hipvirgochick

tully and shillmac - I have a very tough time not hitting the reply button to reviews on CR hotels being so terribly put out that they found "a bug" in their room. Uh, hello?

shillmac

I suppose it's all a matter of perspective. Thinking back, I remember being a little irritated (in the beginning) to find ants in my room, or one place I can think of where there were several little small spiders here and there on the walls (lovely place otherwise). Fortunately, those were minor things to me and eventually I came to expect ants here and there as just part of the CR experience. Same with geckos, even bats.

But don't you just know people for whom that would be a HUGE problem? I do. They just need to vacation elsewhere and acknowledge their own discomfort, not slam the hotel.

Reminds me of the horrible review Bosque del Cabo got just a few months ago on Trip Advisor. A honeymoon couple had been unhappy that Phil and Kim weren't there, that they didn't have the right kind of chair on their porch, and that Heather, the intern, was just doing an awful job.

We all know that the place runs beautifully with or without Phil and Kim (although it's always a pleasure to see them). And I know personally (as per Kim) that the staff got Phil and Kim's personal leather rockers and carried them to the cabina for this couple. Furthermore, I met Heather. She was delightful, very easy to work with, pleasant, but of course, just an intern, not an expert on all matters. And for those little details, these people had just whacked BdC all over the place. As if those few negatives had been their entire experience. More than likely, they were simply expecting something different than what they got--in other words, didn't do their research. . .

You just have to consider the people.

petite1

I had to laugh reading about the "bugs in room" hotel reviews. I won a 3 nt complimentary stay at the Paradisus Playa Conchal & am convinced I'm not going to like it there..too upscale for me. I was telling my friends about the possibility of staying in their Royal Service rooms with private butler who will do anything from stocking the mini bar with personal favorites to dropping rose petals into your bath water when she suggested that I should request to have some bugs & lizards brought in so I'd feel more comfortable!

shillmac

You'll like the Paradisus. . .it's a fun place, great pool. The evening entertainment used to be quite excellent, but I think some of the better dancers have moved on. I'm sure it's still entertaining.

petite1

Thanks Shillmac..can you tell me how the food is there? I always look forward to my gallo pinto & other costa rican dishes but I'm not to sure I'll be able to get that there. As you can tell the whole luxury thing is throwing me for a loop. I usually feel more comfortable at places like Las Tortugas in Playa Grande. My husband likes their dress code of board shorts much better than the Paradisus' pants/shoes required. I'm sure it will be easier for me to "suffer" through all of the luxury amenities offered than my husband. We're also staying 4 nts at Barcelo Langosta Beach..any feedback on that property?

Marsan

I, too, am hooked on travel. My sons kid me that I am a desktop traveler because I spend computer time almost daily reading about travel. I really don't get to travel that often, maybe once every year or two, but that doesn't stop me from armchair vacations! If I suddenly win a large amount of money (ever hopeful) I will spend most of it on travel.

shillmac

We always thought the food at Paradisus was pretty good. We really like Spices (if that's still the name), the Asian fusion place. Never did eat at the Italian restaurant, Faisonela (sp?), but others have given it good reviews. It became a pain to plan for the nicer restaurants because sometimes they are not easy to get booked unless you get down there very early in the a.m.

We've eaten in the regular buffet (by the theater, think it is called "Mitra" or something like that) and thought it was certainly decent--but perhaps not "fabulous"! We've been there at times (for the weekend) when my husband didn't pack slacks, and the restaurants do tend to be very strict about that.

We've never stayed at Barcelo Langosta, but recommended it to some friends a few years ago. They were looking for an all-inclusive and wanted to be near Tamarindo. They thought the hotel was fine, but said there were a lot of jellyfish in the water at that particular beach. Their 9 year old son got one inside his swimming trunks and was quite traumatized! Don't know if that's common or was just a fluke at that time, about 5 years ago.

petite1

Thanks Shillmac...I'm hoping the jellyfish thing might be a seasonal issue rather than a particular beach location. During one trip to Playa Grande we dealt with Sea Lice in the water for 2 days & then the rest of the week was fine. I saw how my 9 yr old daughter reacted to her bites so I can relate to your friends son being traumatized by that jellyfish.

shillmac

Probably is seasonal--haven't heard it from anyone else since then. Sea lice sounds awful! We had a friend (Costa Rican) who worked with activities at several of the big all-inclusives. He spent a lot of time in the water as he was a surfer as well. Long story short, he developed an ear problem and it became quite irritated/painful. Finally made a trip to the Dr. and found out there was a tiny little crab inside there. Doesn't that sounds just awful? Yuk!

tripinink

This is the funniest posting ever. I do the same...rereading Tripadvisor, waiting for other members to return and post their thoughts. Suzie2, you win, you're hilarious - obsessing about other people's trips!

I have booked airfares for Feb vacation for us and another couple for 2 weeks in Costa Rica (I'm going ahead for 2 weeks Spanish school in Honduras. I have done SO much research, have changed the itinerary and the locations and the lodges SO many times that no one cares anymore. No one will talk about the trip or look at the online photos of the hotels or the activities I have bookmarked. I guess I'll just do it the way I want it, but I must get booking soon

Won't they have a nice surprise when they enjoy the wonderful vacation I have planned for them!

petite1

A crab in the ear?!? I've never heard of that before. Sounds like something that should be on that "untold stories of the ER" show. I'll take the sea lice & jellyfish over the crab any day!

Tripinink: I laughed reading your post about no one wanting to listen to you anymore because the same thing has happened to me. People just don't understand that the planning for me is
such a huge part of the enjoyment I get from the vacation. I've always joked with my husband about never surprising me with a trip. I need to have time to plan, anticipate & obsess over it a little to enjoy it completely. Knowing I'm not alone makes me feel better. Maybe we should start a support group? (lol) or maybe our families should to learn how to cope with us!

tully

I think it's nice to know you're not the only one A couple I'm close to are planning to travel somewhere next year, their first trip together out of the US and I was like 'I'll put it together for you!' And they don't even know where they're going yet! I know for everyone it's different and you can't say which style is better but I just can't imagine not doing any planning/research prior to a trip.

And I most absolutely do not want a crab in my ear - eek!

tripinink

petite1

A support group sounds about right, though my husband thinks this obsession may be something more serious, perhaps a condition, or even syndrome. In fact, there's an easy way to name such a "plight". How's this?

"Costaricemia"

.... a certified condition of CR found in a person's blood most often a latent result of Pura Vida!!

Not a bad way to go!

hipvirgochick

A CRAB in one's ear? Now, that is just too much! I mean, I guess I can see a little hermit crab looking for a home, but that's just darnright Twighlight Zone!

petite1

Tripinink: I agree it's definitely a condition but I hope they never find a cure!
What is your itinerary for Feb? We'll be
in Arenal & Playa Grande over President's week. Any chance you'll be in either area?

tripinink

petite1 Not sure about President´s week, being a Canuck and all.

I am going to Spanish School and some volunteering for 2 weeks in Honduras-Guatemala before my DH and our best couple friends arrive. If things work out we´ll all connect in the airport get our 4x4 then stay at Orquideas Inn, Feb 23, chilling out of course in the Marilyn Munro bar.

Next day drive to Arenal via Grecia, stopping at the most lovely ice cream palace through a hidden door directly across from the church made of tin. If we are full still from breakfast, we will stop anyway to have our pics taken in this bright little shop.

Next up to Arenal Observatory Lodge, I think - for Feb 24 and Feb 25th in a Smithsonian room. I like the idea of anything sciency though am worried about our carsick friend on that bumpy road up there. Even if there is no lava I think we will enjoy the views and the hanging bridge. Hope to do a zip line late that afternoon, though I haven't heard back when the latest zip is in case we don't arrive early in the day. Next day, Feb 25th we'll do the guided tour at 830 at AOL which is supposed to be fun then, Ecotermales for the evening and dinner there. Still looking at Volcano Lodge, which looks very pretty at night and gets good reviews.

Shillmac, I am wondering about your trip this summer to AOL - what did you think this time?

Petite1 again ..If any of these activities/hotels interest you, we'd love to meet for a chat or a zip. What is your itinerary, so far? Are you booked yet in Arenal?

After Arenal we are heading towards Selva Verde so won't connect in that direction.

Let me know!

petite1

tripinink: It looks like we'll be leaving as you're arriving. We're going to Arenal Paraiso 2/15 for 2 nts and then off to
Las Tortugas in Playa Grande for 2/17-23.
Maybe our paths will cross another time.

tully

tripink you'll have a great time at Selva Verde. I really enjoyed my stay there. I was up in the bungalows, don't know if you're up there or in the river rooms but either way - definitely walk up there. The whole time I was up there I barely saw a soul and there were tons of monkeys and birds up there. Try to get Alex as your guide, he's been there 10 years and was great, really nice guy.

shillmac

petite1,
Your plans sound excellent, and I know you guys will have a great time! AOL and Las Tortugas!

tripinink: I was at Arenal this summer--spent a weekend there just to indulge all day Saturday at the spa at Tabacon. Other than that I just spent an evening at the pool bar at Arenal Paraiso and did a morning Safari Float (because I had neglected to take anything but flip flops and couldn't go on the volcano hike that I had decided on! Trying to pack light. . .!

We loved Arenal Observatory Lodge last year. But as you know, one really needs a car to stay there and I was bussing it this past summer. I have, however, met people who absolutely refuse to stay anyplace else they are so enamored of it. We even enjoyed staying in the shared bath lodge, La Casona. It was pretty much just us in the entire building and we had the bathroom to ourselves. The price was a great value at $53 per night including tax and breakfast. The grounds there are great for birding, extensive--the hike to the waterfall fun. AOL is always a thumbs up!