nycgirl1

Not sure if this is even possible in CR - but I'm trying to find accomodations for a family vacation this Christmas. We'll have with us two 1-year olds, an 8-month old, and my parents, so a rental house with at least 3-4 bedrooms would be ideal.

I love the feel of places like El Jardin in Montezuma or Villas Nicolas, but the latter doesn't allow children under 6. Looking for relaxing, natural environment without the big resort feel for a week.

a) is this even a reasonable expectation for a good family vacation with such young children? If I'm insane, tell me.
b) has anyone taken such a trip and/or know of a rental property or lodge I should look into?

Thanks SO much for your help in advance as I'm not able to check back in very regularly but will be back soon!!

nycgirl1

sorry - should have put Costa Rica in the subject. rookie mistake from a non-rookie.

But if anyone has suggestions for places other than Costa Rica, I'm definitely open to them as well!!

campjulie

We travelled to CR with our kids ages 7 and 9 and had a wonderful time. I don't think I would have wanted to take them when they were much younger. All of the places we stayed involved quite a bit of walking on hilly terrain, that was often steep. We enjoyed the walking, but I think it would have been too challenging carrying one of them or pushing a stroller. In my opinion, CR is not as stroller or backpack friendly as some of the places I have been in Mexico or Hawaii. Still, we met a family traveling with two young children and the Mom's parents. They were staying at the Buena Vista Villas they same time we were and drove their rental car to the private beach, to the restaurant for breakfast, etc. Their casa was challenging because of the stairs and their toddler so they moved to a villa. Anyway, they were having fun, but felt like the attractions they most wanted to see were not as doable with their kids. Just food for thought!

shillmac

We've visited CR 3 times with our soon to be 3 year old granddaughter. She loves it and Costa Ricans love children! If you are willing to make a few accomodations (campjulie is right) in your expectations and plans, traveling with toddlers to CR is very simple. The beach is always a good bet and inside Manuel Antonio park is an excellent one.

3 little ones is a bit different from one little one, but with patience and adjustment you can do it! We've never needed the special accomodation that you are looking into, but I know there are a LOT of 3-4 bedroom villas here and there that can accomodate you. Check into the Playa Flamingo area. There are some nice places right on the beach.

With our little one, we also enjoyed the San Gerardo de Dota area, Monteverde, the Caribbean side (Puerto Viejo), and Peace Lodge in the central valley (Monarch Villa maybe?). She also did fine at Montezuma, Manuel Antonio, Playa Grande, and Playa Flamingo.

I really think you can go about anyplace you want to go in the country (where you can find the lodging you are looking for), but you'll need to take turns with childcare and enjoying the adult activities in the area!

kdwyer

Just curious: how do you handle vaccinations for such young children? I mean, you probably don't have to worry about the big ones, but there are some??

mcginnis

Last summer when my son was 6 months, we travelled with another couple with a one-year old daughter and had a great time. We rented Casa Margarita in Pacific Heights near Playa Portero and we hung out at Flamingo. I really recommend a house so grown-ups have a place to hang out while they take naps. We liked it up there because it was maybe 40 minutes from the Liberia airport. I would think about how much travel time between your destinations to avoid melt-downs. Like shillmac says, just adjust your expectations and let them nap in the car or on the beach and it will be wonderful. Ticos LOVE babies and a waitress would take my son and play with him in almost every restaurant we went to. It was truly warm and genuine hospitality--they seriously love babies.

The car rental place messed up and gave us a mini-van without 4 wheel drive. This was awful. You must have 4-wheel drive when you have that many people and baby gear to carry.

shillmac

We've never felt like we've need to be vaccinated for the places we have gone with our granddaughter: Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, British Virgin Islands. . .