Mixter603

Hi Fodorites, it's been a while since I've been on here. Last March hubby and I met up with lhgreenacres and her significant other and we traveled to Honduras. It was a great trip but boy oh boy did I miss Costa Rica.

So today my friend Janenicole asks if we want to meet them at Ylang Ylang in February. After doing the calculations and checking the airfare from Newark (CHEAP!!!), hubby and I decided it's a go. I've never been to that part of Costa Rica so I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Question, do you think it's worth it to go straight from SJO to catch a flight to Tambor? There is a flight from Newark that will get us into SJO around 11:50am. The flight from Pavas leaves around 2:00 and there is also a later flight which leaves at 4:30. Whatcha think?

It's a bit expensive to arrive at YY late at night. Is Oriquideas near Pavas?

It's great to be back on this forum and see all the old names I've seen in the past.

qwovadis

flysansa.com best u will not have to xfer to Pavas

Orquideas is on Arenal side of SJO

casabellarita.com or The Alta Hotel work better from $90 for

me in the past for your journey if you decide to overnite...

Personally prefer the ferry cheaper more flexible direct

than the flight more expensive still far from where u will be.

Happy Travels!

Mixter603

Thanks qwovadis. Will have a look at your suggestion.

janenicole

Yes, we are taking a short trip (1 week) to Costa Rica! Kind of feel like we're cheating on Bosque del Cabo by going to Ylang Ylang, but wanted to try a new area, and one with a "beachier feel" this time.

We decided to take the early flight on Nature Air to Tambor, and do an overnight in San Jose our first and last night. As much as we love Orquideas, we need to find someplace to stay that will be closer to Pavas.

Any more recommendations? We don't need anything over the top, but someplace with a great restaurant nearby or in it is a plus.

hipvirgochick

Have you considered Casa Roland? Haven't stayed here but have looked at it and it looks good. I believe Casa Bella Rita are equi-distant between SJO and Pavas. Not sure about restaurants but I think both places offer really good meals. Have only stayed once at Hotel Alta but ate two meals there and it wasn't as fabulous as I thought it would be.

Montezuma is a fun, trippy, hippie little town. My daughter and I had fun there.

Have a great trip!

shillmac

We liked Hotel Isla Verde this past summer when we overnighted near Pavas for a very early flight to Puerto Jimenez. The price was about $75. The room was small, but comfortable. There were computers available for guests to use. The restaurant is Chinese and we thought the food good, had dinner the night before our flight. The next morning we were up too early for the restaurant, but the owner was up and made sure we had a little bit of breakfast and some coffee. We were really grateful!

shillmac

Forgot to mention: Hope you guys have a terrific time! AND, I hope you'll both consider the 2013 GTG at Bosque del Cabo. We don't have the date established yet, but I THINK it will be sometime in June or early July (probably late June, early July). We are hoping for a huge crowd of Fodorites! Several have said that 2013 will be the year for them to attend!

Deb15July

Loved Casa Bella Rita and Steve picked us up from Pavas when we returned from BDC. Enjoyed our night with Rita and Steve and had them prepare us dinner for a reasonable fee. You can request what you'd like, but we let them pick something for us. Had a leisurely morning at their beautiful B&B with a good breakfast prior to our departure. Rita arranged a driver to take us to the airport for our flight out.

janenicole

Thanks all, for the tips and well wishes! I will check them out.
Shillmac, we'll keep 2013 in mind. We usually like to get away from the weather here in the winter, and stick around in the summer, but you never know...

Mixter603

Shillmac, I'll definitely keep 2013 GTG on the back burner. That would be a blast.

janenicole

We decided to go with Casa Bella Rita...it just looks so inviting. Perfect for a first night in wonderful Costa Rica.

Deb15July

jane,
You won't regret your decision...the casa is beautiful and Rita and Steve are very personable. If you just want to chill before your big adventure, ask them to prepare your dinner. All the rooms are nicely decorated and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.