dolciani

We'll be in Costa Rica at the Marriott Los Suenos from April 1 - 7 we arrive in San Jose about 10:30 am and plan to drive directly there w/ our rented SUV. I'm reading that it may take about 2-3 hours to get to Los Suenos so planning on arriving about 2 pm. Our plans are to see and do the following while we're there (many of these tours are offered by the Marriot - as full tours w/ bus rides):
Carara National Park
Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs
Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Pacific
Monkey Trail Canopy Tour
Manuel Antonio National Park
Horseback to Bijagual Waterfalls
So which of these things can I do upon arrival (about 2 pm) and which should I plan to do on my own since we have a rental car. We will be w/ another couple making a total of 4 adults. Thanks in advance for your input.

tully

I doubt you'll be able to fit in any of these things upon arriving at 2pm. Manuel Antonio is about 1 - 1 1/2 hours away, Arenal area is about 4-5 hours away. You could do MA on your own, it may be easier to do Arenal as a tour thru the hotel although it will be a long day. Carara will be propbably be the closest to you, less than an hour, though you may benifit from having a guide there as well.

dfarmer

We always contemplate what we will do the day of arrival! However, we always do exactly the same thing - settle in with our first Imperial and watch the view before us!

Seriously after - little sleep the night before travel - then the early arrival at the airport - a flight or two - and then a drive - we are pretty much wiped out and simply want to relax. So I wouldn't try to plan anything for that afternoon - just enjoy your afternoon and the arrival of a terrific sunset.

As for tours - I am leaving that to someone else. We have never stayed in this area.

You will not want to be driving after dark. So for example - the Arenal/Baldi trip, I would highly recommend you use the tour service.

dolciani

We've decided to leave out the trip to Arenal after much advice - too far and we would have to travel home at night (NOT ADVISED!). Should we book trips before we go or wait and let the Marriott book them for us?

sweet_polly

The Marriott did a great job of booking our extracurricular activities for us after our arrival. One we liked that you did no mention that you were doing was a boat ride to Tortuga Island...if you need a filler for Arenal, it makes a lovely day trip.

I loved Los Suenos...it is my favorite of all the resorts and hotels my husband and I have ever stayed in. On our first day, after enjoying the spectacular views on the drive from SJO, we had a great time just chilling at the outdoor terrace bar and restaurant overlooking the Pacific, drinking mojitos, enjoying their wonderful homemade potato chips with bleu cheese (among other tasty treats) and watching the sun set. Have a wonderful time...I'm jealous!

annesherrod

Can you provide any details of the resort? We have stayed some beautiful resorts and some that are rough around the edges.

What was your opinion?

Anne

sweet_polly

Here's the link to a detailed review of Los Suenos that I posted on epinions.com shortly after my trip. There is no "rough around the edges" at Los Suenos. I've stayed at some pretty nice places, and this is the one I have the fondest memories of. In fact, it was recently rated one of the 500 best hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine, which did not surprise me.

http://www1.epinions.com/content_195455585924

annesherrod

sweetpolly - I loved your review of this hotel. Very Informative!!!

We are thinking of going next spring break with our children. It sounds like there is plently to keep them happy and occupied.

Do you reccomend staying overnight near the airport and driving in early the next day? When I say drive - I mean take a shuttle or taxi.

sweet_polly

I would not want to drive across those mountains to Los Suenos in the dark...not even with an experienced local driver. Besides, the scenery en route is breathtaking...you don't want to miss it. If I remember correctly, it was about a 2-hour drive from San Jose.