Costa Rica Questions

[Greg Woodward]

My oldest daughter gets to pick our family vacation spot this summer since she is graduating HS and she thinks she wants to go to Costa Rica, since we've never been there.

Any recommendations for a nice, upscale resort? Not opposed to an all-inclusive as long as it is nice, kind of like Beaches in Turks. I know Costa Rica is a big place so I'm sure there are tons of regions (none of which I have any clue about). Needs to have a nice tennis facility and would ideally be on the coast.

How is the food? Generally speaking, is it safe to travel outside the resort? Are there typically direct flights out of Philly?

Between lacrosse, tennis, and college stuff, the only time we can go is early August. Is it too hot then?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dirtyd]

My oldest daughter gets to pick our family vacation spot this summer since she is graduating HS and she thinks she wants to go to Costa Rica, since we've never been there.

Any recommendations for a nice, upscale resort? Not opposed to an all-inclusive as long as it is nice, kind of like Beaches in Turks. I know Costa Rica is a big place so I'm sure there are tons of regions (none of which I have any clue about). Needs to have a nice tennis facility and would ideally be on the coast.

How is the food? Generally speaking, is it safe to travel outside the resort? Are there typically direct flights out of Philly?

Between lacrosse, tennis, and college stuff, the only time we can go is early August. Is it too hot then?

Thanks in advance.

Stayed at Conchal a few times. All-inclusive. Awesome place. Nice places to eat. Golf. Not sure about tennis though. Big pools. Beach too.

Not sure about "nice tennis facilities" anywhere down here to tell you the truth. See some courts here and there, but "facilities"??? Can't say I remember any. I'm sure one of these resorts has them.

Food? Depends where you eat. Like everywhere. Good places to eat and shitty places to eat. The red meat here aint the best, unless its imported from US or South America - then you pay a shitload for it. Great seafood.

Yes, it's very safe to travel outside the resort. If you don't feel like venturing out on your own, the resorts have all sorts of day trips.

There used to be a direct flight outta Philly on Saturdays. Not so sure anymore. Most likely you'll be connecting somewhere. My flights usually connect in Houston.

Weather? If you are on the coast it will be hot and humid. If you in the mountains, 70-80 with a nice breeze - maybe a little chilly at night. August will be the rain season. Expect rain almost daily. Thing is, it doesn't rain all day; just for a couple hours (usually).

 

[NickleDimer]

My oldest daughter gets to pick our family vacation spot this summer since she is graduating HS and she thinks she wants to go to Costa Rica, since we've never been there.

We would be able to better match her with her dream vacation spot if you posted a pic.

 

[Greg Woodward]

Dirty, thanks for the info. I have a travel agent putting together some recommendations.

ND-pretty funny I have to admit.

 

[dirtyd]

Roger that. Good luck.

If you want to send the travel agent info my way, don't hesitate. I wouldn't want him setting you up in a whorehouse down here. Whatever you do, don't stay at the Hotel Del Rey or Cocal.

 

[dirtyd]

Roger that. Good luck.

If you want to send the travel agent info my way, don't hesitate. I wouldn't want him setting you up in a whorehouse down here. Whatever you do, don't stay at the Hotel Del Rey or Cocal.

Hey GW. I found some tennis courts. Check out "Los Suenos Marriot". I just axed my friend who lives in the condo portion if they had courts and he said yes. Not sure how big the facilities are and not 100% sure hotel guests have access (most likely yes), but definitely worth looking into. Very nice place. Only about an hour from the airport. They do have all-inclusive as well.

 

[danmcguire]

The Four Seasons in CR has a nice tennis facility, although the rest of the property isn't that great in my opinion.

 

[spg109876ers]

I just axed my friend...

spg109876ers likes this.

 

[Greg Woodward]

dirty, travel agent is recommending:

- Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa; and

- Riu Palace in Sardinal.

Will probably do a little research tonight but any thoughts you have would be appreciated.

 

[dirtyd]

Yup, Conchal is the first place I mentioned up top. Stayed there four times or so. Great spot.

There are two international airports in CR. San Jose is the bigger one. Liberia is much smaller. Conchall is a lot closer to Liberia (45 minutes or so). San Jose would be about a 4-5 hour drive I think. Or you could take the puddle-jumper type plane to Tamarindo airport (45 min in plane). Could get pricey though with the family. Nature Air and Sansa are the two small airlines here just in case you want to look at costs. If you are considering Conchal, definitely try to fly into Liberia if possible. Place is really nice though.

I don't know the other place, but it's in the same part of the country I believe so the airport intel would be the same.