La Mansion Inn

[maylinglai1]

I don't think it will make a difference regarding the view, but they always seem to find a way to make the nicer views nicer. It's not a small room by any means. As long is it's an ocean view auction you should be fine.

Of course on questions! I hope more people post their experiences in this community. Makes it easier to make decisions. If you decide to go, my horseback riding tour guide was wonderful. He has about 40 horses, makes sure not to over-ride them, and doesn't try to rush you through the tour. He's excellent with all level of riders. I'll post later.

[kyshel]

What about the food at LMI? I recall getting a menu from them a few years back and it was quite pricey for Costa Rica. If you're a bit isolated, are there other restaurant options not far away?

[maylinglai1]

Well, I'm from NYC, so my perspective is sadly a little skewed. La Mansion is about in line with an average cost of NY meal. Food for 2 with wine (we are light weights) would have come to $100-ish? There are definteily a lot of mom and pop restaurants that do a wonderful job. Near Manuel Antonio, there are some ladies who have a bbq set up on the beach. I enjoyed that quite a bit. That came to about $3/each? Most of the tours come with lunch or dinner depending on morning or afternoon tour. You can definitely find a lot of cafe's all about the area. If budget is a concern, you should be fine in this area of Costa Rica.

I enjoy Costa Rican food quite a lot as it is heavily spiced; and you add hot sauce. Those that prefer a simpler palette may find it harder to find something they enjoy within Costa Rican fare.

[kyshel]

Thanks a bunch--I was curious to get your take (NY'er and traveler!) I'm happy to hear there are good options nearby. I think the beach barbeque sounds like fun. I always enjoy the 'real' local food. That's good to know--I'd have a car so that makes a difference in access. How long did you stay? How did you like the bat cave?

[maylinglai1]

Kyshel,

Are you definately going! How exciting! The bat cave was cool for a drink and I think they give you one free. Quepos... nightlife... not so much. I would suggest going primarily for beach relaxation or to pack your days in with activities that you would normally never do (at least not in NYC).

On the high end recommendations for restaurants, my friend - who was about 2 days off my schedule - went to the restaurant at the Guia Hotel (sp?) for dinner and raved about it. It is actually another location offered by LL and from what I understand; it is gorgeous for those interested in it. The restaurant is about in the same price range as La Mansion.

There are numerous little restaurants near the beach that I suspect are incredibly affordable. I am sure you will find a great variety of choices for local cuisine.

I actually missed 1 day of my 5 day package due to work and travel difficulties. I went during rainy season which is basically 1/2 the year. I would not be daunted by rainy season though. It is very warm rain. I highly recommend taking the earliest flight out during rainy season, though; as they often cancel local flights.

You may not need a car the entire time and the driving is scary. It was a bigger adventure than anything else I did in the rain forest. Here are a couple of items to consider in case you are on the fence about having a car.

1. If you're driving from San Jose, it's scary and the final small mile road to La Mansion is possibly the scariest part to drive down. I used Alamo and was so exhausted and a bit scared after the drive from San Jose; I had the concierge have Alamo come pick up the car. There is not an additional cost to have them do this by the way. Incidentally if you arrive in San Jose in the evening (as the regional jets do not fly at night during rainy season), I stayed at the Grano de Oro. Beautiful lobby, quaint rooms. La Mansion is much nicer, but Grano de Oro is suppose to be the better hotel in San Jose currently and on-line for rates are around $150 or under. I think we paid maybe $120? I wouldn't necessarily rave about it. Nice restaurant in the lobby, though. Service is good.

2. All of the tours will pick you up and drop you back off. Unless you are totally not a walker, I suggest walking to the beach and Manual Antonio. It's downhill and about a 10 min walk to the beach and another 10 minutes along the beach to Manual Antonio. But while you walk down the hill you're walking on a country paved road through the jungle with a plantation property along the way and monkeys and sloths chirping at you in the trees. Once you are down hill you're walking on white sandy beach along a luscious tropical background. In other words, it's so nice!! If you have knee or leg sports-type injuries, it might be somewhat tougher. I would suggest a car at that point. Uphill is maybe $10 if you are really lazy. There is a shuttle from la Mansion to take you down and back up.

3. As for cost, during rainy season, I found no difference between the website cost (booking car in advance) and the list price just showing up in the alamo office in Quepos.

Very excited for you if you go. We went during the end of May and these beautiful red crabs about the size of the palm of your hand come in from the beach and walked around the hotel. If you don't want nature in your room while you sleep, that's kind of a problem b/c you are kind of in the jungle. I personally loved it as the rainforest is totally quiet relative to the sounds of the city; but for others that might be daunting. The hotel is totally nice, though so it is not like you are in the 3rd world by any measure.



Oh and one other thing, definitely bring deep woods off. OFF does make a citrinella plastic wrist band that I used as back up and had a great experience with. - Cheers!

[Jwallis]

Hi Maylinglai1....I read your review on La Mansion, in CR. We are seriously considering bidding on this property when it comes up again. What Month were you in C.R? Also, you mention about the roads being in poor shape. We would definitely not be driving. We were thinking of flying into San Jose or Liberiaand then taking a bus to Manuel Antonio and then directly to La Mansion. If you do not have a vehicle, is it possible to walk to any restaurants other than the Hotel? Did you take any taxis when you were there? Looking forward to your reply. Thanks Jules

[Mountie]

Jwallis, I think you need to send a Private Message to maylinglayi; she doesn't visit the community as often as she used to. However, if she answers your PM, I'm sure she will have loads of information to share.

[Jwallis]

Thanks Mountie...How do I get a private message to maylinglayi?

[Mountie]

Jwallis, place your curser over her name and click on it, that will take you to her page, where you will see the option to contact her (on the right side of that page) by private messsage. Click on that option and that will bring up the PM box which will allow you to communicate with her by PM. I just sent you a PM, so look for the yellow envelope in the upper right hand side of your page. Good luck.


Message Edited by Mountie on 05-22-2008 03:03 PM

[jrbrowne]

we have now been to CR twice, the first time at La Mansion and the second time in a villa rental right behind La Mansion. Couple of tips:

- the restaurant at the hotel just past LM is better food, value and view - you sit outside with an ocean view. Staff is much nicer.

- breakfast at LM is very good, with good view over the water and park.

- rooms are ok/good. Ask to see several when you arrive as they vary widely (as you'd expect in an old private residence).

- driving in CR is an adventure but not as bad as some report.

- take a guided tour of the park. I fully endorse Henry, who we have used twice now. henry pizarro ;

- for white water rafting we had a great trip with Unique Tours, one of the smaller shops (not a bucket shop). Kanutto Fuentes



Enjoy CR, it's great