temj

I'm trying to find feedback on this property. The web sites and other chat forums I go to are strangely silent on this place. I have a week long stay there coming up and am curious to find out how nice it is, how convenient it is to attractions, if we need a car while there, etc. <BR>Please help. Thank you.

Joyce

Did you stay there? I'm also interested in using my Marriott Reward points to stay @ Los Suenos. Please give me any feedback. Thanks

Shawn

I'll also be staying at the Los Suenos Marriott in June. I've heard great things about this hotel - it's a brand new resort that is the first step in upscaling the area around Jaco (a surfer town). The hotel is supposed to be very luxurious and for US folks, most Marriott staff at all their hotels are required to be able to speak English. I've even seen the hotel receive a write-up in National Geographic's new Costa Rico Guide book and is usually listed as a four-star. I'll let you know when I get back...

Joni Ciarletta

It is a mega resort and there has been a lot of controversy about it; most hotels are small and quaint and somehow this one was allowed to be built although it is very out of scale compared to the other hotels in the area. I stayed at Villa Caletas which is only a few kms away (I had a horrible stay there because they were renovating and were actually still working on the room I was staying in. Just awful). We used several of the same guides and taxi drivers as Los Suenos. The tours were fantastic. Individualized guides who spoke very fluent english. So, for example, when you book the tours tell them you are interested in birdwatching and they will make sure the guide is a birder. One of the taxi drivers who came from Los Suenos didn't speak any english at all but it was good practice for me to use my high school spanish and we managed to communicate well enough. <BR> <BR>Good luck! Post a trip report when you get back. Next time I go back I plan to avoid Villa Caletas like the plague but I am considering staying at Los Suenos so I am eager to hear what you have to say about it. <BR> <BR>Joni

sue

Just returned from Marriott Los Suenos and it was lovely. Brand new, clean, very nicely landscaped with a huge, lagoon-like pool, and a very helpful staff, all of whom spoke fairly good English. There are organized tours to all the attractions, which I heard are very good, according to other guests. We liked going off on our own, however. Carara Biological Reserve is about 20 minutes north, as is the Aqua Viva Waterfall and a canopy walk at Villa Lapas. I recommend that you have a drink at the ampitheatre at sunset at Villa Caletas, about a 15 minute ride north, for an absolutely spectacular view. Manuel Antonio National Park is an hour and a half south, but is absolutely spectacular -- rain forest and beautiful beaches. The ride from San Jose is long (over 2 hours) over a serpentine mountain road, but the views are great. Enjoy your trip!

Sari

My husband and I just made reservations for Los Suenos in January 2002 using a Marriott reward. I understand the beach isn't good at all. The rooms are listed as standard with this reward and I'm hoping they do not face a parking lot. Has anyone utilized a reward staying here? Any information would be appreciated. From what I've read we're planning on a canopy tour - seeing the volcano - and trying to see Leatherback Turtles. What else? Is there a shuttle to the hotel? We can take a shuttle and book tours or rent our own car. Comments, please! Thanks. <BR>Sari

Dix & Ellen

We stayed there for a few nights last spring (after checking out of an absolutely horrible property). We loved the Marriott Los Suenos! The beach isn't the best, but the bay was beautiful and the beauty of the grounds and pool area are picture postcard perfect. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. <BR> <BR>I can't say that we chose all the right places to go... We did, however, love our trip to Manuel Antonio and the drive back to the San Jose airport was beautiful (rainy day, up and over the mountains)!

top

Topping.

drew

topping...<BR><BR>Considering a January trip on Marriott points...2 single guys in mid 30s...looking for relaxation and some hiking, snorkeling, and getting away from it all. Like to sit on a beach and not be hassled...<BR><BR>Sounds like the beach at the hotel is not top notch...is there a great beach near by? If so, how safe is it? <BR><BR>What is the best way to get to the hotel from San Jose? I see others have rented cars...is it a good idea or should we do it at the hotel and just use it for day trips? <BR><BR>Consensus seems to be bring plenty of DEET, but not to get shots...thoughts? <BR><BR>Have stayed in nice resorts on Maui and the Virgin Islands and Mexico...not expecting 5 star luxury, but want a safe, clean, no stress vacation...is this the place for me?

joe

I was there in Oct. 2002. (the green season) It's a very nice resort, but it has the worst beach I've ever seen at a beach front resort. Looked like a gravel pit. Golf in that humidity? Not me. CR is a great country and wonderful people

Drew

Thanks Joe --<BR><BR>Is there a good beach near the hotel? Are people constantly trying to sell you stuff (trinkets, drugs, etc.)?

joe

Drew,<BR><BR>There isn't anyone on the beach at the Marriott. You are a 10 min. ride from Jaco. There are hotels in and near Jaco, but I have not stayed in any. Check out the Beatle Bar. I was in CR in Oct of 2002 and was never bothered by anyone trying to sell stuff on the beach. Try the beaches just past Jaco for good sand...or to Manuel Antonio for great beaches.<BR><BR>Joe

Drew

Thanks again Joe --<BR><BR>One last question...how do you suggest getting from San Jose airport to the hotel? Should we rent a car at the airport and drive? How safe did you feel driving around during the day and during the night?

thomas

ttt

Joe

Sorry for the delay I was just in CR from the 3rd - 10th. I rented a car for the week at the airport and drove to Arenal, Cocoa, Jaco, Quepos and back to San Jose. Do not drive any distance at night. From San Jose to Los Suenos is a fairly easy drive, but with narrow and curvy roads. Make sure you stop at the Croc bridge once you get on the beach road to L.S. Don't know the name of the river, but it's the only long bridge around and there are vendors set up on the far side. Usually 15 - 20 crocs hanging out there.<BR><BR>I believe you can get a taxi from the airport to L.S. for about $100.<BR><BR>If you rent a car, keep it locked and take your valuables with you. Park where it will be guarded. I had no problem with theft. On the drug thing, while I did not see any, there were lots of shops in Jaco and Quepos that sold weed pipes and I did smell some smoke....One other thing on L.S. After you pay for the roon, be careful about the extras. $11 drinks at the bar, expensive phone charges to the states, expensive internet. Stayed a night in Jaco at the Copacabana for $75. single. Right on the beach, small, clean and very close to the Jaco action.<BR><BR>Have fun,<BR><BR>Joe

Drew

Thanks Joe...great advice!