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I presented all the different travel options to Mr. Bee, and we decided to stay in Manuel Antonio for our entire trip to take advantage of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches and rainforests. Although we would have liked to visit the volcano and hot springs in Arenal, that would mean a 4 hour drive there from the airport, and a 5 hour drive down to Manuel Antonio. Since we only have 3 full days to do things, we’d like to minimize travel and maximize relaxation. And if all the reviews are any indication of how great Costa Rica is, we’ll probably go back one day. 
I’ve been researching hotels based on referrals, and reviews on tripadvisor and virtualtourist, and have narrowed down our options to 4.
Pros: Panoramic views of the ocean and the forest, very affordable, lots of wildlife, adult pool, good onsite restaurants, authentic Costa Rican feel.
Cons: A bit rustic. No tv or ac - they have screens so you hear the jungle (although I don’t know if that’s a con).
Pros: Spa, friendly staff, excellent food, adult pool, lots of wildlife, excellent reviews.
Cons: Resort-like atmosphere.
Pros: Highly regarded as having one of the most beautiful ocean views in the world.
Cons: Pricey for quality of rooms.
Pros: Abundant wildlife, spa, 360 degree views, infinity pool.
Cons: Very isolated. There is nothing nearby - you have to take a hotel shuttle into town.
Each of these four hotels are pretty comparable in price. I’d like to see as much wildlife - particularly monkeys - as possible, as I love monkeys and one of Mr. Bee’s nicknames for me is “monkey.” 
We just want an amazing, authentic Costa Rican experience. And it’s the perfect opportunity for me to brush up on my espanol. Maybe we should do two nights in one hotel, and two nights in another.
Have you been to any of these hotels? Which one should we stay at?
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I’ve stayed at Si Como No, you’re right about it beign resort-y, but it’s not resort-y like a Sandals or Beaches would be, it has its own personality and feel to it that is unique. From everything I’ve heard, Costa Verde’s great. As for jungle sounds - monkeys are LOUD, but it’s cool. I might split my time between those two, never having stayed at or heard things about the others. I’m so excited for you!! You’ll have a blast! And I know you’ll want to be back!
well, i loved costa verde II and my dad and stepmom said it was a second honeymoon staying there. there was a tv in my room (with full cable) and a kitchenette… i’m not sure where the rustic part comes in. but i saw about 30 of one kind of monkey, two of another, and two sloths climbing up a tree and eating at sunset there. it should be cheaper than si como no, too.
i’m not sure about the wildlife at si como no, but the rooms are decorated more nicely. the food is better and the pool is fancier (swim up bar, instead of poolside bar), but you can always go there to eat one night…
i’d pick one and stay there. moving hotels is a pain.
but you have no bad choices. i’m sure you’ll love wherever. and you will see wildlife in the national park (just a little farther away).
After looking at the 4 websites and trip advisor’s candid traveler photos, I’d choose Costa Verde II.
Check out La Mansion Inn, Manuel Antonio. We are staying at the La Mansion Inn, Arenal in May for our HM. Tripadvisor has many positive reviews about La Mansion Inn (and one bad one which also has a hilarious response by the management).
I’ve stayed at Si Como No and I loved it there. The staff was wonderful as were the views. The rooms were great too!
Hotel Mariposa looks nice too… but if I were to go back, I’d go to Si Como No in a heartbeat.
There are enough things to do around manuel antonio (canopy tours, horseback riding, beaches, national park, sailing and you can also go to jaco beach (two hours away). it’s quieter. going to arenal is going to be too much and too far unless you have a full week, because you need at least two full days there.
I stayed at the Blue Monkey near there (we were on a budget). We knew people who stayed at Si Como No and it’s nice. Getting to town by shuttle or bus is not a big deal.
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Mrs. Bee, New York
Age and Occupation: 29, Weddingbee Publisher
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Internet
Engagement Date: May 7, 2004
Wedding Date: March 5, 2005
Venue: Westside Loft, New York
About Me: Yes, my name really is Bee! I love my blogging, wikis, and tabasco sauce!
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