For our honeymoon we are trying to find the best possible hotel during the four days in M.A. (will spend four also in Arenal/Monteverde).<BR>Although I don't see it listed or discussed nearly anywhere, I've come upon a rare hotel right on the beach near M.A. and need any feedback available. <BR>It's called the Nature's Beachfront Aparthotel and it is affordable but has limited information at its Web site.<BR>Anyone know about it?<BR>Also, if anyone can provide any feedback about the Villas El Parque, the Tulemar Bungalows and the Parador we would really appreciate it. <BR>Finally, should we take ground or air transport from SJose to M.A.?<BR>Thanks.

We drove from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio and took the plane to San Jose from there. It was easy, very pretty and fun. We looked at Parador and although it was luxurious, we felt as though we could have been in New York. Wouldn't recommend it. We stayed at Makanda by The Sea (look at there internet site). It is an incredibly beautiful spot. We were on our honeymoon and felt like we were in heaven. It's completely peaceful and serene. We stayed at Si Como No and La Mariposa for 1 night too. Both were beautiful, but we were happiest at makanda.

Hi BD<BR><BR>We just got back from Costa Rica. We loved it. The people are great and the jungle is fantastic. The beaches were less impressive than other parts of the world, but still nice. We stayed at Villas Nicolas, which was okay, but a little noisy. The restaurant was very good there. We also stayed at the Hotel California which was a good experience but down the hill toward Quepos and pretty far away from the beach. We met a family that stayed at Tulemar, which has a private beach with boggie boards, kayaks, etc. They liked the accommodations, but thought the food was not very good. <BR><BR>Villas Nicolas is right next door to Si Como No. We ate there a couple of times. The food is good, but the hotel had a definite &quot;Disneyish&quot; feel. <BR><BR>We did not go to the Parador, but heard from other travelers that it was pretty cool.<BR><BR>I hope this helps. I wish I was going back.

Thanks for this great information. As it did I'm sure with your pre-planning, first-hand accounts will be critical to our decision. Since it's our honeymoon and our first time to the country we just want our hotel there to the best possible.

definitely don't stay at Nature's Beach Front. The location is great but the accommodations are not and the owner lives on site and is far less than desireable...I stayed there...I now live here, though, and highly recommend the Makanda By the Sea or La Mansion. If you want to be in walking distance of the beach, check out Espedilla Hotel.

M,<BR>Thanks for that info. I'll look at Espedilla but haven't seen it anywhere listed so far. What do you know about Tulemar and its private beach?

Tulemar is nice and very expensive. They are high on a hill overlooking the ocean. Their bus takes you down to the beach which they call private but there is no such thin in Costa Rica. It is simply hard to get to so there aren't many others there. If you stay during the high season, be sure to check out the Campesino Dinner show that's held in Naranjito on Friday evenings by a group of local women. It's listed in the Quepolandia.

I just returned from CR and stayed at the Makanda by the Sea which I highly recommend for a honeymoon spot.<BR><BR>It is a quiet property with only 12 Villas or studios. The service is great and the pool area and restaurant<BR>(which is outside) are excellent. If you go here, I would suggest Villa 10. <BR><BR>Makanda had a driver waiting for us at the airport and it was 3.5 hour ride to Quepos. we enjoyed the ride, the roads were not bad ..all paved.<BR><BR>We drove by the Aparthotel, didn't look like a honeymoon spot at all !<BR><BR>Good luck and Have fun !