jj

For our last 2 nights in Costa Rica with our 2 kids(ages 9 & 11), we were considering either of the above. Is anyone familiar with both, and which would you recommend? Thank You.

Iza

We have just returned from our 2nd trip to CR (I will post a trip report in a couple of days). We stayed at Vista del Valle this year (1st and last night) and at Xandari for 2 nights last year. Both times we travelled with our 7 year old daughter. I liked both places but preferred Xandari. Vista del Valle is very pleasant, low key and homey. The owners stop by and chat to guests during meals. It has nice views from some of the rooms, a pretty pool and hot tub. We stayed at two different Exotic Wood Suites - Caobilla and Ceibo (better views). Both were identical except for the view and adequate for the three of us but would be too small for a family of 4. Both had kitchenettes shared with the neigboring room. The grounds at Vista del Valle are nicely kept but not very spacious. Xandari is much more spacious and stylish. The villas are big (and we stayed in the smaller one!) and include a wet bar with a fridge. The grounds are beautifully maintained with more paths and trails for walking, hiking and exploring. Xandari has two beautiful pools but no hot tub. The views of the Central Valley are spectacular from all villas (I believe) and the restaurant. Xandari has an actual restaurant and you actually have some choices of dinner, at Vista del Valle the menu is set for the day (although the food is tasty and they will accommodate kids by making less spicy versions of the food for them). <BR>We were not able to hike to the waterfall at Vista del Valle because the rain made the trail too slippery. At Xandari, there are several trails and waterfalls and hiking would be possible on all them even if the weather was wet. <BR>Xandari is located closer to the airport, at a higher altitude than Vista del Valle (so tends to be cooler at night) and offers free transportation to and from the airport. <BR>As I said, I liked both of them and could recommend both but personally preferred Xandari.

lynn

Iza.. I have a question for you re: Xandari: do they have any sort of transportation to and from San Jose? My husband and I want to stay outside the capital but make at least one trip in to visit the museums.. I had picked Xandari from the guide books and have visited their website but didn't see anything about a city shuttle; do you (or anyone else) know if there is such a thing? Thanks...

Iza

I don't think that there is any transportation that they provide on regular basis to San Jose. You would have to take a taxi to the city. But just in case, e-mail Xandari to find out. They are very responsive.

Iza

Bringing it up for Christy.