My best friend and I are planning our first trip to CR in the JUNE. Yes, we WANT the green season the first part of our trip is all planned but we can't agree on the last part. Where to stay in the Northern Pacific area AFter several days in Arenal we want to relax and enjoy some peaceful down time. maybe swim, enjoy the beach, snorkel. see a local town and enjoy the frienly culture. We can't seem to agree on where to stay. We DON"T want a big 5 star hotel with a golf coure that looks like it could be anywhere USA. We also don't want to be so secluded that a road is impassable becuase of weather. WE WANT amazing views, service nice accomodations and close to the beach as we are not renting a car-we are too chicken of getting lost We don't want a party place (we are both moms without kids for this trip! ) but still close enough to a town that we could go in for dinner on a night and feel safe.

Thanks so much!

I just stayed at Conchal Hotel in Brasilito. It seems to have a lot of what you've listed except a view. Maybe head over to Trip Advisor and check out the reviews -- I've just submitted mine, but it won't go live for a couple days.

Honestly, if you're not looking for a fancy-schmancy place, this hotel really fits the bill: about a 13 minute easy walk to Playa Conchal (one of the most beautiful beaches in CR), yet in a regular beach town -- pretty undeveloped but with many restaurants to choose from. The hotel is very clean, small, intimate, personable, very homey -- and really affordable. Absolutely no need for a car -- beach, restaurants, stores all within walking distance. I would call it comfortable but by no means luxury.

All kinds of people were staying here -- young couples, middle aged and older couples, some single friends. There is a bit of traffic noise as it's located on the main road through town, but otherwise, it's a peaceful place.

I'm working on a trip report of the area, but I keep getting sidetracked! Anyway, give it a look.

www.lafinisterra.com nice boutique hotel in North Nicoya...

Thanks! I will look into both suggestions. And take any others!

So, after many more hours learning about the beaches and accomodations in the NP. I think, at least for today we are going to hed to Hermosa. Would have been great to stay at laya Conchal if the dreaded massive oversized first-world property werent monopolizing the beuty of that beach.

As of now we have La finisterra, El Velero, Villa del Sueño, and Bosque del Mar Hotel. ANY suggestions? Trust me, I check trip advisor every day. thanks!

I second Plumboy's rec on Conchal Hotel in Brasilito. We were there for 4 nights last March while volunteering at the local school, absolutely loved it. The owner, Simon, will go out of his way to help you with anything along with his manager, Ginette. Great little town, beautiful beaches, best coconut shrimp ever at Outback Jack's, snorkeling trips available, mangrove swamp or all sorts of tours. It's a quiet, laid back little town, not many hotels so not overrun with visitors. Conchal Hotel is not right on the beach, short walk away.

Even though it's too bad about the mega-resort at Playa Conchal, you really don't notice it. I have to give them some credit for being discreet. It's set far enough back and it's not high rises -- you don't see it all unless you go back and look for it. And, maybe in some ways, it keeps development from getting crazy there -- that beach is so beautiful, there would be a million high rise condos if they didn't own the whole property. It really is a very quick walk from Brasilito. But, yes, Conchal Hotel is not ON the beach.

Meant to say, you don't see it AT all unless you go back and look for it.

thanks so much! we will keep it on our now..much shorter list!

I can add a bit on those hotels in Hermosa..........
La Finisterra is supposed to be a great place to stay but it can be a tough walk to get anywhere in the heat of the day because the place is up on a hill. Good restaurant and view.
Villa del Sueno has a very romantic restaurant and is also a short walk to the beach. Rooms are nice.
Bosque del Mar has just been completely renovated thus the high prices. I love the location, right on the beach and the restaurant is great.....haven't see the new rooms.
I've stayed at El Velero many times because of it's location right on the beach but management had let the place get pretty run down. I haven't seen the place in over a year but the bar and restaurant can be very lively. Pool is awkward...when last there, owner had removed all the chairs to make more room in the restaurant.

Thanks for the great info JS- that's all really helpful. How is the beach and area around Hermosa? Even each of the different travel guides describes it a little bit different- "not the best" beautiful" Golden beach" dark and dirty, I think the only thing they agree on is that it has sand that is not white and that the town is not a party town. We are also considering Nicoya Pen. Any thoughts on one vs. the other?