www.CostaRicaTicas.com

http://makanda.com/

I am thinking of staying here in June. Before our "wild time" in SJ. I am assuming it's not chica friendly. That's ok. But, I have read there is a lot of walking involved. I was wondering if anyone knew about this hotel. Are there nice public beaches nearby? Which airport should I fly into? How bad are the roads around it? How's the drive from SJ? etc.

Thanks in advance!

Prices look way high for the area, plus if you rent one of the large rooms they clip you for 35 a night each for all guest over double occupency.

ng

not planning on having any guest the first half of the trip. Saving that for the weekend in SJ. I am having trouble finding a hotel with a hammock. I like how it is by both the jungle and the beach. Do you have another suggestion?

Thanks

The first and last place I'd check in non-monger areas is http://www.tripadvisor.com You get such a wide spectrum of opinion that way--or post/search on their Manuel Antonio Forum. It's free--might as well take advantage, and you can tailor your requests to your specific wants/needs There's 1.8 Million posts on CR there--somebody has got to be able to answer your question, either a tourist or a Resident Expert. Matter of fact, I found CRT by posting there.
BTW, as you have a "thing" about small planes, it's SJO then get driven. CR has 2 International airports--The other in Liberia services the Guanacaste Gringo Gold Coast in the north.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

PussyWillow,

You would fly into Quepos. The roads in and around Quepos/Manuel Antonio are mostly paved with two lanes, driving further south to Dominical is currently under construction. The drive(Sjo to Jaco) with the newly opened tollroad is reported to be good, from Jaco to Manuel Antonio expect pot holes and several one lane bridges but not a bad drive along the coast. The main beach will be at the end of the road in Manuel Antonio. If you walk over to MA National park, there are some secluded beaches perfect for getting away from the public beach but take some beverages along. Spanky prefers the beach to the right of the public beach but he likes the alternative lifestyle

I can't place exactly where the property is, somewhere on the road between Quepos and MA, MA is essentially over the top of a hill from Quepos maybe 2-3 miles. There many boutique hotels along the road several members have reported on them. I have stayed at http://www.costaverde.com/rates.htm a nice property but not as expensive and not with all the amenities Makanda appears to offer. If you are looking for a Ritz Carlton/Four Seasons experience Markanda looks like the ticket and price level.

Depending on the location of the property, if it is on top of the hill then gettting down to the beach will require either taking a taxi or using the bus system that is fairly efficient, one every 10 minutes or so. Walking down is a choice but be forwarned you will not want to walk back up unless you feel the need for some serious cardio.

You can also check out the Caribbean side at Puerto Viejo. the jungle meets the ocean. Bus trip or shuttle is 3.5-4 hrs with many bungalow type hotels with hammocks on the porch.
I have stayed at Costa de Papito (about 10 bike ride south of PV. and at Cashew Hill up the hill from the soccer field in PV. (nice property but walking up the hill can get your heart rate up). and you can always use a taxi.
I can recommend either of those properties as 4 thumbs up

CRT has a friend in Puerto Viejo in Colinsito. He and his partner have a venue there called Banana Azul. Here's his Blogsite:
http://colinsito.blogs.com/about.html

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

[

_________________
Knowledge speaks...Wisdom listens