Hi we are staying at Tulemar and 2 other hotels in Costa Rica this summer. I am concerned that we have been asked to pay in full in advance for Tulemar. We have made a downpayment but our travel agent has told us to get the discount she offers we need to pay the rest in advance. I like her and she has been very helpful but I am always cautious about paying in full for a service that has not been rendered. I am concerned if things do not go accoring to plan I will have no recourse. Any experience with this?

There have been many times that I have paid in advance to get a special rate and in several countries. It is not uncommon for this to happen in Costa Rica if your travel agent is trying to get a good deal. You can get an excellent price - but - be sure to read the cancellation policies carefully. Some of these deals are non-refundable. Look at it from the hotel's point of view - they can give you a good price if they get their money upfront and it is pretty much a guaranteed rental. Tulemar also has a good reputation from what I understand. If you have confidence in your travel agent, I would go for it - after reading the cancellation policy, of course.

I also have paid for reservations in advance. When I have a lot of non refundable costs as we did with our Costa Rica trip, I buy trip insurance.

Payment in advance with credit card is fine

Do this a bunch in CA/SA

you can always do a merchant revesal with problems.

If they want cash or bank wire I would never do that...

We've made payments in advance, but agree that you should use a credit card so you have some recourse if you need it.

Thank you. Your suggestions are helpful.