janice

HI, I'm looking for reviews on El Careyes Resort located in Careyes. And having a hard time finding reviews. Would love to hear what you thought? thanks so much,
Janice

Peggy

What would you like to know? We were there in October 2000 for 7 nights in a junior suite with jacuzzi on the terrace. Very isolated resort, 1 & 1/2 hour drive from Manzanillo, very relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. You can dress up or down for meals or have room service. Spa facilities. For our anniverday night they moved a table to the grass area by the cliff, lit tiki torches & paper bag sand candles all around & had 3 waiters waiting for us to arrive. We had fabulous service! And this was on a pre-paid package so I thought they went the extra mile. Very good food and room service breakfasts on the terrace were great. Not much else in the close area. We had a car & visited a few small towns north of there. Sunning & kayaking during the day. It is a great distination for a quiet romantic getaway. If you want nightlife, except for waht you create, or discos etc. this is not the place for you. This October we stayed at their sister resort, El Tamarindo just about 45 minutes north of Manzanillo & loved it even more, though the food I thought was better at El Careyes, the half outdoor villas with big plunge pool are fantastic. If you have any questions, let me know.

creiheld

Peggy, I read your response about El Careyes and I have a few more questions. Originally, my fiance and I wanted to go to El Tamarindo, but then we found a deal to El Careyes that we can't refuse...how much better would you say that El Tamarindo is over El Careyes? Also, how far are the 2 resorts apart? Lastly, did you feel comfortable renting a car and driving around?

Thanks in advance for any insight that you could provide.
Cara

PeggyE

Well, it is not so much better, just different. Both are secluded with a laid back atmosphere. You can see the difference in the rooms on their websites or go to www.differentworld.com for more pictures. Careyes is like a small Mexican hacienda by the ocean & Tamarindo has a more South pacific feeling with the open thatched roof villas. Tamarindo is about 40 minute drive north from the airport at Manzanillo. Careyes is about 1 1/2 hours north. The drive is easy, one road north Hwy 200, scentic road. But I do not recommend driving at night. For Careyes we didn't use the car much once we got there since it was so isolated from any towns. But we were happy to relax at the resort. At Tamarindo it was possible to visit many small towns & villages along the coast, which we enjoy doing. You'll love Careyes though, just put Tamarindo down for a future possibility. The food at Careyes was more varied & a larger selection (bigger resort) than Tamarindo & seemed more reasonable at the time. Was that great deal on LuxuryLink? If you have any other questions, I'll be happy to help.

PeggyE

One other thing that would influence a person's opinion is the accomodation they had at the hotel. We had beachfront at Tamarindo. I don't think the Forest Villa would have thrilled me as much, too dense in foliage & no view. And at Careyes we had a Junior Suite with terrace & jacuzzi & perfect ocean view, 3rd floor, center of the U shape. Just a thought...

creiheld

Thanks for the info Peggy. The deal that I found is on Luxury Link. Have you ever auctioned on a vacation from Luxury Link before? I was a little skeptical at first, but it looks legitimate enough. Now if only I can win the auction!!

PeggyE

Both the trip to Careyes & Tamarindo was from luxurylink & last April we went to Cayo Espanto in Belize on another luxutylink package. No problems whatsoever & the best service at all places though I too thought they may not be as attentive since we were paying less....but they obvious need to fill the spaces or they wouldn't be offering the packages. Go for it!

johnb

Hay, I am looking for PeggyE. Are you still around?