I read a post from someone on another board that a newspaper in Costa Rica stated yesterday that EVERY hotel in the country is booked solid for the week of Christmas and New Years.

I know it's peak season but it's hard to believe the "Every" part of that statement.

Can anyone share their experiences of trying to find a hotel for that time period at the last minute...or within a couple months before Christmas?

Ally, I saw the same newspaper article. Can't remember which one-may have been a.m. Costa Rica. It did indeed say that all 17,000 hotel rooms (400 hotels) were booked solid. I, too, wondered if that were true, but it IS what it said. Chances are there are a few relatively unknown places in out of the way locations that have vacancies. I thought of a little bed and breakfast in San Joaquin where my husband and I stayed for a night this summer. I can't think anyone would know about it to book it! So probably there are a few places available--if one knew where to find them!

The same article said tourism was up 25% over last year, and is expected to continue the upward trend. Good for the Ticos, I guess, if they will handle it wisely! Good for you, going into business down there! Not so good for those of us who like to go there without running into swarms of "tourists"--speaking strictly of those who could care less about the Ticos and their culture!

About 3 weeks ago, I helped a friend book a trip to Arenal and Manual Antonio over Christmas. It was almost impossible to find a room at a hotel there(outside of hostel type places). In fact, at MA they'll have to switch rooms mid-stay.

It was in this past Sunday's La Nación. The article commented that even the Caribbean is booked solid for Christmas-New Year's week. That surprises me knowing how rainy it is there in December. But, yes, good for them.

Many Costa Ricans travel over the holidays, and the article made the point of saying that most are staying in CR this year.

I have been in touch with our friend Neta, and she states they are very, very busy at Finca Que Ama, but only a couple days are fully booked. She also says she knows that there are some rooms available in San Jose, but that the beaches are full.

Good news for us when we open.

What is your projected opening? Do you think by next summer or the next? I have no idea how fast these things happen down there!

We 'hope' to open by Nov. '05, but I personally think that's pushing it! It does take a while to get things done there, especially for a hotel, even a small one. I would say it may be closer to Jan-Feb '06.....however our architect is great and is really trying to keep our Nov. 05 date. We know she'll do the best she can!

I'm sure she will. Neta was very thankful she followed the earthquake specs when planning La Finca! Keep us posted!

Ally,
Can you email me andrew at selectsmallhotels dot com...

I have an interesting project that might be of interest to you (to any small hotel owner actually) and I would love to talk to you - I will be up in CR early in the new year - not sure when and we could maybe meet...

Cheers,
Andrew