pymm wrote:I highly HIGHLY recommend Playa Negra about an hour outside of Tamarindo.

Hotel Playa Negra.
http://www.playanegra.com
Renan runs the place.

Huts with just enough amenities.

I am new here, but me speaks the truth.

I was there two years ago, hopefully development has not taken over.

Seconded.

I got to know Playa Negra pretty well. Had a great time there.

Not that expensive, not TOO touristy.

dontfeartheringo wrote:

pymm wrote:I highly HIGHLY recommend Playa Negra about an hour outside of Tamarindo.

Hotel Playa Negra.
http://www.playanegra.com
Renan runs the place.

Huts with just enough amenities.

I am new here, but me speaks the truth.

I was there two years ago, hopefully development has not taken over.

Seconded.

I got to know Playa Negra pretty well. Had a great time there.

Not that expensive, not TOO touristy.

They emailed me right back when I asked them a question too. This is a strong contender.

Thanks!

bigc wrote:I'm Planning a July trip to Costa Rica with the wife. We're looking to spend a week in some sort of house/shack with a kitchen, close to the beach, grocery and a bar or two, with restaurants within driving distance. We are going to be renting a car in order to make day trips to interesting stuff possible.

Any suggestions about Caribbean vs Pacific? North vs South?

Nosara, on the west coast, a couple hundred klicks from San Jose Airport, is quite the wonderful place. We were there during the rainy season (October) and it was loooovely.

-a

Andy Peters wrote:

bigc wrote:I'm Planning a July trip to Costa Rica with the wife. We're looking to spend a week in some sort of house/shack with a kitchen, close to the beach, grocery and a bar or two, with restaurants within driving distance. We are going to be renting a car in order to make day trips to interesting stuff possible.

Any suggestions about Caribbean vs Pacific? North vs South?

Nosara, on the west coast, a couple hundred klicks from San Jose Airport, is quite the wonderful place. We were there during the rainy season (October) and it was loooovely.

-a

Seconded. I stayed in some crazy Dali hotel. The beach was beautiful. Waves were great. Excellent country to visit. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Alright, we're down to staying on the Pacific Coast, but can't decide on the city. One option is Mal Pais, and lazy, small surf town at the southern tip of the Nacoya peninsula, or Manuel Antonio, a little farther north.

MA looks like it has more to do and is more expensive. MP looks prettier.

Help me EA forum, you're my only hope.

ask AlBStern. he just went there last month-ish.

bigc
been there a couple of times and traveled all over the pacific coast...surf trips. Are you going to surf? If so the negra, tamarindo area is best for multiple spots. There is also a great spot at playa avellanes just south of tamarindo, little huts with a mangrove walk out to the beach with 3-4 different breaks and a great beach.
As far as Mal pais vs Manuel Antonio- Mal pais is more wild, more expats and hippie surfers, but also beautiful and some cool locals. Manuel Antonio is more touristy and crowded, but also beautiful.
All in all I would say it depends on how much "creature comforts" you guys want ...I would say the closer to Tamarindo on the Nicoya peninsula - the more "stuff" ie restaurants, lodging, and people there are.
Hope this helps a little

Go to Montezuma. It's a real laid back town on the other side of the Nacoya peninsula from Mal Pais. It's a nice little town with great beaches and a *laid back atmosphere. Rent a ATV and have a blast.


*people walking around everywhere smoking pot.
Thought I'd make the footnote for all you squares on the board.

I'm reading you, Brother Peppers. I think my gal and I might be headed down there this winter and that's exactly the kind of travel guide I need.

We're not looking for much in the way of comforts. We really just need some privacy (villa/hut/cabin), a kitchen, a couple of beaches, a gorcery/beer store and a restaurant/bar or two. We're going to rent a car, so we'll be reasonably mobile.

I'll look into Montezuma. I'm kind of feeling Mal Pais a little more...I like that it's at the tip of the peninsula so we can head into the bay or up the coast.

Neither of us surfs much, but I think I'd like to learn.