I am perplexed! No idea where we should stay! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica in July for 2 weeks and our first stop is Arenal. I of course went onto trip advisor to find the top (yet affordable) hotels, between that and Fodors I am totally confused my top 2 choices may be Volcano Lodge and Gardens (ranked #9) or Hotel Arenal Paraiso (ranked #40) I love the look and idea of Arenal Paraiso but i have read some pretty bad reviews vs. Volcano Lodge which has NO bad reviews but seems too resort like.

Any recommendations or comments on any of the above hotels? Any other Hotel reccs?

we stayed at silencio del campo and loved it nice pool and hot springs good breakfast and wonderful staff

We love the Lost Iguana out by the lake, really beautiful and right next to the Hanging Bridges. Silencio del Campo that c mentioned is very popular too. If you want to be right up on the volcano, Arenal Observatory Lodge is also popular.

Arenal Observatory Lodge is very well-priced considering its unique offerings.

tabacon.com

my fav FREE best hot springs if u stay there
aamazing night lava views deals from $140 sidestep.com

lostiguanaresort.com nice a bit more no springs lava views

hotelmountainparadise.com nearby junior suites from $110 or so

all your others closer to town no lava views crammed in avoid

Arenalobservatorylodge.com closest sort of an ecocamp though

up several miles of very bad road

the food is worse than theroad when I stayed there last

Avoid the casonas go for the Smithsonian Rooms with night

lava views careful do not let them bait and switch you

to a lower quality "Smithsonian" they tried to do that

with me last and I left.

Rental car is essential for AOL cab fare will eat u up.

Happy Planning!

tabacon.com

my fav FREE best hot springs if u stay there
aamazing night lava views deals from $140 sidestep.com

lostiguanaresort.com nice a bit more no springs lava views

hotelmountainparadise.com nearby junior suites from $110 or so

all your others closer to town no lava views crammed in avoid

Arenalobservatorylodge.com closest sort of an ecocamp though

up several miles of very bad road

the food is worse than theroad when I stayed there last

Avoid the casonas go for the Smithsonian Rooms with night

lava views careful do not let them bait and switch you

to a lower quality "Smithsonian" they tried to do that

with me last and I left.

Rental car is essential for AOL cab fare will eat u up.

Happy Planning!

"Tripadvertizer" ratings/reviews frequently the best

money can buy many fake or clueless newbies so

Caveat Emptor there a for profit site so beware...

We enjoyed Arenal Paraiso 2 years ago, would stay there again if you have your own car since it's not close to town. Cabins were large enough (a little dim), great volcano views from the front porch, beautiful landscaping, good food, several thermal pools, plus they offer their own zipline (11 platforms) and horseback riding.