http://www.grandhotelcostarica.com/
An old, historic hotel, right across the street from the National Theatre and within easy walking distance of whatever there is to see and do in San Jose. It has a nice terrace restaurant, the Coffee Shop 1930, which overlooks the Juan Mora Fernandez Square and features live piano music.
Eco-Lodge, Nuevo Arenal
http://www.ecolodgecostarica.com/
Way, way off the beaten track in a tropical rainforest preserve overlooking Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano. The nearest town is Nuevo Arenal, and it’s a long bumpy ride. The place is really isolated – no TV, no radio, no telephone – totally quiet …. Except for the endless bird songs and the ferocious screeching of howler monkeys. We had all our meals here – food was good – big windows overlooking bird feeder.
El Establo Mountain Hotel, Monte Verde
http://www.elestablo.com/
Multiple buildings scattered up the hillside – all with great views of the Pacific Ocean. The rooms were very large and bright. At elevation of 5000 feet, the temperature was pretty cool. This was the nicest place we had stayed so far – swimming pools, hot tubs, the whole array of whatever your heart desires.
Villa Lirio, Quepos
http://villaslirio.com/index.html
This was an interesting place, overlooking the Pacific Coast – which we couldn’t see because the hotel was surrounded by a high wall and filled with tropical plants. It was like living in a jungle. These rooms were really huge, with a private patio. There was a beautiful pool and an excellent r
estaurant – good place to practice speaking Spanish since the wait staff didn’t speak English.
Trogon Lodge, San Gerardo de Dota
http://www.grupomawamba.com/trogonlodge/index.html
This place was almost as secluded as the Eco-Lodge, thought not quite as challenging a drive. It sits in a lush green valley, with beautiful flowers. The Rio Savegre runs through the property (and providing rainbow trout for the dining room). The rooms were rather Spartan and we did
appreciate the small gas heater once the sun went down.
