Returning for a two night stay, a year later, we noticed some changes with members of the management team, but the property remains an affiliation with Benchmark Hospitality. We felt the property continues to improve the overall guest experience.

As was the case last year, we requested and received an oceanfront cabana suite (#112).....our choice, since we prefer direct access to a ground level covered patio as opposed to the terraces offered on the upper floors. The ground floor also offers direct access to beach front walks and easy access for dips in their heated swimming pool and delightful spa.

In our opinion, the outdoor private lounge furniture for the patio is unusable, as it is non-adjustable and for the most part, simply uncomfortable to use....maybe these items will be replaced with more functional pieces in the near future.

Executive Chef Antonio Estremera, and his accomplished kitchen staff, represent a quantum leap upward in food quality at the property. Not unusual in the world of emerging culinary artists, Chef Antonio is bringing fusion magic, to The Wave Kitchen. Vero Beach restaurants in general are infamous for offering uninspired dining opportunities ("how do you like your fried fish - fried?"). Chef Antonio boldly inspires adventure with spices and flavors from his native Peru and beyond and as a result, attracts both locals and travelers to experience dining explorations.

The sleeping accommodations remain restfully calm and minimalist rather than opulent and uncomfortable (as can be the case with at least one other beach front hotel in the area). Generous use of wood for interior wall accents and contrasting stone floors create a pleasing palette of natural colors (OK, the stone floors can be chilly, if you need to make a night call to the WC, but bring along your bed slippers, if this might be a problem).

The plush bedding and organic cotton sheets are both inviting and soothing....all but insuring a comfortable and relaxing night of sleep (the soothing melodic sound of the Atlantic suft is sure to please).

Other reviews have complained about the size and layout of the ensure bathrooms. We, on the other hand, find the bath setup to be efficient and functional as we prefer full shower stalls instead of tubs or shower/tub combos. The single vanity and counter space seems more than adequate for the use or one or two travelers.

For whatever the reasons, in room coffee service has replaced the complementary lobby service previously offered. Our own choice, at a small resort such as http://www.luxurylink.com/fivestar/h...e-beach-resort, would be to offer both options.....the open layout of the common areas invite early more wanderings and a second or even third cup of coffee can be a warm companion when an onshore breeze is blowing on to the swim deck. Picky? Maybe, but it's our preference.

Costa d'Este Beach Resort is compact, uncomplicated and provides a pleasant choice to relax and recharge directly on Vero Beach. There are several other area hotel choices in the approximate price range, but none seems to offer the same flare.

Our staff encounters, throughout our brief stay proved to be warm, helpful and anticipatory, of all out needs and interests. We appreciated the attentiveness demonstrated by Pam and Amanda at the front desk. Lewis, in the dining room, was especially considerate in providing extra attention to a 'senior' member of our luncheon experience on the day of our arrival.

We'll return next year around the same time in hopes of an even higher level of service and progress in all areas.

b.t.w. If a restaurant is offering champagne by the glass, it is the responsibility of the Food & Beverage Manager to set in place a policy not to permit a day old bottle to be used (give it to the kitchen, pour it out or take it home at the end of the night), but don't try to serve it to your guests and then charge full price.