bpcbutterfly

Help! I need to finalize reservations, but I cant decide between Punta Islita or Manuel Anotonio. This would be for 3 nights.... PLEASE RESPOND.

greenfieldhunter

2 very different locations

one is a lovely hotel on the Pacific coast, another is a lovely section of park land on the Pacific coast.

I honeymooned at Punta Islita and loved it. We also ended up in MA on the same trip(Si Como No) and loved it.

Maybe if you give some more info...

bpcbutterfly

thank you for response. We have a total of 5 nights in CA. Going to celebrate 5th anniversary, but want a mix of relaxing, adventure and scenery. I'm planning this trip with 2 weeks notice, which doesnt help. Punta Islita sounds like such a great hotel. We also plan on staying 2 nights at Peace Lodge and doing a day trip to Arenal. Wont be able to swing Monteverde (is this horrible to miss??) and thought it might make sense to see MA, though not as thrilled with hotel choices there.
Enough info to help with choice?

greenfieldhunter

Don't worry about "missing" anything- you can always come back and rushing around is not the way to enjoy Costa Rica

Punta Islita is great- check tripadvisor.com for more reviews. Unless you were planning on flying (which I would highly recommend) it is too far away from San Jose to justify a stay during a 5 day getaway

MA is much closer to San Jose, has some nice beaches, decent food choices, and good wildlife viewing. The park, while small, gives one a taste of tropical wet forest which used to cover the coast.

If I was setting up a trip for a friend I would recommend spending your time in MA (all five days)- again check tripadvisor for hotel reviews

Don't bother with the day trip to Arenal-too far, too rushed, and your chances of actually seeing the volcano are too low. Not the place for a day trip although many people try.

Depending on your departure flight times flying back to San Jose from MA might buy you another night/ morning of vacation.

Otherwise you will have to spend your last night near SJ and the airport, cutting your 5 days even more.

Hope this helps

dfarmer

If I understand correctly, you only have 5 nights in Costa Rica? You don't say how you plan to travel around the country, but with this few days, I would recommend a private driver or transfer company. This will allow you to optimize your time.

Transfer to MA on arrival date, 3 nights will actually only give you 2 days, which in MA you could literally keep very busy if staying here the full 5 nights.

However Peace Lodge is fabulous, I would opt to see Poas Volcano instead of Arenal. In order to truly enjoy Arenal I feel you need to be there overnight for a couple nights. The volcano (when not clouded over) spews red rock, that just is not that glorious to see in daylight. Arenal area also can keep you occupied for several days.