JeffieAnne

My husband and I will be heading to CR for the first time in early March. We will be spending 3 nights in San Jose, then going to Arenal Kioro for one night, then ending our trip at Villa Caletas. We are still debating between the Marriott and Grano de Oro for hotels in San Jose. I'm rooting for GDO, but my husband is swaying toward Marriott. Any suggestions?

Also, we will NOT be renting a car. Hotels are coordinating transports between airport and first/last hotels. What's our best option getting from SJ to Arenal and from Arenal to Jaco? Neither of us really speaks Spanish (I can get by when I have to), so we are concerned with getting taken "for a ride" by taxi drivers. Should we be?

Thanks!

campjulie

We stayed at the Marriott near the airport on our first and last night in San Jose and thought the hotel was terrific. The rooms were well appointed and we had the concierge level with snacks and drinks + breakfast available. We chose the hotel because we could use our points, but I would recommend it regardless. We did not tour San Jose, but left early our first morning to Arenal. The hotel can arrange all of this for you ahead of time or when you arrive.

tully

You have a couple options of traveling: Interbus will go between all the routes you mentions, runs about $30 per person each trip; you could hire a private driver, rates vary but expect about $120 per trip; or you can fly on Sansa or Nature Air, see the websites for rates and schedules. I think the Grano de Oro looks lovely and gets great reviews, I'm considering it for my father when he meets me down there in May. When taking a taxi, ask how much before you get in and make sure they have the meter on (maria).

CarolM

We loved Grano de Oro -- smaller boutique-type hotel, and a great restaurant.

volcanogirl

We loved the Grano de Oro - cute little boutique hotel built in an old mansion - it's full of little twists and turns, fountains, gardens, etc. and has a rooftop garden with two nice hot tubs. The dining is really good with wonderful service. The restaurant there is pretty well-know. We'd definitely stay there again.

JeffieAnne

Thanks for your help! We've decided on Grano de Oro. Especially when looking at cost, it seemed like a no brainer.

As far as private drivers go, is that a good option? Is that something that should be booked before we leave? How much would a taxi run?

JaneB

We're using Interbus for transportation on our trip in January. I have already made the arrangements at their website:

http://tinyurl.com/2ouyme

JaneB

They pick up and drop off at your hotel at designated times. It just seems so hastle-free.
Jane

volcanogirl

We did private drivers - just had the hotels arrange them for us before we left. Interbus is another good option.