I much appreciate the very specific comments on Peace Lodge and Villa Caletas-- thanks to all who responded. Almost no one mentions Si Como No and that's where we'd thought to stay in Manuel Antonio. Though we usually prefer quiet places to "happening" hotels, somehow Si Como No sounded more interesting. I'd appreciate comments pro and con on each of those accomodations. Also: any specific recommendations on which room/suite to request? Thanks!

We stayed at Si Como No in a superior room in 2002. Nice room, great views from the balcony. We enjoyed the swim up bar. Good breakfast, cooked to order. Great location.

In 2003 we stayed at a studio at Makanda. The room was somewhat similar in style, but was a bit larger and the bathroom was nicer. Once again great views. Makanda is much smaller. Nice pool area, very good service. I'd hesitate to get an open air villa, the woman in the one next to use was in hysterics over some sort of flying insects that were all over.

Makanda isn't very far from Si Como No as the crow flies, but it's a pretty steep walk up a hill to get to the main road. Since we didn't have a car, we walked up the hill alot. Good for the legs, I kept telling myself.

Even with staying in the studio, Makanda was quite a bit more expensive. I honestly don't know which I'd pick if I was returning. If money wasn't a factor, I'd probably go with Makanda.

jean

JeanH--

Thanks so much for your reply. I've since learned that Si Como No does not allocate any non-smoking rooms/suites. That means we'll definitely do Makanda.
You must love Costa Rica, since you went there 2 years in a row. We're trying to decide between Arenal and Monteverde-- would rather not try to do both. Any strong opinion on that choice? Also: Tortuguero sounds wonderful, but our trip will be in January and I've read that it's rainy season there at that time-- plenty of mosquitos, etc. (I get enormous, long-lasting welts.) Have you had much experience with that area? Do you know Osa Peninsula well?

If you've got the time and inclination, I'd much appreciate any feedback.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Poss,

I stayed at Makanda last month. I was on my honeymoon and we stayed in Villa#1, an open-air suite.

I didn't realize it was open when I made the reservation and I cringed when we were showed into the room, thinking we'd be overrun with large insects. In the end, the bugs weren't a problem there (as they were at some of our other hotels); the dozens of lizards in the room and one bat took care of the scary stuff. We did have to sit through another couple's sex noises one evening, mind you.

We appreciated that the room was so big, but we were really disappointed with our bathroom. Of all the places we stayed, this was the most heavily touristed and expensive and the only place where we couldn't flush toilet paper down the toilet (which we unfortunately found out the very hard way).

When we complained to reception of our clogged toilet, they acted really nonchalantly, like, "no, of course you can't put toilet paper in. Use the garbage bin." The only thing was, the garbage they gave us was open-topped...no lid! My husband and I are comfortable with each other, but that's really pushing it!

Also, I didn't find the service to be so gushingly friendly as everyone had said. I thought most of the staff was standoffish, and the guy that took the breakfast orders (breakfast there is, de facto, room service) was plain rude (it seems he hasn't learned "yes, ma'am, and no, sir" and instead barks "yeah!" or "whuh?!" after each item I ordered).

As for the one guy at the front desk who ignored me and insisted on referring to my husband by his first name like they were old buds, I thought that was a little inappropriate.

What we did like about Makanda were the views from the room (unreal), the pool (the public beach disappeared under high tides daily at around 1 p.m. so we always came back early to the hotel. This was the only large pool we had seen in our entire three weeks) and the fact that our room was equipped with a great kitchenette - toaster, stove/oven, large fridge, cutlery and flatware, etc.

To save money, I'd recommend picking up groceries in Quepos on your way into MA and fix some lunches and maybe a dinner for yourselves in the room.

MonaManuel--

Thank you so much for that terrifically detailed report on Makanda-- very very helpful! If you're inclined and have the time, I'd appreciate any other reports from your trip.

And hearty congratulations on your marriage! My husband and I have been married for 34 years (he's 74;I'm 61), and we still feel like we're on our honeymoon. Marriage is wonderful!

I stayed at Si Como No a couple of years ago and I absolutely loved it. Beautiful place, we had a balcony room overlooking the ocean. The food at the restaurant on premise is great, and they have a nice breakfast in the AM, plus a good bar. Friendly staff, they'll help you with everything. I really loved it and would DEFINITELY stay there again!

Poss, We went to Arenal and Monteverde on the same trip, so it's hard for me to pick one. Our trip was in February, and we had wonderful volcano views. We stayed at Tabacon. Busy and touristy are certainly relative terms. We spend time in Key West and Playa del Carmen and calling Tabacon crowded, isn't in the same league.

We happened upon wonderful weather in Monteverde. Sunny and 70's. I don't think it gets much better than that there. I'm a real plant 'nut' and I loved the place. Many others have been less than impressed.

Factoring everything else in, I think I'd opt for Arenal, unless you fall into the 'plant nut' catagory.

We've never been to Tortoguero. Next trip, I hope. But it will need to be in the green season to see the turtles nesting.

As for the Osa, we stayed at Aguila de Osa on the Drake Bay side and enjoyed it a lot. Nice guided tour of the park and another day trip to Cano Island with snorkeling. We stayed three nights, I had a great time, but was ready to move on. I confess to being a person who wants to try new restaurants and hotels at every opportunity. Being a 'captive audience' in the Osa is hard on me for more than a few days.

Jean

We enjoyed our stay at Si Comm No three years ago. The staff was friendly. The view was great. The terraced swimming pool/ bar was unique. There were also occassional movies to view in a little theater. A moderate walk to downtown or the beaches.

I don't know what Si Como No is like but I really loved Makanda. We were in a studio and it was not open air -- unless you wanted it to be. It was fronted with several bi-fold glass doors so you could open them up for open air feel, but close them completely also. We did not find bugs a problem at all. We did have a humungus bug experience, and seemed like more bugs in general, at Villa Caletas. And that was a closed room also. Also, our toilet at Makanda worked just fine and we put paper in just as we would at home. I know you will love CR no matter what property you stay at!