I don't believe you can see it from Los Lagos. It's flowing on the AOL and Lost Iguana side. With 4 kids, I'd still stay at Los Lagos. It gets raves from families with young kids.

The lava is on the Observatory Lidge side--the only way it would be visible on the other side is a faint glow on top on a perfectly clear night (very rare).

We've seen a number of kids while staying at the AOL. There's an infinity pool and hot large jacuzzi there--both with perfect volcano views.

There are water slide parks in most US cities. Your kids may never get to see an active volcano again.

As stated earlier, on a clear night you might be able to see the red glowing at the top, we did when we were there, but not the stream of lava down the side. However, views of the volcano itself are great.

www.arenal.net shows lava hotels

AOL best for close up lava but remote sort of an eco-camp.

if your budget is good have stayed at www.tabacon.com

great lava view free hot springs more upscale.

www.lostiguanaresort.com good lava views also

Even if you stay at Los Lagos you can surely drive to the park where the observation point of the volcano is anyway?

I wouldn't call AOL a "camp" at all. It's a decent hotel, the one that many people who travel to the Arenal area have preferred for years. Nice waterfall and hiking on property. Great birding. Decent food. But it is remote in that you have to drive about 9km up a rough road to get to it. That said, that road also goes to the national park entrance. The drive wasn't an inconvenience to us at all. Wouldn't stay there without a vehicle, however.

You could always drive around to that side of Arenal if you get a clear night and view the lava flow.

Though, I always kind of felt sorry for the people in minivans parked by the side of the road for a slightly inferior view to what we had on our porch.

Gray, you may already know this, but people can go days without seeing the volcano; it gets enshrouded in fog and mist. Hope you have good luck seeing it.

Thanks all for your thoughts. We've decided to book at AOL. We live in a rural area now and are used to 30 min drives for dinner/activities etc. We're hoping to give our girls a look at a more real CR. We'll be staying our first 5 nights at Los Suenos which looks to be very "americanized". Of course that will just be our home-base and we'll venture out from there. I know there are no guarantees and with our luck, the flow will switch to the other side by the time we go! Lava or no lava- the view looks amazing and definitely a memory that will last forever.

I think you'll be happy with your choice. Good for you! The girls will have a great time, and so will you.

Gray, I think you'll be fine in terms of the lava flow; it's been flowing that direction for as long as we've been going to CR - have a great trip!

The lava flow changed sometime around February of 2007. We had planned a family group trip to Arenal, and without thinking to check on the lava, I booked us at Arenal Paraiso. We had wonderful views of the volcano, but no lava. At least you thought to check!

Of course, as luck would have it, by the time I rec'd a response back from AOL, they only had 1 Smithsonian and 1 standard available for us. Seperating our family isn't an option sooooo.... off we go to Los Lagos where we're booked and confirmed! Count me among the huddled masses outside the AOL gazing at the lava!
In addition, although I realized that we would be there over Easter, I guess I didn't realize the extent of the celebration! We'll actually be arriving at the Marriott Los Suenos on the Wed of Holy Week and leaving for Arenal on the Monday after Easter. I've read conflicting information but the prevailing info is that there is an alcohol ban in effect on Thursday and Friday (possibly Sat and Sun - that seems to be split). And most restaurants tend to stay open in the "touristy" areas. Any thoughts on this? I know we'll have to book tours etc soon and make restaurant reservations where we can but is it as crazy as some sites lead you to believe (college Spring Break in Florida)?
You guys are the experts and thanks so much for all your help!

The week leading up to Easter can be very crazy, especially at the beaches as all the locals head there. Crowded (prob not Spring break-like, but crowded) and technically alcohol bans but there are always mixed stories on how much this is enforced in the well touristed areas. The road that Monday might be pretty busy with people heading home so just be aware. I think you can still have a wonderful time though!

Thanks hvc, I feel much better now. We'll plan on reserving as much in advance as possible (tours, restaurants etc). Do most restaurants take reservations? Any idea how far in advance they can be booked?