atdahl

We are off to BDC in May for our 3rd trip. We are quite excited. Too bad we will miss this year's GTG. We had planned to go to Utah, but the draw of the rain forest was too great.

For this trip, we need to spend one night near SJ. Any recommendations on a nice place to stay with gardens or other areas for nature/wildlife? Xandari is more than we want to spend. We did find Tacacori Ecolodge which is very close to Xandari. Does anyone have any experience staying there?

Also, we have an afternoon to kill and would be interested in hiking, bird watching etc in the area.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

brmsimmons

I will be there in May as well, what are your dates?

volcanogirl

Have you been to the Doka Coffee Estate? They operate a bed and breakfast if you want to check it out. Casa Bella Rita seems to be getting good reviews lately.

colibri

I haven't stayed there, but my friends loved Bougainvillea Hotel - beautiful gardens, good birdwatching and not too far from the airport.

brmsimmons

I'm staying at Casa Bella Rita first and last day. Rita has been wonderful setting up transportation for me as well as answering all my questions.

shillmac

The Doka Estate is a beautiful property. The hotel is called Siempre Verde. Very small, but pretty. Nothing fancy, but neat, clean, good breakfast.

tully

Have not stayed at either but I have these saved in my lists to try and visit one day: http://www.cortezaamarillalodge.com/ and http://www.quijote.cr/ I'm staying at the Alta http://www.thealtahotel.com/ but not til June so will post then about it.

atdahl

Thanks for the replies...We will be there the week of May 16th. We booked a stay at the Orquideas Inn for our night in SJ. It seems like it should meet our needs nicely since they have some gardens to photography.

We may take a 1/2 day trip to Poas Volcano but that will depend on the weather.

tully

Have a good time there. They also have a sweet not so little dog who, when not sleeping, may wonder what you're snacking on at the MM bar The garden area & flowers up by the rooms on the hill are especially lovely. If you don't have a car, they have a great tour desk right in reception, sure Mary can hook you up with a tour to Poas. See if you can snag Luis, he's a great driver/guide.

brmsimmons

Looks like I'll just miss you. I'll be at BDC 5/13-5/16.

atdahl

brmsimmons, we actually arrive on Sunday the 15th. We are taking a morning boat tour on the way in but should be there by lunch.

You can't miss me, I will be the tall guy lugging the tripod around everywhere. Hopefully, we will run into each other.

Alan

volcanogirl

Alan, I look forward to seeing more of your wonderful pictures.

brmsimmons

I'm sure we'll meet up at dinner! We're a couple in our 30's, I've got blonde hair and my husband has dark hair with a beard.