Hot Springs Reservation
Nov 30th, 2003, 06:28 PM
#1
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Hot Springs Reservation
I emailed the Tabacon resort to inquire about reservations for the Hot Springs only (not the hotel) because I will be in C.R. in the high season. They said the only time I could make a reservation was 11:00-2:30 or 7:00-10:00. I don't like the earlier time because it cuts right into the middle of the day. Not enough time to do anything before 11 and not enough time to do anything after 2:30. And by 7pm ,its already dark and I didn't want to arrive that late. The ideal I had in mind was maybe 4-8 or 5 to 9. That way I can see the hot springs and volcano in the day and the evening. Did they just start implementing these particular time restrictions? Are the other times reserved for hotel guests or tour groups? Maybe if I went with a tour I could go in the late afternoon. Any input?
Nov 30th, 2003, 07:10 PM
#2
I am a little confused here.
You mean you have to make reservations to just go into the Hot Springs.?!
I was there about 3 1/2 weeks ago and we just drove up,parked the car and paid our admission and stayed as long as we wanted in the Hot Springs...then we had lunch ,viewed the Volcano and the grounds ,which is very nice. We did not stay over night here.
Percy
You mean you have to make reservations to just go into the Hot Springs.?!
I was there about 3 1/2 weeks ago and we just drove up,parked the car and paid our admission and stayed as long as we wanted in the Hot Springs...then we had lunch ,viewed the Volcano and the grounds ,which is very nice. We did not stay over night here.
Percy
Dec 1st, 2003, 04:49 AM
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Katol... will you please post the e-mail address for Tabacon as I have additional questions for them. And, Percy, if you are checking back... thanks for the phone number for the Paradisius Playa Conchal you left for me on another post. Kate
Dec 1st, 2003, 09:59 AM
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Percy, I think maybe it was easy for you to get in because it was not high season. I read (somewhere, can't remember) that in high season Hot Springs reservations are recommended. I did not want to risk not getting in because of January crowds. That is why I am trying to make a reservation in advance. The contact at Tabacon Resort is [email protected]
Dec 1st, 2003, 10:54 AM
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I've only been to Tabacon during the green season and therefore, didn't have to make reservations. Also, I was staying at the resort itself.
Curious ... what if you booked the earlier reservation, the 11:00 to 2:30 time slot --- presume that you could show up a bit later? let's say at noon --- certainly if you're an early riser, that'd give you the morning to do a hike of Arenal. Also, they say it's from 11:00 to 2:30 pm, but what happens if you do show up later, 12 or 12:30 p and then stay until 3:00 pm? I can't imagine they're going to have someone cruising the springs and say "time's up, get your butt out!".
Curious ... what if you booked the earlier reservation, the 11:00 to 2:30 time slot --- presume that you could show up a bit later? let's say at noon --- certainly if you're an early riser, that'd give you the morning to do a hike of Arenal. Also, they say it's from 11:00 to 2:30 pm, but what happens if you do show up later, 12 or 12:30 p and then stay until 3:00 pm? I can't imagine they're going to have someone cruising the springs and say "time's up, get your butt out!".
Dec 3rd, 2003, 09:45 AM
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Maybe they have implemented a new policy since I was there in April/May, 2003, but I didn't need a reservation simply to get into the hot springs, but you DO need a reservation for a spa treatments and you need to book those before you go to CR. You should call or email Tabacon again to clarify. If the reservation times are for spa treatments, then 11 - 2:30 is actually a good time b/c IMO the hot springs are unbearably hot mid-day when the sun is beating down, too, so that would be a perfect time to take a break for lunch, spa treatments, etc. I actually think that the best time to visit just the hot springs is either early or late day to avoid much of the crowds and heat - plus, the hot springs look very cool at night, everything is lit, and if you are lucky and see the volcano erupt then it is a much better show at night.
Dec 3rd, 2003, 10:02 AM
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Thanks Lakers, maybe I will go in the evening since you say the springs are lit at night and looks pretty cool. Maybe Tabacon does have a new Hot Springs reservation policy or maybe its just that I was the only one silly enough to try to make a reservation this far in advance. Did you go with a tour group or on your own?
Dec 3rd, 2003, 03:42 PM
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The day trippers leave and the nights are still busy but not nearly as bad. It is nice walking around all the paths with the pretty lights. There are several different pools you can get into as well as the swim up bar with the water slide. The pools have different temps and some have rock bottoms which are a little uncomfortable. People switch around to the different temps.
Dec 3rd, 2003, 07:47 PM
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I agree w/ Suzie2 (and I was one of the people who needed to keep hopping into the "cooler" pools - which are still really hot!) We did not go w/ a tour group - there is no need to do that - you can just take a cab there from any of the hotels. Speaking of the natural swimming pools, make sure you hike down to the waterfall in La Fortuna and take a swim in the COLD falls!
