Flew into Liberia and was picked up by Swiss Travel for our shuttle to Barcelo Langosta Beach. We stayed 4 nights at Barcelo and was surprised by how much we liked it. I don't like large all inclusive hotels but this hotel having only 140 rooms had a very nice warmth to it. Our room was fine, the staff was nice and the food was very good. The buffet had a large variety to choose from and everything was delicious. We had already been to the Tamarindo area before so we weren't looking for any excursions..we just wanted to relax around the pool and beach. From there we were taken to the Paradisus Playa Conchal for 3 nights.
I can't say that this hotel wasn't great but it just wasn't great for me. It's way too big. I don't like needing to take a shuttle from my room to the lobby or anywhere else I'd like to go. Between all of the shuttles, motorcycles and bicycles whizzing by you must keep a constant watch while walking around to avoid them. The service here was wonderful and our room was nice but in need of some repair. The carpet was stained & the cushions on the sofa were torn and also stained. We didn't leave the hotel here either since we were just looking to relax on this trip. The hotel did provide a sunset boat ride that I wasn't too impressed with. Once the boat set off it started to rain like crazy. It was the worst/best thunder & lightning storm I've ever seen. I didn't feel very safe out on the water during all of this & the ride wasn't cut short. I thought it was a little irresponsible to take people out under these conditions. On the up side I'm hoping I took some really great pictures of the storm. The food here was incredible..everything from the buffet to the ala carte restaurants were wonderful! We had a nice time here but 3 days were definitely enough for us. I feel that people who stay here for their entire stay miss out on what CR is really all about. Don't get me wrong..it's a beautiful property but I felt like I was in Miami or West Palm Beach somewhere. The other reason I felt this way was because all of the employees speak English. I know very little Spanish but have always enjoyed trying to communicate with the
locals and have had many laughs over my husband's version of Spanish/sign language/charades. Overall we enjoyed ourselves and are looking forward to our next trip in Feb. but this time staying at the smaller hotels we prefer.

Hi Petite1--welcome back! So glad you enjoyed your trip (for the most part).

I agree 3 days is plenty at Paradisus. We like it for a weekend swim-'n-lounge-in-the-sun every now and then, but it IS big. It's been almost 4 years, but there didn't USED to be all the motorcycle/bicycle traffic. I don't think I would like it so much now for several reasons. We used to know some of the kids who worked there (from previous trips/previous hotels), and it was always fun to visit and watch the shows, which were, at one time, top quality entertainment.

I must say I would have been darned unhappy with the boating situation. Water and storms don't mix.

Haven't been to Langosta. Did you have any jellyfish encounters??
I think it was you I was telling about our friends whose son had an uncomfortably close encounter! How were things in Tamarindo? Fewer people this time of year I hope?

How was the weather? Much rain besides the thunder storm?

Really, you don't have to answer all of these questions! I hope you came home supremely relaxed!

Hi petite,

Thanks for the trip report! I have yet to make it the Nicoya peninsula, but then again, I'm only getting ready for trip #2!

Those large resorts do serve their purpose, but for a destination like CR, I agree that it would be a real shame to spend all your time at the hotel and miss out on the true vibe of that wonderful country. The boat ride sounds nerve-wracking and dangerous! Hope you got some really spectacular photos for the anxiety you must have felt!

Shillmac-We didn't see any jellyfish & the water was very clean. It's funny you mentioned the jellyfish story because I was thinking of that while we were there. The weather was great! It was sunny & clear all day every day until around 4 or 5 when it would rain very hard. It usually rained for an hour or so and then again sometimes during the night. Tamarindo wasn't crowded at all & it was fun walking through all of the shops. My husband almost rented a surfboard but common sense kicked in & he decided not to. There are so many rocks and such a rough current at Langosta Beach I was glad when he changed his mind. We'll be going back again in Feb to Playa Grande so he can bring his board and surf there. That beach seems a little safer to me. We both came home very relaxed...I'm sure the massages we got the night before we left helped a little too!

cmerrell: I'm a little crazy when it comes to my pictures so I'm really hoping I've gotten some good ones. I love my 35mm camera & haven't purchased a digital yet. Unfortunately my camera (35 years old) is in need of some repairs so I had to bring another one that I've never used before on this trip. If I get anything good I'll post them.

And we'll all want to see them. . . Already going back in February? You lucky ducks!

Playa Grande is a nice beach, but I noticed some rather serious looking signs warning of dangerous currents this past July--do be careful! Seems like most good surfing waters are also swimming risks. I guess surfers are not as much at risk as the rest of us! It will be nice for you to be there during turtle season also.

Rest up, then post those photos!

Yes, please do share your photos when you have them ready!

Sounds like you must enjoy photography, so I hope you got some good shots you'll be pleased with.