cpcd

At this time I need to book lodging for Feb. vacation. I went to their website to find out if anything was available, and ended up with more questions than answers. Is there more than one hotel? One of the main reasons for visiting Arenal is for my grandson to see the volcano. ( I know, could be iffy!!) Since the volcano is so important are there accomodations that give a better view?

If we don't get accomodations here, we hope that something will be available at the Arenal Observatory lodge. Any thoughts?

volcanogirl

Either Arenal Observatory Lodge or the Lost Iguana would be good for seeing the lava since it's currently flowing on that side. AOL would be more affordable, and LI a little more posh. Hope you get to see it.

RAC

Arenal Observatory Lodge provides the best volcano views and the best view of the lava. Plenty to do on the site, including the best wildlife in the Arenal area as well.

hipvirgochick

There are lots of hotels that give you a volcano view. They basically surround it. However they are at different levels and also there are just a few that offer lava view when it's clear out. For this your best options are AOL, Lost Iguana and a couple others I can't think of the names of. There's a map of the hotel locations on Arenal.net. You can definitely see the volcano from Los Lagos, it's right there, just not lava view at the moment. You will not, however, have the wildlife at Los Lagos that AOL is reputed to offer.

MonicaRichards

You can definitely see the volcano and steam from Los Lagos. It isn't in the direction of the lava flow. But really, that's a good thing. It is an active volcano and although nobody ever thinks about it or considers it when they choose where to stay, it could erupt at any time and staying the lava path is a bit foolish. If that volcano were in the US they wouldn't even allow people over to the active side, I'm sure of it.

RAC

The Observatory Lodge does 'close' its old lava trail when it is on the active side--the trail goes right to the base of the volcano. But, if you stay on the lodge grounds, it's perfectly safe--it's on a ridge separated from the volcano by a small valley.

The sole cause of volcano-related deaths is a shocking lack of common sense--trying to climb the volcano.

cpcd

After all the great suggestions, we decided on AOL, but they have only 2 nights available. Suggestions for the 3rd. night?

We are waiting to hear if we change our itinerary if there might be 3 nights. In that case we would go to MA from the airport.(11:05 am) and spend 3 nights there and than 3 nights in Arenal and one night in SJO. Would there be any complicatons we should be aware of if we go to MA on our day? We know that air is sold our if we were to go to Arenal for our first 3 days. WE will have to drive from Arenal to MA. we plan on hiring a driver.

All and any suggestions are appreciated!!

volcanogirl

The park in MA is closed on Mondays, so avoid scheduling a Monday there if you can.

hipvirgochick

How old is your grandson? Spend a night at Los Lagos and have fun at the pools and slides.

cpcd

the slide suggestion is a great idea. grandchildren are 7 and 9. I went to the website and was surprised that the pools were cold water from the rain forest. I'd appreciate info from anyone who has used the pool. I know it's warm there, but have you ever swam in the pool under a waterfall. Cold!

ShellD

Your 7 and 9 year olds will LOVE Los Lagos! Our kids were that ages when we went and of all places we went to that hotel was their favorite by far, mostly for the pools! The water temp is fine. Actually different pools are temperatures if I remember correctly. I'd stay there your entire 3 nights and not bother splitting the time with AOL. It's just a hassle to move, especially with younger kids.

If we go back to Arenal and the kids are with us, we'll be staying there againg for sure!

MonicaRichards

cpcd, yes the pool with the waterfall is cold but there are plenty of warm pools (one with a slide!) and my kids had fun moving between all of them.