Yikes! I saw a deal too good to pass up on flights to San Jose, CR in February (kids vacation), now I have to plan. Family of 4, two teens 15 and 18.

I think we're going to spend one (or should we do 2?) days at wither the Marriott San Jose or Vista del Valle (we can use Amex points for Marriott, so it's free), then I found 2 great houses to rent in Dominical, one has a pool (and is $800 more for the 6 days) and is over the top gorgeous, the other is also very nice, but brand new in a new development called Canto Del Mar and not as well equipped but I can't decide if it's worth the difference. Any thoughts?

Should we drive to Dominical from SJ? We've driven the Amalfi coast and road to Hana, is it hairier than that? Do we need a 4 wheel drive vehicle? How long should it take?

How are the rafting trips from Dominical area? We're very active and want to do a horseback riding, zipline, rafting, kayaking, what are the must-sees, do in the Dominical area?

Thanks so much!

Also, any thoughts on staying with points at the Marriott vs. paying to stay at Vista del Valle the first night?

Jut want to say that the brand new house won't have a pool...do you think we'll need it?

Also,

Can anyone recommend good tour (activity) companies in Dominical? Will they pick you up or is it better to drive to them?

Re: the Marriott...the last time I flew into San Jose, I used my points and stayed my first and last nights there.
It's a beautiful place and although I thought of these as 2 'free' nights we spent a ton of money in drinks and food just killing time at the hotel.

San Jose is not as bad as I sometimes read about in the forums. I always enjoy my time there.

But if you don't have a particular reason to be there, I would not spend any extra time. However, you did mention rafting. So you might want to do the rafting trip from there. IMO the rafting is much better on the rivers accessible from this location, than they are from the coast. So you could start the trip off with a bang by spending two nights at the Marriott, and raft before you head for the coast.

Vista del Valle is quite nice, and in a beautiful setting. But it is a little remote. Other than a couple of trails, there is not all that much to do onsite. Rafting operators won't pick up here, as it is a good thirty minutes further past the airport. Plus, you will either pay a high taxi rate or an extra day of rental car to be here.

I am usually not a huge fan of chain hotels. But the San Jose Marriott is very nice and is located in the midst of an old coffee plantation. Plus, you can't beat free! I think that once you factor in the additional transportation and accessibility, this is a no brainer.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
(Travel professional)

I agree with Pat regarding your 2 nights at the Marriott and rafting while there. Get yourselves a good map (I think the Berndston & Berndston is outstanding, Barnes & Noble) and, along with verbal directions from the hotel, you shouldn't have any trouble getting from San Jose to Dominical--about 4 hours. 4 wheel drive always makes the going a little easier, just in case you happen upon a road or two that needs it. I'd definitely recommend you rent one. With there being 4 of you and luggage, I'd get a large one--just for comfort.

Just happened to notice your comment about the pool in Dominical. This may be something to consider since it is very hot in February.

Thank you so much for your replies, they're very helpful.

I think we'll stay at the Marriott and do the rafting inland.

Okay, I'm going to post another question, I'll start a new topic though.