Has anyone stayed at this resort in Playa Carrillo? I read a post about construction at the resort, but the messaged was posted in March. Would like to know if someone has stayed there recently and what their experience was like...

Also, any recommendations on day activites in San Jose? I've 12 hour layover.

Much thanks in advance.

I have seen Guanamar Resort and would not choose to stay there. Your taste may well be very different from mine, so please keep that in mind.
Guanamar was originally a private lodge for Costa Rican officials, as I understand it, and was sold off to a hotelier some time ago. It sits on a hillside above a working beach. The resort takes guests to beautiful nearby beaches by van, or one could walk easily enough.
The resort now features gambling, not my cup of tea. Although I haven't seen any of the rooms, the public areas looked pretty ordinary.
Hope this helps -
Carol L

12 hours in San Jose is a LONG time!

If you are at the airport, you won't actually be in San Jose and certainly wouldn't need to go there unless you just wanted to spend time in the city. There are a few worthy musuems, the Teatro Nacional, and, of course, the mercado central downtown, always an interesting place. But I think there are much better options for you!

You will be in Alajuela, a few miles west of the city. From there, I'd suggest hiring someone to take you to some places in the central valley--Doka Cafe Plantation, Poas Volcano (depending on time of day), La Paz
Waterfall Garden, Grecia, Sarchi, Zarcero (a fantastic little town with a beautiful topiary in front of the church). He could even drive you to the Rio Sarapiqui, Braulio Carillo Parque Nacional--all in the area north and east of the airport.

You could also hire someone to take you southeast toward Cartago, Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley, Lankaster Gardens, the very old church ruins in Ujarras, Cachi Dam and Lake (near Orosi). This, too, is a gorgeous area that few people make a point of visiting. I'd highly recommend either option.

Better than a taxi, why don't you check into hiring a private driver who could converse with you in English? It might cost $100 bucks, but, in my opinion, would be a great way to make use of your time.

There are some folks on this board who have used particular private drivers: Oscar comes to mind! Do a search and you will find his phone number and e-mail address. If he is not available, he will be able to fix you up with someone who can help you enjoy your time!

Carolll - what is a working beach?

What I meant by the phrase "working beach" was a beach used by fishing boats, local fishermen, incoming sailing ships, etc. The water has diesel fuel and oil floating in it...I wouldn't want to swim in that water!
Carol L

Really? That is the first I've heard of that. We thought Carillo was such a beautiful beach this past summer and didn't notice the water looking dirty at all.

Thanks Carroll for the advice. Have you stayed at Hotel Esperanza? I heard many nice things about the place, but not sure how it compares to Guanamar. I was hoping for a "comfortable" arrangement as we only have a short time on the beach and looking for an EASY vacation.

Ah - two different locations on the same crescent shaped beach front. The one I was referring to sits pretty much at the foot of the hill where the resort, Guanamar is perched. That is a working beach, with gasoline powered boats going in and out. That beach front also has housing.
Further down the crescent sits Carillo, indeed one of the loveliest beaches I have ever seen. My husband and I spend time there each winter, swimming and enjoying the palm trees that line the beach road.
I hope this clarifies my previous comments.
Carol L

Yenicho:
Nope, we haven't stayed at Hotel Esperanza. It looks nice from online photos - have you checked it out with www.TripAdvisor.com?
Carol L

Thanks, Carolll--you satisfied my curiosity! Just couldn't figure that one out. . .but then, sometimes I can't figure a lot of things out!

We will be staying at Hotel Esperanza for a few nights in January. Though I haven't been there yet, I must say that they have been the NICEST people we have dealt with in planning our trip....already given us alot of great help and advice. You can contact Marisa through their website http://www.hotelesperanza.com/.