bworthen

Forgive me if this is a double post -- I couldn't find my first attempt. My fiance is out of the country and I have 48 hours to book a place to stay in ST/Mal Pais. I have to decide between the Tropico Latino and the Casa Chameleon. We would like privacy, but we don't need isolation. Our primary goal for this part of the trip is to spend time at and around the beach (we are doing the jungle part the first week). Does anyone who has been to either or both of these places have any advice? Thanks a lot, Ben

shillmac

Loved Tropico Latino. Be sure you get the beachfront bungalow (there is just one!). It provides a fabulous view. The management could have been more gracious, but we really did like our bungalow and the way it sat right on the beach. Someone else posted a horrible review because of management problems, but we didn't have a negative experience, it just could have been a little better. We'd stay there again anytime.

dfarmer

I can only say that our daughter is at Tropico right now, her email states "Tropico is fabulous". Unfortunately I will not get to talk to her until after your deadline to book.

I was a bit nervous because of a recent negative view, but thankfully she is very pleased. Also, she was not able to get the ocean room and still pleased.

Best Wishes!

surfexec

Sorry I couldn't respond sooner but, in case you didn't book yet...definitely go with Casa Chameleon for a honeymoon!!! I like tropico Latino when I{m with the guys but it{s more of a surfer-friend hangout.Not much privacy.And forget being right on the beach!No view from the rooms...even the first one, although best choice.I just booked at Casa Chameleon for April.This place is new.But I got to see it on my last trip and talk about ROMANTIC!Very private'only two places and still close to the beach.Beautiful architecture,very clean and the views are incredible! Oh, I almost forgot the AMAZING bathrooms!HUGE rock showers in the rooms with Gigantic shower heads.And the view from the bathroom...amazing!I{ll post a report when I return but it looks Incredible!

shillmac

Our beachfront bungalow (the only one) at Tropico Latino offered a beautiful view of the beach. I'm glad to see TL getting some better reviews. Perhaps new management? It did receive a horrific one a few months ago. Overall, it is, I believe, a good choice for Sta. Teresa.

surfexec

It's been a while since I stayed in the first bungalow at Tropico but I didn't think I could see the ocean.I thought it was blocked by trees or something. Maybe it was but not anymore?

Either way, I have always liked Tropico Latino but for a honeymoon I still would recommend something more private and romantic.
Everyone will have their own idea of romantic but for me it's eing able to relax in a room with a view. Not having to worry about the loud drunk college kids staying next door ruining my "moment".Being able to enjoy the pool without a bunch of screaming kids/and or drunk college guys.I know, sounds hard to find.I mean you never know who will be on vacation at the same hotel or in the room next to you.I am planning a very special trip (will elaborate later,don't want to spoil the surprise) in April and needed that extra special place.Casa Chameleon looks like it 1.There are only two villas 2.They don't allow kids.It's basically set up and advertised as a romantic getaway.I saw it on my last trip and it looks incredible.So,my opinion for now is Tropico Latino for family,friends.Casa Chameleon for Romance,couples. I'll be sure to share my experience after my April trip.

shillmac

surfexec,
We were there last March for spring break. Gorgeous view. Perhaps some vegetation was removed, not sure. How long has it been since you stayed? There are two "beachfront" bungalows. But one has been built directly in front of the others, so only the front one offers the view. Perhaps you were there before the newer one was added? Or perhaps they were both built at the same time? I don't know! But definitely there was a nice view last year. Agreed it isn't the most romantic place in the world!

surfexec

Hi shillmac,
Well, I was in Mal Pais a few months ago with some buddies and we rented a house...the time before I stayed at Tropico,but only one of the rooms was available (not the better ones)still liked it though...It was on the trip before that,November 2003, I think, that we rented the first room at Tropico.I remember there were two new ones and we had the beach one but I didn't think I could see the water.Maybe I forgot.I don't think there was a window with a view from the room though...or was there?Wow, I don't remember.It was nice, but on that trip I remember my girlfriend being disturbed by some of the rowdy guests around ie Drunk guys in the pool every time she wanted to relax.Which is why I made the comment about not so romantic.And why I figured for romance I should look for a better spot.Also, the house we rented was in the hills of Mal Pais and Wow, what a different perspective.Nice breeze when you're up a little bit and still not far from the surf.That's why I chose this new Casa Chameleon place for my "romantic"trip in April.I stopped by last time and the view is awesome.So is the room,pool,etc. so that's why I'm already passing on the info because I think alot of people probably don't know about it...I'll definitely post about my experience when I get back.

shillmac

I'm going to look Casa Chameleon up--it sounds like a place we'd enjoy. You are right--there was no view from the room at TL--just from the front porch and hammock. I hope your trip in April has all the romance you can handle and do report to us when you get back--not on the romance necessarily (ooh, that would spice up the old board!), but definitely on Casa Chameleon! Have fun!