I've just read MonaManuel's report on Makanda, and am appalled. We're scheduled to be there for 3 nights in January (Villa #5, which I remember another poster speaking well of). If Makanda is even one half as bad as Mona's report suggests, I absolutely do not want to stay there. I'd greatly appreciate any feed-back on the place-- both good and bad. Same with Villa Caletas, where we're also scheduled. These places are expensive-- they ought to be terrific. (I know that people's tastes differ, that some folks are more readily pleased, etc.-- but Mona's "evidence" against Makanda seems overwhelming.)

Thanks to all responders!

Hi Poss,
No personal experience here with Makanda, I just wanted to reassure you as I can see that you are worried about the quality of your trip. We've been to Costa Rica many times, have stayed budget, deluxe and several points in between. Have never (with the exception of Villas Playa Samara, and even then, it wasn't a total disaster) been disappointed, and most of the time we have been satisfied that we got what we paid for. We've never found the people, as a rule (to which there are always exceptions), to be anything but warm, friendly, and helpful. Perhaps we have low expectations, I don't know. It is all very relative, as you know. So much depends on the traveler, attitude, sense of adventure, etc. We've never once had a clogged toilet or any other kind of "lodging" problem that affected our stay. Based on our experience, I tend to believe that what you are hearing and worrying about is an isolated incident (or perhaps we've just been lucky) and that you have every reason to proceed with your plans with confidence and enthusiasm! I respect MonaManuel's experience, but I think you have to look at the overall group of posts regarding a particular hotel. Perhaps it would reassure you if you did a search on Makanda and Villas Caletas and reread some earlier posts! Good luck!

Shillmac-- What a gracious and thoughtful reply. Thank you. I'll still hope to hear more feed-back, but your words are encouraging: good of you to take the time to write!

We stayed at Makanda, in a studio, in 2003. We loved the place. We're used to not flushing toilet paper. In fact, after our trip to Cuba, we're happy when we have a toilet seat. But that's another story.

When we were there the staff were very friendly. The guy who answered the phone when we ordered breakfast was not the most friendly, but I think it was more of a language barrier than anything else. The people who brought the food were great. The service at the pool was fine. The beach is quite a long hike, down a lot of steps, I don't think it's used very much. There are nice beaches a couple miles down the road.

We did walk to Karola's for dinner, but that hill is very steep. I'm guessing that a lot of guests do take a cab, even though it isn't very far. It's also really dark and there aren't any sidewalks. We always walked with flashlights.

We tend not to stay in large resort properties, I don't mind spending money for a place to stay, but we don't care for a resort atmosphere.

As you can tell, we enjoyed our stay at Makanda. We've also stayed at Si Como No, the room at Makanda was nicer, but not by much (remember, we were in a studio, not a villa).

We've only been to Costa Rica twice, and like shillmac, we've never stayed in an awful place. But, I really think you shouldn't set your expectations at a Four Seasons level.

Jean

JeanH-- Thanks very much for your detailed answer-- good to hear. We don't like large resorts either, though we really do enjoy terrific rooms and surroundings. I've never booked a place like 4 Seasons, but we've stayed in a number of accommodations here and there that are in that price category-- always the smaller properties. I know that sometimes we feel the accommodations are in line with the high rates,other times less so. But I can't remember ever spending a lot of money and having the kind of experience that was reported. We'll stay with Makanda and assume we won't be displeased this time either. Thank you. (Our other accommodations for the 11 nights are: Peace Lodge, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Villa Caletas, Makanda (our one 3-nighter) and Xandari.

I posted to another reply also, but we loved our stay in Villa 5.... It has A.C., so in the evening, before the bugs came out, we closed our front doors and turned on the Air. It made it more comfy for sleeping, and no bugs at night. Don't remember the toilet being any problem. They can handle small amounts of toilet paper, but as a rule, it goes in the trash. (I always put the "wet" stuff in the trash, and flush the rest.) I love the remoteness of the beach and just considered the hike back up as my work-out for the day. We were often the only ones on the beach. The hotel will pack you a picnic if you like. We managed without a chaise lounge just fine. The monkeys swung through the trees right off our lanai every morning - really - about 4 feet away. They have certain routes they take every day, I think. Take binocs., for sure. The pool is lovely, drinks and food were good. we really had no complaints...hope you enjoy it. If you like to splurge, I highly suggest a visit to the Flor Blanca on the Nicoya Peninsula. LOVED IT! Beautiful hotel and beautiful beach. Enjoy your trip.