Hotels - Costa Rica

Have any good hotel recommendations in Costa Rica?

Where are you going?

In San Jose, I really liked my stay at the Hotel Colonial. It was a nice rest before heading back to the US.

I also really recommend The Hummingbird Nest near the Arenal volcano in El Castillo. It's nice, the owner is a retired stewardess, and it's got a great garden and view. http://hummingbirdnestbb.com/

I've never been, but everyone I've known who's gone has absolutely loved it! You're going to have a great time. Make sure to do the zip line tour of the jungle canopy. Everyone says it's amazing.

Subject: Re: Hotels - Costa Rica

Leozoeypiper wrote: Have any good hotel recommendations in Costa Rica?

where in Costa Rica?

You may have already done this, but let me say make sure to research the weather for when you're going--it varies widely depending on where you are and the rainy season in some parts can mean roads get washed out making road travel difficult.

I was in a lowland jungle area during rainy season and after 7 days of straight rain, once we drove out and saw the sun it was actually blinding. And if you're doing hiking in rainy areas, take tall rain boots. I never used my hiking boots in my two weeks, even on the slick slopes b/c we had to wade in mud and water that was almost to my (short) knees daily. Someone brought birks. After only maybe 4 days of them just sitting in our muggy cabin, they were mildewed.

When we wanted to leave the research station, the road was flooded so we would call a cab to meet us on the other side of the washout, which we would take a boat to (and leave it for our return trip). And that was where roads were decent, just to give you an idea.

But Costa Rica is beautiful! I loved hiking around with warm (albeit wet) afternoons in the Monte Verde area and having to quickly bundle up as the sun set for cold, mountain nights under many wool blankets.

Sorry no help on where to stay, but I'll be watching this thread as we're hoping to take a vacation there next winter (for fun, no counting trees and leaves all day next time).

Not sure the purpose of the trip, but my wife and I just went there for our honeymoon. We went to Manuel Antonio (amazing). We skipped the hotel thing, and rented a private villa. It was incredible. If you like privacy, cooking, and relaxing in your own private pool, then you'll love it.

www.costaricahomesforrent.com

La Mariposa ( Manuel Antonio ) has spectacular mountain top views and really nice rooms. The restaurant food is nothing special though.
If you're looking for something off the beaten track and are up for some white water rafting you can't do better than La Pacuare Eco lodge- a jungle retreat which is at the same time simple but luxurious. One of the most beautiful places i've ever been. Can't wait to go back there!
Don't stay in San Jose any longer than you need to!

Thanks everyone! These suggestions are great - keep them coming. We are going in February for about 10 days. We plan to hit the Manuel Antonia area, Montezuma/Mal Pais (my husband is determined to do some surfing while we are there), and the Arenal area.

I suggest the Iguana Lodge! Its an amazing eco-chic resort on the Pacific side...

try www.luxurylinks.com.

I stayed in El Mirador del Pacifico near Manuel Antonio, actually on the beautiful road between MA and Quepos. http://elmiradorcostarica.com/. Reasons I particularly liked it no longer exist as far as I know: at the time they set aside a few of their rooms as "hostel rooms," thus I had a normally $50 room for $12, and the owner's friend's son who studied hotel management was running the place while the owners were on vacation. He's probably moved on by now, but he became a great buddy during my time there. Anyway, lovely hotel with a beautiful view, need to take the bus to the park but it's frequent.