Myself and my family have decided to go on a rather last minute trip to Costa Rica from January 2nd-9th. Because we are only booking things now we're finding that a lot of the places we would like to stay in are booked solid, so we're having to go for second choices. Can anyone give me an idea of if the following places are nice?

Arenal - Hotel Los Lagos for two nights... does it have as nice Volcano views as Arenal Paraiso?

Monteverde - Arco Iris Lodge for one night

Manuel Antonio - Here we actually have some choice. There are available rooms in Villas Mymosa (maybe... they're going to get back to us), Mimo's Apartotel, El Mono Azul, and Hotel Verde Mar. Which would all of you recommend as a nice place to spend three days relaxing in the sun, as well as exploring the park?

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

I've never been to Arenal Paraiso, but it's hard to imagine you can get a better view of the volcano than at Los Lagos. Los Lagos has trails right from its property to the restricted area at base of the volcano. We were able to see lava flows right from our cabina. Your family will love it.

see also : "best hotel in arenal" thread I read at the suggestion of someone who has been there.

Thanks, that definitely reassures me!

I'm hoping to book my hotel for Manuel Antonio tomorrow - which seems best?

Check out Costa Verde nearest hotel to Manuel Antonio Park. You can catch the bus in front of the hotel to go to the beach. It would be great for a family in their Building B which is designated for families. 2 pools on the grounds. A restaurant nearby which has the most beautiful view of the Pacific as well as Building B on the side nearest it. We stayed on the upper floor. Plenty of room to explore on the grounds.

Unfortunately that place is booked. Everywhere we tried except for those four hotels is booked solid.

Mono Azul, Mimos and Mymosa are located in the same area and of the three my pick is Mymosa. Three years ago, we stayed in the two bedroom unit on the second floor and loved it. Had a nice balcony on the front and back overlooking the pool.

Verde Mar is on the beach. This location is the best for access to the park but I don't know anything about the rooms.

Hope this is helpful! Safe travels!

Lisa

rbrazill---
How were the swimming pools? Our kids (13&10) love swimming! Are they setup for nite swimming too?
Your thoughts are appreciated.
pete