Any suggestions-we are trying to decide between La Mariposa, Parador, Si Como No, and Makanda by the Sea for 3 nights in early December.

Either Makanda by the Sea or SiComoNo are great.

I've been to Mariposa and El Parador. I had a great room with the most beautiful view at Mariposa, but there are many different styles of rooms. El Parador's rooms are pretty standard but the hotel facilities are top-notch. The pools are gorgeous, the spa is fabulous, the food is good and the view from the dining room is gorgeous.

Sandy

I did not have a good experience with El Parador. The property is located up a very steep hill, so tough that we often took a cab!

We could never get towels, either in the room or at the pool. Once we had two room towels, it became a game to hide them so they wouldn't be taken i the morning.

The buffet breakfast was never served on time, so that we couldn't eat before leaving for scheduled excursions.

The place was very deluxe/european feeling, lots of large dark wood antique furnishings, etc. It just didn't fit the locale.

Had dinner at Si Como No and realy wished we had stayed there.

My boyfriend and I stayed at Si Como No and absolutely loved it and would highly reccomend it.

si como no or costa verde:

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/manuel...ome/index.html

you need to book it now, manuel antonio will be full in december, if it isn't already!