shillmac

We liked Sunset Tours for the Cano Negro experience, but I am sure they are all comparable. Since it is high season, you might be more comfortable letting your hotel take care of this detail in advance.

Actually, we do use our credit card (platinum) for the CDW insurance portion. It is very simple (if you have that coverage). You merely sign a waiver with Tricolor stating that you are covered for that insurance through your credit card company. It will save you a few bucks a day--maybe $7.

We just received a reimbursement from our credit card company from a little fender bender we had in Costa Rica in June. I was driving and scraped a low rock wall, driving through a very narrow passageway. Actually, the vehicle I was driving was not insured (unbeknownst to us!) because it was an 8 passenger van. Tricolor told us not to worry, they would take care of it and help us out, and in the meantime I called the credit card company and starting the ball rolling on the report.

Our card was charged an additional $208 in damages (very reasonable) and last week I received a check for that amount from the credit card company. I know that the manager of Tricolor did, indeed, give us a bit of assistance. We were unable to get a police report (which is a necessity); that is another very long story which I won't go into. Tricolor basically overlooked that for us and reassured us time and again that all would be well, for us just to continue to enjoy our vacation. It wasn't a big deal, but when it happens in a foreign country, it becomes more of one!

So that is the reason for my allegiance to Tricolor. This is the first little accident we have had, but their service to us (and friendliness) has been impeccable from the get-go. Time and again.

You are sure to have a wonderful time with your daughter. An MBA--what an accomplishment! Our youngest daughter is working on an MIS degree through the OU School of Business with another major in international business, minor in Spanish. We're planning a little jaunt to NYC when she graduates. She's never been, so it will be fun.

Have a wonderful time!

By the way, if I were you, with the doubts you have, I'd forget MdF and check in at Arenal Paraiso. Or Arenal Volcano Lodge (also gets good reviews). Tabacon, contrary to what someone said on TripAdvisor, wouldn't be my pick. For one thing, it is in the danger zone for an eruption (enough to deter me) and it has gotten very mixed reviews, both the rooms and the restaurant. Lost Iguana costs more, but gets great reviews and is definitely more upscale. Have you looked into it?