LindainOhio

We are visiting Costa Rica for the first time this May. I have been reading the forum here for a couple of years but could never convince my husband to visit. After reading this forum and doing some research, I have become obsessed with staying at Bosque del Cabo. This doesn't seem to be a first time visitor choice but I am just fascinated by the place.

My husband has said "Why would we want to go somewhere that is miserably hot and humid and has a lot of rain?" We live where we have a lot of rain and do usually travel to places that are sunny and average little rain. I always think that the people who travel and don't mind the rain, live in areas with great weather. But my husband has decided to make his wife happy and stop her whining. I really think he is going to love it. It seems like such an amazing experience and so different from all our travels. I did really debate skipping BdC and doing Manuel Antonio--hope I am not making a mistake.
As a note: I actually have never traveled anywhere without my hairdryer and curling iron and I actually do not enjoy hot humid weather, but my husband will never hear one complaint come out of my mouth.

We actually fly into San Jose (using our FF)and arrive at noon but since we are getting up at 3am to catch a very early flight, I want to just find a nice place nearby where we can lounge by a pool and have a nice dinner, possibly nap, and early to bed. Any suggestions--we don't want to travel far. Orquideas Inn?

The next day we want to drive or arrange for a driver to take us to Arenal for 3 nts. I think we may stay at Lost Iguana--they are offering us one night free.

Then back to San Jose to catch a flight to the Osa and 4 nts. at BdC. Our last night will be back near San Jose--thinking maybe Grano de Oro. Our flight home is the following morning at about 11:30.

I always told my husband that all he had to do was say yes and I could get the trip arranged. We have another couple joining us too. They liked my suggested itinerary so they told me to go ahead and get things booked.

I am so excited for this trip. Just wanted to share my excitement with all you regular posters whose love of Costa Rica have inspired this trip. I actually never considered Costa Rica until I stumbled onto this forum one day and started reading your posts.

hipvirgochick

You're on the right track! I like Orquideas for exactly what you said, a nice pool, restaurant and bar and chill time.

Also, when are you going? It's not always hot and humid and rainy there! Actually, all the wildlife and beautiful trails and beaches are way more of a pro than any silly rain you might have. In fact, I've spent 17 nights there all together now and I can't think of a day where the rain ruined any plans, although have been in a few thunderstorms at night!

One night free at Lost Iguana sounds great!

volcanogirl

We've stayed at Lost Iguana, BdC, and Grano de Oro - really like all of them. A free night at LI is wonderful. Xandari is another neat hotel near the airport.

tully

Congrats on getting your husband to agree with you May is my favourite month and really don't recall much rain at all except at night, which is the best anyway to watch the lightening light up the water.

Agree that Xandari or (less $$) Orquideas would be good on your first night, and both of them are more on your way to Arenal as wll. You will have a great trip!

It's funny, years ago a poster dfarmer wrote about her Bosque trip (a place I hadn't considered, thinking it was a little too 'wild' for me) and I was just captivated, thought I must go there - and I am still going every year now. That's what is so cool about these boards, gives you ideas, thoughts and realistic advice.

Cattail

Great choices! No, you are NOT making a mistake to choose BDC! It's a one-of-a-kind, amazing spot.It's rather freeing not to worry about hairdryers and such. Hats are our friends, lol!

The Orquideas Inn's rooms (standard) we found to be a little dated and once even dirty, but I wouldn't hesitate to return for the very relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, great food and bar. We liked to walk up the hill for a little birding (we weren't staying there.)

Please let us know what your husband thinks upon your return!

janenicole

The first time we went to Costa Rica, Bosque del Cabo was the only place we went. Absolutely loved it. It will not disappoint. And your husband may love how quickly you can get ready for the day without taking the time to dry and curl your hair - I know mine did!

fcfarmgirl

When we come into CR and the night before we leave, we've stayed at Orchideas 4 nights now on 2 trips and will stay again in Mar 2010. I'd get the deluxe rooms up on the hill. They are only slightly more ($10?) are are bigger and nicer than the standard room. It has a good restaurant, very good breakfast in the morning, and it's nice to hang by the pool and bar.

Also, they have been very reliable in airport pick ups and early morning airport drop offs.

You'll love Lost Iguana. The restaurant there is fine for the included breakfast, but I would eat lunch and dinner elsewhere.

volcanogirl

Lost Iguana has improved their food recently; our guide told us they have a new chef. I like their casual food like burgers better than their higher end stuff. Excellent homemade guacamole and chips. And of course an Imperial to go with it.

MarciaM

You will get to love the rain. It doesn't rain, all day, but maybe in the afternoon the clouds will roll in, and it will pour for an hour or two. It's a perfect excuse for a nap, listening to the downpour. If you're looking for a nice place to relax by a pool or in a jacuzzi, you might consider Vista del Valle. They have wonderful food there in an outdoor restaurant overlooking a preserve. It's in the coffee plantations near the airport, and it cuts about a half hour off of the trip the next day to Arenal. If you need a driver, Wilson Rojas is a a real sweetheart, and very reasonable. His email address is [email protected]. It sounds like a great trip. Please post when you get back.

hipvirgochick

Agree with fcfarmgirl about the rooms at Orchideas. I stayed in Darly's Suite last trip, which was great. Checked out Susan's room as well and it was nice too.

shillmac

One of the best things about Orquideas is the Marilyn Monroe Bar, and Eduardo the bartender/server. And his son who looks just like him. We always stop by for dinner and a drink even if we are staying someplace else (frequently Hotel Villa Bonita, which is generally better for us logistically).

Vista del Valle is a good choice, however, agree with Marcia, since it is about 20 minutes to the west of the airport and puts you that much closer to Arenal for the next day. And it is a delightful hotel (we loved Ilan Ilan), but pricier, about twice. Gorgeous views.

On your return from BdC, Hotel Grano de Oro would be a very nice choice. You might use Nature Air for your return flight, as it flies out of Pavas, which is fairly close to Hotel GdO. If you choose this hotel, make your dinner reservations when you get there, then take a 5 minute taxi ride downtown to the Plaza de la Cultura. Do a little sightseeing inside the Teatro Nacional, beautiful building inside and out. Visit the Gold Museum, state of the art, same area. That will give you a nice little bit of extra for your last day. If you have about 45 extra minutes, take a walk down the Avenida Central, a pedestrian street, and visit the huge Mercado Central. It is amazing, a typical huge Central American market. When out and about in San Jose, don't walk around with backpacks and cameras hanging off your back and chest. Use travel pants with zippers in the legs, and store some cash and credit cards there. You won't need anything else.

Enjoy--sounds like a great trip! Congratulations on winning DH over! You guys will love BdC!

LindainOhio

Wow--I post last night and have 10 responses today and lots of great ideas for planning this trip. Thanks so much for sharing your suggestions.