www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hey guys: Can anyone recommend a place to stay in Pto. Viejo de Talamanca in Limon Province? I'm looking for A/C, internet access, relative comfort...and minimal mosquitos under the toilet seat. I'm thinking of going late July. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
CH

I used to visit Puerto Viejo de Talamanca a lot, and spent many pleasant weeks there. You'll find the accommodations in PV to be very rustic and A/C scarce. The businesses there seem to target a younger, adventuresome crowd from all over the world who like surfing, nature and partying with like-minded individuals.

I'm guessing at the level of comfort you require, but I'll guess you would probably be most comfortable at either Las Palmas Beach Resort Hotel http://www.laspalmashotel.com/ or Hotel Suerre Caribe http://www.1-costaricalink.com/hotels_l ... a_rica.htm . Both places are located in Punta Uva...about 7 kms south of PV. I never stayed at either, but did a quick recon four years ago. They seemed to be quite comfortable with all the amenities (A/C, TV, phone, Internet, pool, tennis courts, etc) you normally don't find in other accommodations within the area. At the time, the hotels were offering an all-inclusive daily rate of $70 - $80 US. The price includes 3 meals exclusive of your bar tab. It's been a year and a half since I visited, and some things may have changed. Here's a link to PuertoViejoNet that may have some more up to date info: http://www.puertoviejo.net/. And yes, take precautions against the mosquitoes...some varieties carry dengue.

PS: I advise you to bring your own p4p as there is none in PV.

Peace,

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Thanks a bunch BlueDevil: I'm trying to convince her to go to Playa Cocos or some other Pacific locale, but she is set on the Caribe coast. I appreciate the info.

CH

Brothers BlueDevil and Greengo have given excellent specific advice. For details on what's going on now, try a non-monger who is a Trip Advisor Resident Expert and "friend of the family", Colinsito at:
www.colinsito.com
Yes, he's gay and a hotelkeeper but runs a very informative Website that does a lot more than just pimpin' his venue.

_________________
"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

If you don't want to break the bank but are looking for a good value for your $ so you can spend your money on "other things" , I'd recommend Cabinas Guarana. It's very close to the middle of town and all the action but it's quiet. The rooms I was in was very spacious for the $30/night I was charged. It had two queen sized beds, private bathroom, and kind of a sitting room with a smaller bed at the entrance. For the price, I'd consider it to be one of the top three best deals I've had in Costa Rica.

For more on ThinkFreud's hotel choice, go to www.hotelguarana.com
I do these sorts of things (research and post Websites) for my own and others future reference.

_________________
"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

For accom on Caribe side with AC, I would suggest La Isla Inn or Totem. They are both located on Cocles Beach.

You can view their listings here.
http://puertoviejosatellite.com/stay.php

If you are willing to shuck out a few bucks... I would suggest the new Chameleon Hotel. See a review here.

http://www.puertoviejosatellite.com/new ... rto-viejo/

Cheers, Colin.

Colinsito,

Wow, Le Cameleon looks like it will appeal to a few well-heeled backpackers. I read the reviews, there seems to be a number of unhappy campers among the local residents. BTW, what's the latest news on the marina?...It's been a while since I visited PV. Thanks, for the link to PV satellite, I'll make sure to bookmark it.

Peace, Love & Bob Marley

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Another poster may have been too modest to mention it but certainly high in the PV hotel mix is www.BananaAzul.com Reviewed favorably on TA and listed in PVSatellite as well.

_________________
"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

The marina is really dead at this point. To be honest... I don't think it was ever alive to begin with. I think they were just sticking their fingers in the wind and seeing if any big investors would step up to the plate. No one did.. and at the same time, the economy was just starting to go south.

Local activists like to think they defeated the project, but they really had nothing to do with it. Almost none of them were residents and just "Rebels looking for a cause". Of course they have no concern about local economy or whether it is their right as a foreigner to dictate how the locals will develop their waterfront.

Personally I am not in favour of the marina, but my motives are very selfish. I don't want to pretend to be an environmentalist. This is the reason I did not get involved.

However, there are still big eyes on the Caribbean. Plans to move port from Limon centre to Moin making way for more cruise ships and revitalizing city centre of Limon. Other projects include Highway expansion, local airport in Puerto Viejo, International airport in Limon, etc etc.

As for sour grapes about Chameleon... Just more people who feel intimidated that someone might having a better time or more money them themselves. I think the Chameleon is a welcome addition to the area and applaud their efforts on features like water treatment for waste water. First of it's kind over here.

Times are really a changing on this coast as my therapist used to say... "We don't like our nests disturbed".

LOL..Why go to Puerto Viejo then if you want all those comforts. That's not why people go to Puerto Viejo.