swtraveller

This is for our First trip to Costa rica. We are not renting a car. Which would be a nice place to stay? Which one is family friendly/ kids friendly? Thanks.

volcanogirl

We stayed at Fonda Vela and really liked it. It's one of the closer hotels to the reserve. Our room was one of the newer junior suites, and it had two big beds, a bathtub, a small refrigerator, and a little sitting area with a view of the garden. They also had a restaurant on site and were building a pool. We saw some nice birds on site including toucans and an emerald toucanette. Also hear nice things about Arco Iris but have not stayed there. We just used taxis in Monteverde and did not have a car during our trip.

swtraveller

Thanks volcanogirl for your great response. I calculated the price for specific rooms in two Hotels and it is $100 difference including the additional cost for breakfast at Arco iris. Just wanted to hear from someone who have stayed in Arco Iris before I make reservations at Fonda vela.

volcanogirl

No problem sw - we also had them book our tours for us and were very happy with our guide for the Reserve and the night hike at Hidden Valley.

swtraveller

volcanogirl, How do you get to Monteverde from Arenal? did you use jeep-boat-jeep? will they pick us up from the Hotel and drop us off at Fonda vela Hotel? please let me know.

volcanogirl

Yes, we used Jeep Boat Jeep with Desafio. They picked us up at our hotel, took us to the lake where we boarded a boat, crossed the lake and got picked up again on the other side and dropped at our hotel. I think we paid about thirty bucks each.