shillmac-costa rica?
 

Your posts have been so helpful in planning our trip late June. Have read alot but did not write anything down. I was hoping you can answer some of my questions directly. We'll be spending 3 nights in Arenal. Arenal Paraiso? Ever been? Should let you know we are looking for lodging in the $100.-125. a night. After Arenal we plan on staying in the Hermosa area.(pacific) Which is the best location to take a Cano Negro tour from? What other day trip from these areas are a "must-see". We don't have to stay in Hermosa a little above or below would be fine. We love to snorkel and want to do some diving. Can you recommend a place to stay on the beach? We originally, and currently, are looking into Villa de Sueno. I realize it's not on the beach but have had trouble sorting thru my options. Any advice would be appreciated.

PS-Where do you call home? We live in Florida, but come vacation, the ocean still calls our name.

$100.-125. is the high end of our budget. Cheaper accomadations would be welcome for consideration as would "you have to stay here!"(for a little more money).

Glad that something I've said has been helpful to you! Yes, we nearly always stay at Arenal Paraiso. We like it there very much. It is in your price range (ours too!) and is in a good location. I'll be there the last weekend in June. I'm hoping the lava flow has moved back over to that side by then. We weren't able to view it in March because it was flowing toward the west/southwest more.

You'll need to do your Cano Negro tour from there. Sunset Tours a good company. The hotel can book it for you.

We like Villas del Sueno just fine last year. Stayed there 4 nights on what we thought was a very good deal. They offered 4 nights for the price of 3 through June. Averaged out to about $80 per night. We didn't arrive until July 4, but I talked them into extending the online offer a few days. They were nice enough to do it. Nice pool, nice restaurant (although we thought it a bit pricey and ate only breakfast there). 3-4 min. walk from the beach. I think you'd be quite happy there.

We thought El Velero on the beach (RIGHT on the beach) looked like fun, more laid back. It would have cost about the same. Recently, someone mentioned that they thought it had gotten a bit too run down, so that might be a deterrernt for me, but it really wouldn't be too bad of a choice if you want that waves right outside your door experience!

Also in that area, you might look into Playa Ocotal and some of the resorts there. I think there is a "Villas Ocotal"? It's a nice stretch of beach. We drove over and looked at the hotel called "Casa Blanca". Very pretty rooms, but not very close to the beach.

While in that area, you should get up to Rincon de la Vieja Parque Nacional. I'd suggest doing it as part of a tour group, such as the Mega Combo. Your hotel will know about it. It's a full day, about $100 per, but a great day full of great fun. Ziplines, horseback (I think), mudbaths, waterslide down the mountain, lunch, etc. Have a great time! Perhaps our paths will cross. . what dates do you think you'll be at Arenal?

shillmac--
We will be in Arenal june 23-26. As expected your info was so helpful. I DO NOT LIKE HEIGHTS! Therefore I have no desire to do the ziplines,BUT....,I don't want to miss out either. My fiance' will do it for sure. Are our dates compatible with yours? I hope we can see the lava in Arenal. Our friend just came back and RAVED about the volcano. Can you control "mother nature"? too?Then you'd be my hero for sure. Should we be looking at MA instead of Hermosa? We will be flying home from Liberia?

MA is great, but I'd stay up north if you're flying out of Liberia. You'll enjoy Rincon I think. I'll just miss you. Driving up to Arenal for the weekend and the spa at Tabacon on the 29th. Be sure and book yourself there--it's a real treat! www.tabacon.com

Sorry we'll just miss each other. It would be fun to meet. Control Mother Nature? She's a bit wild for me! I have a friend up in Alberta, Canada who swears he can order up certain weather, but I think he's full of bull! :) Yes, Percy, if you're reading this, I'm talkin' 'bout you! :)

As for the ziplines, believe it or not, I'm terrified of heights too. Now I know lots of people say they have this problem, but I'd say on the fear factor scale, I'm about a 7 or 8 with regard to heights. And I loved the ziplines. Had to psych myself up, but I did it and it was quite a thrill. You might surprise yourself, so don't count it out! You guys have a wonderful time! :)

Shillmac-Maybe our paths will cross another time. Did I read in another post that your heading to NYC?
If so I second the recommendation for Carmines. It is a great place. I also read a post where you highly recommended Flamingo Beach Resort. Better than Del Sueno? How about Hotel Playa Hermosa?

Gotta tell you, I think I'm the only person who posts on Fodor's who ever mentions Flamingo Beach Resort and I'll bet it has some neg. reviews over on TripAdvisor!

That said, we think it is just a great place to stay. Let's see if I can describe it to you.

Rooms: Very nondescript, sort of like Holiday Inn, but they have bathtubs, which is rare in Costa Rica, and I like that! :)

Pool: huge, Olympic sized pool (almost) with a nice built in children's pool (covered) and a fun and friendly little swim up bar.

Beach: The pool sits between surrounded by the hotel on 3 sides, but the 4th side is on the beach, but you walk through the little restaurant area (where you'll have breakfast), then across a narrow dirt road to a gorgeous white sand beach. Very convenient. The same property in Hawaii would command a handsome price! :) Long crescent stretch of white (for Costa Rica) sand with some of the most spectacular sunsets (surely) in the world.

Restaurant: Upstairs near front desk. Didn't care for it at all. We only eat their free breakfast and have tons of fun dining at lots of good places all around the area. Marie's just up the street is a favorite. In fact, you can buy a good rotisserie chicken there and take it back to the room or pool area to eat. Good shakes, too!

Beauty Salon: Fun little place operated by Chris and Caroline, a lovely young French couple who moved to CR about 8 years ago and are raising their two young sons there. They also own a shop in Tamarindo. She gives a great massages for $50 and he is good for a cut or color touch up should you need one. Had a pedicure/manicure there once as well.

There are a few other things I could say. It's not a new property, but we think it is a darned good value. They advertised poolside rooms through September (recently) online for $79. I checked the links and the best price I could come up with was $109. I wrote the Grettel (office) and got back an immediate reply and confirmation number at the $79 rate. Breakfast included. I just don't know how one could beat a deal like that.

Nearby: Playa Potrero, a fun little area to explore, good bakery--El Castillo, check it out!

Also up the road, Playa Brasilito--DO have dinner on the beach at Camaron Dorado. Excellent and SO romantic. Right on your right as you take the curve into town from Flamingo.

As for the rest of your question: Hotel Playa Hermosa, couldn't tell you a think about it. Don't even know where it is for sure!

We think FBR is better than Villa del Sueno, but then, we really like that close proximity to the beach. And we don't care much that our rooms have a lot of "design or character" because we aren't there much. We like clean and comfortable. There is no ocean view at FBR (unfortuntatly), but as much as I like that, you know, I've never missed it there. Just now thought about that.

VdS is newer, but the rooms were not that impressive at all. I thought them dark and dreary. Bathroom nothing special either. I like the roominess and sprawl of Flamingo Beach Resort's property (pool area I'm referring to).

I do wish SOMEONE would stay there and come back to Fodor's and say how much they loved it! No one ever has (that I know of).

You know, I understand that a lot of our likes and dislikes are tied to experiences that were happy when we stayed at certain places. I think that's what our bond is to FBR. Lots of very good memories of fun times with friends and family.

Oh My! PLEASE disregard the many typos! :)

Belarus, I cruised over to Tripadvisor to check out the reviews of Flamingo Beach Resort. I think they are fair. Couple of very good ones, couple of disappointed ones.

I already told you the restaurant isn't the place to eat. One of the reviews mentioned Camaron Dorado (Golden Shrimp) as a good option. That's for sure.

Someone said the service wasn't good--not talking about the restaurant, but the hotel in general. NEVER have I thought that. We've never not gotten what we thought we were getting, so perhaps just one of those occasional mixups and hotel guests got bent out of shape? Who knows? Not the norm though.

The review that bothered me was the first one, and only because it mentioned construction on the pool. Yes, that pool is a highlight of the resort. Construction in that area would definitely send me somewhere else in a hurry, so I'm going to have to check on that for our June dates.

We've never noticed a lot of traffic on the roads around the hotel. Flamingo has always been swarming with Americans, development there happened first of anyplace on the Pacific side, years ago. That said, the road that you cross to the beach is almost always deserted as heck. Just as recently as last July, at least.

One thing one of the reviewers said really ticked me. I think they were speaking of Camaron Dorado and said that service was good "by Costa Rican standards". Typically, service anywhere in Costa Rica is not just good, but amazing--by anyone's standards. I hope that never changes, but am afraid that with more and more tourism, some of the friendliness, warmth, and kindness might be replaced with callousness. I noticed that attitude in one location last year. I'm afraid it might come with having dealt with too many demanding Americans. Hate to say it, but there are a lot of people from our country who sure can make a---- of themselves when in other people's countries! :(

Me again. Another thing the review I read reminded me to say to you: the surf out in front is rough. It is big--I love that. And I especially enjoy listening to it at night. But it does require some care. And there are a couple of rocks out there. Someone died a couple of years ago with a head injury. It's not REAL rocky, but one or two are too many if you don't know they are there. Just a heads up. . .

Okay--signing off for tonight. . .

Shillmac, you're either a night owl, in a different time zone, or late night is "your time".(after the kids go to bed?) I have been researching FBR and looks like our kinda place. Like you the pool construction possibility concerns me. I also understand the latter part of your post. I am actually in the service industry(waitress)and know all to well how ignorant some people can be. I am so grateful for all your help but hate to think of you using your spare time to assist me. Thanks so much. Odd question--What would be a neat gift to bring from the states for a driver who will be assisting us in our travels? Should I call FBR to find out about possible construction? Also, still don't have reservations for Arenal Paraiso. We're not communicating very well. Have'nt even been able to get thru on the telephone. Operator error on my part I'm sure. Never said I was smart. Sorry this post is all over the place. I'm a little loopy after a long day, and a very long season. So glad it's coming to a close. SUMMER TIME=MY TIME! HIP,HIP,HOORAY!

I am very familiar with Playa Hermosa as I visit there every year and stay at El Velero. This past trip I had dinner at Hotel Playa Hermosa Basque del Mar and had a wonderful experience. My only regret was that I did not get to see the rooms while I was there. The staff was so kind and friendly and they made our dinner a meal to remember.
I'm considering this place to stay next year. Although El Velero is still a fun spot and a great location I've become disenchanted with the lackadaisical attitude of management and staff.
Hotel Playa Hermosa is located on the south end of the beach closer to Villa del Sueno. There is a great beach bar/restaurant right next door that serves good inexpensive seafood. The path to La Finesterra is nearby if you're up for the hike for a good meal and the view.

Thanks joeschmo for your input. We have narrowed it down to hotel hermosa or flamingo beach resort. We need to make a decision soon for our trip is fast approaching. So excited! Are there any places to snorkel right off the beach? Planned on bringing our own gear but don't want to haul it all over CR to use only one or two times. Are the beaches safe to walk at night?

The water is not the clearest for snorkeling. I've always found the area pretty safe although I always pack a flashlight at night for walking as the roads and the beach are pretty dark in places. Also, if you go to Hermosa you must try Gingers. It's excellent!

If you are still looking for a nice accommodation, I can recommend Holiday Velvet. I have had very good experiences with them, and they responded very quickly to my wishes.

http://www.holiday-velvet.com.

They have a lot of amazing properties that they advertise in Costa Rica.

http://www.holiday-velvet.com/costa-rica

This site is really worth visiting if you are planning a vacation.

shillmac- I am staying for a week at FBR last week of june. based largely on your rec's. will post a report. you have posted lots of good info on things to do, eat, etc, that I have gleamed from this and other threads. vic

what would a "personalized' tour cost- near the FBR area. and do you have a web site. vic

belarus,
I've e-mailed FBR regarding the pool construction. My guess is that they are trying to get it ready for the busier July season. If I don't hear back by tomorrow evening (usually pretty quick to respond) I'll give them a call. Definitely I will change my reservation if the pool is not going to be "up and running". We plan on using it as a restful base with our granddaughter for a few days, so want a good pool.

Oh how I WISH the kids were in bed! If only they were still here in their little beds so that I could know just where they are and that they are safely tucked in! :)

Helping you is a pleasure, and sometimes at night I'll get into bed with the laptop while DH watches his TV programs or reads. Before I know it, The Tonight Show is over, Conan is winding down, and it is way later than I intended! I just get too carried away! :)

We enjoyed staying a few nights at the Playa Hermosa area last summer, but have to say I prefer the Flamingo area. BUT, if you end up at Hermosa, DO go to Ginger for dinner! I agree with joeschmo that it is a real treat!

drfishalot, we'll be there about the same time---maybe we'll run into one another.

As for Arenal Paraiso, I'd give them a little time. They won't fill up that time of year, not by a long shot. They've added so many new bungalows! A call might be helpful, but keep bugging them by e-mail a couple more days. They are usually pretty responsive. In fact, our experience has always been good with timely responses by hotels in CR.

Here it is late again! :)

Hi Shillmac,
I found you most active over on this page, can you jump to your old posting on Panama Boca del Toro for a question that I have?
Thanks, RAL

shillmac- I hope FBR is going to have the pool wrapped up soon. I really would like to stay there. I received a response from a travel agency on my Arenal request. Is this normal? Should I proceed booking with them or try to go directly with the hotel? The rates are the same. Maybe should have figured out your kids are grown--You keep mentioning your upcoming trip with your granddaughter. If we stayed at FBR could we still dine at Ginger or is it not practical? Have a nice day!