Tropico Latino in Santa Teresa / Malpais
 

Has anyone stayed at Tropico Latino? If so, how did you like it? How close were the bungalows to the beach? Was there any restaurants or anything else nearby? Would we need to have our own car there?
Thanks!

One more question... is there somewhere in Montezuma we might like better such as El Sano Banano?

I stayed at Tropico Latino a couple years ago and liked it alot. Most of the bungalows run perpendicular to the beach, but they do have two new 'beachfront' bungalows that are supposedly right on the beach, so you may want to ask about them. Ours was about in the middle of the complex and was I'd say maybe 50 yards or less to the beach.
They have a restaurant right next to the pool, on the beach. You can see the waves from the pool and restaurant. We ate at their restaurant a couple times and it was good. There was also a GREAT place to eat right across the street, called something like "Sambalas". It's a funky TINY place with plastic table and chairs. When we got there no one was there but the chef. He was so friendly and welcoming we decided to try it. Gald we did as it was the Best meal of the trip. The chef was from Argentina and had worked for a big resort in Miami before leaving that fast pace behind for Costa Rica. By the end of our fabulous meal, a few tico's had shown up. We never saw any other 'tourist' there.
We also enjoyed great meals at "The Place" and at "Mal Pais Surf Camp".
As the 'town' is spread out on the same road, we found that we were happy we had a car. You could walk to some places but it would be a mile or more to many restaurants. I have not been to Montezuma so can't can't help with that.

Thanks for all the info! Did you happen to check out Malarepa? I'm wondering how they compare to each other, given the big price difference.

Know I didn't as it's quite a bit down the beach, in the other direction of most restaurants. There is someone on this board that stayed next door at Flor Blanca and I seem to recall she mentioned it...maybe post a new message with both hotel names in the title and she'll see it? I will say that the web site for Malarepa looks great....as in a lot more 'upscale' than the basic rooms at Tropico Latino. But basic is fine for me. Nice KING bed, plus a twin. Nice size closet/shelf and decent bathroom but a bit dark overall. Because of all the lush plantings between the cabinas and in the front, you don't get a whole lot of light inside them. You also have a huge front porch with overhang that keep a lot of light from coming in the front windows. The new ones on the beach may be 'brighter'.

Ally is right. . .someone on this board not too long ago was comparing Milarepa (?) with Tambor Tropical (also a very nice hotel in Tambor). At the time there was quite a bit of information floating around. Like Ally, I gathered the only difference in those and Tropico Latino was the degree of luxury. Same with Florblanca. I couldn't believe when I saw on their website that it was over $200 per night to stay there. Of course, the place looked just lovely, and it would be GREAT to stay there, but gee. . . .basic plus is okay with me too!

LA_FadeAway,
We will be staying at Tropico Latino in 2 weeks. . .I'd be glad to report back when we return home.

Sounds good. Our trip isn't until July. Thanks!

Excellent Shillmac! I'd LOVE a review of the new Beach Front cabinas! I think there are just two of them so they will be hard to get into unless booking in advance!

I hope we get one of them. We booked about 6 weeks ago. There were not many rooms left at the time, but I do know we were moved to oceanview because of cancellations, so perhaps we are in luck! I'll be glad to write about it when we return on March 20. Right now I am counting the days!

I am also looking at milarepa vs. tropico latino. I believe that milarepa is more expensive, but tropico latino has AC....

They both look nice. I assume that milarepa is a bit nicer. hmmm.

If anyone can recommend one over the other, please e-mail me at [email protected]

also, how hot should i expect it to be around the end of june / july?

mike
[email protected]

Milarepa - OK but restaurant is very overpriced (trying to compete with FlorBlanca next door with prices but not in the same ballpark). Rooms are pretty basic and at over $100, they are pricey compared to Tropico Latino (no AC and very small cabins at Milarepa).
About Flor Blana - it is over $250 per night but it is by far the best hotel in the country. LARGE villas, incredibly appointed, huge Bali-outdoor bathrooms, enviro friendly, super attentive staff, the most comfy bed I've ever slept in and they even supply a variety of cd's for the stereo. And the food!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is simply no comparison. If you can splurge once on your trip, this is it. Nothing basic about it in the least.