Goppers

My fiance and I are heading to Costa Rica for the first time in the beginning of January (8 or 9 days). Right now we're thinking of staying in Manuel Antiono for a few days and then in or around Tamarindo.

We're in our late 20's and looking for a quiet romantic hotel (more upscale and a nice pool) but don't want to be too, too far from a little nightlife (at least for a few nights). And, We dont' mind spending money on a cab.

Any suggestions on hotels. A few we're looking at:
Si Como No
Makanda
Hotel Parador
Tulemar

And -- Cala Luna, Capitan Suizo, Diaria, El Jardin del eden

Also, Si Como No responded to my email and said they're booked, but a travel agent w/ "Best of Costa Rica" said they could incoporate the hotel in our itinerary...do you think it's a scam?

Any help would be great!

Finally - is the trip to the Arenal worth it w/ only 8-9 days to spend there?

JeanH

I've stayed at both Si Como No and Makanda. For a romantic vacation, I'd go with Makanda. Quite a bit smaller, and no young kids. They bring your breakfast to your room in the morning, rather than going to the restaurant. The pool area is nice, and the service is very good.

I don't know if there is much in the way of night life any where in Manual Antonio, but there are several very good restaurants nearby. We walked to them, but the hill is pretty darn steep to get back to the 'main' road. Still only took about 15 minutes. Cab rides would be really short. You'll have to judge the hill for yourselves....

We've not been to Tamarindo, but we stayed at Tabacon by Arenal. The hotel was just ok, but we could sit on our balcony and see the rocks rolling down the side of the mountain when she vented. Not much lava flowing when we were there, but we did see some. The hot springs were neat too.

Part of the answer to your questions depends on where you're flying from. We're from the midwest and can't get to San Jose before 9pm. So, we're stuck in San Jose and environs for the night. We also have fairly early flights home, so we need to be back in San Jose the night before departure too.

You'll have a great time no matter what you decide. It's a beautiful country.

Goppers

Thanks for the advice! We're coming in from Chicago so we'll keep that in mind. Thanks again!

JeanH

We usually fly American Airlines, and there is a flight from Miami to San Jose that leaves about 11am. Since you are in the 'hub' city, you might be able to make that flight. Since we have to get to Chicago first, there's no way we can get to Miami by 11.

Have a great vacation.

Cate22

Hi Goppers,
I have not stayed at any of the hotels that you mentioned, but the one that my fiance and I stayed at was called La Mariposa. It sits upon a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park. The pool is amazing with views of the ocean as well. It is very romantic to have a cocktail by the pool before dinner while the sun sets. It has been nominated and received awards from various travel magazines as well, and is not too far from the main town area.

We stayed in one of the villas that was steps away from the pool. We had our own personal porch and indoor blue tiled jacuzzi. During the day toucans would fly by and perch on the trees outside of our room and you could hear monkeys in the distance.

The price per night was very reasonable...we stayed there while I was still in college!

Just check it out! We haven't been there in about two years.

Have fun!!

Anita_

Check out this site:
http://centralamerica.com/cr/maps/mapcosta.htm
It's "Map Of Costa Rica" Lists a bunch of reliable hotels and lodging. Breaks down the country by regional areas and you can see locations of hotels. (I hope I copied/pasted correctly).

Anita_

For got to mention, we stayed at Cala Luna in Tamarindo 2 yrs ago. It was too quiet for our family. The hotel itself was nice, but the vegetation on the grounds was not so green and lush. The swimming pool was not so spectacular, and it is a walk to the beach on a dirt path thru dry vegetation. Although the beach itself was beautiful,(tidepools, waves crashing on rocks, etc.) It's also a ways to town. Capitan Suiza looked really interesting. I'd stay there if we went back.
Arenal is definitely something to see. The Tabacon Hot Springs is really beautiful, but so crowded. I'd stay somewhere else for a honeymoon. Try checking out Montana De Fuego. It's supposed to be upscale, and also has a great view of the volcano. Looks really nice for a honeymoon.

Suzie2

Lucky you living in Chicago. Taca airlines has great flights to Costa Rica and reasonable prices also. I have seen them advertised for less than $400pp
There is also a flight out of Atlanta at 10:30am on Delta which is the flight we always take because we are in SJ by 1:30pm and still have plenty of time to get away from the city.We have to leave home pretty early to get there but it is well worth it.
You could check with Delta. I believe they fly to Liberia (1hr from Tamarindo) also. I think I have seen that people have flown in to Liberia and out of San Jose.