Costa Rica: Haven of Relaxation

Recently came back from a week in Costa Rica.

Some travel reviews from this year's vacation:

Hotel Rio Perdido an SLH (Hilton Affiliated)

This is the second visit to Rio Perdido and we are already planning our next visit. This eco hotel is situated in lush green forest approximately 2 hour drive from Liberia airport. The drive is safe and only until the last two miles are they unsurfaced roads. 

Once at the hotel you will be met in the parking lot by a staff member to bring you to check in. Our room was one of the smaller units, but these are entirely suitable for two travelers. You can arrange to have the minibar stocked beforehand and then relax on your private lanai. Each of the units are free standing and you are unlikely to see or hear other guests. This is a very tranquil location although that can be interrupted as a family of monkeys may pass through the trees around you. 

While it may rain frequently, the lanai is well protected so you can remain outside and not get too wet. Breakfast, which is included in your rate, is well done with enough choices and each of which is well prepared. Dinner is also curated and delivered well. There are no other food choices near this hotel but even if you are staying for four or five days that will not be a problem. There are many activities to participate in but if you only want to bike or hike alone there are many options, and the scenery is fantastic. On return, visit the heated pool to relax. There are some guided activities, and the canyon experience is a lot of fun (which we did the first time visiting). 

 

 

Restaurant: 

Gastronomic heaven above the clouds at San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience From the moment you arrive at this restaurant after a long drive up the mountain you will be treated like long lost friends visiting for the afternoon. From the road, you will be forgiven for some disappointment but as soon as you are escorted from the parking to the door of the restaurant you will realize the attraction of this location. Each table is set inside its own glass room suspended around and above the treeline. Outward facing are the green valleys of Guanacaste stretching all the way to the sea. Our 12 course lunch in October was spectacular and an exceptional experience. The food was excellent, the service was friendly, personal and knowledgeable and we enjoyed speaking about the food selected and prepared and how each course evoked a particular character of a specific part of Costa Rica. Each course can be paired with a wine selection to complete the experience. For those driving, note that the non-alcoholic cocktails selected for each course are also well done and do not diminish from the experience. We would do this again on our next trip to CR. There are also several hotel rooms available which makes dinner a better option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel: El Mangroove - Marriott Property

The rooms are quirky and the constant music in all the public areas might be annoying, but these issues are offset by the friendliness of the hotel staff, the pool facilities and the access to the public beach immediately in front of the hotel. Dining at the hotel was well done with the staff highly attentive and personable. We visited this hotel when there were very few guests and thus our experience may be different if the hotel were busy. We especially liked the adult only pool (and yes, this is policed by staff) but families with children will also like the much larger family pools. Do not expect that your Marriott status will be recognized with an upgrade. Seating in the restaurant seems determined by your room rate and thus you might find yourself always seated in the back facing a hedge (rather than the pool). Asking nicely to move might solve that issue. While the hotel is good value (our rate was around $225/night), the cheaper rooms are small and the weird layout doesn't help. One word of caution, try not to be on in the rooms immediately overlooking the carport/entrance. Both the traffic noise and the constant music will not be relaxing. (That said, it is very quiet at night). The hotel is also less than 40mins from Liberia Airport.

And if you are interested click on this link to see more from Tripadvisor.