Has anyone been to the Hotel Playa Espadilla and the Hotel Verde Mar in Manuel Antonio? I understand they are both walking distance to the beach? Which one would be a better value?<BR>Thanks.

I don't know anything about either of those hotels but have been to Manuel Antonio the past two years. The beach is nice but I don't know if I would choose to stay in that area. All of M.A.is close enough to the beach and five bucks will get you there. Arrange to be picked up if you do cab there or you will find yourself on foot. If there are just two of you please check out Tulamar Bungalos. Another nice hotel is El Parador. An excellent resource for information is Costa Rica Guide by Paul Glassman published by Open Road. We have used his books for CR, Mexico and Belize and his evaluations are right on. Have a nice trip.

Thanks for the advice. why would you not choose to stay near the beach? just because the view is better from the hills? or is there some other reason. I will definitely check out the Tualamar bungalows.<BR>Thanks.

The view from the hill is spectacular. The park and the beach are beautiful. My only complaint is that it is a well touristed spot and seems conjested along the business road. You can also find motels with there own beachfront. I went during off season and had our pick with no reservations. We opted for the hillside with pool and a beach to use below ( a hefty walk up after the beach, but then the pool ). I wish I could name names, but just don't remember. Just stay beachside with an oceanview and you'll have fond memories. Have a great trip. We're headed to Belize. Never been there.

I have just stayed at the hotel verde de mar. Yes it is good value. I paid $45 a nite for a room by myself and it is right on the beach. For me this was a better option than having to catch a taxi to the beach. One point though use insect repellent. I got lots of bites from some unseen little creatures.

Thanks for the info. I have heard good things about Verde Mar. Could you give me a little bit more information on what the rooms are like? I am not looking for anything fancy, but someplace clean and with good service.

In respect to tulemar. How far do you ahev to walk to the beach? Is there surf? Riptides? Would Kids like the pool? How ids the food? Thank! P

We liked the Tulemar a few yrs. ago. Went in Aug. with our 2 kids for 10 days. Fabulous views from the octagonal sided glassed bungalows, pool was very nice with views and safe for the kids. Staff was great. Experienced an earhquake...not too great! Can walk downhill to their private bach in 15 minutes, or they will drive you there and back(no charge). Bar at the beach. Coatis and troops of monkeys would come down to the beach. Tons of hermit crabs(my son called them the clean-up crew) in the late aft. Swimming at the beach is safe at certain times of the day depending on the tides. Not white sand,or clear water...you are not in the carribean, remember. Lush veg. right down to the water. Hiking trails thru their grounds-saw sloths, monkeys, raccoon, blue morph; actually saw more here than at Manuel Antonio. It was August, however. I really enjoyed the Tulemar and was sad when I found out they are subdividing the propery into high end condos-VERY SAD! It will affect alot of the animal life. You should check 1st if any development has started, If not, get there before its too late.