jbowen

I am having such a hard time deciding what hotel to stay at in Arenal here are the ones I am considering. If anyone has any advice I would love it. We want one that is really nice with great views and good food. Thanks

Arenal Volcano Inn
Tilajari Resort
Hotel Arenal Manoa
Mountain Paradise
Lost iguana Resort

volcanogirl

The Lost Iguana is very nice and has wonderful views of the volcano, pretty grounds, nice balconies with rocking chairs and jacuzzi tub, small pool, and restaurant on site. We're already planning a return trip. We loved staying there.

hipvirgochick

jb -- In response to your other question, regarding areas to include in a 10 day itinerary, it's possible to enjoy 3 different areas it just all depends on your style of travelling and if you have to spend 1st and/or last night near the airport. Are you travelling with children and which areas are you interested in visiting?

I haven't stayed at the hotels in Arenal you mention so I can't comment firsthand, but Lost Iguna consistently gets great reviews.

volcanogirl

j, since you mentioned food, the free breakfast at Lost Iguana was good, and we enjoyed the lunches there. We ate on our balcony one day and watched boulders tumble down the volcano. For dinner, we thought it was a little overpriced, and we preferred to eat in town at places like El Novillo and La Choza de Laurel.

shillmac

We liked Tilajari, but you won't have a view from there. It is on the San Carlos River, about 30 minutes the other side of La Fortuna, at Muelle. Nice place, though. . .

We also liked Arenal Observatory Lodge (lava viewing from there right now) and Arenal Paraiso for it's great location and thermal pools and cute little bungalows.

shillmac

I should mention that Arenal Paraiso isn't known for its food, although breakfast is very nice. Also liked the sandwich and fries ordered at the pool bar.

Same with AOL, although I don't remember eating any meals there except breakfast. Maybe dinner one evening--nothing memorable, but okay.

Tilajari is all-inclusive and serves typcial buffet style. It was okay also.

We don't go to CR for the food, but are always pleased to find something really excellent. We tend to enjoy the food of the country, though, so don't pay that much attention to that detail.

nina

WE just got back from Arenal Springs and were very pleasantly surprised. It's a new resort, the grounds were spectacular with gorgeous landscaping, low key, nice bungalows, very large with open air showers and terraces that face the volcano. There is a mini fridge, nice rocking chairs and a table on the terrace and floor to ceiling window wall. Also corner windows so you get a nice cross breeze if you want to shut off the AC and get some cool fresh air.

The best part? The price, only about $100 a night per room, so we got 2. The rooms have 2 queen beds that were hard, but I heard that's typical of most of the mattresses in hotels in ARenal.

A delicious breakfast is included and the restaurant is quite good, we ate dinner there 2 nights.