We tried the Makanda (sp?) at a friend's recommendation, but they are sold out. What are the other good hotels. We're looking for romantic, quiet, intimate, somewhat on the higher end side. Great food is also important. Thanks!

Tulemar Bungalows , Mango Moon , Si Como No , Parador , perhaps also Mariposa . Good Luck !

Forgot La Mansion Inn ,it suffered a small amount of damage in the earthquake , and was undergoing construction while we were there , but movie stars like it , and probably would fall in the higher end area !

I LOVED Si Como No. And it's rated better by the sustainable tourism board than any other MA hotels, if that matters to you. Even if you don't stay there, go to dinner at their Claro Que Seafood restaurant--yum!

I should probably add that there are families at Si Como No, so it might not be as quiet or intimate as some of the others that don't allow children. But my husband and I stayed there for our honeymoon and we thought it was perfect--so much that we're going back soon!

Be glad you're not staying at Makanda. It is NOT quiet (see my other posting). The food is pretty good, however, And the restaurant-- outside, around the pool-- is pleasant at night. You porbably would enjoy having dinner there. (We liked the food at Karola's also.)

Poss , perhaps it was just bad timing for Makanda (re-construction ), or you got caught with the noisy staff ! That is too bad . We found it super quiet . Again , timing could be everything . Lucky thing for M.A. , there are a few diff. intimate lodging choices ! Better luck next time , happy travels .. Faith . P.S. They were working a lot on la Mansion Inn , that could explain a lot of extra truck traffic . )

Just curious, Faithie: do you remember your room # at Makanda? I imagine we would have been better staying in the Villa #1 area, i.e. as far away from the gate and the road and reception as possible (but we wanted one of the free-standing villas). Also, did the fact that the guests were virtually 100% American not oppress you? That's so different from the kind of environment we enjoy when we travel out of the country. I guess the most annoying thing was when we requested a menu in Spanish, they literally did not have one. Everyone in CR was so great about humoring us in our somewhat feeble attempts to communicate in Spanish; Makanda people were quite the reverse. I did very much like the jungly aspect though.

I think that is exactly where we were , Villa No. 1 , the largest one , completely open , past the office etc.I think Studio 1 and 2 are under it , I will have to check , curious now !!! We found quite a mix of travellers , although one hotel owner said there were a lot more Canadians in the 90's , less now . It is owned by an American I believe .

Just went to the site , Villa 1 , with studios under(2,3,4) . Granted , we found lots of construction going on , and walked past Makanda a lot this November , LOTS happening !!

Faithie: right now there's even construction going on right under "your nose"-- at villa #1 They're building more villas right about where the path goes down to the beach-- a little bit down from the top, kind of in the woods. The couple we met from villa 1 said they were bothered by the construction noise (and the constant loud voices from the workers) all the time. I'm so glad your experience there was better-- it's a great spot and could/should be a wonderfully memorable stay. By the way, the bride of that couple got violent food poisoning while they were there-- traced it to the chicken at the restaurant. Kimberly (manager) was great about getting her help in the middle of the night. An ambulance had to be sent from Quepos, with doctor. Everyone was wonderful. (That poor couple had so MUCH bad luck on their honeymoon. They were such sweet people, and their stories just made you want to cry. No bad reflections on the country or theTicos, just various kinds of awful mishaps.)

Poss , You have a great attitude , we saw that work as well . We had gone for a jungle hike with the kids , got lost , suddenly I said to my hubbie , I know where we are , Makandas Beach ..... Sure enough we were . Walked all the way UP those stone steps with a 6 and 8 yr. old at mid-day !!!! Hot ! We loved it ! They were shocked to see us there with KIDS ! EGADS !!! Faith

poss and faithie - I am going in mid-May and staying in #9 - I am almost afraid to ask now with poss's reports. Maybe the low season will be better? Thanks for your thoughts/comments.

We walked through the property in Nov. , and down the hill they were building a bit , this is all sheilded by thick jungle , also the other construction is by La Mansion Inn . Perhaps look on trip advisor ? it seems to still be a highly rated hotel in lots of places ! I am sure it will be wonderful !!!