CR Trip Report 5/9 - 5/24
May 25th, 2005 | 09:23 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16
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CR Trip Report 5/9 - 5/24
We just had the most amazing trip of our lives. What a wonderful place. It's true what everybody says about how very BEAUTIFUL Costa Rican people are.
We started our trip on Playa Langosta at Cala Luna. We were married there and do not regret one single moment of it. Langosta is a very nice clean beach, beautifully positioned between rocky outcroppings. (Tide pools galore at low tide). The service at Cala Luna is impeccable and we will definitely return. Roberto and Kenneth ROCK! We had about 26 guests for the wedding. Prior to the wedding, the guys all went sportfishing while the girls took a trip to Palo Verde and the Tempesque River. The guys caught enough tuna to feed an army and we ate tuna prepared in every conceivable way, but apparently it was best eaten raw right on the boat.
A lot of people left right after the wedding and a smaller group (10 people) continued on to Arenal and the hot springs at Tabacon. Some of us stayed at Tabacon and some stayed in La Fortuna. Honestly if we had it to do over we would NOT stay at Tabacon. It was lovely, but kind of like a Mariott or something. No Character, and way too expensive. The hot springs and grounds were beautiful, but they closed the main pool and swim up bar for repairs as we arrived and we were pretty disappointed about it. La Fortuna was SO very charming and our friends there had a very nice clean room that was a quarter the price of our room. They were walking distance from wonderful restaurants and colorful shops. Don't bother with dinner at Tabacon when you can venture into that lovely town and have a delicious meal at a fraction of the price. We had dinner one night at the Arenal Observatory and that was really cool. It was really cloudy, but we brought good luck with us and the clouds cleared long enough for us to see lava flow and bright orange rocks pop out of the top. We drove there in a Kia something or other -car- and we were lucky to get there at all. You definitely need 4WD to get there safely. I would like to stay here for a couple of nights when we return.
Finally, we drove down to Puntarenas (the low point of the trip) we were trying to make the 2:30 ferry to Paquera and were hassled by a child extorsionist. Be wary of people trying to take advantage of you here. One person we met on the ferry was robbed of his passport and money at the bus station. Anyway, we made it to Montezuma where we finished our trip at El Sano in a dome on the beach. Bearing in mind that we had such excellent service at Cala Luna, El Sano was pale in comparison. Nonetheless it is a lovely place where monkeys will put on quite a show for you and the pounding surf may keep you awake at night. This is definitely not a place for someone who is looking for luxury, but it sure it pretty. Getting into Montezuma is kind if a hassle if you don't feel like walking in the dark on the beach, so you are kind of a captive audience here.
That's all. It was lovely and we will definitely return to this wonderful country. Hopefully we'll get there before our 25th anniversary. We want to explore the Caribbean side, MA area and spend more time near Arenal. So Beautiful. Here are some photos. Pura Vida!
http://homepage.mac.com/artdirector5/PhotoAlbum3.html
We started our trip on Playa Langosta at Cala Luna. We were married there and do not regret one single moment of it. Langosta is a very nice clean beach, beautifully positioned between rocky outcroppings. (Tide pools galore at low tide). The service at Cala Luna is impeccable and we will definitely return. Roberto and Kenneth ROCK! We had about 26 guests for the wedding. Prior to the wedding, the guys all went sportfishing while the girls took a trip to Palo Verde and the Tempesque River. The guys caught enough tuna to feed an army and we ate tuna prepared in every conceivable way, but apparently it was best eaten raw right on the boat.
A lot of people left right after the wedding and a smaller group (10 people) continued on to Arenal and the hot springs at Tabacon. Some of us stayed at Tabacon and some stayed in La Fortuna. Honestly if we had it to do over we would NOT stay at Tabacon. It was lovely, but kind of like a Mariott or something. No Character, and way too expensive. The hot springs and grounds were beautiful, but they closed the main pool and swim up bar for repairs as we arrived and we were pretty disappointed about it. La Fortuna was SO very charming and our friends there had a very nice clean room that was a quarter the price of our room. They were walking distance from wonderful restaurants and colorful shops. Don't bother with dinner at Tabacon when you can venture into that lovely town and have a delicious meal at a fraction of the price. We had dinner one night at the Arenal Observatory and that was really cool. It was really cloudy, but we brought good luck with us and the clouds cleared long enough for us to see lava flow and bright orange rocks pop out of the top. We drove there in a Kia something or other -car- and we were lucky to get there at all. You definitely need 4WD to get there safely. I would like to stay here for a couple of nights when we return.
Finally, we drove down to Puntarenas (the low point of the trip) we were trying to make the 2:30 ferry to Paquera and were hassled by a child extorsionist. Be wary of people trying to take advantage of you here. One person we met on the ferry was robbed of his passport and money at the bus station. Anyway, we made it to Montezuma where we finished our trip at El Sano in a dome on the beach. Bearing in mind that we had such excellent service at Cala Luna, El Sano was pale in comparison. Nonetheless it is a lovely place where monkeys will put on quite a show for you and the pounding surf may keep you awake at night. This is definitely not a place for someone who is looking for luxury, but it sure it pretty. Getting into Montezuma is kind if a hassle if you don't feel like walking in the dark on the beach, so you are kind of a captive audience here.
That's all. It was lovely and we will definitely return to this wonderful country. Hopefully we'll get there before our 25th anniversary. We want to explore the Caribbean side, MA area and spend more time near Arenal. So Beautiful. Here are some photos. Pura Vida!
http://homepage.mac.com/artdirector5/PhotoAlbum3.html
May 25th, 2005 | 11:04 PM
#3
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,212
Likes: 0
Welcome home, fatbass, and congratulations on your new life as a couple! I'm glad you had a great time. Yes, Puntarenas is not someplace that anyone would want to be unless just to catch the ferry. It's a shame, really. What luck to get to see the volcano! Good for you!
A couple from Texas who just returned a few days ago mentioned that they, too, were able to view the volcano--she said about 75% of the time over a couple of days. Amazing. . . .
She also mentioned the repair of the main pool at Tabacon. I understand that would detract considerably from your experience there. It did for them as well. Just the sight of repair work would definitely destroy the "mood" of the place!
Thanks for a great report--of course you'll make it back. My guess is you'll really like the Caribbean side as well!
A couple from Texas who just returned a few days ago mentioned that they, too, were able to view the volcano--she said about 75% of the time over a couple of days. Amazing. . . .
She also mentioned the repair of the main pool at Tabacon. I understand that would detract considerably from your experience there. It did for them as well. Just the sight of repair work would definitely destroy the "mood" of the place!
Thanks for a great report--of course you'll make it back. My guess is you'll really like the Caribbean side as well!
May 26th, 2005 | 08:04 AM
#5
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
Congrads Fat Bass-
First as a fellow married man I must caution you about using the words regret and married in the same sentence. Dangerous territory my friend. We know what you meant but be careful.
Glad you had a good time. We honeymooned in CR too and loved it. Just like you we spent some time at Tabacon during the honeymoon and were not impressed. Tabacon is not a honeymoon destination. As a Tico couple we met earlier on the trip said "Es no luxury". Live and learn.
Please tell me more about the child extortionist.
Pura vida
First as a fellow married man I must caution you about using the words regret and married in the same sentence. Dangerous territory my friend. We know what you meant but be careful.
Glad you had a good time. We honeymooned in CR too and loved it. Just like you we spent some time at Tabacon during the honeymoon and were not impressed. Tabacon is not a honeymoon destination. As a Tico couple we met earlier on the trip said "Es no luxury". Live and learn.
Please tell me more about the child extortionist.
Pura vida
May 26th, 2005 | 08:22 AM
#6
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Hi Fatbass! Congrats and best wishes for many more years together.
You mentioned some great eateries in Fortuna...could you provide specifics? I will be visiting this August and will be in the Arenal area for 4 nights. Any other feedback would be appreciated.
Muchas gracias from Lori
You mentioned some great eateries in Fortuna...could you provide specifics? I will be visiting this August and will be in the Arenal area for 4 nights. Any other feedback would be appreciated.
Muchas gracias from Lori
May 26th, 2005 | 04:22 PM
#7
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
How wonderful to start married life with great travel memories!
Does anyone have any more information on the Tabacon pool repair? Is it the hotel pool or the one at the hot springs resort? We are booked for mid-June, but if it is not going to be ready by then, I'll see about changing the reservation.
Does anyone have any more information on the Tabacon pool repair? Is it the hotel pool or the one at the hot springs resort? We are booked for mid-June, but if it is not going to be ready by then, I'll see about changing the reservation.
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May 26th, 2005 | 05:51 PM
#9
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Skedaddle - as far as I know there is only one swim up bar at Tabacon. The only swim-up bar (at the hot springs location across the street) has also a one-story slide from the height of the restaurant level. There are so many pools there, that this one pool would not "ruin" a person's experience, but it would be a detraction.
This is the first pool that guests encounter. The remaining pools are a bit more secluded or private or intimate. Choose your adjective. We visited the others more often.
This is the first pool that guests encounter. The remaining pools are a bit more secluded or private or intimate. Choose your adjective. We visited the others more often.
May 26th, 2005 | 06:53 PM
#10
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Hey All!
The most memorable restaurant in La Fortuna for us was called "La Choza de Laurel" just look for the big coke sign on the left hand side of the main street as you head into town. We really enjoyed the food and it was packed so we knew if local folks were eating there it must be good...The hotel is called Hotel San Bosco. Nothing fancy, but clean and nice. They also have a pool and hot tub there.
There are so many pools at Tabacon that I agree it won't "ruin" the experience to have the swim up bar closed, but personally I was disappointed. It was still open on the night that we arrived, so we got a taste of banana coladas at the swim up bar and it was pretty awesome. The slide was fun too. You'll still enjoy the hot springs none the less. Request Martha if you get a massage, if I wasn't already married I might be a Tico now...
Greenfieldhunter,
The child (12 year old boy) jumped onto the sideboards of our SUV as we arrived at the ferry. We were anxious because the boat was about to leave and we didn't know where to buy tickets, etc. He seemed helpful at first, but when we got the tickets and were about to drive onto the boat he demanded 10,000 colones. He clearly cut the ferry worker off before he could help us. When we refused to tip that amount he kicked the car and swore at us referring to us as "Pinche (SP?) Gringos" -We know what that means...be wary here.
Again Shillmac thanks for all your advice!
Can't wait to return.
The most memorable restaurant in La Fortuna for us was called "La Choza de Laurel" just look for the big coke sign on the left hand side of the main street as you head into town. We really enjoyed the food and it was packed so we knew if local folks were eating there it must be good...The hotel is called Hotel San Bosco. Nothing fancy, but clean and nice. They also have a pool and hot tub there.
There are so many pools at Tabacon that I agree it won't "ruin" the experience to have the swim up bar closed, but personally I was disappointed. It was still open on the night that we arrived, so we got a taste of banana coladas at the swim up bar and it was pretty awesome. The slide was fun too. You'll still enjoy the hot springs none the less. Request Martha if you get a massage, if I wasn't already married I might be a Tico now...
Greenfieldhunter,
The child (12 year old boy) jumped onto the sideboards of our SUV as we arrived at the ferry. We were anxious because the boat was about to leave and we didn't know where to buy tickets, etc. He seemed helpful at first, but when we got the tickets and were about to drive onto the boat he demanded 10,000 colones. He clearly cut the ferry worker off before he could help us. When we refused to tip that amount he kicked the car and swore at us referring to us as "Pinche (SP?) Gringos" -We know what that means...be wary here.
Again Shillmac thanks for all your advice!
Can't wait to return.
May 27th, 2005 | 04:39 AM
#11
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Hi fatbass,
We will be going to CR in early July and starting w/Arenal. What did you think of dinner at the Observatory, was the food good or is the atmosphere just worth the trip? I'm assuming no problems w/getting a table?
Also, did you all do any excursions while there? If so, please share.
Thanks! And congrats on your new marriage, my husband & I will be celebrating our 15 year anniversary while there, so see, it can last!
We will be going to CR in early July and starting w/Arenal. What did you think of dinner at the Observatory, was the food good or is the atmosphere just worth the trip? I'm assuming no problems w/getting a table?
Also, did you all do any excursions while there? If so, please share.
Thanks! And congrats on your new marriage, my husband & I will be celebrating our 15 year anniversary while there, so see, it can last!
May 28th, 2005 | 07:45 AM
#12
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Howdy,
The dinner at the observatory was fine. My personal preference is for "Comidas Typicas" and the food at the observatory is more geared towards tourists, but it was enjoyable nonetheless...I think one of our friends got spaghetti there. Once you see the observation deck, though the food will take a back seat.
We arranged all of our Arenal activities through Tabacon. There is a long list of things that are available here; kayaking, waterfall repelling, horseback riding, zip-lining (I think that this is the original canopy tour), etc. In Tamarindo the hotel also arranged activities and there were a few guests who decided to venture into town to set up tours, etc. and did not have a good experience. It's a little more expensive to go though the hotels, but I think it's worth it to be sure to get a top notch experience...my 2¢.
Have fun in July. We were told that it's the best time for a visit. Very few tourists and good weather!
The dinner at the observatory was fine. My personal preference is for "Comidas Typicas" and the food at the observatory is more geared towards tourists, but it was enjoyable nonetheless...I think one of our friends got spaghetti there. Once you see the observation deck, though the food will take a back seat.
We arranged all of our Arenal activities through Tabacon. There is a long list of things that are available here; kayaking, waterfall repelling, horseback riding, zip-lining (I think that this is the original canopy tour), etc. In Tamarindo the hotel also arranged activities and there were a few guests who decided to venture into town to set up tours, etc. and did not have a good experience. It's a little more expensive to go though the hotels, but I think it's worth it to be sure to get a top notch experience...my 2¢.
Have fun in July. We were told that it's the best time for a visit. Very few tourists and good weather!
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