As embarrassing as this question is, I have to give a brief background first (i'm a little verbose but I'll try to be brief). I have always planned our trips last minute and don't usually have a problem. I was trying to plan a trip to Belize, just to do something different than CR but airfare was hovering between 600./700. for the last 2 months - I just couldn't justify this - not when air to South America is less right now. I then turned my thought s to Panama b/c air was $177. (wow!!) but all the places I wanted to stay were booked. I considered Argentina/Chile but honestly, I don't think I can handle planning that last minute - too overwhelming - just a note to a few people that gave advice re: Belize/Tikal and Arg./Chile- I bookmarked the info you gave for a later date and REALLY appreciate the advice!

That being said, I'm back in my comfort zone...lol and have just received an email from Leonardo that BDC has availability and airfare is CHEAP!!! My question to the regulars (Tully, shillmac, volcanogirl, atdahl, hipvirgochick, and others) is has anyone stayed in Vista Mar?? or in the tropical garden area (Teka, Almendra, La Paz). We have several options - these places have the most. We could also move between standard cabinas and deluxe cabinas but we would definitely have to change rooms at some point if we stay at least 4 nites. I tried to check some of the posts already on here but not as familiar with this new forum setup and my time is tight.

Also, we are debating splitting our time between BDC and the dominical area again or somewhere else?? We have already been to Monteverde, Arenal, MA, suburbs of San Jose, and the Guanacaste (all-inclusive Gulf of Papagayo) area. Had thought about Tortuguero but not sure if want to do that b/c if we do 4 nites in BDC I don't necessarily want to spend 4 in Tortuguero (too long?) and I don't want to move as much this trip - 2 locations are enough.

Thanks in advance for your input!!
Steph

Hi, Steph - we haven't stayed in the garden cabins, but we poked around in them just out of curiosity. The one we looked at didn't have walls. It would have freaked me out, but if you're a real nature lover, you might love it. I think 4 nights would be too long in Tortuguero; we've been looking at a trip there, and most people stay two nights. I know you don't want to move, but have you though about doing white water rafting on the Pacuare when you get to San Jose, then going to Tortuguero for two nights, and then finishing at BdC? Tortuguero and the Pacuare just get such good reviews, and they're things you haven't gotten to do before. Looking forward to hearing about your trip!

steph - ah the long arm of CR followed you around the Americas and pulled you back It's an easy choice when you know what you're getting will be good! Couple things....whatever you decide on cabina-wise, if it's not exactly what you want, I wouldn't mind too much til you get there - seems often those set-ups sort themselves out by the time you get there, due to maybe someone not showing up, or changing cabinas etc. The 2 garden cabinas - la paz & almendra are indeed both open, no walls - definitely an experience if you're up for that. Casa Teka is a small house with a small kitchenette, the bedrooms are closed in I believe. None would have a view of the water but probably have intense wildlife spotting. Have been in Vista Mar, it's right next to, actually attached by a covered walkway, to Kim & Phil's house and is underneath the office. It is private however, with sliding glass doors, a small patio, a fantastic view (lots of trees but the ocean gehind), there is an outdoor shower and tub, an armoire & bed. It's little smaller than the cabinas but perfectly kitted up, myself personally I would probably stay there. They have some nice pics of each at http://osapixels.com/boscabo/lodging...ons/index.html

As far as afterwards, have you checked out in the Dominical/Uvita area a place called Shelter from the Storm? Staying there in June and Donna has been most helpful. She even got me a great discount on the Solid rental car I'm getting (which has offices in Dominical, SJO and Puerto Jiminez) if you were thinking of driving. I like the location as it's a great base for exploring and at Shelter I like the individual villas but hands-on ownership.

Let us know what you decide!

Thanks for the responses - I just got back from dinner.
volcanogirl - It had crossed my mind about tort. for 2 nites (i followed some of your posts when you were talking about going there) BUT we have a friend that was actually doing building/work in the Jaco area the last 2 or 3 years and he had a horror story about white water rafting...i mean a true HORROR story and since i'm not much of a swimmer to begin with, it has stuck in my head...yes i know there are reputable vs. non reputable tours but for me...i don't know if i could do it now (my husband would love to do that though..)
tully - I'm so glad you reminded me of Shelter...you suggested that last year when we went but it was booked and we ended up at Villas Gaia..maybe i'll give it a shot again!!!

Thanks for the info on the tropical garden places...i didn't really get a chance to check them out last vacation...i think i could handle the nature although i've had enough scorpion encounters the last few trips to last me a life time...ick!!

As far as Vista, this may seem like an odd question, but do you think it will be quiet?? When we were there last year, kim and phil had just had the "little one" and we were in casa blanca...I was never bothered at night but the couple with us said they heard the baby at night on occasion...just curious about the privacy since it is right beside them??

thanks again!

Oh, and tully, i know what you mean about the set-ups sorting themselves out...we noticed that when we were there last time...people were moving around - relocating, etc.
While i was getting a massage, my hubby did get to check out a deluxe cabina w/ loft which he said was really nice...

I think it'd be fine, Ben is a pretty good boy He's almost 15 months now. And as I said, it's close and attached but still there is space between....not good at estimating feet/meters. Or you could always move btwn cabinas too as you mentioned, I know they would make it easy for you, just to leave bags out, go out for a hike and voila!

wow!! he seemed so tiny when we were there - would never have guessed he was 3 months then - my grandson is 16 months so i can relate and just found out we have another on the way...
that's cool - i was just curious..like i said, i never heard him anyway...only the howlers in the am and the coatis having a party on our roof lol
i'm going to get a good night's sleep - have been so #$!* stressed about this vacation - not my usual...

Hi Steph, Hubby and I stayed in Casa Teka the last trip to BdC during March of '07. The cabin itself was nice because it had an open feeling with the kitchen and the large deck. However, it can get quite hot there during the nightime and you don't have the breezes from the Pacific like you do in the other houses. That said, we did OK and since there is so much to do there during the days, you do fall asleep rather quickly. It gets REALLY DARK back there. One night, some animal (we think a cotamundi) came onto the deck and tried to take my husbands shoe which he left by the couch.

This time around though, we are sharing Casa Blanca with another Fodorite couple. If you have a choice, go with the rooms that are not in the garden.

Here is the plan so far - looks like we have Vista Mar for our first 4 nites and then we are going to do Shelter from the storm our next 4 nites yea!! (glad you reminded me tully!!) and then 2 nites somewhere on the way out if all goes as planned. I'm posting another question on here about connecting flights, i'm sure someone will have an idea - if we have an approx. 11:40 am arrival can we make one of the sansa or nature air flights to get down to Bosque the same day - 1:55 or 3:15 were the times i think?? I asked Leonardo in my email but it doesn't look like i'll hear from him until tomorrow now...
i can't believe i've put this together in a little over 48 hrs since i sent my inquiry to BDC...i'm getting excited!! wait til you hear our dates....i don't want to jinx myself so can't tell you yet

oh and thanks mixter, you convinced me to not do the garden - i remember how dark it was in casa blanca at nite - can't imagine the garden area....too funny about the shoe!

If the 1:55 is on Sansa, you "should" be okay I would think, as long as no delay in arriving and you try to get ahead of the crowd at immigration. Sounds like a really great plan! Please tell Donna hello for me (Pasha) at SFTS.

Which villa are you looking at? I think you will be fine in Vista Mar, I know Kim has said they get a lot of monkeys over there.

That's so funny, Darryl asked me who referred me and I said she's "tully" on fodor's...lol
Baja las rocas?? they are holding until they get our payment....just need to hear from BDC tomorrow and we're set. Probably stop in MA on the way out - we're just staying in our comfort zone this trip which is good since it is REALLY soon...
Thanks for advice on air...
Steph

Shelter from the Storm looks amazing. Can't wait to hear what you guys think!

me too!!! the owners are so helpful...they have sent me so much stuff already!
i just finalized my spirit flight - this buying your seat, luggage stuff is terrible!!

i'm tired of my suitcase - it weighs like 12 lbs!! which bag is it you guys talk about? the weekender??

Yep, the weekender convertible bag from www.ebags.com. Someone on the board recommended it and several of us are now have them. Very easy to tote around.

thx - may be a last minute purchase

I have a weekender too in purple. I love it.

When is your trip Steph? I'm staying in Baja las Rocas while Tully's in the Monkey House.

Yes, please take some pics of hip and I's digs

steph - may or may not but my 2 fave duffle bags I bought at TJ Maxx for like $20. Packing cubes also help tons especially if you're packing in a duffle/backpack as it really helps organizing stuff.

Hey, hip, I'm purple too! UPS delivered my weekender bag to the wrong house, and the people liked it so much they kept it. I finally had UPS track it, and they had to go over and retrieve it from the people - lol.