We just returned from a great trip to CR, Tabacon (Arenal) and Paradiso Playa Conchal (Guanacoste) and would be happy to answer any questions.

I am planning a trip soon. This will be my first trip to Central America. I'll be travelling with my two kids (10 and 8).
I am not for guided tour. But I don't know spanish. Also, I don't want to drive around my self.

What are your suggestions to get around CR..? What to look for..? I don't mind getting a driver who can drive us around..

I used Costa Rica experts to plan my trip and they were excellent. We had arranged a driver to take us from San Jose to Arenal to Guanacoste. I recommend this over driving yourself if your not familiar with the country. Most Costa Ricans speak enough English to communicate so that shouldn't be a problem. You didn't mention where you want to visit. We stayed at Tabacon and the Paradisus Playa Conchal in Guanacoste. Both were excellent. Hope this helps.

We plan to go in early March and stay in a Royal Suite. Can we rent golf clubs or do we need to bring our own? Are the suites air conditioned? How's the food? Is there still a casino on property? How is the beach - does the hotel have beach service e.g. chairs/umbrella, food/beverage service? Is the water warm? Can we snorkle off the beach? Any details you can provide would be great!

To PMman-

What was your approximate driving time from Arenal to Guanacaste? I'll be in CR next week with 6 other people and we're thinking of either renting 4X4s or hiring a driver. Either way, we can't seem to get a decent estimate on driving times from Liberia-Tabacon and Tabacon back to Tamarindo.

Also, I'm a little concerned that there is not any decent snorkeling in Tamarindo. Did you snorkel at Playa Conchal? How far or close is that to Tamarindo? Thank you for any advice!

Drive from Tamarindo to Playa Conchal is approx 20--30 minutes, according to my kids.
Snorkeling--compared to what and where? It is not like that in Hawaii or the Caribbean, apparently. But yes, there is snorkeling at Playa Conchal, and there are boats that will take you out to decent snorkeling, that leave from Flamingo Marina.