Hi guys,

My boyfriend and I (late 20's) will be staying in Arenal for 2 nights at the end of March. Unfortunately, the hotels people have recommended to us are booked. We are not looking to spend a fortune but obviously want to stay in the best place possible for the price. Any thoughts on the below we have researched?

baldi springs
arenal springs resort
arenal volcano inn
volcano lodge & gardens

Or – if there is something else you highly recommend, please let me know.

Thanks again everyone!

Did you already check Nayara, the Lost Iguana, and Silencio del Campo? The Springs Resort is supposed to be really nice but pricey; I think some people think it's a little artificial. Baldi has a reputation for being a little loud and cheesy, but we haven't stayed there. Los Lagos and Arenal Observatory Lodge are popular and more affordable.

A Smithsonian room at the AOL has lots of space and great views; but better if you have a car to get there, and plan on doing things around there (zipline, hanging bridges, tram).
Lost Iguana (almost next to the hanging bridges, with their own hikes and maze) was fabulous (with a Groupon)!

Yes, they were a little more than we wanted to spend ($250+) or not available our dates Now we are between Arenal Manoa and Arenal Springs Hotel (http://www.arenalspringshotel.com/)

Thanks for the Baldi insight. After looking at the site again - I actually get that feeling myself, ha!

I agree with sylvia that Arenal Observatory Lodge is a great place to stay. The Smithsonian rooms have great views and are big, but the other rooms are nice as well. What makes the lodge so amazing is that it is right at the base of the volcano, or so it seems! There are also great trails there. But as she said, it's a distance from town down quite a bumpy road. We like to rent a car while were in Arenal, so it never really bothers us much, but to some it's a detraction. We've also stayed at Los Lagos, which has basic accommodations, but very nice grounds. Several pools and breakfast was included when we stayed there. Not sure if it still is. We also stayed at Tabacon, which I felt was far overpriced, however that being said, you do get to use their hot springs included in the room rate. So if you take that in to account - and you do take advantage of the springs, the room rate may be worth the cost. The hot springs, no matter where you go, add on to your trip. If you end up at Tabacon, their restaurant, even for breakfast is expensive - there are many places you can eat and get good meals for much less.

If the AOL isn't booked, that would be the way to go.

I'm wondering if you're having a hard time booking because of Spring Break.

Have you checked out Arenal Paraiso? Reasonable rates, several thermal pools on site and zip line with 11 platforms.

Thanks guys!! We are going to go with Arenal Manoa. Just seemed like the best option given what is available and our price range.

Any driver recos?????? We are going to rent a car for the week but want to have a driver take us from SJO to Arenal since it is our 1st trip there. Before we hit the roads ourselves, we want to see what they are like. Let me know!!!

We book drivers through our hotels when we reserve them, so you could check with them. Have also used Carlos Bogarin from Destinos Encantados - he waited hours for us at the airport when our flight was late, so he's my hero.

http://destinos-encantados.com/

We haven't stayed at Manoa, but it looks nice.

p.s. there's a pretty good deal right now if you're looking: http://www.lamansionarenal.com/rooms.html

The Manoa looks nice, please come back and tell us your thoughts.

You can write Alberto B for a quote on the SJ-Arenal, have used him for years. Email is [email protected]

Loved Silencio del Campo...beautiful grounds, very good price and not resorty. Wilson Rojas is a great driver...search on here for contact info...I lost some emails and don't have the address handy.

Here's Wilson's email: [email protected]. He's also a great help with choosing hotels, excursions and restaurants.

Just a heads up for anyone interested in Xandari, they're running a really good deal on Luxury Link right now. Looks to be about half their normal price. Fairly close to the SJO airport. Awesome place.

Wilson and his wife, Elsy, also has a website: http://www.coatitours.com/

There is also a deal at Peace Lodge on one of the discount sites...don't remember which one.

The deal for PL is on LuxuryLink.