Issimo Suites, MA: This hotel was excellent; room was huge with a huge Jacuzzi tub and shower. All rooms have a balcony that overlooks the rainforest and ocean. The have wireless internet throughout the hotel and a computer to use too. Every morning we had monkeys on our balcony it was wonderful. We ate at the restaurant for dinner the first evening we got there it was very good but a bit expensive by Costa Rican standards. Breakfast was included in the room price and was also good, we were able to order it through room service each morning and eat it while on the balcony. It is also served at the restaurant, there are about 7 options and everything we had was excellent. There was also a mini bar in the room with very expensive items but enough room in it we were able to buy our own water, soft drinks and beer and store them in there. The beach is about a 10 min (if that) walk from that hotel, it is a bit steep and rocky but the beach is very nice and quite. All the staff was friendly and nice but Angel at the front desk was exceptionally pleasant and helpful. There is free parking right out front of the hotel if you are driving, and a free shuttle 2x a day to Manuel Antonio Park. They also provide towels for the beach. The pool is small but nice we used it once. I would not recommend this hotel for families; it is quite and does not gear towards children. The room we were in had a very open bathroom area which was fine for us but not appropriate for families really only couples, but I can’t comment on other rooms and there set up. There is also a spa which I took advantage of, upon arrival we were presented with 2 free 10 min massage coupons which we were told could be combined, I took my husbands and was given a very wonderful 20 min back massage in a nice room. I was excepting a simple chair message but this was even better. I also had a mud facial which was also great. At check out we were given a small box of chocolates which I thought was such a nice touch. I would highly recommend this hotel if you have further question do not hesitate to contact me and please check out my trip report in the Costa Rican forum for more info about our vacation and experiences.

My husband and I stayed at Issimo for our honeymoon. I knew quite a bit about the hotel after reading numerous reviews. But, my husband was in awe. His mouth dropped when we arrived. We stayed in Penthouse#3, which was beautiful. Scott could not stop commenting on the teak furnishings, the amazing stone work and of course, the phenomenal, floor to ceiling view of the Pacific Ocean!! They knew it was our honeymoon and had champagne and strawberries in the room. Our favorite time of day was the morning (yes, the banana pancakes are the way to go) and dining with the monkeys. We both had a massage from Susie, which was one of the best I've ever had. We took the long arduous walk to the beach, but found that it really was worth it. To be honest, I also enjoyed lounging at the pool, hanging with the monkeys and drinking coconut margaritas (which were great!) Watching the pacific ocean set from the privacy of our room was every bit as moving as watching the sun set in Key West. All of the sttaff at Issimo were...well, there really are no words to express how fantastic they were. Here's an example, Edgar and I were talking about tamales and how I really needed to try Costa Rican tamales. Later that evening, he remembered the conversation and made arrangements with the cab driver to stop, and pick us up a few genuine, local Costa Rican tamales. By the end of the week we were sharing photos of our families. I nearly cried when we left and will never forget our special time at Issimo. I believe my husband said it best, "We will return to Manuel Antonio to stay at Issimo."

My wife and I spent three nights with the Green Season Honeymoon package at the Issimo Suites this August. I think it was my favorite stay in Costa Rica!

Where to start? Well, my posting may be biased because when we showed up at the hotel, they informed me that for whatever reason we were being upgraded to from the Jacuzzi suite to the Penthouse Jacuzzi Suite. I danced in the room for thirty minutes before we unpacked because it was so beautiful. The Penthouse Jacuzzi Suite is all about luxury, great TV, beautiful wrap around couch, beautiful HUGE bed etc. A private jacuzzi for two and nice large shower. There was also a private balcony, but probably my favorite part was that one wall is entirely window, looking out northwest over the pacific ocean.

So the room was marvelous, and a great thing about the hotel was that the staff made you feel like royalty. They all know who you are, and everyone from the front desk to the cleaning people are very gentle and kind. Particularly endearing were the waiters in the restaurant - I just appreciated their service so much and loved them. (Give them an extra big tip for me if you decide to go!)

I received a call the first morning from Angel, the man at the front desk, letting me know their were monkeys on the property. I scurried down and got to watch some white-faced monkeys romping around the rails. It was my first encounter and I greatly appreciated it!

We were able to book a number of tours through the hotel and they provided pool or beach towels whenever we needed them. It is a short distance from Manuel Antonio, and about an equal distance from Quepos. From our experience, I would say stay out of Quepos, and spend your time either in the Hotel or any of the establishments on the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

We each enjoyed an hour long massage in the Spa, very relaxing and soothing to the skin. Also, our meals at the restaurant were a delight. It's hard to find a balance between enjoying time at the hotel and enjoying the things in the surrounding area. If for no other reason, I would recommend having dinner in the hotel to get to know the staff, you'll see them more at breakfast and they're a pleasure.

On leaving they even gave us a little gift of chocolates - it was a nice little extra. An example of the kindness of the staff: we had to leave at 5:30 in the morning to get our flight in San Jose on time, I mentioned this in regards to checking out the night before, and they arranged for someone to come in (way) early to prepare us fruit and toast to take in the car. I appreciated it deeply and hope I'll have a chance to return to Issimo Suites.

Issimo has a residence-like feel with some resort amenities, like some spa services (with limited hours) and excellend breakfast and dinner quality food. There was even dancing one night, and the dancers worked hard to get you involved! The customer service was very good and the staff were very pleasant to work with and helpful. Small place, so very private, and the room was clean and nice with a stunning view. Pool isn't as pretty as appeared in the photos, but there were lots of good things about this sweet inn. The town of Quepos, which we came through on our way, is much more quaint than it first appears--the people were very nice to us. We loved the Manuel Antonio area though, and would have spent more time there!