menu as opposed to experience. Some experiences were given as 4 hours long but in reality less than 2. Excursions were changed between days after we agreed on a specific day. It is important to pay close attention while planning.

Hotel Reviews

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier

Kyoto

The hotel in Kyoto was great for our four-night stay. Both Tokyo and Kyoto hotels had fantastic breakfast buffets offering both continental and Japanese options.

Mt. Fuji View Onsen Ooike Hotel

The room was fine with a little garden. Initially, the front entrance was hard to find due to a lack of signage. Once inside, the hotel was nice. Louise prefers bathtubs and this hotel lacked one, but it was manageable for two nights.

Yufuin Baien Garden Resort

Yufu

We selected this hotel on recommendation s from a friend and it did not disappoint. The rooms were spacious and clean the private outdoor and indoor bathing areas were wonderful and made for a special experience.

Authenticity & Character

A truly Japanese experience

Location

A private setting a short walk into the village

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome

Tokyo

Great hotel with comfortable rooms. The breakfast buffet is excellent with western as well as Japanese food available. All fresh. On a clear morning we could even see Mt Fuji from our table. It is an easy walk to catch a local train or the subway

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Self-Guided Nishiki Market Food Experience

Kyoto

We did enjoy the Hidden Gardens experience. Our guide, we called him Kay, was great, and we enjoyed the interaction with him.

Half Day Imperial Palace East Gardens and Senso-ji Tour

Tokyo

This was our first temple visit in Japan. Very interesting!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was knowledgeable and helped me to get a stamp.

Osaka Castle with guided tour

Japan

I loved this tour. Osaka Castle is beautiful and has a lot of history. Well set up to see

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide is descended from samurai and very knowledgeable

Transport

We took the JR to close to the castle

Half Day Arashiyama Cycling Experience

Kyoto

This was fun but a little hairy riding through traffic for part of it. Going to see the monkeys (macaques) was a bit of a hike up.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was fun and gave a good explanation of the Japanese

Transport

Bikes are in good shape - 15 speeds

Lake Kawaguchi Cruise Tour

Fujikawaguchiko

We did the half day tour and it was not even that long, maybe 2 hours, not including the wait.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sumi-e(ink painting) Experience in a relaxing green tea shop in Tsukiji, Tokyo

Tokyo

I wish I was a better artist, not having done this before but the class was fun anyway. You have a choice between an ink painting on a board or coasters

Quality of Experience

Kyoto hidden Gardens walking tour

Kyoto

The gardens are beautiful especially with the fall colors.

Half Day Arakurayama Sengen Park and Mt.Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Fujikawaguchiko

As Mt Fuji was covered in clouds, our guide for the two days suggested we wait until the next day do the Ropeway and boat cruise the next day and we were rewarded with beautiful sunny skies. Instead the guide took use to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and it was amazing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nikko - Day trip

Tokyo

This was not part of KimKim’s original plan but they provided a driver and a great guide which made it extra special

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

It is a bit of a drive from Tokyo but it gave use a chance to chat with the guide

Everyone we interacted with was friendly and helpful, so first of all GREAT job by Emanuela, our local specialist.

Our tour guide Mica, who led our 2 day tour to the Snaeffelsness Peninsula, was really charismatic and knowledgeable, and did a great job setting expectations about drive time, meals and accommodations.

Seeing the northern lights from Sky Lagoon and climbing on the glacier/in the ice cave with Anna from Troll Tours were highlights.

We also really enjoyed whale watching, eating bread cooked in the vents at the horse farm, the tomato soup at Fridheimer green house, and alllll the waterfalls.

Our favorite spots in Reykjavík were Kabarett (where we saw a terrific poetry reading), the Phallological Museum, Fish Mrkt and Mat Bar. Seeing everything lit up for Christmas was so lovely, and we loved strolling around the city center and looking at all the art.

I also want to thank the staff of the Storm Hotel, who were so welcoming to us each of the three times we checked in. The breakfast there was lovely, as well. It was a great way to start each day.

Oh and the Blue Lagoon and Silica Hotel were just as advertised. What a perfectly otherworldly gateway to the rest of our adventure. I’d recommend everyone start there if they can.

Hotel Review

Silica Hotel

Grindavík

The floors are warmed by the volcano, and the hot pool has a swim-in entrance. Great breakfast, too.

Authenticity & Character

Location

At the edge of a fairly fresh lava field. With a sprinkling of snow it feels like you’re on the moon.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Snaefellsnes Peninsula on small group tour- Day 2

Reykjavík

Jaw-droppingly beautiful at every turn. Also: seals!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lava Cave Explorer Tour

Iceland

Hugo, our guide, was really funny and fun. He knew a lot and really packed in lots of information.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

West Iceland and Lava Cave on small group tours - Day 1

Borgarnes

Mica was our favorite guide of the whole trip. Borgarnes was really cute, too.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Comfortable mini bus with working WiFi, usb chargers, seatbelts and speakers

A Day at the Blue Lagoon

Grindavík

The pictures you’ve probably seen of this place are unbelievable, and yet somehow they don’t come close to doing it justice.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Alejandra and coraima did an excellent job planning and coordinating this trip and the logistics.

Hotel Reviews

H10 Madison Hotel

Barcelona

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hospes Palacio de los Patos

Granada

Hotel provided a very noisy room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel provided a very noisy room.

Hotel Gravina 51

Sevilla

Excellent hotel in a location accessible to all key sights.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Córdoba Day Trip from Seville

Seville

Excellent guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Great trip to Costa Rica, our first time. First guide from San Jose to la fortuna was our favorite. Appreciated drivers with snacks and drinks in the car. Sloth adventure was great! As was the tour with Socio in Manuel Antonio. The catamaran tour was okay….good food and drinks, BUT no visability for snorkeling apparently anytime around rainy season and they made like it was possible. The places we stayed at were wonderful. Wildlife around and incredible views! We were surprised by how much food costs here compared to Mexico and Guatemala. That would be the only reason I may not recommend it to friends.

Hotel Reviews

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

San José

Authenticity & Character

Breakfast food was below average of previous hotels. Not as much ethnic food and no fresh egg section until later.

Location

Right next to opera house

Staff

Friendliness at desk

Cleanliness & Comfort

Great room service menu

Hotel La Mariposa

Manuel Antonio

Best views of any hotel I have stayed at. From the garden and pools to the sea, mountains, to the jungle. Several varieties of monkeys come by, and they had a mother sloth and baby in their huge garden.

Authenticity & Character

Garden, animals, flowers. Some ethnic food at breakfast

Location

Sunrise to sunset views

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

So many windows for them to clean…some streaks….forgot to supply filters in coffee.

Arenal Springs Resort

La Fortuna

Great pools with natural springs wandering around. Many iguanas on trees and rocks around pools. Restaurant not our fav because of all the Italian food. Pool food offered some choices including sushi. Expensive dinners. Would have liked more ethnic choices. Great breakfast choices. Excellent view of Arenal. Cabins are duplexes and lively

Authenticity & Character

Iguanas. Some ethnic breakfast food was great

Location

View

Staff

Very punctual, friendly, lovely

Cleanliness & Comfort

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

San José

Great pool!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Fairly near airport—nothing else around except industrial area

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Catamaran Tour with Meal

Costa Rica

No snorkeling anytime near rainy season. Visibility only 3 feet. Many jellyfish and people getting stung. They had a mix to spray on the blisters. Good food and drinks and sunset lovely. Dolphins around and seabirds

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike

Costa Rica

Excellent guide. Found way more creatures that we could imagine. Got excellent pictures from our guide

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

Excellent and came back with great pictures thanks to the guides telephoto lenses. Then after finding the sloths and birds, monkeys, etc..,you come back and they have some great local food! Excellent

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River

Arenal/La Fortuna

At the end they had some local food and drinks and chocolate demonstration. That was a lovely touch

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip to New Zealand was a great success and this is the most important, far more than some difficulties during preparation phase.

Good things first:
- Complete timing was good; we followed the schedule, attended all planned activities and we even added some additional ones.
- Hotels were all appropriate, the Lake Ohau Lodge was very different and somehow unique with their group dinner, but we enjoyed this one also
- All organized transportations were correct and timely
- Both rentacars were good and spacious; the roads on both islands are good without too much traffic, so I did not have problems driving on the left side
- Both organized walking tours were good, guides very professional and knowledgeable
- I like to specially mention Wine tour in Wellington, which was exceptional. We had great fun and we learned much more then just pure facts about wine and the region
- All included activities were good; our highlight activities were Tasman glacier cruise and Te Puia geysers in Rotorua.

In preparation phase we had to invest much more of our time as in any other of our previous Kimkim trips. Kathrin was always eager to help, but there were various reasons we had more problems than usual
- At very beginning we proposed to base our trip on one already prepared trip published on Kimkim but we ended up with fairly different final plan.
- This caused a lot of communication and modifications, and 12 hours’ time difference was the main reason that preparation took much longer than expected
- Some unfortunate mistakes happened during the preparation phase too, but as I said previously the important point is that we had very nice trip to New Zealand.

Best regards

Zvonko

Peter was our guide in Tokyo, and Hiroshi was our guide in Kyoto. Both men were wonderful!!! Very knowledgeable, polite, and blended into our family.

We had a very good experience working with Rachel (Brazil specialist located in São Paulo) from the Kimkim team. She worked with us to tailor our trip and patiently answered my many questions throughout the process. All the drivers we had were punctual, professional and very nice. Our English speaking local guides were all outstanding: Reginia in São Paulo, sat down with us before we began to get to know our preferences and customized our day tour to suit our style. Marcos in Foz do Iguacu was excellent, making sure we never felt rushed, knew the best spots to take photos, ensured we started early enough to avoid the biggest crowds and the heat of the afternoon. He was equally friendly and professional. In Rio we enjoyed our driver and guide Alessandro (Alex). He showed us as much of Rio as one can see in two days. He is a knowledgeable and fun guide. Finally our guide in Jericoacoara, Jonathan was a very nice fellow who enjoys his job. We were never rushed. The vibe was definitely chill and fun and we had a blast. We really found the Meu Agente app to be helpful (it’s not perfect) but we referred to it frequently. WhatsApp was available to us to contact Rachel or her colleagues while we were travelling. I would recommend downloading the Latham and Gol apps prior to your travels to help get informed of last minute gate or schedule changes in real time. This is our first trip to Brazil and booking through the Kimkim team was a real pleasure and really made our trip stress free.