Has anyone stayed at the Allegro Resort Papagayo on Manzanillo beach ? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Diane:<BR><BR>I stayed there for three nights in March. It's a pretty nice place. One of the best all inclusives I've stayed in.<BR><BR>The food was really excellent and so much to choose from. Seemed like we ate even if we weren't hungry!! My hubby's standard response was "I'm starving!" It kind of got to be a joke!<BR><BR>The grounds were very nice and well kept. We stayed in building four. I heard people complaining about the noise at night and being too close to the disco/band. I was satisfied with the building we stayed in. It was nearly at the top of the hill which was kind of bad because it's nearly 100 there and the hill was HUGE!!! However, if you don't mind waiting a few minutes, there are shuttles that take you up and down the hill or up to the reception area so you don't have to walk. It really is a huge hill. <BR><BR>It didn't really seem to be a huge party atmosphere. There were drinks flowing, but we only saw one drunk person one night. However, we didn't go into the disco. I hear that there was dancing. Seemed like we were too tired at night. We would go to dinner at maybe 7 or 7:30 and then stay for the show till about 10 or 11. It was so hot when we were there that we actually looked forward to spending some time in our room which was air conditioned. <BR><BR>It is kind of a beach, more pool, type atmosphere. Everyone was constantly hanging around the pool. I'd rather be doing things and going places. Plus, the sun was extremely hot and intense like I've never felt before. I've been near the Equator several times, but this was the hottest I've felt. I started to burn in literally maybe 15 mintues. People, including the locals, tried to stay in the shade. You know when the locals stay in the shade and put sun screen on, the sun is hot<BR><BR>There are tours to do during the day. Our stay at the resort was the last leg of our tour of the country, so we had really seen what we had wanted to aleady and didn't take any day trips from the resort. I did read the list they had, however. I know the full day trip to Monteverde was like $105 and they had all the other standard trips, i.e. white water rafting, Arenal, Liberia, etc. I hear the shopping trip into Liberia is pretty fun. Another good place for shopping is Coco Beach. A boat can take you there for like $25 or so the last I heard. We did our shopping before we got there, so didn't go. You can get lots of info from the tour desk in the reception area. They seemed helpful. <BR><BR>If you have specific questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'll help in any way I can. You can also e-mail me. I can give you lots more info. I'll try to top my trip report for you. Check it out. It may give you more info. I forgot what I all wrote in it, but I think it might help.<BR><BR>Tia

Tia-<BR>Can you tell a little more about the quality of the beach? White sand? clear water? We are deciding on CR but big hang uo is finding a quality beach for some R&R after visiting the volcanos and rain forest. We are willing to spend for a place with a great beach/calm water. Any thoughts from anyone out there would be appreciated.

Amy:<BR><BR>I have a trip report specific to this resort already written. I'll e-mail it to you as it is a bit long. If you have further questions, just let me know. Be glad to help.<BR><BR>Tia

Hi Diane:<BR>The beach has brown sand and is very calm & shallow for a long distance. You can to take the pontoon shuttle to the other beach but make your reservation for the boat early that morning or the day before to ensure there is room. The beach they take you too is called Nacascol and is one of the prettiest beaches in the area. Great for snorkeling along the rocks at the south end of the beach or just around the corner from the rocks. We often take guests there when the winds are blowing in the Gulf of Papagayo and we need a protected beach. Arrange for snorkel gear at the Fun Club desk where you made your reservation (under the stairs by the pool) Palo Verdi River tour is approx. a two hour drive from the hotel and is one of the best tours to see wildlife. I know private tour operators charge around $75.00 which includes lunch and a stop at the Wild Cat Animal Refuge. There is also a new canaopy tour ( Witches Rock Canopy Tour) which is a 15 min. walk from the hotel which is reasonably priced at $35.00 Mud bathes, hiking and horseback riding are available at Rincon Volcano which will be a 2 hr drive from the hotel. All of these tours are available through TAM or Swiss Travel at the reception desk or you can book them with private, insured operators outside the hotel. Over the years I have been refering guests to private operators due to the personalized tours they offer. You have a guide to yourself who will stop anywhere you want, shopping, snacks, etc... without making multiple time consuming stops to pick up other guests at various hotels. For more information on private tours talk to Earl, the Dive Instructor at the pool, he owns Diving Safaris and will give you more information. Another little tip. There is a market during the week offering handi crafts (in the pavillion by the pool) The same items are for sale in Playa del Coco much, much cheaper by the same vendors! You will probably want to go to Coco sometime during your stay for a variety of restaurants, bars, shopping etc. there is also a bank there and a grocery store called Super Luperon. This is the best place to buy coffee and groceries at reasonable prices. Playa del Coco is a small fishing village and is definately worth a visit even if it's only to visit Louis at Tequila Bar and sample his seafood and margaritas. Have fun and if you need anymore info, just post it! <BR><BR>Michael

Any info on these three hotels will be appreciated: MARRIOTT LOS SUENOS AND CARIBBEAN VILLAGE FIESTA IN PUNTARENAS, OCCIDENTAL ALLEGRO PAPAGAYO IN GUANACASTE. If possible, tours and prices. My daughter and I will go there in August. Thanks

Loulou,<BR>I have not stayed at any of these as I personally perfer smaller properties, but I'd be real leary of the Caribbean Village in Puntarenas. In fact, if you don't have reservations, I would not make any. This area is about as ugly as Costa Rica can get, the beach is awful and the town is dirty with nothing to due. Stick to the other two resorts!

I agree 100% with Ally.<BR>Check this site for a new trip report from someone who just returned from Allergo Papagayo<BR>http://www.infocostarica.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/000011.html<BR>

Dear Ally<BR>Thanks for your reply. Can you recommend a smaller but safe and beautiful place to stay? Thank you

Loulou, depending on what area you want to stay in, we liked Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo, but were there when they first opened. They did not have the new building of rooms (only 6 cabinas at the time) so it was probably more 'quiet' then. As I understand it, this is a very 'family' friendly resort so may be a lot of kids, but it's a beautiful hotel on the beach in Tamarindo. We also like the Harbor Reef in Nosara. The whole area is much more quiet than Tamarindo. Long stretch of beautiful beach with very little people. Harbor Reef has a good restaurant too, but if a pool is important to you, theirs is the smallest I've ever seen! Villa Taype, also in Nosara used to be our favorite, but last time we were there (a couple years ago) the rooms were in disrepare so we decided to go to Harbor Reef instead. But, Villa Taype includes breakfast and has a great pool. Our most recent favorite is Tropical Latino in Mal Pais. Great little cabinas and great beach, with a a National Park nearby. It's a small town that stretches along the beach and although it's small, there are good places to eat too! For seclusion in Osa area with nothing (no restaurant or stores) within walking distance but jungle and beaches, we liked Rancho Almendros in Cabo Matapalo. Excellent hiking and wildlife. It's just down the hill from Lapa Rios which gets excellent reviews but is very expensive. We walked there from Rancho Almendros and it is impressive, just not in our price range. Let's see...if you want a more 'toursity' area, Manuel Antonio has several nice choices. Costa Verde and Villa Nicolas are good options, (Costa Verde is the largest hotel we've stayed at in our 7 trips) as well as Hotel California, which I've not tried yet, but hear good things about it. Have fun deciding!

A few smaller hotels to check out in Guanacaste - northern zone<BR>Ocotal<BR>http://www.ocotalresort.com/index.html<BR>http://www.costa-rica-hotels-travel.com/<BR>http://www.amerisol.com/costarica/lodging/losalmendros/aboutus.html<BR>Hermosa<BR>http://www.worldofdiving.com/html/solplaya.htm<BR>http://www.costa-rica-hotels-vacation.com/<BR><BR>Tamarindo<BR>http://www.tamarindo.com/sdmar/<BR>http://www.hotelcapitansuizo.com/<BR><BR>I'm sure someone else can make suggestions on other places further south. Have fun!!!<BR><BR>

Michael,<BR>Are you the guy who has the catamaran in the northern area?<BR>I'm contemplating a trip to the northern area of CR as I've not been further north of Tamarindo yet. How familiar are you with the hotels you mentioned? Sol Playa Hermosa is too big for me at 100 rooms, and I assume Ocotal Beach Resort is also large as they have 3 swimming pools..what about the others? Do you know their size? Thanks!

Hello Ally:<BR>Yes, I'm the owner of the Spanish Dancer. I'm familiar with all the hotels in this area having worked with them on referrals and living here. Although I prefer the smaller intimate hotels too, everyone has different wants and needs so I try to provide a variety of options on properties that offer good service. Sol Playa is a nice resort right on the beach. It is positioned on the side of a steep hill but shuttles are provided and are operating constantly, every 15 min. A new restaurant which has fantastic food and incredible views. Villa de Sueno is back off the beach (10 min walk) but is one of the nicest places in the area with excellent food, live band playing 3 nights a week and wonderful hosts. The beach itself isn't overly developed but has a number of restaurants, small hotels and a grocery store within walking distance. There are also a dozen Cabinas in the area that are clean basic lodging for about $25.00 a night.<BR> Another area that has a quiet, safe beach is Playa Ocotal, where Ocotal Resort is located. Again smaller properties would be Villa Casa Blanca, my favorite. 10 min walk to a great snorkeling beach. Wonderful breakfasts, jungle like setting and very relaxing. Los Amendros is also on the beach with facilities more toward families with 2 - 3 bedroom condos.<BR>If you need more specific info just post or email me. Let me know if you want beach front, services, tours, night life, price range etc. <BR>Villa Casa Blanca has about 12 rooms and private villas for rent while Villa de Sueno has about 15 rooms with private villas. There are also tons of private villas back off the beach for rent by week or month but can be expensive.<BR><BR>Kind Regards<BR>Michael<BR>http:www.//spanishdancercharters.com<BR><BR>

Thanks Michael! I'll be in touch! I want to go out on your boat!

A great spot for a drink " The Monkey Bar"

Free Margaritas for ladies on Sundays with live band. Donato's pizza on Mondays. Great spot!!!!