New here, need a little help!

[Denee]

Hi everyone! I have already introduced myself on the newbies board but would like to introduce myself here as well since we will be getting married in Costa Rica. My name is Denee, our planned date is MLK holiday 2011! I am also trying to find a venue. One place we like is Bahia Del Sol but we are trying to keep our options open since we haven't really looked around too much after that. We are looking to have about 30 people or less and have a modest budget. We definitely are looking to have a laid back fun time! Any advice would be appreciated!

[Ask.CostaRica]

Denee,

 

Hello! Welcome! Just wanted to offer some help.

Actually Bahia Sol has become a popular location recently, not only b/c of price. They serve dinner quickly (so you can get on with your dancing) and allow you to have your music go past 10pm (other hotels are strict about this). Their menu is fabulous! One of the best restaurants in the Tamarindo/Potrero/Flamingo area. The place just works! Ceremony & reception are close to each other, so, guests can hang nearby while you have your pics taken. Here are some wedding pics and a video:

 

video: http://www.elvelophotography.com/mai...gital%20Film/3

photos:

corrie & jake hotel bahia sol, playa potrero guanacaste, costa rica 2009 (this wedding made it into Eco Beautiful Weddings Magazine: Eco-Beautiful Weddings Magazine For Eco-Friendly & Eco-Couture Weddings

danielle & randy hotel bahia sol, playa potrero guanacaste, costa rica 2010

 

Let us know if you have any questions or want info on other locations. Would be glad to be of help thru this forum.

[Denee]

Hi and thanks for the response! I actually am curious about another place as well. I found this place called Monterey Del Mar. It seems like a great place and is actually less expensive than Bahia del Sol! If anyone knows anything about this hotel please let me know, thanks!

[Ask.CostaRica]

Denee,

 

Hello. We have not had a booking at this location yet. We have several bookings in the Manuel Antonio area and will stop and check it out. The only thing I would recommend is getting the right vendors for your wedding day. Mostly DJ and legal officiate. Some of these hotels that are starting to enter the destination wedding business have the best intentions but may not know what is available as far as high quality service. A lawyer that has not performed several dest/weddings will read a very dry technical speech as opposed to (Marcelo Galli) who will bring tears to your eyes. A DJ that does not know the MO of a wedding will have you out of your seat directing him on what to do next (Facebook "Costa Rica Wedding DJ") This guy has many weddings under his belt with diff budget levels. Lastly, make sure you have the hotel serve you on time (in blood) so it does not get too late and everyone gets too tired (the heat, sun & surf put people to sleep early). We don't have daylight savings in Costa Rica, so shoot for a ceremony at 4:30pm, make sure hair & make up arrive early enough to get you ready. Walk down the aisle no later that 4:40 to have some time with photos. Esterillos is a beach with very little slope and makes for a beautiful setup. One other comment, MLK is in Jan, so you are good as far as the rains go. Central Pacific area gets more precipitation and quicker than the Guanacaste area.

[Ask.CostaRica]

Denee,

 

We have a wedding at Bahia Sol tomorrow and just spoke to Roxana Arrieta (event manager), she said they are willing to negotiate if you want to contact them.

 

Just an FYI

[Denee]

Ask Costa Rica,

Thanks for the information! I had originally spoken with Roxana who didn't really seem that willing to negotiate anymore than she had. Some of my guests would not be willing to stay there for that price and I would like to choose a hotel that could cater to all of my guests so that transportation won't be an issue. I will contact her tomorrow and see if I can get a better deal. I also heard that Tulemar Bungalows and Villas would be good as well. Have you done any weddings there? Thanks so much for your help and for offering to check out Monterey del Mar. We haven't decided to use a wedding coordinator but I am beginning to think one would be neccesary.

[Ask.CostaRica]

Hello Denee,

 

I will be talking to Roxana and maria Fernanda (GM) tomorrow letting them know that you will be contacting them. Transportation from SJ to Monterey would be pretty costly unless you have everyone arriving at one time (similar to Liberia airport to BPotrero). If Monterey offered pick up, then I see your point.

Yes, many weddings at Tulemar, some links below. The thing is you would have to find somewhere to have your reception, Tulecafe is closed and the owner's association is abit tough about receptions at the beach. You may get some leniency to do this with Tropical Occasions, they have a very good relationship with Tulemar, Buena vista Villas and the owner's of Tulemar. To get that best services for your wedding, I would suggest you have a coordinator.

 

both by Tropical Occasions: rebecca & dave los altos, manuel antonio costa rica 2010

They had their receoption at Los Altos.

leisa & ian

They had their reception at Punta Vista

[Denee]

So the only thing about the Bahia del Sol is the room price. I have tried to call to speak to her on two occassions but wasn't able to talk to her. Both times she was actually doing a wedding, lol! I am open to other areas in Tamarindo as this seems to be a great place for everyone. What other hotels are nearby that are good at weddings but not very expensive? I have been doing some research and have come up with a few choices-tamarindo diria- to stay in the same area. I also came across the sanctuary resort and spa and punta leona. These last two seem to good to be true though so I am definitely wary about that. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I was also looking at Costa Verde but I didn't really like the look of the hotel. Thanks

[Ask.CostaRica]

Denee,

 

HI. I spoke to Roxana and she said that if you were to ask her for better pricing with the rooms she could do so. She was busy with a couple of weddings, we were covering them. Here the link to the last one:

debbie & robert hotel bahia sol, playa potrero guanacaste, costa rica 2010

Tamarindo Diria is in the middle of the public beach. Lots of onlookers, lots of people passing by. I little tough with photographs b/c of so many people in the pics. more than likely you will have your ceremony on the lawn. Punta Leona is a good/beautiful spot but have a planner for this place. Sylvia Chavez Costa Rica Wedding Paradise has done a few at this location.

You are right about CVerde, the rooms are not much (flourescent bulbs exposed, etc.) great views and pool but that is about it. I will write you later with some other suggestions. Gotta run for now!

[Denee]

Thanks for the response. I will try contacting her today. I actually just received a response back from another location I had forgotten about. It is La Finisterra in Playa Hermosa. I am really trying to narrow it down a little....I think I need to stop looking and go with what I have in mind already but it is so hard with all of these seemingly great locations! We did decide to use a wedding planner so I am going to check with Sylvia because everywhere I look someone is recommending her.