Bougainvillea or Orquideas?
 

We're having trouble deciding between these hotels for the first night of our trip. Both get excellent reviews so I'd like to base it on location which I'm having trouble figuring out. Is one closer to Tricolor Car Rental? They're going to pick us up the following morning early and then we'll head out to see Paos and eventually get up to Areanl. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

I've stayed at Orquideas twice and have enjoyed it. Tricolor (excelent) actually dropped off our rental car at the hotel both times without a need to go to their office.

Tricolor dropped us off at the Bougainvillea, which has an amazing garden. I highly recommend this hotel. However, since you are driving to Arenal from Bougainvillea, I can also give you the benefit of my niece's experience. They had a bit of trouble finding their way from the bougainvillea and getting headed towards Arenal...a bit confusing. Ask Shillmac about this, but I think it might be easier to find your way out of town from the Orchideas, although I haven't stayed there.

We never drove to the Bouainvillea. We stayed there right before flying home. Love the bougainvillea but I'm just letting you know it's a bit hard to find your way to and from, although it's only 20 minutes drive from the airport.

The modern Hampton Inn is the closest to the airport, and so is the budget choice Hotel Villa Bonita. www.hotelvillabonita.com Villa Bonita is very basic, clean, and safe, don't expect anything fancy, but they are friendly and have a nice breakfast cooked to order for $47 a night.

We didn't choose the Hampton Inn becaus it sounds too American and we wanted feel like we were in Cota Rica.

If you got very good directions from the Bougainvillea front desk, then you could probably get out of town without getting lost. My niece relied on some printed directions off the internet. The Bougainvillea has an excelent staff by the way.

Hope this helps. Merry Chrismtas and Happy Hannukah!

Just to clarify what I posted above, I said we never drove to the Bougainvillea because Triclor dropped us off there, and the next day we got a taxi to the airport.

Thanks Melissa that's exactly what I was wondering. We really want to get to Poas early and without a problem first thing in the morning. Maybe Las Orquideas is the way to go?

Orquideas is an excellent location - in order to head out to Poas early. Turn right out of the hotel and follow the signs.

You write - "Is one closer to Tricolor Car Rental? They're going to pick us up the following morning early..." Are they picking you up or dropping a car for you. Do try and have the vehicle dropped off, instead of having to drive back through Alajuela, it will just save a little time and frustration.

dfarmer and Melissa have give you excellent advice. I agree the Orquideas is much better for heading off to Poas. You drive out of their parking lot directly onto the road to Poas. And definitely, have Tricolor deliver. Las Orquideas is about 15 minutes from Tricolor (depending on traffic as you drive through Alajuela). We've made this drive many times and it seems simple now, but the first time was VERY confusing. There are several turns and you could easily lose an hour if you get turned around. Good luck!

Haven't stayed at the Bougainvillea, but hope to one day. It sounds so nice, and if Melissa recommends it, it's gotta be good! :) Ditto for Hotel Villa Bonita--great place to stay!