Just lost a trip report that I spent a good hour working on and don't have the time to do it all over. So, because I was able to benefit from so many other Fodorites experiences, I will briefly indicate where we went and if anyone has any questions. post back here and I will get back to you. Our family of four (two teens)spent 8 fabulous days at the following places:<BR>Vista del Valle - Alajuela<BR>Sueno del Mar - Tamarindo<BR>Hotel Tilawa - Tilaron<BR>Arenal Country Inn - La Fortuna<BR>Hotel Buena Vista - Alajuela<BR>With the exception of Hotel Tilawa which should be removed from Fodor's completely, we would not hesitate to recommend any of the other accommodation. We rented a 4x4 Jeep (highly advised) from Adobe Rent a Car who will deliver and pick up from your hotel. Although the drivers were the worst we have ever seen and the roads many times precarious, we would definitely rent again for the freedom it gives you to explore. One other note, the only ATM in Tamarindo did not accept our debit or credit cards and many of the restaurants there don't take credit cards so take enough cash to get you through. Thanks to everyone who helped us prepare for a wonderful experience. Pura vida!<BR>

Barb,<BR>Thanks for the report. I suspect that the one you typed before was too long and the site just would not accept it. I had to post mine in several pieces by responding to my own messages!<BR>Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience at Hotel Tilawa - did you manage to do any windsurfing on Lake Arenal?<BR>I am also curious about Sueno del Mar. I have read such great things about it but never heard from anyone who stayed there. How was it? Do you think it would be a good alternative to Capitan Suizo? (We are going to Kauai this year but I am thinking about going to CR again next summer).<BR>How about Arenal Country Inn? We were not able to see the volcano last time we went to Arenal so we may return there (we stayed at Arenal Paraiso and I wasn't that impressed with it).

Hi Iza,<BR>Ah, I guess that was the problem with the original report - very frustrating! Anyway, Lake Arenal itself was great as was the windsurfing. The hotel was a shambles though and I couldn't believe it was the same one that was a Fodor's "choice". There was another Canuck family there at the same time and they were also very disappointed. They had also chosen based on the recommendation in the guide. I did email the editors directly and they are going to investigate. Too bad but we still had a good time - it was so tatty that it became funny, sort of like staying in Fawlty Towers. As for Sueno del Mar, we absolutely loved it. Keep in mind that it does have a very rocky beach out front that is swimmable at high tide and great for snorkelling in the tidal pools at low tide. Not sure how that would suit your little one compared with the beach at Capitan Suizo. Also, it is a B&B and not big. What we liked about it is that we had our own little casita with kitchen, bath, bedroom with loft and a porch. As for Arenal Country Inn, it is just outside of La Fortuna on the road to San Ramon. Very nicely landscaped, great pool and a collection of duplexes-one bedroom (2 double beds) and bathroom each. Not sure if they have a website or not but you might want to do a search and see. How are your plans going for Kauai? Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll try and help.

Barb, glad to see that you and your family enjoyed Costa Rica so much.<BR>Our plans for Hawaii are going great. We decided to do two full weeks in Kauai in August and I found nice condos that I just reserved (1 week in Poipu and 1 week in Princeville). Now I am trying to get reasonable flights - which seems like a mission impossible! I am also doing all kinds of research about Kauai....only 135 days left till we go

Barb,<BR>Thanks for the info. Where is the Hotel Buena Vista in Alajuela and what was it like?<BR><BR>

Barb,<BR>Our family is looking into a trip to Costa Rica this summer. Did you feel the 8 days was long enough for the areas you visited? Thanks.

Sue, Hotel Buena Vista is a great little "boutique" hotel in the hills overlooking San Jose and the Central Valley and a perfect alternative to the airport strip. They drive you or pick up from the airport (15 min.) at no extra cost which is a big plus. Very peaceful and relaxing, good food and accommodation. They have a website so you might want to do a search for further info.<BR>Daniel, at first we weren't sure about eight days being enough but as it turned out we were fine. We actually didn't cover that much territory and you would need more time to do the areas south of San Jose. In retrospect though, we probably would spend more time on the pacific coast and less time at Arenal - never did really get to see the volcano due to cloud and rain but an interesting area to explore just the same.<BR>

Thanks again for the info. Barb, I did check out their website - (www.arweb.com/buenavista/ for anyone else who might be interested) and it looks great. Good place to know about!

ttt

Barb
What was Vista del Valle like?
Could you take tours from there and use this as a home base or would you be better off to use Hotel Buena Vista.
My wife and I would do day tours rather than travel from place to place
Thank you
Percy

Hi Percy,
Wow, I am so surprised to see this posting again but am happy to respond. (Isa, thanks for topping it. I have also responded re: Hotel Tilawa - ugghh!). Vista del Valle would be my choice to do day trips from if cost is not a problem. Beautiful views and nicer grounds and pool than Hotel Buena Vista but alot more money too. Buena Vista is nice for a night or two but not as nice as Vista del Valle. Hope this helps.