We went in May during low season and rented a car. Drove all around Costa Rica starting from San Jose to Tamarindo to the Flamingo in then up to the Arenal Mountains and to Limon and back to Manuel Antonio before departing. Relatively small country, but be warned, no real roads to map if driving. We stayed in many hotel/vacation spots. We ended up at the Colon Caribe outside of Limon after going to Cahuita from Limon. Rented a room in Cahuita but then checked out before night fall and started driving towards Limon to find any "more secure" place and came upon Colon Caribe. Best vacation stay ever. Was only planning a few days but ended up there 1 and 1/2 weeks.
Not to say bad things about Cahuita, but most rooms on main street didn't feel secure leaving the type of money we had. Cahuita is a small surf town with gravel roads and with a few people selling weed/cocaine at night. But nice people, no on will bother you unless you want them to, and fantastic place for jetski/boating/snorkeling adventiures. Great for surfers and those young and those looking for adventure. Don't get me wrong. lots of family with kids there during day time. But have to say the Park there is great, saw active sloths. Just remember in Cahuita, bring colons. No one makes change for $100 U.S, and prefers not to take travellers checks or credit cards due to government rules trying to drive local merchants out of business.
Driving towards Colon Caribe, you will see a pinkish wall running along the road. The front is partally fenced with a guard at the gate and a river runs around. It was $50/person U.S. all inclusive with any form of alcohol/drinks and food three times a day with snacks scattered throughout the day. Food was selected from a good variety, fresh, and tasty. Better than most high scale places in U.S. We were in the bungalows and the room had ample space. We never went hungry for food. Most days we were too full from one meal and snacks to even eat any more. Only problem was with the all inclusive drinks, was that most nights we passed out early each day. Breakfast is fantastic in Costa Rica. On the facility there is a boat for tours around the waters with a great guide that looks for animals. The property had lots of crabs, lizards, etc. to view on premise along with a pool and pooltable. The staff is excellent and they provide a lot of privacy and will cater to you. But we were one of a few guests staying during the week at that time. Before we left after extending our stay to 1 and 1/2 weeks there was going to be a big party. Colon Caribe is a hidden treasure and caters to the people/company in Costa Rica along with tourists The best value ever. Just be sure to tip the staff and they will treat you as royalty.
Limon is on the Carribean side. A must visit for anyone going to Costa Rica that loves beaches. It is a better place with calmer waters verses the Pacific side. Also better for the pocket book in value. Pacific side, harder to sit in waters at beach without wave knocking you over. But all of Costa Rica is beautiful and extremely enjoyable and safe. Different areas have there special surprises. Costa Rica has less crime than U.S, with number one cause of death for Cosat Ricans being premature death dut to auto-pedestrian accidents. Every native Costa Rican walks. So be careful making those turns if driving. PURA VIDA!
Be glad to answer any questions that I can regarding in Costa Rica.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC