jlh370

Shillmac - you have been so helpful with all my questions so far.

First let me give you are updated Itinerary.

Day 1 -3 Arenal (Doka on the way, Skytrek, Waterfall Rapelling, hot springs and a possible bike ride around Lake Arenal while we are there)

Days 4-7 Malpais

Last night Orquideas.

Here is where my question is. We have 4 nights in Malpais. We currently have all nights reserved at Milarepa. However, based on a lot of stuff I read we want to only spend the last 2 Malpais nights there. Kind of a way to relax and isolate at the end of the trip.

The first two nights my hubby wants to stay near El Carmen. I know you love Tropico Latino, but he really wants to try out The Place.

We also want to check out Montezuma. I'm wondering if instead of spending 4 nights in Malpais, if we should split our time in Montezuma. I know you stayed in Malpais and went over to Montezuma in the day. Did you feel like this worked well or did you think you missed out some?

Thanks for your input. I hate being so indifferent.

jlh370

Reposted under Costa Rica.

Ally

Although Montezuma and Mal Pais are not far from each other, from what I've heard, they are different, so I think splitting up the time is a great idea! I've only been to Mal Pais and loved it. I also stayed at Tropico Latino and loved the location on the beach, but had a great meal at The Place. As long as being 'on' the beach is not as important to you, I think The Place looked nice. Also, I've heard some bad reports about Tropico Latino lately.

dfarmer

Can't remember when you are traveling!??

And one of our daughters will be at Tropico Latino early March. After her return I will be happy to post their thoughts on this area.

Also we stayed 4 nights at El Sano Banano Beach Bungalows in Montezuma last year. We truly enjoyed our time in Montezuma. Happy to answer questions about Montezuma if you need.

shillmac

I agree with Ally that you would be happy splitting your time between Montezuma and MalPais. The only part about MalPais that bothered me (and for 3-4 nights, it wasn't a big deal) was that at 6:00 it was dark and the day was over without a lot of choice for nightlife. Actually, in all fairness, perhaps there was more than we realized, but it was more than likely among the "surfer dudes". At least in Montezuma, you would have the little town and its restaurants bars for some lively entertainment (perhaps).

We drove back and forth so we could do the Montezuma Falls hike and the Cabo Blanco Reserve hike. I think it would be very convenient to split your time and not have to "commute"!

Although TL has gotten some negative reviews (alright, they were downright bad!), I still would stay there. We loved that little beachfront bungalow!

jlh370

I forgot to mention that we are going the first week in May. Thanks for all the feedback!

shillmac

Should be a nice time to be there! Enjoy

CoriV

Hi. I just got back from Mal Pais on 2/7/05.

I stayed at the Tropico Latino. The grounds, restaurant and pool are wonderful. The cabinos, are horrible unless you get one of the two new ones, which you probably wont get unless you book way in advance.

We had magots invade or room and all they did was say that its normal and gave us a broom to sweep them up. Really, really gross! They even were on the beds, although I have no idea how they climbed up there. The bathrooms stunk of sewage everytime you flushed also. I do have to say its a great place to go to dinner. They were nice and friendly , but the rooms were not kept up. THe Place is newer and looked nice. Only drawback is that it is not on the beach. But its not far. Unless you surf (like my husband) there is not a lot to do in Mal Pais. The beaches are beautiful but after two days, for me, I was getting a little stir crazy. We drove to Montezuma for a day and were suprised at how cute and clean it was. Lots of shops and restaurants. I would have stay there for 2 nights, and 2 nights in Mal Pais, instead of 4 in Mal Pais had I known.
Hope this response isn't too late. Have fun!

jlh370

Cori-

Thanks for the response. We ended up deciding to stay in Arenal only 2 nights since we get in at 6:30 a.m. We are then spending 2 nights at El Sano Banano in Montezuma, 1 night at Blue Jay Lodge and 2 nights at Milarepa.

My husband is a surfer and he plans to teach me on this trip, so he requested a little longer in Malpais!

Glad to hear you had a good trip!