Greetings from Monteverde!

Hey all,

Just thought that I would let you know the latest from Costa Rica. We are hanging out in Monteverde for a few days, before we meet a group on July 3. I don't usually escort groups, but this one is made up of members of my Mardi Gras organization in New Orleans. So it will be fun work. We are going to Montezuma, back here to Monteverde, and on to Arenal. We are staying at the Orquideas coming and going. Should be fun.

We found American Airlines to be even worse than we remembered. No food or "adult beverages" on either flight. Same surly gate ticket agents, and totally disorganized check in. There were huge lines in Miami for junk food. Fortunately, we have been through all of this before. We packed our own food, and have become immune to the abuse. I am always a little amused that this airline stays in business, while they treat their customers so poorly. But they are usually the cheapest, so we suck it up.

Once we got the heck out of the airport, our attitudes improved immensely. We picked up our rental car, and headed for the Orquideas Inn for a beer and some cerviche. The owners here are friends, and Gary has even stayed at our house for Jazz Fest. We feed their andouille addiction, and have now turned them on to the hard stuff (Tasso). For the uninitiated, these are a Cajun sausage and a spicy pork. You can only get the genuine articles in Louisiana.

We went to Arenal for the first night before coming up to the Monteverde. We had an offer to spend a night at Hotel Arenal Kioro to check it out, and I had a little business to attend too in the area. So we went for it. We were exhausted and it was after dark when we arrived. We dumped off our bags, and went straight to El Novillo for dinner. Everything was delicious and a true bargain, as always. They have upgraded their look a little too. Gone are the cheap tables and white plastic chairs. There are now nice wooden tables with tablecloths and wooden chairs. The old white hardy board has been painted a nice dark green. But it is still extremely casual, affordable, and friendly. So if anything, it is even better.

Our room at Arenal Kioro had it's own full sized hot tub, with a volcano view. After dinner, we got into the wine, then into the hot tub. We stayed up too late, and were in a little pain the next morning. But didn't regret a minute. The volcano did not perform for us, but we will be back soon enough. Maybe next week will be better. The Kioro was an absolute delight. This has to be the most upscale hotel in that area. The double sized rooms have an amazing view, and every imaginable amenity. We were happy campers the next morning, and enjoyed the breakfast buffet. Here is a news flash too. They now have their on hot springs onsite, and they are stunning. Much smaller than Tabacon or Baldi of course. But private to the hotel, and there were no crowds or pounding disco music. There are great views and very attractive rock ponds.

We also took some time to tour some other properties, and uncovered a hidden gem. We heard through the grapevine that an old friend of ours had opened his own hotel. Geovanny has at various times managed Tabacon Lodge, Arenal Lodge and Montana de Fuego. He is a very good natured soul, and I have always enjoyed my business dealings with him. Last year, he opened the Mountain Paradise Hotel. We were happy to reconnect with our friend and blown away by the hotel. Casually elegant is the best way to describe it. All of the rooms have their own private small (two person) jacuzzi, flat screen televisions, rock waterfall showers, etc. The services are equally impressive. Free transportation from the La Fortuna airport and to the various hot springs. Meals can be taken as room service, at no extra charge. Free Wifi covers the whole property, and they will loan you a laptop if you have forgotten yours. The best part is that the rates start at only $150.00 per night. This is a terrific value for this level of accommodations.

Not much to report from Monteverde. It is still a little rainy here, and the road is extremely muddy near the reserve. You have to take great care with your 4WD to get there. But it is not impassable, if you take your time. For some reason the howler monkeys are in a tizzy. We usually only hear them in the early mornings. But there must be some territorial issues taking place. They have been kicking up a racket all through the day, since yesterday.

More later, if I get the chance!

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
(Travel professional)