Hmmm.... young hip crowd? Normally thats more budget... From your criteria I would suggest Costa Verde "2"(closer to beach than any you mentioned and no children) Parador is NOT what you want, nor Mariposa. Si Como No will have children. Potentially La Mansion Inn( Bruce Willis likes it here) or even Makanda.

I've heard that the rooms at Costa Verde II do not have air conditioning? All the Jr. Suites are booked at La Mansion (and the Deluxe rooms look a little shabby) and Makanda only has one secluded unit Villa 6. I'm looking for a resort with the best facilities - should we just go with Si Como No?

Faithie: Interested in hearing the negatives of the Hotel Parador? I was thinking about staying there as well... Is it just too far from the beach?

As for The Parador(my personal opinion)I find it a huge, gaudy, oddity in the midst of the jungle. But if you are more of a "resort" person it could be your thing.

For the original poster if you want "luxe" and creature comforts "haute gamme", you want Gaia Hotel & Reserve.

PS There are no real "resorts" in MA, the closest to a resort would be Hotel Parador , Si Como No or Gaia, and its the most luxe.

Negatives of HotelParador. Many.

I agree, gawdy, old midevil,dark, baronial antiques furniture, (the huge stuff I call 'monster'), very out of place.

The place is straight uphill, we actually resorted to a taxi one night for $8 out of exhaustion. The beach we were directed to took us walking through a family's yard-not real comfortable and not much of a beach.

Service-awful. The included breakfast was never available by the time any tour/trips were leaving, like 8am, the staff was laconically strolling into work as we left on empty.

We NEVER had any towels! It got to be a running joke. We were even missing a store bought beach towel and had fun finding hiding places. The shower floor was marble, my BF hit the floor and I'm surprised we didn't each break something.

Requests for help at the frot desk went unanswered. Even upon arrival, the receptionist carried on a lengthy obviously personal call, and then made a great effort to avoid eye contact with two tired guests tryingto check in after a 6 hour drive. Not a warm reception.

Meals in the grand white table cloth dining room were so-so and way expensive.

I try to respond to every Parador inquiry I see now and hope I have saved some folks lots of money and a potentially bad impression of a wonderful country.

Had dinner at Si Como No, it was great and made us so wish we had stayed there.

Well, I feel the same way about Gaia as the PP feels about Parador--however, most on Tripadvisor disagree. I wish we hadn't spent the $$$ there, and gone to Makanda instead. From our non-private terrace (where I tried sunbathing but was interrupted by a painter) to the overhyped service to the strange layout of the room...well, hotel choices are so subjective, so it might appeal to someone else.

I can say pretty definitively, though, that the crowd at Gaia was neither young nor hip (we're in our 30s and were the youngest there by a lot, it seemed).

Good luck!

I've been to MA several times and I tell you if you want to go to a really cool, hip place, let me tell you where. First go to Arenal stay at any hotel within your budget, if you don't have one stay at the Lost Iquana and go to the Tabacon Springs for a really cool and magical experience, stay at least 2 nights. Make ground transport from there to Playa Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula. Make your reservation at www.ylangylang.com in one of there really nice bungalows just feet away from the ocean. You'll have your own mini porch where Monkey are just feet away. Really so much nicer than MA. There is lots to do and the Village is much hipper than Quepos( the town north of MA) Go online and check it out. The bungalows aren't cheap but are well worth it.

bbaxter -- Who are you? Did you even read the OP's post? They want to go to MA for 4 nights and your directing them to Arenal and Nicoya? Wierd!

The BEST choice BUENA VISTA. it is located on the hill side...but nothing match it!!! Costa Verde is a budget place..not nice at all, just basic rooms, the only plus is A LOT OF MONKEYS AROUND!! If you need a good transfer contact..reservations@tucanlimoservices.com see if Luis is available he is the man!!!

Buena Vista is luxury. Just do not have a dinner ther at Tulemar. Ask Buena Vista front desk for advice.

Tulemar is a bit cheaper on the same property as BVV, and you get full the breakfast spread.

I agree, don't eat dinner on the property though. Especially when you can head right next door to Cantina Salsipuedes, or on down to Barba Roja.

We've seen plenty of monkeys @ Tulemar when we've satyed there. Of course, the OP was looking to book a few days ago...so the decision has likely been made already.

I have to defend El Parador. I don't know when fitzpowell went, but I was there in 2006, 2005, and 2004. I have friends who just went in Jan 2007 and loved it. Yes, there are knights in armour in the lobby, but it's a beautiful hotel. The pools and dining rooms are gorgeous, the views are incredible, and the service has always been excellent. The spa is fabulous, food is very good. I had plenty of towels and there was an enormous breakfast buffet every morning. I recommend not staying on the first floor so you can have the better views w/ more light.

Sandy