CharlotteYork

We're planning on staying in Manuel Antonio for 2 nights and then head to someplace with nice, cool weather for another couple of nights before we head back to San Jose. We will have 2 young children with us.

I'm considering Ama Tierra (the former La Finca Que Ama). I understand that it's close to the Turubari National Park. Will there be enough for us to do to keep the kids busy for 2 days there? What about the weather in May? We're looking for daytime highs in the 60s to 70s.

Any other suggestions for a great hotel in the mountains within 3 hours drive of Manuel Antonio and San Jose? (We've already been to Peace Lodge and the Arenal area, so not looking to repeat those destinations.)

CharlotteYork

I forgot to add that I would love to stay in a cloud forest. Monteverde is too far away for the time we have. Is there anything closer to San Jose/Manuel Antonio?

dfarmer

La Finca always got good reviews, seems the new owners are continuting with the same good reviews.

However The Los Angeles Cloud Forest would be a good choice. Gives you the cloud forest experience & within your driving specs. Several good reports of this lodge in the past fews months.
www.villablanca-costarica.com

sandyc

Villa Blanca is a nice place in the Los Angeles Cloud Forest, but another place that I really love is Trogon Lodge in San Gerardo. The grounds at Trogon are absolutely beautiful, and it's a small simple place with lots to do right there. There's a small canopy tour, lots of hiking trails in the mountains, horseback riding, fishing for your dinner, etc. There are peacocks and lambs on the property, and the staff is very gracious. I have a bazillion photos if you want to see some. There are gas heaters in every room and it really gets quite cool at night. Daytime temps are perfect!

Sandy

dfarmer

Sandy I too thought about Trogon and also Sevegre Lodge. This is an area that I certainly hope to visit next trip to CR. However I was not sure about the driving distance? Would love to know if either or both of these are within the 3 hours from SJ that Charlotte is requesting?

Thanks

sandyc

I can't swear by it, but I think it took us about 3 hours to get there from the SJ airport. At the end, the road got a little hairy, but we really loved that place and I definitely want to go back.

Sandy

taraCR

OUR hotel is perfect for what you need. E mail us back at [email protected] and we will help you with what you need. we are the owners of the old La Finca Que Ama and we welcome you

gannetmusic

Yes, I think San Gerardo de Dota is about three hours from SJO. A wonderful area with the cool days Charlotte is looking for.

There really is no 'entertainment' for the kids there, other than watching the hummingbirds and exploring the area.....but that would have been more than enough for me as a kid.

Jerry

taraCR

dear all,

i sincerely apologize for the previous post... my dad didnt know that as owners we weren't allowed to talk about the hotel and recommend it on fodors. as you have heard he and my mom are new at this and dont know much about answering posts(or not answering them, in this case). please forgive him and you have my promise it won't happen again.

-tara

if you do have any questions about turubari park, however, i can help you out there!

ShSue

We went to La Finca que Ama with our two young kids, but just spent one night in between Arenal and MA. It was perfect for that. We tried to stay at Villablanca, but with the kids they only offered us a huge room and it was expensive!

JamesNYC

We just got back from a really lovely stay at AmaTierra with some friends. It's a great place to relax and hang out at the pool. Turrubari park is nearby and is full of fun and educational activities. Jill and Bob at AmaTierra are great hosts -- they served the best food we had in Costa Rica -- and Jill is a great masseuse. I can't recommend the place highly enough.