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Costa Rica?

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Where is a good place to go and stay in Costa Rica? Best destination and hotel?

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Oh I'm afraid I have to disagree very strongly with the last poster - Costa Rica not a destination if you want luxury? That is completely untrue, there are a host of luxury resorts, hotels and private villas all across the Pacific coast of the country. To name a few - The Four Seasons in Guanacaste, Los Suenos resort near Jaco, Tulemar Bungalows in Manuel Antonio and the Barcelo resort in Tambor.

Anyhow, I could go on, but I'm not sure that is what the poster is looking for.

I have lived in this country for 9 years, and some of my favourite recommendations would be:

1 - Manuel Antonio and Quepos
For beautiful beaches, frequent monkey sightings, lush jungle and plenty of tourist amenities like restaurants, hotels and villas. Best hotel in the area I would probably say Tulemar Bungalows, but the real way to go is to rent a villa.

See http://www.ricarent.com for a host of villas in this area, from budget to luxury.

2 - Malpais and Santa Teresa
Not so developed as Manuel Antonio, but a charming place. Again, beautiful white beaches and a great traveller vibe.

3 - Volcano Arenal
A must for anyone travelling to Costa Rica. Visiting this volcano is so fascinating - at night you can see it spewing out red hot lava whilst you sip a cocktail whilst bathing in a volcano heated swimming pool.

4 - Puerto Viejo
For a different flavour, this is a great little spot on the caribbean coast.

I have written various articles on Costa Rica which may be of interest to you, see the following links:

Highlights of all the Costa Rican regions:
http://www.ricarent.com/about-costa-rica...

Why to stay in a villa rather than a hotel:
http://www.ricarent.com/about-costa-rica...

Why to visit in the rainy season:
http://www.ricarent.com/about-costa-rica...
Others

One major tourist spot is San Jose, it is the capital city of Costa Rica. Also the city of Quepos and Manuel Antonio are great places. The Manuel Antonio National Park are well known for their its beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
Visited San Jose and Wikipedia has info about the national park
I haven't found it yet. Try Lonely Planet book on Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a third world country. To ask for "best destination and hotel" is almost impossible to answer.

San Jose is a dangerous city, and it is not safe for you to stay there. You fly there, and then you drive out. If you want to see a city, go to New York... nobody visits Costa Rica to visit San Jose.

There are a few larger hotels outside of the San Jose area, but not really any "resorts", or a destination hotel... a place you would go to just for the hotel. Hotels are for sleep... and that is it.

2 hours from San Jose on the Pacific coast is Jaco, which is a torest town. You can drive down the coast and there are several nice little towns such as Dominical, Quepos, etc. There is rainforest stuff to do near Jaco. The black sandy beaches on the Pacific coast is pretty nice. There are also plenty of places you can charter a boat and go fishing.

Costa Rica is a third world country. The people are great, the food is great... but everyone is poor. You can stay in some really, really nice cabina's, and other small rental properties.

I recently went to Pavones and stayed at the Pavones Riviera. I had a great time... it is a tiny town, and there is nothing to do, other then surf, and enjoy nature.

Tell me what you like to do, and why you are going to Costa Rica and I can give you more insight... but keep in mind Costa Rica is not the place to go if you want a luxury vacation.
I think you can skip San Jose. Fly directly to Liberia. It's just 20 minutes from the beach. Choose Playa Hermosa for a nice laid back beach. Playa Ocotal is close and beautiful.

Then head down the beach to Tamarindo for surfing and nightlife.

Lots of great beaches in the area.

I'd also suggest trying to fit in Monteverde and/or Volcano Arenal if you have the time.