Si Como No Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge Rating: 3.5 Pearls

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

A view from the family pool

Si Como No first opened in 1992, which means it's been a staple of the Manuel Antonio resort area as the region has developed in recent years.

Supposedly, only one tree was felled during the hotel's construction, and the open-air lobby is seamlessly incorporated into the surrounding nature. It's also the only part of the hotel with Wi-Fi (available for free). Guests won't find any internet or televisions in their rooms, because the hotel believes that a vacation in Costa Rica is a time for serenity and escape (though due to high demand, the hotel is considering adding Internet access.)

But it's not just the lobby that's beautifully incorporated into the surrounding nature. The entire property is well laid out and landscaped, so that guests are surrounded by nature as they walk around the winding paths and public spaces. Beautiful flowers are everywhere, and it's not uncommon to see several types of lizards and colorful birds scurry across your path.

In 2006, the hotel finished construction on new rooms and a new pool area. The old pool and Jacuzzi (which have great ocean views) are now designated as adults-only. The newer pool is the family pool, where guests will find a waterslide, a casual poolside restaurant with a swim-up bar, and plenty of loungers and seating overlooking the ocean.

Superior Room

The most striking fact about the guest rooms here is that they do not have TVs or Internet. This decision was, of course, on purpose, as the hotel wants to be a place for serenity and relaxation.

That said, technology or not, this hotel isn't a great option for travelers who are looking for luxurious rooms. The bedding isn't exactly top-notch, the pull-out couches aren't particularly appealing. Rooms and bathrooms vary greatly (we loved the bathroom we saw with cathedral ceilings and a huge shower), but overall they're not a standout feature at this hotel. But of course, most travelers aren't coming to Costa Rica to sit in their rooms.

Some rooms have stunning views of the ocean and the foliage on the hillside below, but views do vary by room type.

All rooms include:

• Stocked minibar and wet bar
• Small safe (not large enough for a laptop)
• Hairdryer
• AC and ceiling fans
• Iron
• Laundry service

Room types:

• Standard Room: Two queen beds; jungle view
• Superior Room: King or queen bed; balcony with ocean and jungle view
• Deluxe Room: King bed; pull-out sofa; balcony with ocean and jungle view
• Deluxe Suite: King bed; big balcony with ocean and jungle view; pull-out sofa
• Honeymoon Suite: King bed; big balcony with ocean and jungle views; living area; Jacuzzi

Family Pool

There's no shortage of amenities here, which can't be said for every hotel in the area. Because there are no TVs in guest rooms, the hotel's movie theater plays classic films every night at 8:30. There's even a small concession stand for popcorn and other snacks!

• Family pool open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Adult pool open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The lovely spa has three treatment rooms and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Free shuttle to the beach, an 8-minute drive away
• Right next to the hotel, just steps from the lobby, is a gift shop and coffeeshop owned by the hotel. It's a great place to buy souvenirs as well as snacks like coffee, sandwiches, and cold drinks.
• Across the street from the hotel is a wildlife refuge. The highlights are the crocodile-alligator habitat and the butterfly habitat. Guests of the hotel are given a free pass to tour the butterfly habitat, and can pay to tour the other areas. Tours are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., unless you reserve a night walk, which begins at 5:30 p.m. and lasts two hours.
• The movie theater can also be used for business presentations or by bridal and bachelorette parties who want to screen videos.

Rico Tico Bar & Grill

• Right below the older pool deck is seafood restaurant Claro Que Si, which is open only for dinner. The open-air setting allows for great ocean views. The space is also used for events such as weddings.
• Adjacent to the newer, family pool is Rico Tico Bar & Grill, which serves casual fare such as typical Costa Rican cuisine, pizza, and pasta from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Chefs prepare food at visible stations, so guests can see their food being cooked. The set-up is designed to be an interactive experience.
• Boca Bar Mogotes: Swim-up bar with light fare, cocktails, and the hotel's only TVs (two 42-inch flat-screens)
• Several casual restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance along the main road
• No room service