We will be taking our 1st trip to Cr in Feb. and have a number of questions. First of all for Manuel Antonio we've found a wonderful Villa but Im a little nervous regarding safety after reading some of the "theft " reports. Are we more likely to have problems staying in a private villa than we might staying at a hotel. Do we have to be concerned about break in's for example. Is this a real problem there or is it many the car theft issues or pickpocketing problems.
Secondly ,hubby and I are not the real adventurous type. We'll do a little bit of hiking but 5 or 6 hours of it would be way too much for us. As part of our trip(which will be a 3 weeker ending at the 4 seasons) we're trying to decide between Arenal and Osa. Since very few properties in Osa have A/C (Ive only found 2-Parrot Bay and Crocodile Bay)we're limited as to where we would stay. As I said not being the real adventurous type would we be better off in Arenal. Would we have to work real hard to appreciate the beauty or wildlife of Osa given the limitations on our hotel that Ive indicated.Any and all assistance appreciated

Also we were wondering about driving distances as follows: San Jose to Manuel Antonio, M.A to Carara, Carara to Arenal, Aranal to Playa Comchal, Playa Conchal to 4 Seasons, and 4 Seasons back to San Jose

From what you have described and what I have heard about Osa & Corcovado, I'm thinking you would be better off visiting Arenal.

Let me see if I can help just a bit. In regard to the theft problem, it does happen, but we have NEVER had one problem in many trips. There are simply things you can do to greatly minimize your risk, and that helps.

As far as theft from the rooms, I haven't heard of that at all. I wouldn't worry if I were you. Having said that, we do try to make sure we have a safety deposit box in our room. Most do.

Adventure: Arenal and the Osa are both beautiful places. You won't have to "work" any at all to be able to appreciate these areas. There are activities nearly everywhere you go geared to your preference easy, moderate, or difficult. Don't fret this one.

As for the travel times, this is what you can expect:

San Jose-Manuel Antonio: 3 1/2-4 hr
Manuel Antonio-Carara:1 hr.to 1 1/2 hr
Carara-Arenal: 4 1/2---5 hour
Arenal-Conchal: 4 hr to 4 1/2 hr.
Conchal-4 Seasons: 1 1/2 hr.
4 Seasons-San Jose: 4/5 hr.

Of course, you know these times are always DEPENDING. These lengths have been OUR experience as we have made every one of the drives you mentioned.

You will be amazed at the beauty of the country, the friendliness of the people. You will be able to experience pretty much whatever type of activities you are comfortable with. Suggestion: If you haven't already, buy yourself a good travel book on Costa Rica (2003 edition at least) and a good map before you go.
Then just have a great time! February should be a nice month for travel to C. R.

In regard to LA FadeAway's comments (and I know what he means as far as the Osa being more strenous to explore), we have not been there, but I have researched it a great deal. From what I can gather, this area, too, can be enjoyed at each person's comfort level. You don't HAVE to do the 6 or 7 hour Corcovado hike. There is plenty to do and enjoy without the strenuous stuff.

Shillmac...Im really not concerned about theft from any of the hotel rooms or hotel villa's. What I was asking is whether anyone has any knowledge regarding thefts, B&E's from private villas and houses that are available for rent. We've found a wonderful private villa available for rent in MA and Im a tad nervous. The info we've received from the rental agent does indicate that there is a security guard for this home and the surrounding residences(but this has actually made me a tad more nervous....as in what do they need it for ?) Hubby says Im being paranoid...am I ? Anyone with experience in these kinds of rentals..thanks for all the other info everyone so far

Sorry I misunderstood, Luckybee! About the private villa, who can say? I have noticed this. . .we have stayed at many small hotels who hire a security guard to sit up all night and keep an eye on the property. It seems to be a pretty good deterrent. I think that if your villa comes with a security person, then you should have no worries. I truly believe that most of the theft situations in C. R. happen when people are careless, unaware, etc. In other words, when it happens, often it is because it has been made easy and quick work for someone. If I were in your shoes, I, too, would be a "tad" nervous, but probably not enough to keep me from renting the private villa if it seems like a good deal! Just know that the "security guard" thing is very common and typical. If you leave something completely unguarded, that is when you have a problem. These persons who "specialize" know what is protected and what isn't. For the most part, we have always, without exception, felt very secure everywhere we have stayed.

We just returned from 5 days in Manuel Antonio and had no trouble with crime. We stayed in a small hotel and just kept important documents, money, jewelry, etc. in the safe in our room. I think the hype about crime is a little much--just be vigilant (never keep anything in the car and always lock your doors) and I don't think you'll have any problems. Also, driving from San Jose to MA took us about 3.5 hours, although on the way back when we knew the roads more it only took us 2.5--depends on how fast you're willing to drive!

Thanks for the advice

In 12 years of travel in CR I have never had a problem but have heard a lot of horror stories. Most of it is common sense like leaving the jewelry home. More and more hotels are putting in room safes but not all do have them. I would check with the hotel/lodge to see if they have a safe or a safe place that you can put stuff if you are worried.
As far as guards are concerned. that is common practice down there. Most places that I have been to do have dogs or a guard and sometimes both. I have been to very few places that didn't have one.