We are flying out of SJO at 7AM, so plan to spend our last night near the airport. We are a family of 3 adults, 2 children (9 & 11). Earlier, we will be staying 3 nights near Arenal and 3 nights near Manuel Antonio. Thanks to your help (especially Shillmac) and TripAdvisor, we have decided on our hotels in those areas, but are still waiting to see if rooms are available for our dates. Now--what would be a good option for the last night? And where should we spend our final sightseeing hours?

Hi, karinkz - we spent our last night at the Grano de Oro - cute hotel built in an old mansion with a wonderful restaurant for dining, really nice service too. They surprised us in our room with a beautiful tropical fruit plate 5 minutes after our arrival. They have a rooftop garden area with two nice hot tubs also. It's about 20 minutes from the airport. Orquideas Inn gets good reviews from posters on this board too.

I thought of another one that gets mentions on the board - Villa Bonita. Have not stayed there personally, but I know shillmac likes it - you could pop over to tripadvisor to get a better idea of the properties.

karinkz - also check out Xandari on the hills above Alajeula. Great property with fantastic views, and only about 20 - 25 minutes from the airport that early in the morning.

www.xandari.com/description.html

I'll chime in for Orquideas, that early would take only 15 minutes to the airport. They have a dome that could hold all of you or you could get 2 of the garden rooms, all reasonably priced.

Man, that's an early flight! Yuk! And you'll miss your free breakfast! Reminds me of the time I changed our tickets to a later flight and paid $100 each in order to have breakfast and a few more hours! Expensive "free" breakfast! LOL! I thought it best not to share that information with my husband--he would have croaked! Still would.

I'd say it depends on what you are looking for and how much you want to spend. We like Orquideas a lot--especially for the Marilyn Monroe bar and the opportunity to visit with the bartenders who are like old friends by now. We go there for dinner and drinks even though we seldom stay there anymore. Price is reasonable as well. But with children, the bar might not be an option you'd consider.

These days, we always stay at Hotel Villa Bonita (mentioned above) because we have long been friends with the owners, a young Tico couple, Humberto and Carmen. They're just great. The rooms are comfortable, the bathrooms large, with bathtubs (2 of the downstairs rooms) and internet. It's a small B&B, but there is a very good Argentine restaurant nearby (walking distance). Around $50--basic, with a few amenities, but very friendly. Humberto will arrange your taxi for the next a.m.

Zoo Ave would be a good way to spend a final afternoon in the airport area. Ave is Spanish for "bird", so it is sort of a "bird zoo" (but more of a rehab place). Lots of other animals there as well. It's good for an hour and a half. . .

Depending on what time you get back into town, you might also enjoy the 25 min. drive up to the Doka Coffee Estate. Very interesting place to visit, pretty area. They have tours about every hour.

Good luck! In your shoes, we'd just be looking for a place to lay our heads!

shillmac -- That's too funny about your ticket change...that sounds like something I would do! We've got Orchideas booked for our last night next Spring. Looking forward to chilling that last night.

There's also a Gold Museum, Jade Museum, and the National Theater if those interest you.

Yeah, well, it worked out much better. We were staying in San Jose at the Don Carlos. It gave us a chance to walk around downtown with our son (who hadn't seen the wonders of San Jose).

That was the same morning our daughter was on an earlier flight (long story) and jumped in her taxi at 5:00 a.m. as I stood on the front steps and waved goodbye. Then looked down and saw one of her bags on the ground (the one with the passport in it). Long story ensues of me catching another taxi, racing 90 to nothing to the airport. Her arriving at the airport and realizing no passport, racing back to the hotel, trying to catch her between as we had both taxi drivers racing back and forth and using their cell phones. . .she finally got inside WITH bags and passport with 45 min. to spare. And made it. I aged 15 years.

Don't know why I felt compelled to tell that. . .not relevant to karinkz's question at all!

Dear Karinkz,

I am not sure how much you would like to spend, but I have to agree with MRand's suggestion about Xandari. We had done the economic hotels for the entire week and absolutely loved spending the last day/night at Xandari. The heated pool overlooking the coffee plantation, the incredible villa/suite, the staff, grounds and especially the food, ended one of the best vacations that we ever had. I believe that they also provide a shuttle to the airport, which isn't far away. If you are going to be their for the whole day, take a trip up to Poas Volcano. Enjoy.

OMIGOSH--what a funny travel story, Shillmac!

Thanks for the info, everyone. I'll get on Trip Advisor and the hotel sites, and look over the options. We'll be driving in from Manuel Antonio the day before we leave. I'm not sure we're better off, with the kids, spending the morning there, or trying to get to our last hotel earlier in the day and do some sightseeing in that area. That Zoo Ave place looks interesting. How long is the trip to Poas Volcano from the airport area? How long to downtown San Jose? I'm wondering if the kids would be interested in seeing San Jose. I was there about 3 years ago, but don't really recall much about the city. Also--do you think we should turn in the car the night before and just take a shuttle or taxi to the airport?

HI,
We have booked in Vida Tropical which is only 5 minutes from airport. It looks like a small bed & breakfast . The zoo in Grecia is interesting if you need a few hours of sighseeing.

Have a great trip, we off to CR for 2 months in Feb and can't wait.

The kids would enjoy Zoo Ave, but it is a very low key thing--and not very time consuming, which makes it perfect for some. Poas is about an hour from the airport area (45 min or so from Orquideas Inn--by way of the road that runs right past the hotel). You won't see the crater lake later in the day probably, but it has a fun gift shop and a bit of hiking--it's high and cool there. Cool enough for long sleeves or light jackets most of the time.

The thing about Zoo Ave is that, from there, it is VERY easy to get to Orquideas Inn--and from Orquideas, easy to get to Poas. AND getting to Zoo Ave is simple (coming from Manuel Antonio) as well.

If you get into the La Garita area (where Zoo Ave is located) about noon, there are several little restaurants on that road near Zoo Ave. Then 1.5 at the zoo (or less). Then you could check into Orquideas by 2:30 or so, make a run up to Poas, return the car, and be back at the hotel for dinner at 6:30 or 7:00.

OR you could just forget Poas and hang out at Orquideas by the pool, maybe not leaving Manuel Antonio quite so early, staying there for lunch.

As you return from Manuel Antonio, coming through Orotina and Atenas, you'll see signs for La Garita. The road takes you on an overpass (over the Interamerican) and you'll be heading right into Alajuela by way of La Garita. Zoo Ave will be on your left.

Something else I thought of, should you decide to head up toward Poas. On the way, you'll pass the little town of Fraijanes. There is a little private park there called Bosques de Fraijanes. Costa Rican school children go there for school trips. It's kind of a fun little place and might be enjoyable to explore on your way up to Poas. It is on the right as you pass through that little town, and there are signs. You can do a little hiking there as well. We actually stayed there for a couple of days and had the place entirely to ourselves.

Who are you renting with? Did you say? I'd suggest turning your vehicle in that evening and letting the hotel arrange a taxi to the airport. You'll be getting around way too early the next a.m. to worry about a car (would the rental places even be open at 5:00 or so?)

Regarding Vida Tropical. I wouldn't recommend it. Don't get me wrong--we have stayed there, just the 2 of us, years ago, looking for a bargain place to lay our heads. It was $25, shared bathrooms, tiny bedrooms. We saved a few bucks and had a place to do laundry and make phone calls. It served its purpose for us. I don't think it would be right for a family.

That is where we met Humberto, who now owns Hotel Villa Bonita. He was helping to manage Vida Tropical when the owner wasn't in town. Soon after we met him, he bought his own little B&B--Hotel Villa Bonita, which is truly 5 minutes from the airport. Vida Tropical is probably another 5 minutes away as it is located more in Alajuela central.

San Jose doesn't seem like such a great idea with the kids, actually. That said, I might be wrong--and Grano de Oro would indeed be a pleasant place to sleep and dine that last night.

You guys might enjoy spending some time outside the Teatro Nacional (it's beautiful inside as well). Right in front of the teatro is El Gran Hotel Costa Rica and Plaza de la Cultura, a great place for people watching and having a snack.

It's also fun to walk down the Avenida Central pedestrian mall, window shopping. The Mercado Central (about 4-5 blocks west down Avenida Central) would be an eyeful for your kids (and for you)--everyone should see a large Central American marketplace! But you would need to be really careful there, especially if it is crowded. Don't carry purses or backpacks.

Whew! Lots to think about! Something will seem just right to you--and all of it would be enjoyable. . .

Thank you so much Shillmac for all the good info. I'll discuss it with my daughter, when we sit down to discuss our activities. I had pretty much decided on the Orquideas. Its proximity to the airport, reasonable price and swimming pool were factors. I haven't made a reservation, though. Should do that soon. We do have reservations at Los Lagos near Arenal, and Costa Verde at Manuel Antonio Park. Our car rental is with Tricolor. I reserved a car over the telephone, then Emailed for a confirmation, but have not had a response. Should I insist on a written confirmation? It makes me a little uneasy to have no piece of paper in hand. I think you're right about turning in the car the evening before. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions as I think about activities. Your mention of the park where Costa Rica children go just reminded me of another question. Do you know how we could arrange a school visit? My grandkids and daughter (who just began teaching) would love to see one. Thanks again.

karinkz, I would insist on having an e-mail confirmation, even with Tricolor. May not be necessary, but why not do everything you can to make the "process" run smoothly?

E-mail them again, and put Cynthia Segura's name in the subject line. She is the one who always sets up and confirms for us, sending us our res. number, etc. I've never worked with them by phone. But she has always been very prompt, dependable, and otherwise a great help.

Sorry I do not know how to help you with the school visit. That might be a good question to ask the hotel staff. They might have a suggestion about it. Sounds like a good idea. So glad things are coming together for you!

Shillmac--

Do you have an Email address for Tricolor? I've tried to reach them through their link in the webpage a couple times to no avail.

yes, I do, but I am away from home this weekend. I'll look for it later tonight if I remember and send it on to you.

You might try one more time on address given on the web, mentioning Cynthia Segura's name.

Also, you might try the toll free number listed in the "Contact Us" link.

No one has mentioned the incredible "Vista del Valle" as a place to stay, 20 minutes from the airport, absolutely stunning grounds, great cabins overlooking a gorge, and an open air restaurant with views to die for! And did I mention the pool? This place is a true gem, and very reasonably priced. We stayed there 2 nights on our way in, then flew to the Osa, and one night on our way out. I highly recommend the Ilan Ilan or Mona Lisa cabin with views over the canyon!

I have been emailing Tricolor with this address: [email protected]. Hopefully this will work for you.

We stayed at Vista del Valle our first night in CR. We stayed in one of the "exotic wood" rooms and they would work really well for a family -- there are two rooms with a queen and single bed in each with a kitchen area in between. Views are great, overlooking the Rio Colorado.

There's also a swimming pool and hot tub and a nice little hike to a waterfall that the kids would love.

Also, we stayed as Pura Vida hotel in Alejuela the night before one of our flights. It's on 4-5 km to the airport although you have to negotiate through Alejuela which can be very slow at times. No pool there but they have a 2 bedroom bungalow that would accommodate your family nicely. The location is also very convenient for Poas.