jlh370

Has anyone stayed at either of these places? I haven't found much information on either, other than the websites. I've read all about Florblanca, Milarepa, Malpais Surf Camp, but have found little on these others. Any info would be much appreciated. We love the look of Milarepa but think these other two look like really neat bungalows for much less. Granted they are farther away (or in the hills).

shillmac

jlh370
I hope you hear from someone who has actually stayed in one of the places you mentioned. We looked into both of them in March before deciding on Tropico Latino (because we wanted to be right on the beach). When we were there, we saw both but couldn't tell you much about them. Presentable from the outside. When you get into town, you come to a T. On the righthand corner is The Place, I believe. We ate several meals there, and it seemed to be a transportation center (desk area) for arranging shuttles, buses, etc. Everything up the road to the right is Santa Teresa (including Milarepa). To the left is MalPais. Blue Jay Lodge is down that road as is Luz de Vida and a couple other rather nondescript places. Blue Jay Lodge is the place we would have chosen had we not decided to pay a little more for location. Many times some of these smaller and less expensive places are great places to stay. You'd probably be okay with either. The Place is closer to the "goings ons" and the strip of businesses.

jlh370

Can you paint a picture for me of what the beach bungalow at TL is like? I see the pics of the bungalows on The Place website and they look really cool. I can't get as much of an idea of what the places are like at TL.

I did find three reports of the Blue Jay on tripadvisor.com It seems everyone really likes the place. The idea of being up in the hilltops sounds cool, too. Oh the decisions!

shillmac

TL=Tropico Latino? Send me your e-mail address and I'll send you a couple of photos. I have some very good ones of this particular hotel and beach. We LOVED that front bungalow and felt very lucky to have been able to reserve it. for $90 bucks a night, high season.

mat629

I've not stayed at BJL, The Place, or Tropico Latino (we stayed at Milarepa and loved it), but the below website has photos for Tropico Latino and the Blue Jay Lodge. Choose the hotel and then its photo gallery - there is a "Rooms" section with photos, but there are additional ones in the gallery. Hope that helps!

http://www.1-costaricalink.com/tambo...ais_hotels.htm

jlh370

My email is [email protected]. Thank you so much with all the help. Mat269 thanks for the link. Pics are always helpful!

Iza

Shillmac, I think the restaurant/hotel you are describing as located on the corner as you come to a T is actually Frank's Place and not The Place.
The Place looks really nice on the pictures but when we were in that area, I couldn't quite figure out where it was.

shillmac

Yes, I suspect you are correct. I wondered about that when I posted. The two have always been a little confusing--at least to me! I remember eating there 2 or 3 nights (on the corner) and each night there was a man who, although dining, would also get up and see to this or that. My husband commented one evening at he must be "Frank". So your assessment makes sense!

Ally

At the T intersection, the restaurant/hotel on the right is Franks, on the left is a small property and just to the left of that it Surf The Place.
See map:

http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/malpais/malpais.html