2 Weeks in Costa Rica
 

My husband and 2 boys ages 17 and 21 will be in Costa Rica in July. We are flying in and out of San Jose-we are looking for the best place to stay the 1st night in San Jose, and the 2nd night near San Ramon. Then we we are seeking the best beach and other fun activities that are at the top of the must do's in Costa Rica. I have done some research but would love in any input! We are looking for comfortable places to stay-nothing too fancy but NICE and clean! We need 3 ideas for places to stay...

We liked Grano de Oro for a first or last night. It's a nice city hotel built in an old mansion and has a great restaurant on site. Nice garden rooftop with hot tubs too.

We also really love Xandari for a first or last night - beautiful property with great views, some hiking trails with small waterfalls, and a good open air restaurant. I'd only stay there if you have a few hours to enjoy it though.

Lots of good beach locations; Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular. Check out Mango Moon, Si Como No, Buena Vista Villas, Costa Verde, Villas Nicolas, and Tulemar Bungalows. You can zipline, take a guided tour of the national park where there's lots of fairly tame wildlife, horseback ride, do mangrove tours, sail, and snorkel. Snorkeling won't be great though. The beach inside the national park is very pretty. The Guanacaste beaches are popular too.

Thank you very much-I will have fun looking into all of your suggestions!

I would suggest you look at the area south of Manuel Antonio--Dominical/Uvita which is easy to get to now that the road is paved from Quepos. It is not as over-developed as Manuel Antonio in the sense of all the trouble that brings. This area known as the Ballena Coast has just as many activities, wonderful restaurants, and beautiful beaches without all the crowds.

You're welcome - have fun!

I like the Orquideas Inn. It's located about 10 minutes from the airport, in Alajuela, which is where the airport is located. There is a pool and large hot tub, beautiful grounds and a fantastic restaurant. There is a fabulous full breakfast included in the price. Great place to stay first or last night.
Popular beaches in Guanacaste are Samara, Nosara and Tamarindo. Tamarindo is the farthest away from San Jose and the most developed. Nosara is best for surfing, and Samara has a great swimming beach.

Thanks for your suggestions i will have fun looking at all of ypur suggestions!