We rented a vehicle this last time as well. While renting a vehicle [...]]]> We just returned from our third visit to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a great place to travel to. While the first two trips (December 2005 and August 2006) were for exploring the country, our last visit’s itinerary included visits to the dentist.

We rented a vehicle this last time as well. While renting a vehicle is costly compared to traveling on the buses, we enjoyed traveling on our own schedule and exploring the countryside. The cost was cut down considerably by reserving the vehicle online weeks ahead of our scheduled arrival.

As on our previous trips we departed from Seattle. There are flights to San José from Canada but because we live close to the border we can cut costs by almost half by flying from Seattle.

The dentist office provided us with a list of accommodations nearby. The Apartotel La Sabana near the Sabana Park and ICE building fit our budget. They have a reduced rate if you stay over a week and we anticipated doing just that because of our dental appointments. The La Sabana proved to be a terrific choice. Their aim is to provide their clients with a “home away from home”…… and they exceeded in our case because at home I still have to make my own breakfast!

What they provide is a clean room with a comfortable bed and pillows, and a bathroom with hot water that proceeds from a regular shower head instead of the standard suicide shower. The whole place is kept immaculate by a group of ladies dressed in uniforms. The courtyard contains the swimming pool, patios, lush vegetation and secure parking…. a wonderful place to stay for your Costa Rica vacation.