Cala Luna or Hotel Capitan Suizo?
Oct 20th, 2004, 07:03 AM
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Cala Luna or Hotel Capitan Suizo?
We are headed to CR in April and torn between these 2 properties...Cala luna seems nicer but the other more fun? Difference in beaches- closeness to town-restaurants-bars?Thanks for you advice! Susan
Oct 20th, 2004, 07:34 AM
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Both are south of town...a very short drive, or 5-10 minute walk from the beach at Capitan Suizo, depending on your pace. I'm not sure about the walk from Cala Luna as I didn't see the beach there, but it is a tad further south of town. Capitan Suizo is fairly compact, and all rooms are fairly close to the beach, especially the bungalows, and more rooms will have some sort of ocean view.
Cala Luna is a larger property and more quiet, and quite spread out, so some of the rooms will be a little walk to the beach and I don't think any rooms have ocean views, but maybe someone who stayed there can say more on that.
I'd say Cala Luna IS a little nicer, with the exception to the bungalows at Capitan Suizo, which are also very nice. Hard choice to make!
Cala Luna is a larger property and more quiet, and quite spread out, so some of the rooms will be a little walk to the beach and I don't think any rooms have ocean views, but maybe someone who stayed there can say more on that.
I'd say Cala Luna IS a little nicer, with the exception to the bungalows at Capitan Suizo, which are also very nice. Hard choice to make!
Oct 20th, 2004, 07:35 AM
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Capitan Suizo is right on the beach while Cala Luna is not. Cala Luna is also further away from the town center/restaurants (by about 10 minutes walking).
We like Capitan Suizo a lot (stayed there 3 times). It is a very well run hotel that is popular with families. Their pool area is shady which I feel is a definite advantage. If you don't mind the fact that you will not have AC, the bungalows at Capitan Suizo are the best choice.
Cala Luna gets very good reviews, and if it wasn't for its location, I would strongly consider it for a stay in Tamarindo.
We like Capitan Suizo a lot (stayed there 3 times). It is a very well run hotel that is popular with families. Their pool area is shady which I feel is a definite advantage. If you don't mind the fact that you will not have AC, the bungalows at Capitan Suizo are the best choice.
Cala Luna gets very good reviews, and if it wasn't for its location, I would strongly consider it for a stay in Tamarindo.
Oct 20th, 2004, 12:38 PM
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I've stayed at the Cala Luna, wonderful hotel, beautiful grounds, helpful/friendly staff, good restaurant and bar. We had one of the private villas, which are very large and airy, had a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms (some have 3), 2 bathrooms (one with washing machine), cd player and each have a private pool. There's no ocean view from the villas, I do not know about the hotel rooms, they might. The beach was about a 5 minute walk. For location, its really about the same as Capitan Suizo as I recall Capitan Suizo was just about, if not right next door. You need a car to get into Tamarindo or its a good 20-25 minute walk. Driving its about 5 minutes. From Cala Luna you can walk to the casino, other than that there isn't much to really walk to except the beach. I really recommend Cala Luna, very top notch, well priced and worthwhile for being a little more off the beaten trail.
Oct 20th, 2004, 04:14 PM
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Hi there, Can someone tell me is the pool totally shaded? as in you can not get a tan while sitting at the pool and also has anyone stayed at Capitain Suiso in March in the Bungalows - was it ok without air conditioning and are there TV's? All of my questions have to do with Captain Suiso. Thank you!!!
Oct 20th, 2004, 06:02 PM
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Can't remember if there were TVs, but the pool is super and the beach terrific. They have kayaks you can take into the ocean and at that part of the beach the surf is super calm. The food at Capitan Suizo is the best in Tamarindo and the service is excellent. Couldn't recommend it more highly.
Oct 21st, 2004, 05:49 AM
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flycatcher06:
I stayed at Capitan Suizo in February of this year. The pool is beautiful. I am a sun worshipper, and there is plenty of space for tanning. The previous poster is correct, though, that there is also tons of shade near the pool. The best of both worlds! If I remember correctly, the pool was almost completely shaded by about 3:00 or 3:30 each afternoon, but that left plenty of sun time if you are an early riser. There was only one small patch of sun big enough for one lounge chair until about 4:00 or 4:30--just look for the spot where the iguanas sun themselves on a big rock. The sun was so strong that I only needed to lay out for about 3 hours every day to get a dark tan, which left the afternoons free to walk into town for lunch and some shopping.
There were NO televisions in the rooms with A/C; I'm not sure about the bungalows but I don't believe so. There was a radio, however.
For smartin, you've got a difficult choice. We ate at Cala Luna, and I thought the property was beautiful, even though it was not on the beach (which wouldn't be a big deal because the sea isn't Caribbean-blue). It is a little farther than Capitan, but still walkable. On the plus side for Capitan, they have those howler monkeys in the trees above the pool, which is priceless. You can search for my previous posts regarding both hotels.
I stayed at Capitan Suizo in February of this year. The pool is beautiful. I am a sun worshipper, and there is plenty of space for tanning. The previous poster is correct, though, that there is also tons of shade near the pool. The best of both worlds! If I remember correctly, the pool was almost completely shaded by about 3:00 or 3:30 each afternoon, but that left plenty of sun time if you are an early riser. There was only one small patch of sun big enough for one lounge chair until about 4:00 or 4:30--just look for the spot where the iguanas sun themselves on a big rock. The sun was so strong that I only needed to lay out for about 3 hours every day to get a dark tan, which left the afternoons free to walk into town for lunch and some shopping.
There were NO televisions in the rooms with A/C; I'm not sure about the bungalows but I don't believe so. There was a radio, however.
For smartin, you've got a difficult choice. We ate at Cala Luna, and I thought the property was beautiful, even though it was not on the beach (which wouldn't be a big deal because the sea isn't Caribbean-blue). It is a little farther than Capitan, but still walkable. On the plus side for Capitan, they have those howler monkeys in the trees above the pool, which is priceless. You can search for my previous posts regarding both hotels.
Oct 21st, 2004, 08:18 AM
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There are no TVs in any of the rooms or bungalows at Capitan Suizo. We stayed in the bungalow closest to the beach in August (twice) and the breeze and ceiling fans kept us sufficiently cool. There both shady and sunny spots around the pool.
The restaurant at Capitan Suizo is very good. We really enjoy their breakfast with a variety of freshly baked breads and pastries.
The restaurant at Capitan Suizo is very good. We really enjoy their breakfast with a variety of freshly baked breads and pastries.
Oct 21st, 2004, 08:45 AM
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Thank you so much - can the sand blow into the room because last year when we were there in March the wind was unbelievable and if you had a choice even though there are 4 people would you stay in a regular room with AC or a bungalow? Also are there room safes? Thanks!!!!
Oct 21st, 2004, 09:24 AM
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I would think that if the wind is strong enough you could have a problem if you are in one of the two bungalows closest to the beach. One thing that Capitan Suizo did in recent years is to install a fence separating the hotel area from the beach. It is mostly made out of transparent plexiglass (I think) so the wind can't get through but you don't loose the views. We were surprised to see it on our last visit and when we asked we were told that it was put up specifically to protect the property from the wind and blowing sand. I don't know how well it works as there are no wind problems in August.
There are safes in each room.
During our first visit we stayed in a room with AC and then on two subsequent visits we stayed in a bungalow. For me bungalow is a better option as there is a ton more space and private decks. But if you feel that AC is necessary, go for a room with AC. 2 adults and 2 kids would be fine a regular room. 4 adults would be cramped.
There are safes in each room.
During our first visit we stayed in a room with AC and then on two subsequent visits we stayed in a bungalow. For me bungalow is a better option as there is a ton more space and private decks. But if you feel that AC is necessary, go for a room with AC. 2 adults and 2 kids would be fine a regular room. 4 adults would be cramped.
Oct 21st, 2004, 01:41 PM
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Sounds like both are very nice. I didn't visit Capitan Suizo while I was there, I only noticed where it was located, but had looked at the website when we were deciding....very nice accomodations I'd say very on par with Cala Luna. The advantage of Capitan Suizo is its closer to the beach and Tamarindo. The advantage of Cala Luna are slightly better amenities, A/C, TV (if one needs that on vacation!) if a villa then a kitchen, washing machine and private pool....however the price is alot more for that. Guess it really depends on what is important. Both are good bets not to disappoint.
Nov 9th, 2004, 11:15 AM
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i was wondering how expensive the food would be if you stayed at the cala luna for a week ? and if you wanted to eat in town, does anyone know if there is a taxi or shuttle service ? or should i just rent a car ?
thank you
thank you
Nov 13th, 2004, 03:05 PM
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Nitram,
Food at the Cala Luna ranged from $20-$30 an entree, $20 for a pasta dish to $30 for the lobster. Add appetizers, wine, tax, etc and perhaps $35 to $45 per person. Breakfast was the deal, $10 for a large breakfast, el tipico...eggs, rice/beans, fried plaintains, toast/rolls, coffee, juice.
I can't tell you about a shuttle into town from the hotel because we had rental cars so therefore no need to inquire. I might suggest you email and hotel and pose that question, they are very responsive to emails.
For eating in Tamarindo, by far the best is Stella's...don't miss that.
Food at the Cala Luna ranged from $20-$30 an entree, $20 for a pasta dish to $30 for the lobster. Add appetizers, wine, tax, etc and perhaps $35 to $45 per person. Breakfast was the deal, $10 for a large breakfast, el tipico...eggs, rice/beans, fried plaintains, toast/rolls, coffee, juice.
I can't tell you about a shuttle into town from the hotel because we had rental cars so therefore no need to inquire. I might suggest you email and hotel and pose that question, they are very responsive to emails.
For eating in Tamarindo, by far the best is Stella's...don't miss that.
Nov 13th, 2004, 07:24 PM
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Funny how one person's experience can be so different from another's. We ate at Stella's over a year ago and were very disappointed. Food was okay, alright, better than average. But it took 2 hours! And there was a marimba pair playing near our table. One was drunk, kept coming to our table and trying to talk. The sounds they were making were painful to hear, and I LOVE marimba music!
Ben, who at the time was the restaurant manager/chef at Hotel Brasilito in Playa Brasilito recommended the place to us. The owners are friends of his. If I am not mistaken, he has since gone over there as their chef. It may have improved this past year.
Ben, who at the time was the restaurant manager/chef at Hotel Brasilito in Playa Brasilito recommended the place to us. The owners are friends of his. If I am not mistaken, he has since gone over there as their chef. It may have improved this past year.
Nov 13th, 2004, 07:51 PM
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Shillmac,
I ate there in July this year, food excellent...however service a bit slow, but not incredibly slow....we had a large group of about 15 so can't really complain. For us, thankfully there was no Marimba...I do like music but next to me in a restaurant if I had a gun that is one time I'd probably go postal
I ate there in July this year, food excellent...however service a bit slow, but not incredibly slow....we had a large group of about 15 so can't really complain. For us, thankfully there was no Marimba...I do like music but next to me in a restaurant if I had a gun that is one time I'd probably go postal
Nov 13th, 2004, 09:45 PM
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Did you know a Stella II was opened in Flamingo this year? Haven't tried that either, but I'm sure business is booming. Flamingo needed it. One of my favorite places in this area is still Camaron Dorado on the beach in Brasilito.
Nov 13th, 2004, 10:06 PM
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Shillmac,
I saw signs for Stella II on the way to Flamingo...I didn't see it while there, I was too busy looking for a functioning ATM.
In Brasilito, we stopped into a place and I cannot remember the name of it....it was right where the road pretty much does a 90 degree angle. Its right on the beach, they come out and you wash up in this floral scented water and again with this creme de menth after the meal. Not only great service but very good food. We went there twice.
I saw signs for Stella II on the way to Flamingo...I didn't see it while there, I was too busy looking for a functioning ATM.
In Brasilito, we stopped into a place and I cannot remember the name of it....it was right where the road pretty much does a 90 degree angle. Its right on the beach, they come out and you wash up in this floral scented water and again with this creme de menth after the meal. Not only great service but very good food. We went there twice.
Nov 14th, 2004, 04:57 AM
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Yes, that's it. Camaron Dorado. Hard to even know it's there, isn't it? Great place! And yes, exemplary service. Cool! Stella's II is not in Flamingo proper. Outer edge of town on that road that goes around by the beach.
Nov 15th, 2004, 05:39 PM
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Shillmac,
Not surprised its the same place you were referring to, there weren't alot of places in Brasilito to stop at. In fact, it was going around that curve on the way to Flamingo it just very briefly caught my eye...so we opted to try it out on our way back...then two days later we ate there again but brought the rest of the gang along that time, they loved it too. Just a great place, as I recall they even greeted us in the parking lot. Glad to have the name I'll remember that. BTW, I never did get an ATM to cooperate in Tamarindo or Flamingo...not sure what the problem was. One ATM in Tamarindo was down which I think was my best option, the others in Tamarindo, Flamingo and even found one on the road on the way to Flamingo...none liked my card! Fortunately with all the other people along they floated me till finally at Tilaran enroute to Monteverde one finally worked and I made a LARGE withdraw!
Not surprised its the same place you were referring to, there weren't alot of places in Brasilito to stop at. In fact, it was going around that curve on the way to Flamingo it just very briefly caught my eye...so we opted to try it out on our way back...then two days later we ate there again but brought the rest of the gang along that time, they loved it too. Just a great place, as I recall they even greeted us in the parking lot. Glad to have the name I'll remember that. BTW, I never did get an ATM to cooperate in Tamarindo or Flamingo...not sure what the problem was. One ATM in Tamarindo was down which I think was my best option, the others in Tamarindo, Flamingo and even found one on the road on the way to Flamingo...none liked my card! Fortunately with all the other people along they floated me till finally at Tilaran enroute to Monteverde one finally worked and I made a LARGE withdraw!
