Book ahead for hot springs at Tabacon?
 

My fiancee and I are honeymooning in Costa Rica in April. 3 nights at Arenal Paraiso and 4 nights at Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo. We have read great things about the hot springs at Tabacon, but we are not sure which day during our stay to enjoy them. Do we need to book in advance before we get there or can we buy one at the resort on the day we arrive?
Thanks,
Ed

Recent posters have said reservations are becoming more and more necessary. You could probably do this upon arrival, however!

Do we need reservations if we are staying at the hotel(Tabacon)

mfenimore: when are you staying at Tabacon? would love to hear about your experiences there.

Others: I have heard from several friends that got back from visiting the area that there were no problems getting into the hot springs if you were not a guest (disclaimer being that all went there after 7pm for the discount price)

It is true that it is no problem to go there if not a guest at the hotel. The majority of people who visit are NOT hotel guests. It is only in recent months that people returning from Costa Rica have mentioned the occasional need for a reservation. We have never had reservations--always just showed up, but we haven't been there since last December. Tourism seems to have increased dramatically in the past year.

I will be going next month-can't wait. We are going to Manuel Antonio also.
I will be sure to write a trip report when I return.

No you do not need to book ahead. THe only thing you may want to book ahead is if you are planning any type of spa treatment or massage or anything like that.

rdp.....We did stay at Tabacon Resort once and actually really enjoyed it. We did have reservations but only about 4 days in advance. The only problem you mght run into is they may be out of the type of room you are wanting to book. Our rooms were fantastic with great views... room was a standard room #206. Had a private patio area looking right at the volcano. I have read a lot of post of people not happy with their Jr. Suites though....

During high season reservations are recommended. Chances are if you just show up you can go in but if there is a large group from Swiss Travel or other large travel agencies and the facility is full......you will not be allowed to enter. We operate small tours to Tabacon and have been instructed by Tabacon to have reservations held with credit card deposits. When the facility has reached full capacity it is then closed to the public. You don't really want to be there anyways when there are 350 people sharing the pool and hot springs! There are a few other locations we have been using when Tabacon is full and guests have been very happy with a more remote and quiet atmosphere. As tourism grows at the pace it has in the last year reservations for many activities will become the norm. Buena Vista and Palo Verde have both required reservations at busy times this year which has never been required in the past.

Thanks for all your responses. We can't wait for the honeymoon! Sounds like we will have some flexibility at Arenal. We certainly want to visit Tabacon one day, but not spend the whole time there.
Thanks again. Ed

Indeed - thanks for all of the good responses on this thread.

mfenimore - looking forward to your report, as we are travelling in early May

Do not make a reservation with Arenal.net has they have no relation/agreement with Tabacon.