Going for 5 nights in Jan. - We have been quoted 20% off for a suite at Gaia, and 15 % off the most expensive suite (Ocean View premium) at Arenas. It's just me and my hubby going (married 17 years; have 2 teens) so adults only (Gaia) is very attractive, but Arenas looks phenomenal. It'll just cost a lot more. Both get rave reviews and both have some mixed reviews. We are very torn. Good food is important. and massages. Been to CR enough to not care as much about where we are or tours available. We will love anything there. Thanks

This beachfront property is located in Manuel Antonio, close to Manuel Antonio National Park. In addition to a restaurant, Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest ...

http://www.expedia.com/Quepos-Hotels...ont-Rainforest

my fav beachfront closer to park...

Gaia more remote up on a bluff spanish modern techno design

bout a mile and a half to park you cannot walk there no beach

Pretty though but neither are really true five stars.

fourseasons.com CR is the only one... Happy deciding!

Thanks for your response.

1) Do you have any comments about the food at either property?

2) When you have been at Arenas del Mar, do you recall if there were numerous families staying there?

I stayed at Arenas del Mar last year. The comples is low density, and the pools are on the small side. The greatest thing about the resort is that if you stay in the lower section, you have just a short walk to the small more private beach. To get to the larger public beach where you can walk to Manuel Antonio, you take a golf cart shuttle over the ridge. It's easy to walk along the beach into town, a taxi runs about $10 o/w.

To me, it didn't feel like a family-heavy resort. There are not the greatest views from the rooms, because the patio privacy screens also block your views out.

I wasn't all that thrilled with the food (other than the welcome drink and the included breakfast buffet) but that might be said of most of Costa Rica. However there seems to be some feedback that the restaurant has improved.

The staff are great and they will let you know when the sloth and various monkeys are likely to be encountered. (Monkeys around 9 am by the small beach).

I just stayed at Arenas Del Mar and it was an amazing experience. I'm not sure which room others had, but I stayed in one of the Ocean View Premium Suites and the view was phenomenal! You could see/hear the ocean from lounge chair on the porch/deck area or the jacuzzi! You could see right to the ocean, beach, and Manuel Antonio National Park. I think it's one of the only beachfront properties in the area in fact. Additionally, it has beach access to two beaches. There's a short path to the main larger beach, and they have a smaller private beach just for Arenas Del Mar guests as well. I didn't see any families when I was there, so I honestly don't think that will be an issue. The restaurant was good. For example, one feature about breakfast was that they brought you a platter of fruit and assorted pastries that changed daily before you even got what you ordered. The lunch restaurant is right on the beach and dinner is a freshened-up version of a variety of Costa Rican food. Additionally, like someone else mentioned, the welcome drink and the other fruit smoothies are amazing!

I definitely think the extra bit for Arenas Del Mar would be worth it!

I love Arenas del Mar...been twice and am planning another trip in 2012. I've always had amazing views from the rooms that I've been given and the rooms are spectacular. They're really well appointed and beautifully designed. The staff are exceptional - they will learn your names, how you like your coffee and are all so genuine and kind. They will go out of their way to make your stay more pleasant.

I think the best part about Arenas del Mar is that they are on the beach and in the rainforest and if I remember correctly from my own research, they are the only hotel in the area with access to a beach in the area. The food is good and the menus at both restaurants have a wide variety of options (I'm a vegetarian and still had plenty of options that I could eat). And I loved the happy hour and salsa dancing lessons!

I only saw one family there the last time I was there - the rest were couples.

My view was nice from my patio, of course if I was standing up, but we need to be honest that the patio screen does block the view from the room, doesn't it?

Nevertheless I liked it so much that I extended my stay (was there during green season with some rates too good to pass up).

I recommend going on one of Ersel's walks, if you can.

The premier suite available at ADM is 403. Anyone have any input on that building?

I'm not sure if Bldg 4 is one near Building 3, or if it is up high on the hill. You might ask them for one with maximum privacy and not overlooking a pool, if you are concerned about kiddie noise. I've seen a few comments on TA that Building 7 is good for privacy and views (but that is at the top of the hill).

Part of my stay was in 302 (near the beach) and even the Ocean Breeze room had a decent view. For best views the top floors will be better, lower down there are plantings that partially block your views.

I was just poking around planning for a future trip and see that Arenas del Mar is on the list of Small Distinctive Hotels, same as Grano de Oro and the Peace Lodge.

Apparently Arenas del Mar just got a 5-star award for sustainablility. The photo in the article shows the patio screens I mentioned.

http://www.moon.com/blogs/cuba-costa...tel-costa-rica