tortuga lodge in late dec / early jan ?
Aug 12th, 2007, 11:06 AM
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tortuga lodge in late dec / early jan ?
I booked airfare to SJO (arriving Dec 26, leaving Jan 5). But I am having a hard time finding hotels. Called several places in Osa (BDC, Iguana Lodge, etc - nothing available. Called several places in Manuel Antonio - nothing available except for a efficiency, 5 nights min, at Casa Verde. Getting desparate.
I see availability at Tortuga Lodge for 3 nights - how is the Carribbean Coast in late Dec / early Jan : worth visiting, or too rainy ?
I am having much easier time in Arenal (I can get Los Lagos for 3 nights, superior room, $154). And I can get Monteverde Lodge as well for 2 nights starting Dec 29 (but not Dec 26) (did not ask price). So I could do the itinerary below
Dec 26 - 29 : Los Lagos, Arenal (3 nights)
Dec 29 - 31 : Monteverde Lodge (2 nights)
Dec 31 - Jan 2 : Tortuga Lodge (3 nights)
Jan 3 - 4 : Someplace in San Jose (2 nights)
What do the Fodorites think of this itinerary for a family of 4 (kids 12 & 9) ? Any suggestions for other places to look in MA or Osa ? I have called a lot of places, but availability is a problem, and my airfare is non-refundable...
Sunil
I see availability at Tortuga Lodge for 3 nights - how is the Carribbean Coast in late Dec / early Jan : worth visiting, or too rainy ?
I am having much easier time in Arenal (I can get Los Lagos for 3 nights, superior room, $154). And I can get Monteverde Lodge as well for 2 nights starting Dec 29 (but not Dec 26) (did not ask price). So I could do the itinerary below
Dec 26 - 29 : Los Lagos, Arenal (3 nights)
Dec 29 - 31 : Monteverde Lodge (2 nights)
Dec 31 - Jan 2 : Tortuga Lodge (3 nights)
Jan 3 - 4 : Someplace in San Jose (2 nights)
What do the Fodorites think of this itinerary for a family of 4 (kids 12 & 9) ? Any suggestions for other places to look in MA or Osa ? I have called a lot of places, but availability is a problem, and my airfare is non-refundable...
Sunil
Aug 12th, 2007, 11:35 AM
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Los Lagos is really popular for people with children, so that will probably be a hit. Sorry you couldn't book BdC; that's such a busy time of year in CR - people book up to a year ahead these days. I was going to suggest you try the Peace Lodge for your last two SJO nights; it's about an hour from the airport and is a great property if they have availability.
Where did you try in MA - Si Como No, Tulemar, Costa Verde? We stayed at Mango Moon, but at that time they didn't take children. I'd suggest you look over at tripadvisor.com; you can do a search for any town, and it will give you a list of all the hotels there, as well as reviews for them. Might be a useful tool if you haven't checked it out.
Where did you try in MA - Si Como No, Tulemar, Costa Verde? We stayed at Mango Moon, but at that time they didn't take children. I'd suggest you look over at tripadvisor.com; you can do a search for any town, and it will give you a list of all the hotels there, as well as reviews for them. Might be a useful tool if you haven't checked it out.
Aug 12th, 2007, 11:56 AM
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Hi ashta -- It looks like Hotel del Mar in Quepos has availability for 12/29-1/1. I haven't stayed here, but it appears to be a decent hotel (double beds with shared patio). Would something like this work for you?
Aug 12th, 2007, 12:13 PM
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Thanks for the tip hipvirgochick. Hotel del Mar might work - I will keep that in mind. But somehow Tortuga Lodge sounds more exciting - so I am leaning towards that while continuing research...
Sunil
Sunil
Aug 12th, 2007, 12:28 PM
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We enjoyed the Hotel California in Manuel Antonio last year. I have no idea if they have availability, but here's their website:
http://www.hotel-california.com/costa_rica/index.html
Here's a map of rainfall patterns in CR:
http://www.costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html
Looks like December is generally a rainy month for Tortuguero, but things start to dry out as January approaches so that might be a good choice for you. I know there have been reviews posted here for both the Tortuga Lodge and Monteverde Lodge. If you plug their names into the 'search this forum' box, you should be able to get some additional info.
VG's suggestion of the Peace Lodge for your final 2 nights is a good one, but it's a popular hotel and I suspect you may find they have nothing available.
You could always contact Pat Hewitt who posts here on the forum. He specializes in travel to Costa Rica, and works with a lot of hotels. He travels down there himself every year and actually owns a home in the vicinity of Monteverde. He's been helping me make some of my arrangements for this years' trip. He's been good to work with and does not charge a fee for his services.
He can be reached through this site:
http://www.lovecostarica.com/
Don't be too stressed. There are lot's of wonderful places to stay in CR. I'm sure you'll end up with a great vacation!
http://www.hotel-california.com/costa_rica/index.html
Here's a map of rainfall patterns in CR:
http://www.costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html
Looks like December is generally a rainy month for Tortuguero, but things start to dry out as January approaches so that might be a good choice for you. I know there have been reviews posted here for both the Tortuga Lodge and Monteverde Lodge. If you plug their names into the 'search this forum' box, you should be able to get some additional info.
VG's suggestion of the Peace Lodge for your final 2 nights is a good one, but it's a popular hotel and I suspect you may find they have nothing available.
You could always contact Pat Hewitt who posts here on the forum. He specializes in travel to Costa Rica, and works with a lot of hotels. He travels down there himself every year and actually owns a home in the vicinity of Monteverde. He's been helping me make some of my arrangements for this years' trip. He's been good to work with and does not charge a fee for his services.
He can be reached through this site:
http://www.lovecostarica.com/
Don't be too stressed. There are lot's of wonderful places to stay in CR. I'm sure you'll end up with a great vacation!
Aug 12th, 2007, 12:57 PM
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Hi ashta - I think including both Monteverde and Tortugero in your plans is going to involve a lot of travel time within the timeframe you have, but I agree Tortuga Lodge looks appealing. However, I think you will be missing the turtles and hitting high rainy season there, leaving you less to do in the area for 3 nights than you could have another time of year.
Aug 12th, 2007, 01:00 PM
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Getting better - both Hotel California as well as Las Cascadas also have availability Dec 26 for 3 nights in MA, so at least now I feel I have soem options. Thanks for the tips on this forum...
Aug 13th, 2007, 11:27 PM
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Make sure to do a zip line with the kids. They will love it! In Arenal it is a very high, long and fast zip line if you take the cable care to the top and take that tour. In Monteverde, the zip line involves more walking in between and is a more intimate zip line very close to the trees and in the clouds. Make sure to do the hot springs in Arenal.
