We are travling to Los Suenos this Christmas ...We were told that CR Luxury was the onsite rental agency for Los Suenos...We were also told that they were the best !! does anyone have any thoughts or concerns ?? Thanks !!

bttt

You're probably going to need to find another travel forum to answer your questions. I'd say the majority of people here are "soft adventure" travelers -- they like to get out there and get dirty but have a decent bed and shower in local-type accommodations. I'm not sure where you should look -- definitely not Lonely Planet. Maybe Conde Nast has a forum or something comparable to a cruise traveler's board? Good luck.

Sandy

Sandy

los suenos has trampled all over the local environment and the profits go out of the country.
i wouldn't stay there if you paid me!

I am sure Los Suenos is owned by a parent compant just like many other CR resorts but I bet they employee many CR's....If not Los Suenos where ?? Jaco ??

If you were thinking of going to Los Suenos, you surely wouldn't want to go to Jaco... Another reason to stay away from the big chains is they are really lacking in character compared to the other hotels in Costa Rica. You might as well go to Florida -- there won't be any difference. Not to mention that many of the big hotels in Guanacaste and the Barcelo property in Tambor created a lot of ill will with the locals and environmentalists.

Anyway, if you are looking for luxury, try TangoMar in Tambor -- there's golf there too. For a first night or two closer to the airport, go to Rancho Rio Perlas in Orosi. Very nice but local. (It used to be owned by Barcelo, but since they're out of the picture I enjoy going there now.)

I have been to CR several times Osa area fishing... I am bringing my family of 6 for this vacation so I don't think they would enjoy jumping around at several different hotels/areas,etc...as far as the Florida comment ?? when I go places like Bahamas I prefer the Out Islands (Abaco's)rather than Nassau and Isla Mujeres rather than Cancun.... so maybe Los Suenos isnt the right spot for us ??

if you like osa and abacos then i'm not sure los suenos will be your thing.
my favourite `boutique luxury' hotel in costa rica is Villa casa blanca in playa ocotal:
http://costa-rica.typepad.com/playa_...ome/index.html

small, quiet beach great for snorkelling.

i also like costa verde in manuel antonio:
http://costa.rica.typepad.com/manuel...ome/index.html

they have a `family' block and good restaurants as well as a great view over the bay from the swimming pool.

i also like el sueno tropical in playa carrillo:
http://costa-rica.typepad.com/playa_...ome/index.html

it's about 5km from playa samara.

also in that area is punta islita never stayed there so i can't comment too much

thx Guanacaste !!! Not sure if it makes much difference but we were not staying at the Marriott but looking at a 3 BR villa ?? Where can I find some info/message boards about Jaco....And thx for the links ! I will check them out !!

Jaco is dirty, noisy, and has lots of drugs and hookers. Not the best place for a family vacation. Check out Tango Mar in Tambor, Playa Nicuesa in Golfito, FlorBlanca in St. Teresa for starters.

Sandy

Los Suenos is a beautiful community and the 3 bedroom villas are like being at home. We have gone both ways staying at small local hotels in Costa Rica or staying at the larger resorts. For a family it is definitely nice to have everyone under 1 roof. Jaco is not one of my favorites but it is not as bad as some of these people are making it out to be. It is a very young person surf town. There are lots of restaurants. Another plus to Los Suenos is you can do alot of day trips from this area.

thanks flycatcher.... We will stay in the 3BR villa... Any thoughts on who to fish with ??