gailching

For my last 2 nights before returning to Canada, I was thinking of staying at Orquideas or Buena Vista which are really close to the airport. From these hotels, I was going to do day trips to Sarchi/Grecia and Orosi Valley...

but then I thought maybe we should splurge on Vista Del Valle - but I'm not sure exactly where it is relative to the places I want to go and also to the airport. Is it in Alejuela? Are all the hotels essentially in the same area?

Any opinions?

thanks.

gailching

anybody know? Vista just seems to be a further, not sure how far or in which direct and if it is far enough to be worth the inconvenience.

glover

I was trying to remember from when we stayed there. It didn't seem more than half and hour. I notice that there web site says 20 mins west of the airport, so that's probably accurate. They fetched us from the airport and delivered us back the next day - both on time. I believe we had the famous driver (whose name I'm blanking - he works for Vista and many others hire him too). Be aware though that it's not free transport. Have forgotten what they charged us for those trips, but it wasn't peanuts. Nevertheless Vista is well worth doing in my opinion. Don't know the other hotels so can't comment on those. Did you look at the little map on Vista's website? Doesn't look to be far from Sarchi/Grecia.

MarciaM

I think you would really enjoy Vista del Valle. It is a warm and friendly place with beautiful grounds and excellent food. It is 20 minutes from the airport. They will pick you up and take you back to the airport. The cost is $20 each way. It is just off the Pan American Highway in the coffee plantation and orange grove area overlooking a beautiful gorge. It takes about 10 minutes to get to Sarchi, and around 15 - 20 minutes to Grecia. They are very helpful in giving you advice on any places you want to visit in the area. Have a great trip, and tell us about it when you get back.

Marcia

shillmac

Las Orquideas isn't exactly a quick drive to the airport, actually. Takes about 15 min. Vista del Valle, no more than 20. Both are good choices, but VdV was quite a treat, in my opinion. I like Las Orquideas for different reasons--price, proximity to the highway leading toward Poas, etc.