Help with Hotels!!
 

I'm really starting to narrow down where we want to stay for our honeymoon in May.

In Arenal - can anyone tell me the pros and cons of some of these - which would you book?(oh, and if we don't stay at the Tabacon, how much is it to get into the hot springs?)
Tabacon Resort
Arenal Paraiso
Observatory Lodge
Montana de Fuego

Manuel Antronio - which of these would you perfer and why?:
Makanda by the Sea
El Parador
Si Como No

Northern Pacific - we're really looking for a place to relax on the beack and enjoy the water - what would you suggest:
Tango Mar
Punta Islita
Capital Suizo
Hotel Sugar Beach

Thanks so much - I know that I've been getting some conflicting information on these and I need to make my mind up soon!

Thanks!

Two years ago I think the admission to Tabacon was $17.00/person. We enjoyed our stay at the Tabacon resort itself, but others haven't enjoyed it.

We've stayed at both Si Como No and Makanda. The former is quite a bit bigger and busier. I would recommend either. Makanda is more romantic and intimate. We were in a studio at Makanda, the room was nicer than a deluxe at Si Como No, but not by much.

I haven't even seen El Parador up close, but it sounds as though it has a completely different atmosphere than the other two. It doesn't sound like it belongs in the tropics.

I made a hot springs reservation in advance, because I am going during the busy season in Jan. Many of the folks on this board said an advanced reservation was not needed, but I wasn't taking any chances.

The price for advanced reservations that was given to me in writing by Tabacon Resort is 19.00 for an evening reservation (7:00-10:00) and 29.00 for a daytime reservation (11:00-2:30).

I am staying at Montana de Fuego. Heard it had good views of volcano.

Even though the guide books are complimentary to El Parador, I have never heard about anyone on this board staying there. Thats odd.

I don't think reservations will be needed for the Hot Springs in May.
I think Arenal Paraiso or Montana de Fuego get the best reports for that area.
In MA, Makanda by the Sea is PERFECT for a honeymoon. Si Como no is nice, but more kids running around. I've been to El Parador just to look and agree with the poster that said it doesn't really fit that area. A little to stuffy and not all that pretty either.
Capitan Suizo will have kids around too, but the bungalows are fabulous. Tango Mar...no. Punta Islita is beautiful but fairly isolated....but maybe that's a good thing for you? Don't know Sugar Beach so can't comment on that one.

Hi Nicole,

For Arenal, I'd go with either Arenal Paraiso or Montana de Fuego...both are very private and romantic, with amazing volcano views. You can stay there and pay to get into the Tabacon Hot Springs, and still save money. Tabacon is overrated, and you're not even guaranteed a volcano view!

Manuel Antonio--Definitely Makanda by the Sea. The rooms are ultra private and romantic. Si Como No is like Disneyland. El Parador is just weird!

NOrthern Pacific...Sugar Beach if you want to just relax on the beach. It's located on a beautiful, very secluded beach.

Hope this helps!

Hi Nicole:

For Arenal, I'd vote for the Montana de Fuego. I stayed there and it's very nice, and it is true what they say about the views. Just make sure to get a Deluxe room, which has A/C.

In Manuel Antonio, I'd vote for Makanda, although I didn't stay there. I stayed in la Mariposa and would recommend it as well. Very nice, large rooms, with a balcony with a hammock overlooking the park.

For the other one, I'd vote for Capitan Suizo as well...

Let me know if you have any questions...

Enrique

Stayed at Punta Islita for 4 night. Absolutley wonderful. Great food. Super nice staff. Private plunge pool (one room castia). SUPER SECLUDED. Loved every minute of it. During our stay we were the ONLY people on the beach. Can't think of any con other than it is somewhat pricey but well worth it...especially for a honeymoon trip.

Also stayed in a Hot Tub suite at Tabacon Resort. This was a great room for a "hotel". It had an outside two person hot tub, private garden, a stream, and wonderful view of Arenal. Room was large and spacious. I definate would recommend the Hot tub suite. The only con was that the hotel was very busy and the volcano did not erupt that night.

What about La Mansion Inn vs. Makanda in Manuel Antonio?
This is for my honeymoon June 1-11.
Also, Tabacon vs. Montana de Fuego? Which on is more romantic?

Thanks

I vote for Arenal Paraiso, Makanda, and either Suizo, Islita or if you really want to be away Sugar Beach.

We stayed at the Arenal Lodge and loved it. it is very secluded and up a very high hill with wonderful views (even when the volcano is covered in fog), make sure you stay in a chalet room. I noticed alot of the hotels in Arenal were right off the road as you drive into the area, which does not appeal to me. However it may be a little more rustic (no phone, tv, etc) than you'd want for a honeymoon. If you do stay here, make sure you book the hot springs tour. We took the full day trip, which i also recommend, but the hot springs part was the highlight. I asked the tour director for the hotel (who was wonderful to work with) what they were called and they said "Ecothermale springs". I havent found any information on them, but they had just opened last March and it really is worthwhile to find out how to get there. Tabacon was painfully crowded, right by the main road, and almost touristy, and at the "ecothermale" we were the only ones there! It was amazing. I was hoping to come across another poster mentioning this, but havent yet.

Hello! We just got back from a week at the Tango Mar and loved it. Very "off the beaten path" - romantic, quiet, great setting for laying on the beach, swimming, relaxing - and the most amazing staff. Can't say enough good things. Oh - and the rooms are literally right on the beach. Good luck!