[uwhusky]

OK, I'm thinking about going to Costa Rica on vacation for a couple of weeks with my family (wife + 2 daughters).

Who's been there, can you make any recommendations?

I'd like to rent a house near the beach. I'd really like a swimming pool too.

Is Costa Rica (in general) expensive or fairly cheap in terms of eating out, shopping, renting a car, etc?

[deamon32]

I went there for the first time about a month ago, to San Marcos, for the weekend.

Food wise everything was pretty cheap compared to the states, I really didn't shop much but the prices for groceries and other amenities seemed to be on the cheap side as well.

All I have to say is make sure you do your research on the hotel and area you are staying at, if you are going there with the wife and two daughters you want to avoid areas with lots of prostitues, etc and try and find a more family friendly area...
I saw plenty of pissed off wifes when they first walked into the hotel of the Casino I was at because it was far from family friendly setting...

The people there seemed very friendly for the most part (I did tell everyone I was from Germany, I heard not everyone is too keen on Americans but I don't know how much truth there is to that) and the areas were were in felt safe and I had a fantastic time.

[Peanuto]

Been twice. Prepare for bugs. I have been to Playa Hermosa and Tamarindo. I would recommend Tamarindo. It has a great little resort where you can get your own little bungalow with a pool for like 350/night and its a nice resort. Food is pretty cheap. Imperial the local beer is great, and they have a different version of Heineken than we have in the states that is much better. Its technically the same beer, same bottle and name and all, but once you taste it you know it's not.

[uwhusky]

The bungalow options sounds good. I think we're going to avoid hotels and go for something like Peanuto recommends where we're in a resort but have our own bungalow or even better, I'd like to rent a house or some kind of place that will have kitchen, laundry (maybe), etc. I'm hoping to spend a couple of weeks down there just chillin' out with the family.

[HighVoltage]

The wife and I were in La Fortuna (foot of Arenal volcano) and Mal Pais last year. The beach at Mal Pais is amazing. The surf is perfect. The roads on the other hand are problem. This is where we stayed: http://www.villashermosas.com/

..its a little off the beaten path though, which is why we picked it. The staff are great people and service. Going to try get back there next year.

[uwhusky]

Looks great! What airport did you fly in to? San Jose?

[HighVoltage]

Originally Posted by uwhusky

Looks great! What airport did you fly in to? San Jose?

Ya but that was to get to La Fortuna, then after a week we went down to Mal Pais, which took the whole day. Shouldve flown down there. Next time to go straight there I would go into SJ or Liberia, fly into Tambor and then the "taxi" from there. You don't want to try to get from SJ to this place over land, especially with kids. Its about 8 hours! It looks shorter in google maps (lol) but the roads twist and turn everywhere (up/down mountains) and you average about 45mph. Then theres the ferry.

Once you get to Tambor you can get a "taxi" (call ahead and arrange it) which is really just a mini-van to get you there in under an hour. Once you are settled in the town where the Villa Hermosas is located you can rent a car (I think) or even those ATVs, if your kids are old enough or just keep callling taxis.

We walked quite a bit but the ATVs are fun too. Its a small town with a local grocery store, restaurants, etc off a dirt road. If you haven't been to Cost Rica, most roads that arent highways seem to be dirt. Its actually a bit outside of Mal Pais as I recall. You can get the details if you call/email. If you fly into Tambor check with the little commuter plane airlines for baggage limits, some are pretty strict.

Oh, there are also resorts located in Tambor if you want something a little closer and more commerical (casinos, golf courses, etc). Might be easier with the kids.

[Tarthuss]

I recommend...the women!