www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hi Folks,
I plan to go to Poas and Manuel Antonio in Okt/Nov. this year and need some info. about hotels
and travel from San Jose to and back (HONEYMOON TRIP). Been there some years ago and stuff changes. Stayed at Costa Verde and Poas resort. Are they still in business, and are
there other places, resonable and good. Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Duessel69

Costa Verde hasn't changed much, still very nice and reasonable price, need a car to go to town or the beach unless you don't mind the bus or cabs. I like staying down by the beach, only two really right on the beach, Verde Mar which has small ktichens, and Karahe which do not (at least not the ones on the beach side of the road, never stayed in their older ones on the other side of the road), neither as nice as Costa Verde, but you walk out 50 yards onto the beach. Both have websites.

Had two clients on Honeymoon stay at Gaia in Manuel Antonio. It is one of the true 5-star hotels in Costa Rica. They couldn't stop bragging about it. However, it is a bit pricey. Know there are several 'boutique' hotels on the road up to Poas. As for transportation, if you are looking for private transport, I'm your guy. Any questions PM me.

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

Indeed they do and here they are: http://www.costaverde.com/ and http://www.verdemar.com/
Additionally here's what TripAdvisor says (included because this is to be a non-mongering experience):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review ... renas.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=hot ... __2E__html >> One Thread quoted in the latter discusses the differences between these 2 venues

OTOH if you want something a bit more exotic, there's this: http://treehouseshotelcostarica.com/?=h ... 5QodRmGTVQ >> It's in the Arenal/La Fortuna area--just sayin'.

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"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

Byblos resort and casino at Manuel. Get a bungalow. Nice staff and great service awesome pool reasonable prices. Ask for michelle. Great open bar across street overlooking water. Interbusonline for shuttle. Use them often

To buttress this mention:
http://www.bybloshotelcostarica.com/
and what TA thinks: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=byb ... nTo=__2F__
No personal knowledge but mentioned favorably here is Si Como No (a bit pricey @ $160-200/night):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review ... renas.html
And their Website: http://www.sicomono.com/about-us/

I apologize if I've given you TMI and thus added to the burden.

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"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

I checked out the "Peace Lodge" on the La Paz Waterfall gardens 4 or 5 years ago before the last earthquake that did a lot of damage in the area... it's one hell of a boutique hotel with room rates in the $200 - $400 range... some of the amenities reminded me of Tabacon Resort at Arenal. Recent feedback on TA continues to be complimentary.

Quepos/MA has a broad range of accommodations that appeal to every taste and wallet. The last time I stayed there was in 2009 during a fishing trip. I picked out a place called "Villas Prat" which turned out to be a pleasant surprise for me, my wingmen and our favoritas. We were only 100 mts from the beach, and the larger units (like mine) had kitchenettes. It was a slow April, so the owner let us have the rooms for $40 & $50 per night. I would definitely repeat at this place.

Here is the Villa Prats BlueDevil mentioned: http://www.villapratscr.com/
And what TA says (the 1st review was negative but answered well by Mr. Prats):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review ... renas.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

Noise is a problem at most of the hotels on the "strip", buses, taxis, trucks and never ending construction (maybe not now) start early, car alarms, party goers, etc, . I think at the real high end one like Si como No or Parador, you may be far enuf off the road to not hear it. Even at Costa Verde, if you stay in the units to the north and west you're going to get it. So, if you are a light sleeper and really need to sleep until 8-9, bring ear plugs or stay high end. I always rent a car so I stay at a small apt out near Leyla's for that reason--quiet.