Costa Rica Blog

Four Seasons Resort

info — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:44:02 +0000

The Four Seasons is located on the Papagayo Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste on the Pacific Coast. This hotel has 145 generously sized rooms. The highlight list for this hotel is endless as it is hands down the top hotel in all of Costa Rica, often being the choice hotel for the rich and famous. EXT gives a rating of 4.5/5 to the Four Seasons Hotel.

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Tortuguero Transportation – Passengers Beware !!!

EXT Clients — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:35:09 +0000

My friend and I decided to visit Tortuguero as part of our Costa Rican adventure. We had been advised that the trip from San Jose to Tortuguero would last approximately 8 hours including a 6 hour bus ride to the port and then a 2 hour boat ride to Tortuguero. As part of the hotel arrangements, the tour guides picked us up at our hotel in San Jose very early in the morning. In fact, the pick-up was scheduled for 5:45am. So early! Anyways, we departed for Tortuguero after picking up more people at different hotels. Since it was so early, we attempted to sleep a little bit. However, this was quickly made impossible. At around 6:30am, the tour guide starting interpreting what we were seeing. We thought at first that this would be a quick 10 minute presentation, however, we quickly found out that it was not. The tour guides talked the WHOLE way to Tortuguero. Therefore, we were unable to sleep and were very annoyed.

I must admit however, reflecting back on that day, it was, after all, an educational tour. One goes to Tortuguero to learn and not to sit on the beach and relax. Plus, I still remember the majority of the information that was shared as it was very informative. All the information was given in both English and Spanish.

After our visit in Tortuguero, we decided to visit Puerto Viejo which is also located on the Atlantic coast but in the Southern part. During our trip, we discovered that it was possible to take a water taxi directly from Tortuguero to Moin (which is the port next to the city of Limon). The company would then arrange for a taxi to pick us up in Moin and drive us directly to PuertoViejo which is about an hour away. The cost was 25 for the water taxi then another 15 for the taxi (each). We were told that it would take 3 hours. So, we thought that it would be a great idea (financially and time-wise). When the time came, we were waiting at our hotel for them to pick us up. The man arrived on time but in a scary looking boat without a shirt on and we were the only ones. He did not speak any English. He then took us to a loading dock just past Tortuguero and told us to disembark and to take our luggage with us. We then waited almost 45 minutes for them to get another boat and to find more passengers. Once the boat was filled, we departed for Moen. We were happy not to be the only passengers (especially since we were two blonde “cringas”!) The boat then travelled the 80 km journey. They had told us it was going to take 3 hours. However, in reality, the tour took approximately 5 and a half hours! It was a very long journey. Then, once we arrived in Moin, there was indeed a taxi waiting for us. However, I have never had such an uncomfortable ride! The taxi driver was wearing two huge gold rings on each finger with large gold chains and truly looked like a gangster. Again, he spoke no English. On the way to Puerto Viejo, he stopped to make a suspicious exchange with someone on the street, went to buy a case of beer and had conversations with people on the street on several occasions. Then, he brought us to another town called Calhuita and tried to convince us to stay there even though we already had arrangements in Puerto Viejo. All in all, it was not a very pleasant day!

If we had one word of advice, please stick with known companies! Smaller companies truly run on the oh so famous “Tico Time” and customers well being aren’t always their first priority. After this adventure, we realized that we should have taken the transportation that was arranged by our travel agent and not ventured off on our own. However, if you are adventurous, on a small budget and have a limited amount of time, this could be a good option for you!

This Blog post was generously submitted by Stefanie Brunelle.

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Lands in Love

info — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:19:12 +0000

Lands in Love is located in the province of Alajuela, about 1 hour from San Jose. Located in a cloud forest, the hotel features 33 rooms, a swimming pool, and a vegetarian restaurant where you can help prepare your own food if you have special needs. It is a very comfortable spot for those travellers looking for a four star hotel within a short hour drive to either San Jose, the Pacific coast or Arenal Volcano. This hotel is known for being an eco friendly and an animal friendly zone. We give Lands in Love hotel an EXT rating of 4/5

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Hotel Presidente

info — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:19:01 +0000

Hotel Presidente is located in Downtown San Jose, just 20 minutes from the international airport. This hotel has 100 spacious rooms. Some of Hotel Presidente’s amenities are a swimming pool, cardio and fitness room, a spa and sauna also. EXT gives this hotel a 4/5 rating.

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SURFING AT JACO BEACH

EXT Clients — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:55:06 +0000

To me, surfing was always one of those sports that seemed almost impossible to learn. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating sport. I decided that since I was in Costa Rica, I might as well give it a try. I have heard many times and from several sources that Jaco beach is a great surfing destination. Apparently, individuals come from all over the world to surf there especially since you can surf there year-round.
Upon my arrival, I debated whether or not I should take a lesson or try by myself. I quickly saw that there were many surf schools and realized that if I actually wanted to stand on my board, I should probably take a lesson. So, I arranged for a lesson with a few of my friends. We started the class with a quick on-land course (how to get up on your board, etc.) and then quickly ventured into the ocean. There was one instructor for every 2 to 3 people which was a good ratio. After my second try, I was able to get up on my board! What a wonderful feeling! Every person in my group managed to stand on their boards and get in a few good rides on the waves. However, please note that this in an exhausting sport. After about an hour, almost the whole group was ready to quit. After two hours, we were absolutely exhausted. So, don’t plan on spending a whole day surfing, it just is not very realistic.

A few more words of advice, I would take a lesson. They give you invaluable advice and pointers and know where to bring you so that it is safe. Also, I would recommend going early in the morning (around 8am) because the waves are best then. By about 10am., the waves were all ready dying out and the tide was way out. Bring water and some fruit because you get dehydrated quickly! Finally, if you have a friend with you that isn’t taking lessons, ask them to take pictures! Such great memories… To conclude, if you are planning on going to Costa Rica, surfing is one of those to-do activities!!!

This Blog post was generously submitted by Stefanie Brunelle

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Best Western Jaco

info — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:26:21 +0000

Best Western Jaco is located in front of Jaco beach in the province of Puntarenas on the Pacific Coast. Best Western Jaco provides 100 beautifully-appointed guest rooms. Some of the highlights of this hotel are a festive atmosphere in the beachtown that never sleeps. Best Western Jaco also has a strong policy against prostitution, making this a comfortable setting for families traveling to Jaco. EXT gives a 3/5 rating to the hotel.

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Out of Bounds

info — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:08:50 +0000

Out of Bounds is a hotel located in Central Valley with an amazing view of Volcano Irazu, Barva and Poas. It provides 7 unique rooms decorated with local art. Some of the highlights of this hotel are wireless internet, great location and clean rooms. EXT gives a rating of 4.5/ 5 to Out of Bounds for its amazing attention to detail and great service.

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Conchal Resort

Nelson Sanchez — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:10:22 +0000

Conchal Resort is located in the province of Guanacaste on the Pacific Coast. Possibly one of the most elaborate hotels in Costa Rica, this 406 room all inclusive resort is everything you could possibly imagine it to be and more. Some of the highlights of this hotel are a spectacular swimming pool for kids and adults, an 18-hole golf course, spa and health club, and four lighted tennis courts and a casino. The only drawback to this place is the hefty price tag. Costa Rica is a place meant to be descovered, and staying here for over $250 a night per person will usually limit what else you can do on your trip. We give an EXT rating of 4.5/5.

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Hotel Villas y Casino La Condesa

info — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:45:35 +0000

The Hotel Villas and Casino La Condesa is located in El Monte de la Cruz in the Central Valley about 25 minutes from San Jose’s international airport. It includes 95 wide and cozy rooms. Some highlights of this hotel are swimming pool, sauna, spa, casino, business center and a heliport. La Condesa deserves an EXT rating of 4/5

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Laguna Lodge

Nelson Sanchez — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:31:52 +0000

Laguna Lodge is located in Tortuguero on the northern Caribean zone. This lodge offers 80 rooms. Some of the highlights of this hotel are an open air restaurant, 2 bars, one of them over the lake, a Swimming pool with hydro-massage waterfall and a small islet and an open butterfly garden. Laguna Lodge deserve an EXT ratin of 4/5.

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