vettechick99

Hi Everyone!

I've been lurking the last week and you all are so knowledgable! Thanks for all advice and feedback I've read so far.

My Fiance and I have chosen Costa Rica for our honeymoon next May (7 nights). I've basically decided to spend two nights in the Arenal area, 4 nights in Manuel Antonio area and one night closer to the airport. We are looking for moderate accomodations (Arenal Paraiso, Costa Verde, Villa Caletas possibly) and want to average around $100 a night on room so we can splurge on excursions.

Since we are going during the front end of the Green Season, when do I need to start booking rooms? I don't want to lock myself into anything early, but don't want to screw myself out of a preferred hotel.

Also, Villa Caletas is a bit more than Costa Verde. Any reasons why I should choose one over the other? How do the locations compare? We like to be near fun stuff (beach, bars, restaurants, nature, etc).

Thanks so much, any info is appreciated!!
~alison

P/S Should I expect to pay the rack rates listed on the hotel's website...or is there negotiating room?

Ally

You should be just fine getting rooms in May without a reservation anywhere, but if there is a place in particular that you simply MUST stay at, a couple months notice would be plenty. There would be more 'negotiating' room if you just showed up though.
As for Villa Caletas over Costa Verde, the best choice for what you want is Costa Verde, simply for the location. Villa Caletas is very isolated, compared to Costa Verde. It's 15 minutes from Jaco, which is not a great place, and about an hour to Manuel Antonio....whereas Coste Verde is in the heart of Manuel Antonio, closer to beach, bars, restaurants, etc.

april0404

Hi,
I would say stay at Costa Verde right in Manuel Antonio rather than Villas Caletas. So much more to do in MA and there are beaches, the national park (tons of wildlife), tons of restaurants in the town and lots of fun excursions to choose from.

We stayed at Arenal Paraiso in April and we liked it there. Clean, small bungalows, no frills. We had a room without a/c and we were fine at night with the fan. They have some of the best views of the volcano. Breakfast is included but other than that I would recommend eating in town for lunches/dinners. Food is much cheaper. I recommend taking the horseback ride to the volcano, and go check out the Fortuna waterfall, it's beautiful.

We booked our HM 8 months out, but we were going during Easter week which is peak season. At 8 months we had our pick of rooms, etc. So no need to book right now! Like the above poster said a few months out would be fine.

Stacey

vettechick99

Thanks so much! I like to book for piece of mind, but I'll wait a bit so I don't jump the gun. There's still so much to learn.

You've all but convinced me of Arenal Paraiso and Costa Verde...but it does bring to mind a question about Costa Verde. They have Casa Quinta and two bungalows that aren't much more $$ than their nicer rooms. Are they worth booking, or just stick with a reg room?

Thanks again!
~allison

tully

Just returned from Costa Verde, got back late last night. I never saw the bungalows, the property is really spread out, but the view I had from building B, in a studio plus room was awesome. I ate at all 3 of their restaurants, all were very good, liked La Cantina the best. Seeing the other buildings, I'm glad I was in bldg B, secluded but close to the road, restaurants, pool & reception. Have a great time.

vettechick99

Tully, can I ask the room number you were in? Someone said 7 had a great view and had lots of mokeys visiting!

~allison

shillmac

Welcome back Tully! When are we going to hear about your trip? Hope you post soon and I had you guys had a great time!

tully

How funny! B7 was my room I will post a trip report soon! Had a great time.