Unreasonable cancellation policy?

My wife and I leave for Costa Rica in two weeks, and I made
reservations on-line last night for the Costa Verde hotel in
Manuel Antonio. However, in their reply to my request, they
asked that to confirm the reservation we provide them with
our credit card number and fax back a signed authorization.
Now, I have no problem with that, but their cancellation
policy is that if you cancel within 14 days of your
reservation, you forfeit the total amount of the booking. My
question is this: Do all hotels there have similar
cancellation policies?
Also, since we will be traveling in the rainy season,
actually arriving in Man. Ant. on a Monday when the park is
closed, could we get away with not making a reservation at
this hotel at all and just show up? Any answers would be
greatly appreciated. Feel free to e-mail replies.

[There are 4 posts - the latest was added on Mon 3 May, 1:57]

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1. forget reservations Added by: germ
   [Timestamp: Sun 25 April, 0:37 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   don't give them any advanced payment..especially in the rainy season. There's plenty of rooms in nearby Quepos besides manuel antonio

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2. Don't worry about reserations Added by: Carron in Chiapas
   [Timestamp: Sun 25 April, 5:25 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   I live in Chiapas, Mexico, which is not geographically in
   Central America but is indeed not really in Mexico either.
   When we travel we never stay in places which require either
   reservations or credit cards. In fact the best places to
   stay may not even know what they are!!! Except for the
   weeks around Christmas and Semana Santa most hotels will
   welcome you with open arms and perhaps even a discount when
   you come in and pay cash. Just show up and show them
   yourmoney. They will treat you like royalty!!!

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3. OTHER PLACE Added by: NANCY (ECOVISION@INTER.NET.GT)
   [Timestamp: Sun 25 April, 6:17 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   I AM GOING TO MANUEL ANTONIO FOR A WEEK IN MID MAY.
   FOUND A GREAT B&B - LA COLINA.
   KNOWN AS THE PLACE TO GO TO SEE THE SUNSET...
   GREAT PRICES, EXCELLENT BREAKFAST INCLUDED.
   CONTACT MATT AND NIKKI FOR MORE INFO AT:
   LACOLINA@SOL.RACSA.CO.CR
   WWW.LACOLINA.COM
   GOOD LUCK.
   -NANCY

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4. deposits Added by: Susan (www,zancudo.com)
   [Timestamp: Mon 3 May, 1:57 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   We have cabins in Costa Rica, and this is a very common
   policy for hotels. And for good reason during high season.
   But in off season you will probably get a room anyway if
   you call a day or two ahead, and have an alternate in mind
   if they are full. that policy is good for those who have
   short vacations and need to know that they have a secure
   room for a definite time period.
   

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