Costa Verde: I am planning on booking a Studio Plus room, is there any building in particular I should request for great views? Also, do they have hair dryers in the rooms? Or if I bring my own and a charger, should I buy an adaptor?

In Manuel Antonio, as a solo woman traveler, is there anything or any place I should avoid?

Sansa: I haven't made definite plans yet, but I am thinking of catching the 1:30 flight to MA; my Continental flight lands at 11:55. I'm planning on carrying-on my luggage (which hopefully will be under 25 lbs) so that will save some time I think. Is this connection advisable?

Thanks for any help, I enjoy reading all the posts here to help for my 1st trrip to Costa Rica!

Dear tully,
I can't really help you with Costa Verde, because I have never been there
Regarding the flight with Sansa, if your continental flight arrives in time, you should have no problem, but any delay with your flight into CR, will probably mean you will miss the flight to MA. The shuttle buses to MA, also leave around that time, so it doesn't really help much. If you miss the Sansa flight you can either stay near SJ until the following day, or pay a taxi from the airport to take you all the way to MA (around 3.5 hours, and probably around $125). In this case, I think it is probably worth taking the chance, but you should know that you may miss the flight.
I hope it helps...
Feel free to write me directly for any more information or with any more questions.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor

Tully,
Neta is right. Your times are very close, and if there is one rule of thumb for travel in Costa Rica, it would be: Don't try to travel with tight schedules! Having said that, I'm sure it works out some of the time. Bypassing the luggage carousel will undoubtedly help. I am just thinking that from the time you arrive until you actually get into the airport will be 15-20 minutes. Then you have the immigration lines. Sometimes they are quite long and seem to move slowly (seems our average time in line is about 30 min). At the best, it will be difficult for you to exit the airport before 1:00. Sansa, I understand, is close by. Hopefully, they won't require you to check in 30 minutes ahead! I'd say you are looking at arriving at Sansa at 1:15 at the very best. Are there later flights? You don't want to begin your vacation on a stressful note! Are you flying out of Houston? We are using Continental in June and that is our arrival time as well.

As for the hairdryers, no idea. Many hotels have them it seems. You won't need a charger or adaptor.

Use common sense as far as things and places you should avoid! Lots of it! I don't know what kinds of things you like to do, but just be careful. Keep your wits about you . I don't think I would feel comfortable, for example, walking around Quepos at night or spending time in bars unless it was the hotel bar or somewhere very closeby. I don't believe Costa Rica to be much different from almost anyplace in the U.S. in that regard!

Thanks Neta & Shillmac for your replies. I am still trying to make up my mind, but I'm leaning towards just going for it & hope I make it in time. I figure the worst that can happen is I miss the flight & have to pay $125 for a taxi. Shillmac - yes I'm going thru Houston on June 3rd and counting down every day!

If anyone else has any input, please chime in!

I have only one thing to say to you: PURA VIDA

I stayed at Costa Verde for a week in March - 4 nights in a bungalow, 3 nights in Bldg. B. The hotel is great. I recommend the bungalows for the best value. You don't get an ocean view, however, you are close to the howler monkeys, it is quieter and there is more room. If you have no kids, try the adult building - it has the best views.

Tours - Canopy Safari is great as are the mangrove tours. Beaches are amazing, the water temp about 90 degrees.

Dave

After way too much deliberating, I have decided not to try to catch the same day Sansa flight. So now I'll be staying in SJO for 2 nights, doing the 4-in-1 tour my 2nd day there.

I really have my heart set on staying at the Buena Vista but I'm concerned about catching my 7am flight to Quepos. Since Buena Vista is just North of the SJO airport & I have to go to Pavas for Nature Air (which I'd prefer over Sansa) - should I stay at a hotel closer to Pavas? Any ideas? Thanks!

You might look in Escazu, which is very close to Pavas. While I have visited Escazu, I have never stayed there. However, I understand that there are several nice B&Bs in that area, including one owned by Costa Verde (www.costaverdeinn.com). I've also read good things Posada Quijote (www.quijote.co.cr).