I have been trying to arrange a stay for this November, and have been communicating back and forth with Kim and someone named Leonardo. Since its high season (but not holiday season), I expected the price for a deluxe cabina to be about $165.00 per person for double occupance. Kim and Leonardo told me that the prices have increased to 195.00 per person during the hight season for double occupancy. Has anyone else booked for after November and experienced the same price increases? Unfortunately, now I don't think I can afford to stay as long as I had hoped... Or I might have to stay somewhere else.

Here is an excerpt of the email I received:

"We are updating our website so rates are going to be updated soon but according to the rates that you found in our website right now is not including our high season 2008 that is going to start on Nov.16. ... the cost is $275 for single occupancy, $195 per adult per night for double occupancy; $165 per adult per night for triple occupancy; $145 per adult per night for 4 people in the cabin; children under 12 years old are $80 per night. These prices do include all meals."

The same prices were reflected on the reservation form they faxed me. I understand a price increase each year, but doesn't a $30 dollar per person per night increase seem a bit high? Or perhaps I am not considering other factors (increase demand?)

Leonardo confirmed that the new holiday rates have gone up as well, which means that the December rates are now $225 per person for double occupancy for deluxe cabinas. He did offer me a 10% discount if I paid the entire bill in cash. He said they made such a large increase to make up for the fact that they didn't increase at all last year. Now I am torn --I am sure it is an amazing experience, but I am not sure I can pay 400 a night, plus transfer, tax and gratuities.

Well, think about it. . .it's $70 per night more. Seems steep, I know, and it is, but the place is a really special place!

I was looking at the Flor Blanca website last night. 3 years ago they were about $250 per night (for a room). Now they are $395 per night, no meals included. And nothing much to do but beach.

Makes BdC look like a bargain!

Perspective, perspective!

Seriously, we all have to decide those things for ourselves. When there is someplace we REALLY want to stay, we try like crazy to do a budget stay somewhere to balance it. It usually works okay.

This really should go with your other post but I'll keep this one going. I wish I could compare between Bosque & Villas Corcovado, but haven't been there so can't. Can't say for sure but I don't recall seeing any reviews of people who have stayed there here at fodors.

I know the price difference will add up over a few days, but I would collect more info before making a decision. For one thing, Villas C has about 70 acres vs BDC with over 500. At BdC you can entertain yourself fully never leaving the grounds and never taking one of their hikes if you choose. I would find out from Villa C how extensive their trail system is or if you need to be with a guide pretty much anywhere and how much each of those tours cost. It's possible that may end up evening out the cost right there. Just a thought!

Sorry, not making sense, when I say 'there' I mean Villa Corcovado.

Thanks Tully and Shillmac - I will try to keep it in perspective. (although an increase of 70 dollars per night when I planned to stay 4 to 5 nights, does add quite a bit to my trip!). I do have my heart set on Bosque and will try to fit it in; but I still need to investigate other options to compare. I know Tully hasn't been to Villa --have you been Shillmac?

Casa Corcovado? Haven't heard of Villa Corcovado. . .

No, haven't been there (Casa), but spoke with someone last week who had stayed there and really enjoyed it. I'm sure it's an excellent property. Bosque del Cabo certainly is just one of many great places to stay on either Cabo Matapalo or Drake Bay. They are all pricey.

I will say I was surprised at the prices of the tours at BdC. They were about 1/3-1/2 of what you would expect to pay anywhere else. As Tully said, there is plenty to do without extra cost tours, but if you DO want to do those things, you're definitely going to pay less for them than you would elsewhere.

Jill it is Villa Corcovado, it's a nice looking property that I've considered a couple times but mostly due to what I mention above (not sure about their trails and/or how much each tour is) haven't gone. It's kinda near the top of the upside U shape of the Golfo. Agree on the tour rates at BdC, compared to many other places they're very cheap.

kitamaria just to throw something else out there, I'm going to Playa Nicuesa for 3 days prior to Bosque in a few weeks, I'll tell you how that is on return, the prices look about the same. I know last year I also went somewhere on the Osa for 3 nights before Bosque and wasn't really crazy about it so I hope this new place turns out better.

kitamaria, If you really have your heart set on Bosque, then why don't you stay in one of the cabinas in the tropical garden. I believe they are cheaper than the ones with ocean views. They are a lot smaller too (except for Casa Teka) but you would still have a fantastic vacation.

We stayed in Casa Teka but the price did not include meals. You could buy some supplies at the store in Puerto Jimenez when you arrive. You could also just have dinner with everyone else. Not sure if the prices are going to increase for the meals but they were charging $25 a person for dinner when I was there.

Villas Corcovado has been on my short list for awhile but the call of Bosque has been pretty strong and we usually end up there.

Bosques new rates are going to be a bit of a stretch for us as well and we may well look around some ourselves. We will still visit but for a shorter time most likely. Fortunately we will soon be able to just drive down and spend a night just for a quick visit.

Luna Lodge is in a nice setting and borders with Corcovado Park. A little further down the road from Bosque but Lana is a great person and the cabins are very nice. She is quite an activist when it comes to preserving the Osa. Not as many options for things to do down that way but still a beautiful area. It is set back in the woods and the hike to the beach can take some time but you see some good birds and monkeys along the way. There is a little pulpuria waiting at the end with cold sodas and beers and Lana will send someone down to pick you up and bring you back.

Look Out Inn is nice as well. Right on the beach near Luna Lodge and borders the park as well. Again, not as many options for things to do there. Terry and Katya do the cooking and run the place. I have had several meals there were even other lodge owners and locals come by and help out in the kitchen. Getting back to Puerto Jimenez is not a good option to do stuff because it is a long ride on pretty rough roads.

We enjoyed our time at Esquinas Lodge. The bridge on the road to it gave some pause but made for some good kodak moments. We weren't there long enough to really look around a whole lot because we were just using it as a stop before heading over the border to Panama and then on the way back again.

Casa Corcovado always gets good reviews and I think I almost have my husband talked into it.

Sandy, who runs yoga trips to CR has recommended Playa Nicuesa many times. It is on the top of my list for someday.

Price increases are inevitable but for a couple of years now I have been concerned that CR is pricing itself out of a lot of peoples budgets. There are still places that are affordable for people on more modest budgets.

The meals have gone up to $60 per person/day.

I have thought of staying in a garden cabina, but decided against it as I was really set on an ocean view (and garden cabinas are now $175/per person in Nov.). Although Bosque is still on my short list, I am going to think of a few alternative itineraries (some going to MA instead of Osa) and price them out to determine where I go on this trip. So...with that said, and given everyone on this board has been so helpful, please don't be surprised if I start asking a bunch of dumb questions about MA! Ultimately what I want is to find a mellow spot with a hammock and an ocean view to get some much needed R&R (I work loooong hours, and only get one opportunity a year to get away!). Attracted to Osa over MA becuase I know its so beautiful and MA tends to be more crowded, but I know Manuel Antonio would be wonderful too... And since I am going the last week of November, I also want to get the driest weather (i want it all!). I have been told the Northeastern coastline is the driest and may look into that too.

I will put my two cents in the mix to confuse you some more! If you really like the idea of Bosque del Cabo, ask yourself if, six months after you are back from your trip, will you really miss that extra $300 - $400? If you don't go, will you wonder, "what if?"

I am sure you can have a lovely vacation experience in other parts of Costa Rica. But staying at BdC was the most peaceful, relaxing, energizing vacation I have ever had. It is hard to explain, but there is just something about the place.

Of course we're going to be mad at you! Just kidding. Only you know what financially is in/out of your budget. So whatever you decide is of course fine by us and there are plenty of people here to give you advice on where ever you choose to go.

That said, I do agree with the 'what if' aspect mentioned by janenicole. I've, in the past, looked at Peace Lodge's rates and said forget it. But this trip I'm going for 2 nights, simply cause I really want to go there and see the grounds and hotel, I'm tired of just wondering about it you know?

Whatever you decide - you'll still be in CR so that's a great start right there!

Hi Kitamaria,
I have been experiencing the same delema. We are leaving for BdC in a couple of weeks but it was a huge stretch for us financially. We decided to stay at The Pearl to offset the cost a bit and to have some time at the beach. We almost canceled the trip because the company my husband works for closed their doors without notice. Now it is an impossible stretch for us but we already had our tickets and could not get out of the trip without losing what we had paid for the tickets. I am already thing about our next trip to Costa Rica. I had figured that next time we would not be able to make that stretch finacial stretch to stay at BdC. I am hoping to find out about other places on the Osa that might be more affordable. With your news about the price increase I don't think that we will be back to stya at BdC. I hope that you will keep us posted with what other options you find.

We returned from Costa Rica mid-February - including a stay at Casa Corcovado for four nights. IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!! Don't give up the Osa Peninsula! To me it was the best part of the trip (and the entire trip was great!). Casa Corcovado makes it their number one priority to make your experience fabulous. We went horseback riding on the beach . . . snorkeled and saw sharks and sting rays . . . dolphins, monkeys . . . I cannot stop talking to everyone about how great it was!

Of course you need to make up your own mind, but I wouldn't change staying near Corcovado for anything. I haven't stayed at BdC but it sounds grand!

Just wanted to put my two cents in . . . after you come back you'll do the same It's a life changing experience.

Have fun!!

My friends think I am crazy with all the travel planning I am doing for a trip that won't even take place until November! But I really enjoy thinking about the places I will soon be and reading all these wonderful posts helps me travel vicariously through all of you. I ended up making 4 different "alternative" itineraries, some going to MA, some going toward Punta Islinta and I keep coming back to my original itinerary which includes a visit to Bosque. My revised "favorite" itinerary includes 3 nights in Arenal, 4 nights at the Lookout Inn or Villa Corcovado (still deciding b/n the two), and 3 nights at Bosque del Cabo (a couple less than my original plan, but at least I don't have to cut completely!)

You know, when I mentioned above that I stayed somewhere 3 nights last year & was completely crazy about it, it was the Lookout I was referring to. Others here have stayed there & really enjoyed it, just didn't turn out to be my cup of tea. But, if you do go there, consider taking the collectivo there and to Bosque. Not only is it a lot cheaper, but it's pretty fun.

sorry, I meant 'wasn't completely crazy about it'.

what is the collectivo? (bus?)

Tully --have you been to CR (and Osa in particular) during the end of November? I know its toward the end of the rainy season and I am not afraid of rain, but people keep telling me I am going to the rainiest part of CR.

Update --i found out what the collectivo is by reading other posts. Thanks!