My husband and I will be heading to Manuel Antonio over thanksgiving for a quick five night getaway. Currently, were thinking of staying at Hotel Si Como No, La Mariposa, Tulemar or La Mansion. Anyone have any comments on any of these hotels or can compare and contrast? Originally, I wanted Makanda by the Sea but their advertised internet price is roughly $100 more a night than any of the othe choices.

Thanks

Of the hotels you listed, I've stayed at Si Como No and Makanda by the Sea. If you stay at Si Como No, you would want to upgrade to at least a deluxe room, which puts it $50.00 less than Makanda per night. I enjoyed both hotels, but Makanda is probably worth the extra money. Has more of a 'luxury' feel to it. After taking a quick glance at a few web sites, it appears that Tulemar may be the best bargain of the bunch. Their 'green' season rates are less than half of the 'season' ones. I've never heard anything bad about the place.

I don't know a thing about La Mansion, can't help there. We stopped and had a drink at La Mariposa and had a terribly rude waiter. I know one person doesn't make or break a place, but it certainly does taint one's opinion. I think there is more variability in the quality of the rooms there, so ask lots of questions before you book.

Jean

My friends and I stayed at Tulemar a few years ago and we loved it! I don't think it's as luxurious as the others, but we enjoyed the bungalow and the service we had there! I would definitely recommend it there!

I've noticed that on Makanda by the Sea's website they actually consider November 1 - December 19th to be high season so prices are over $100 than most of the other locations I mentioned. Does anyone know if that is correct? Would they make that time period their high season when most of the other hotels still consider that low season?

I don't know the answer to your question, but it might warrent a phone call down there. The woman at the front desk when we were there was an American, so conversation wasn't a problem. However, I suspect that Makanda may raise their rates early because they're small and exclusive enough to get away with it. If you have clietele who are willing to pay....

Hi Red...You can't go wrong at Si Como No. Also, I stayed at La Mariposa a couple of weeks ago, and we had a great time. The rooms were big, comfortable, and our balcony had a hamock, and it overlooked the jungle and ocean. It was a pretty awesome view. The only drawback to it is that rooms don't have TV, so if you absolutely need one, be aware La Mariposa doesn't have them.

Also, have you tried booking through tour operators? They might give you a better deal for some of the hotels. Send me a line if you want recommendations...

Regards,

Enrique

We stayed at Tulemar and I would definitely stay there again. The grounds are wonderful, they have their own beach, and the bungalows have windows on all sides (i.e. all glass( except for the bathroom. We saw all kinds of wildlife right from our room. Their restaurant is good too, and is open extended hours.

Stayed at Tulemar last summer. As others have said, very nice (not luxurious), very quiet, very private. If that's what you are looking for it is a great choice. We really enjoyed it.

Hi,
We stayed at SiComoNo this summer and absolutely loved it. SiComoNo does not have any Tv, either, but who cares...My husband and I are considering going back to CR without kids, and El Parador in Manuel Antonio looked very, VERY nice. SiComoNo is very family oriented, yet they do have an adults only pool area. Hope this helps...
Kirsten