need CR route help
 

Hi,
I am leaving for CR on Nov,4th a last minute trip. our itinerary is
1.one night in Sj at Xandria
2.day 2 in arenal overnight at Tabacons hot springs
3. 2 nights in moteverde i don't know which hotel
4.not sure if i should go to tamarindo or manuel antonio for last 3 days?

basically we are not sure if we should go to tamarindo or manuel Antonio, keep in mind we are from southern california so we have seen plenty of beach towns, what do you think?
also how can we get from monteverde to manuel antonio or tamarindo, how far is each?
lastly what hotels do you recommend in monetverde and manuel antonio?
thanks a bunch

There's more to do in Manuel Antonio with the rainforest so near. Monteverde to Manuel Antonio is about 5-6 hours. Monteverde to Tam is more like 3.5 hours.

Hotels in Monteverde: (just suggestions based on my experience or experiences of friends)

El Establo
El Sapa Dorado
Fonda Vela

MA:

Costa Verde
Villas Nicholas
Si Como No

All of these hotels get good reviews. Si Como No is more high-end. If you want that, there are several in the Manuel Antonio area such as Tulemar, Makanda, etc.

Oops, I didn't agree with myself in espanol! That is El Sapo Dorado!!!! :)

shillmac, where have you been? I've missed you!

monkey13, just wanted to add that although the drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio may be 5-6 hours, as opposed to 3-4 hours to Tamarindo...on the return to San Jose, Tamarindo to San Jose will be 5-6 hours whereas the drive from Manuel Antonio back to San Jose would only be 3 to 3-1/2.
As for the two beaches, Tamarindo is more of a surfer town and the main road runs right along the beach, which hotels very near or on the sand. Manuel Antonio is more for the nature lover with the park so close and most hotels are up in the hills over the ocean and have wonderful awe-inspiring views but require a short hike to the beaches.

Hi Ally! Busy, busy, busy! Are you in CR now? I've thought about you--how is everything coming along? Still opening this month or has it been pushed back? Let me know--dying to hear!

I miss Fodor's, but will have a new computer at home ( en mi otra casa) soon and that will help. Maybe I can pop in more often! :) Take care. . .