Holiday review by Mr. David Gough
Name: Mr. David Gough
Date of trip: 31/01/2019
Number of people: 2
Costa Rica is a great destination for wildlife which is why we picked it. We cannot forget the sounds of howler monkeys which seem to be everywhere and the views of a female spider monkey with a baby on her back. We even saw a three-toed sloth moving!
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Tribes Overall:
Costa Rica was a great destination but we had some problemswith the ground agents and guiding.
Tribes Service:
Throughout the process before, after and during the holiday Paul Cook was highly responsive and did his best to mitigate and/or compensate for the problems
Guides:
In general, the guides were good - knowledgeable bird guides which is what we asked for. We had a particular problem in Carara where the guide was not a bird guide - indeed I knew more of the birds than he did. Whilst they did their best to give us a good day we felt very let down. We only stayed at Villa Lapas so that we could go birding in the area so taken together with the shortcomings of the hotel this was the least satisfactory part of the holiday.Drivers and transfers were generally good turning up on time, being friendly (good opportunity to practice my Spanish) and driving with consideration.
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
Eco tourism at least helps preserve nature
The places you stayed
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Studio Hotel
Costa Rica
It is s nice hotel but I wonder about the location? We spent a good hour getting there when we arrived off an eleven hour flight followed by long delays getting out bags. In the morning we had the same journey in reverse - though there was a little less traffic. Surely there must be a hotel closer to the airport for those going on to Arenal or down to the pacific coast?
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Arenal
We picked the hotel because the birding was good there and so it proved. Staff were friendly, the rooms were good and the wildlife excellent. We particularly liked the deck overlooking the bird feeders.
Trapp Family Lodge
Costa Rica
Again we picked the hotel. We found the rooms a bit austere but OK if a little cold (we had to get a heater!). The hotel is convenient for MonteVerde national park but a $10 taxi ride out of Santa Elena but on a short stay this was not a problem
Si Como No
Costa Rica
What a wonderful spot. A really nice hotel to relax in after a busy week of touring. Staff are great, we had a wonderful room and the adults-only pool is splendid. Food and drink is a bit pricey but that is to be expected in a hotel of this standard. Lots of steps though so difficult for people with restricted mobility.
