www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Gentlemen,

I'm going to be in Costa Rica for 16 days during October. I usually break up these trips with a two or three day run to the beach. I've been to Jaco (yuch), Manuel Antonio/Quepos, Tamarindo, Flamingo and Nosara. I thought I would try the Caribbean side this time. One, I've never been there and two from what I've read, there is a lot better chance of more sunshine.

I'm looking at Puerto Viejo. I would like to get a hotel that is in town, walking distance to the bars and restaurants, a non restrictive guest policy (just in case), a swimming pool and ideally air conditioning and an in-room safe. I'm probably asking a lot but it doesn't hurt to try.

Any ideas?

Thanks

I haven't been to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca since New Years 2008, so, I bet a lot has changed since my last visit. I loved my trips to PV, and stayed at Hotel Kayas Place, owned by my friend, JT. (www.kayasplace.com). Unfortunately, Kayasplace, does not meet two of your requirements (AC & a pool).

Banana Azul probably would be more to your liking: http://www.bananaazul.com/index.php. I've visited there, and it is a nice place, but a little pricey. The hotel has a pool, jacuzzi and a few units with AC. I believe the dueno, Colin, is a registered member on CRT.

PV, is very hot. Stay out of the sun between the hours of 11 am and 1 pm. No p4p in Puerto Viejo. Lot of very nice beaches just south of PV (Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo). The Manzanillo - Gandoca preserve is just 14 kms down the road from Banana Azul... and the Kekoldi Indian reservation in Bribri is just half an hour away by car or bus.

Here's another Thread on PV: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37996&p=431261
An excellent site about the area including live satellite shot: http://www.puertoviejosatellite.com/

_________________
"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

Perfect advice from brother BlueDevil. Used to be a hotel that met all your requirements but the government seized it and tore it down.

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

Air Conditioning in Puerto Viejo? LOL!!!! Good Luck!.

PV is not like the other side (Manuel Antonio etc.). You you not have the more upscale hotels with all the typical touristy amenities. PV is not really a "tourist destination". There are some great lodges and hotels but most are "cabina" style and most are designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape meaning very few places with air...no TV..etc. Here is one option:

http://www.cariblue.com/rooms/standard-deluxe.html

When I stayed there they did not have AC but according to their website looks like now they do. Very nice place close to everything (everything not being a whole lot). I've also stayed at:

http://www.geckoeslodge.com/

Geckoes is a privately owned vacation rental (not a hotel) but great alternative to hotels though (no A/C).

The AC is not a deal killer as long as thgey have a pool I can use to cool off. Don't need a TV but I would like wireless internet. If I had to rank the requirements

(1) Very close or actually in town
(2) Pool
(3) Wireless
(4) Room Safe (probably not going to get that)
(5) Open guest policy
(6) AC

I went to all the threads and have been scouring the internet. I found a place called the Lizard King Lodge. Being an old Doors fan, I had to click on the link. Decent reviews and they are having a $35 special. Anyone have any intel?

Thanks

Yes, lodging with AC is pretty scarce in Puerto Viejo, but I think many people would disagree with the second statement about PV not really being a tourist destination. There are many tourists and ex-pats from all over the world. They are just not the buttoned-down type like you find in the central and northern Pacific coast resorts and condos. You can expect to cross paths with many young back-packers, surfers, college students on vacation or sabbatical as well as old hippies, artesans and "world adventurers."

With the list of requirements, I think Banana Azul would be your best bet. I've stayed there a couple of times (in the A/C room) and they have a very nice pool, great beach, good food/drink and a good staff that is very helpful. They do have internet and TV and in rooms that don't have A/C (most) they have ceiling fans and ocean breezes that keep it comfortable MOST of the day although midday it is just plain HOT...

Only small problem is Banana Azul is on the far north side of PV and isn't that close to town and a long way from the nicest beaches south of PV. However, taxis are readily available so that shouldn't be too big a concern.

There really is no P4P in PV...trust me, I've looked and looked on multiple trips and only saw one older women with major dental problems. Actually, only P4P action I've heard of there is what the locals call 'rent a rasta' and is something I doubt you'd be interested in

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