4 Families - MA or Flamingo/Conchal Area?
 

We are 4 families (kids are 5-15) traveling to Costa Rica in February 2008 for 11 days. Staying at Peace Lodge first night, Arenal 3-4 nights and want to wrap up the trip on the Pacific ocean.

Everyone recommends MA but it sounds like Flamingo is one of the nicest beaches. I'm a bit confused! Why is MA so highly rated when accomodations are rarely on the beach?

Thanks! We are so looking forward to this trip!!!

Oh ya... I forgot to mention we are not into all-inclusives, casinos or big resort-type hotels. We would like a house on the beach or perhaps a group of cabins or bungalows.

Thanks!

The selling point at MA has never been being on the beach, it's the beautiful view. The nicest beach at MA is inside the park. Along with the beach you get a nice experience in the park which is a great place to see coatis, monkeys and sloths. I haven't been to Flamingo so I can't compare.

I am an expat and have lived in this region for more than 15 years. I am a tour guide. I specialize in sports fishing., but am familiar with all the tourist activities in Costa Rica. I like to help people and would like to share my experience in this forum.
for your question.
pezce lodge is OK,
for Arenal i love Rancho margot,this is an organic farm very private with nice things to do.
for M-A and Flamingo.
the both are nice but different.M-A offer more ecotourism than Flamingo.and Flamingo is more expensive than M-A.and you will have more choise about cabinas and inexpensive room from M-A.you can also go to dominical,and punta uvita,more wild and with less tourism.
if you need more info just ask
bye.

My God...now days anybody knows everything about my country!!

Flamingo is a very nice beach...but the American influence is big there!!

Manuel Antonio...is a National PArk...a lot more wild life...the vegetation is great...a lot of excellent options matching almost anybodies budget...and the views from some hotels are just spectacular!!

The only little hotel that I like on the beach or very close to is Hotel Espadilla...the rest as you said they are located on the top of the hill!!

Hotel Cala Luna in Tamarindo Beach offer some great villas...check tulemar.net another good option in Manuel Antonio!!

R.A Luis

The big difference between Flamingo and Manuel Antonio is what is available to do. There are a lot more options in Manuel Antonio imo. There are still things you can do from Flamingo just not in Flamingo. If you are going to just relax and hang out on the beach check out VRBO for house rentals by the beach. Although there are a few big hotels like the 4 seasons and others most hotels/lodges in Costa Rica are independently owned and not huge mega structures. There are Barcelos of course and Marriotts but plenty of choices away from those. Costa Rica is nothing like Cancun.