Lisa in MA or anyone else who can help
 

Hi Lisa,
I have posted this question before but haven't got much feedback so was hoping you could help. My husband, sons and I are planning to stay at Villa el Parque during Christmas because we were able to book for 3 nights only. All the other hotels recommended on this site wanted a minimum of 5 nights. My question: Is this place OK? We are looking for beautiful views and wildlife, plus a nice pool. Do you think we will be happy here? If not, can you suggest any other place that might not be booked up yet? Thanks so much for any info.
Jayne

Lisa is super , and sure to respond soon . I believe I responded awhile ago to a previous post. This place used to be owned by the same people who own Villas Nicolas . You will indeed have GREAT views from here , it has a cute pool , but NO view from the pool as it is nestled down in the jungle , this area is a bit built up with hotels , ( Villas Nicolas is here , Si Como No , etc. ) but the jungle is thick so you will probably see some wildlife . It is definitely not as charming as it once was , from a cosmetic standpoint it looks a little "tattered" around the edges with different facades to room fronts as condo owners change them around . That being said , if it is clean , and a good price , it "is" in a convenient area , and would be a fine place to lay your head . What "site" gave this 5 night minimum ???? There are SO many hotels in Manuel Antonio ( with more being built as we write ) , there must be more that allow 3 nights only ???

Good info from faithie, couldn’t have said it better! Villas ElParque is the same design as Villas Nic but there are many more condos at ElParque so it’s doesn’t have the same “small resort” feel as Villas Nicolas. The views are excellent and the pool is very nice. The pool is located at ground level so it might be a bit of a climb back up to your condo after using the pool. From some of the condos, you’ll actually be at or above tree level and there is a ton of wildlife to see … birds, sloths, monkey etc. Location at ElParque is excellent for access to area restaurants and the on-site restaurant is very good w/ wonderful views. ElParque is located directly on the M.Antonio road so a downside is that you’ll have a lot of traffic noise. Assuming you tried Villas Nicolas, Mango Moon, Costa Verde, SiComoNo, ElParador? I wasn't aware of this new 5 day policy over C-mas but as you know it's a VERY busy time here. Pls. repost w/ more questions, more than happy to help!

Lisa in M.A.

Faith and Lisa,
Thanks so much for your responses!!!! You two are great. Yes, Faith, you did response to this question awhile ago, and I have been hoping to read a current fodor post, but no one ever writes about this place. There was a January review on trip advisor, and it was a great review so that's why I booked it!!! :)
Gosh, I wish I had saved all the emails I received from the hotels so I could give you the correct information, but I do remember Villas Nicolas and Costa Verde were either 5 or 7 days each. (One said 5 the other said 7 nights). We could have stayed at Mango Moon, but we are a family of 5, sons aged 22-15, and from what I have been reading, it sounded more like a couples place. I did not try Si Como No because after the responses from the other places, I assumed this was Christmas policy. I also received the same info from a number of Tamarindo hotels! :( I feel so lucky to have found Villa el Parque and am hoping it will be ok. But, any other places I should look into? Thanks again, Jayne

You know what , try not to worry about it ! In the end it will be fine , because not much time will actually be spent in the room anyway ! You end up at the beach EARLY because it gets dark ( and Hot ! ) early .... Then your in the pool to cool off AFTER the beach , then its a shower and off to the restaurant ! The views are still the same , and from one of the higher units they are SPECTACULAR !!!!

Thanks Faith! Also, how about surfing? I have read people surf here although there are many places in CR that are famous for the surf and MA is not one of them.
Faith: Not to permanently change the content of this post, but how did your nieces ever make out? I haven't been on this site much lately and missed any info you may have written about.

There is definitely some surfing , perhaps not the same as Malpais or Tamarindo , but possible ..... As for my neices , they LOVED it ! They stayed at Mono Azul , then Casa Buena Vista , and thought both places great . Currently my sis is there in Manuel Antonio , at Didis B&B , and she LOVEs it ! Wishing I was there , its sweet torture for me ! Faith .did u ever check out maqbeach.com , tons of hotels on this site .....