Hi

We are going to Manuel Antonio for our honeymoon at the end of March. I'm having a hard time deciding between the honeymoon suite at si como no or Studio 9 at Makanda. I'm a little concerned that si como no might be a little too loud but the honeymoon ste there looks great - has anyone stayed in it and can compare it to Makanda. Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I can't compare it to Makanda, but Si Como No is anything but loud. We found it very tranquil, beautiful, and relaxing!

We were in Villa 10 at Makanda. The only experience I have with Si Como No is visiting their very expensive gift shop, so I did see the hotel from the outside. These hotels are totally different. The Makanda units are very big with a seperate kitchen, huge porch with table/chairs and hammock, large living room with a TV, glassed in garden and nice bathroom with seperate walk in closet. Breakfast is served from a full menu within about 15 minutes of the time you call in the morning. I would choose Makanda for a honeymoon.

Kathy

We're way past the honeymoon part of our lives, but have stayed in both places. We had a deluxe room at Si Como No and one of the studios at Makanda. The room layouts were somewhat similar, the bed being up a couple steps and a couch in front of it. The room at Makanda had a small kitchenette, Si Como No had a minibar fridge. Both had beautiful balconies with awesome views. I'm guessing the honeymoon suite at Si Como No would really be beautiful.

Si Como No is quite a bit larger property, two pools, one adults only. Two restaurants, we only ate at the casual poolside one. Good food.

Makanda is much quieter. Great pool service, only had lunch at the restaurant, it was very good. Makanda feels more upscale, if that's what you're looking for.

We didn't use a car either trip (although we had one while at Si Como No), and I must say that the walk up the hill at Makanda is pretty steep. Of course, you can always take a cab, but there are great restaurants that are quite close, you just have to get up the hill.

I'd return to either property in a heartbeat, but I think for a honeymoon, I'd opt for Makanda.

Jean

In my opinion, Makanda is way over the top better than Si Como No. It is natural and peaceful. (The only drawback is the walk up the hill...but being "down" the hill gives it so much quiet) It is pretty, but we found Si Como No to be very "Disneyesque". Fake fiberglass rocks, fake metal rail painted to look like bamboo (and bamboo grows rampant around there). We have stayed both places, and I can honestly say we will never stay at SCN again. Makanda has a beautiful secluded beach about a 10 minute walk down the hill, monkeys everywhere, beautiful pool, and super service. We were at Makanda 3 days and only left a couple of times, it was hard to leave it was so relaxing. (you can always get a cab to come pick you up) Breakfast on your beautiful porch is a plus. Wherever you stay, be sure to make the sunset at La Mariposa at the top of the hill. Stunning view from up there and great poolside bar.

We stayed for our honeymoon in studio 9 (Makanda) and felt like we were in heaven...honestly. We stayed at Si Como for 1 night (don't remember the room type) and although we loved it, we really felt happy w/ our choice in picking Makanda for the longer stay. Being that it's your honeymoon, I would highly recommend Makanda because of it's quiet, serene feel. After staying at Si Como we said we'd hope to bring our children there one day.

We stayed at Makanda for our honeymoon in Nov 2001. Loved it. I think we were also in Studio 9. You feel like you are in your own little world there. When you are in your studio you don't even see anyone else. The pool there is fantastic. Good restaraunt. Great staff. So polite and friendly. We ate once at Si Como No and and it seemed way louder and busier. I'd definately stay at Makanda. You won't regret it. Enjoy your trip!

ALERT: Just be sure that the construction on the owner's home is finished. The serene atmosphere was compromised by the hammering all day long. I would check out the progress of the construction.

Kathy