I don't recall there being AC but I don't recall missing it either. It's a little cooler up there on the slope.

We didn't need a/c :o

Great pics, m.
We stayed at Lost Iguana, and saw lots of birds, but nowhere are many as you did. Next time, we'll probably try AOL.

Okay, thanks everyone. I really appreciate all the help. I think it sounds great. Looking forward to seeing some good stuff! Fingers crossed for good weather too.

For anyone who did organized tours, do you remember if there was an extra charge to come pick you up at AOL? I remember we had to pay that for the Lost Iguana. Completely worth it I think to stay somewhere immersed in nature.

We're all set, got a Smithsonian room booked. I was checking out their website, and it describes their restaurant as being a "true godsend" and that their food consists of "exquisite masterpieces" - that's some pretty good copy!

Have a great trip - when are you going?

We stayed in AOL this past Feb. We would definitely stay there again. The view of the volcano from the Smithsonian Rooms was fabulous. I can't say we saw much wildlife from the room. One thing nobody mentioned is that the road up there is horrible. You don't want to be going up and down too many times which is why we ate breakfast and dinner there. The food wasn't fabulous but it was decent and we had some great waiters. We found the front desk person to be very helpful. I also have some photos at www.garyandsusan.shutterfly.com. None of the room however. But some views on the walk. Enjoy your trip.

Susan - great photos! It was so rainy when we were at Arenal, that we never saw any if your views :(

We stayed in the smithsonian rooms on two occasions. The first room was right beside the observatory deck, with large windows looking straight at the volcano. Always interesting folks lingering on that deck and lots of chairs there.

The second room was in a building apart from the main complex and had a patio out front. Again it had large windows which made the night viewing from bed really spectacular. Arenal was active during both trips. It may have been a handicapped room as it had a large accessible shower and no stairs.

I can't say that I had a preferrence for one room or the other, but I enjoyed the scientific/ authentic feel of Arenal Observatory Lodge and the fact that the various types of accomodation allowed for a diverse group of guests.

Yes, I think the deck looks amazing. I can't wait to be there in person. Thanks, x, I'll be sure to report back on how everything was. sd, your pictures are really nice - I love looking at beautiful photos like that. The volcano looks so close. Maybe it will start putting out a little lava before we go!

rivet, yes, I was surprised to read that they are handicap accessible - that's really great. Thanks for the room descriptions. I hope we have a nice view.

For anyone who's interested, I found out Desafio charges an additional $20 to pick you up at AOL. They also charge an additional $20 to drop you back off, but I suppose you could be dropped in town and take the shuttle back if you don't have a car. I think the shuttle is only six bucks.

We're at AOL now. Have already seen tons of wildlife! We're loving it.

Looking forward to your report!

I will definitely to a trip report - it was great, loved our room, and the weather was cool. Definitely did not need a.c. at all. Thanks for the tip on the feeder too - we saw lots of great wildlife from the deck and even from our room. That road was terrible though - it's kind of funny how bad it was.

I think they keep it that way so you don't venture out for meals!

I know, right, captive audience!

rivet-

Regarding the Smithsonian rooms in the back building that you stayed in. The lodge sent me photos of these. Kind of looks like a city motel from the outside. While I am looking forward to seeing wildlife while I am there next January, not so crazy about the idea of that wildlife showing up to visit me on my ground floor patio (eyelash vipers or other snakes; tarantualas perhaps, etc.) Did you have any concerns about the wildlife getting too close to you while staying in those offsite room?

There are eyelash pit vipers on the property. We saw two while we were there, but while we were out hiking, not near the lodge itself. For the most part, they want to avoid people if that makes you feel any better. I know it's a weird thing to say about a snake, but they were beautiful. But I agree I wouldn't want one near my room! Our room was near the observation deck, and out patio was raised up a little bit with a railing around it so critters couldn't get in.

Thanks VG. You've convinced me to request being moved to the main lodge.