We had a Smithsonian room at AOL and thought is was fine. Not fancy - no TV , but you are there for the view and surroundings. I would stay there again.

The Smithsonian rooms are the ones that everyone seems to rave about the most. I believe the La Casona rooms have to share bathrooms. If you want to be really close to the volcano, AOL is a good choice. It will put you fairly far from town and tours though. Should be okay as long as you have a car.

Cosonas are hostel shared bath

go for the Smithsonians the best view

Sort of an EcoCamp feel for me

Only negative location very remote food not great

up miles of very bad potholed road you have to ford

a small stream bridge best to have a

rental car taxis to town quite expensive.

www.hotelsilenciodelcampo.com better choice without a car

Smithsonian rooms are the ones with a great view of the volcano. If you want to see lava, AOL is the place to stay. They're located in the park itself, so you can conveniently hike on any of the trails.

Volcanogirl, when were you there? Was it recent?

I didn't think the road was too bad, and I was there in rainy season. Definately destination, though, you won't want to leave to go to town for a meal. (Check out their website for the current menu pricing; looks like it might be a mandatory fixed price for dinner now, in which case you might as well bring sandwiches!)

I stayed at AOL twice. One in a room (many years ago) with a view of the volcano and more recently in the Casona. We were a goup of four and I think we were the only ones there. The casona has a nice view of the lake from the front porch. I am not sure how many rooms there are but it does have two big bathrooms and a sitting area/table outside. The Casona rooms are also further away from the main area from what I remember. Enjoy

We ate very few meals there as we thought the food was okay, but nothing to write home about. We certainly don't go to CR for the food, and we aren't big foodies. Simple fare (typical of Costa Rica) is fine with us.

We always had breakfast at AOL, but we were out and about during the day, depending on our plans. We never stayed there at AOL for an entire day, but parts of a couple of days. Do rent a car; it will be a good investment for that location. We may have had dinner there one evening.

From the description of your travel style, I agree AOL sounds like a good choice--if you are truly interested in those lava views. If not, then El Silencio would be a good choice--and we always enjoy Arenal Paraiso as well.

You're gonna love Costa Rica!

AOL is perfect for you--not fancy, but best volcano views, hiking, and wildlife.

I haven't been there, but am planning to go in April. This is the hotel we are looking at booking. You may have booked already but you may find this helpful.
www.arenal.net
this website has an interactive map with links to all hotels.
if you go arenal.net/observatory-lodge/
it takes you right to it.
La Casona is a converted house I believe. There are five rooms and 4 of the 5 have a view of arenal. The rooms share the bathrooms, so this is where you would lack privacy. I would book the smithsonian just to be safe.

when are you traveling?

I forgot to mention that the other hotel we are considering is Linda Vista
http://www.arenal.net/hotel/linda-vista-del-norte.htm
This place is a little farther from the volcano, but not by much. It is on the lake and the rates are a little cheaper than the smithsonian. A volcano view is just under $100. Of course, at the AOL, you have the morning tour/walks.

I'm pretty sure I we will chooso to stay at Silencio del Campo. We did not want to rent a car. So I think I'm hearing that we should still be able to get around pretty easily. Is that the case? How much is a taxi ride into La Fortuna?

We've booked! Another step taken care of. We decided to save a bit of money and book a standard room. Next step is to decide on a hotel at Manuel Antonio.

Thanks for all of your help.

You will be fine. We had a Smithsonian and saw the hot rocks from bed on our last night. We, and everyone else around us, went outside to watch the show. Let the front desk know to wake you up if any lava activity starts during the night so you won't miss out.

In Manuel Antonio, we stayed at Costa Verde. One night in the penthouse at Costa Verde II and 3 at Costa Verde. Check it out.

Thanks, Michelle. I never would have thought to ask them to wake us up. Thanks for suggesting it.

We stayed at La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio. It has an amazing view of the park, and has a lot of charm and local character. I would highly recommend it.

Definitely take Montana de Fuego into consideration. Amazing volcano views and the best customer service I have ever received. They took care of all of our trip bookings from canyoning to horseback riding (from the ranch across the street). Cabins are private and spa is to die for. Check out my other reviews from Arenal, San Jose and Manuel Antonio / Quepos from this past August.

Buen viaje!

Our Costa Verde experience was less than spectacular... Ants in the room and significant street noise in CV2. Long haul to beach access without a car.

I always listen to shillmac and Arenal Paraiso is a great stay. It remains our family's favorite vacation memory of all time (of course, the volcano cooperated!). For a reasonable price you get a beautiful cabin, view of Arenal, a hillside of mineral pool options and lovely breakfast to boot. If the volcano and clouds aren't cooperating,you have a multitude of activities to choose from - hot pools, cold pools, river rafting, zip lines onsite (great), food in town - this resort pleased the whole family.

Mango Moon is another nice spot in MA. Villas Nicolas gets some good reviews as well.