Hotel in Arenal: Very disappointed can't get into the Observatory Lodge
 

My husband and I are planning a last minute trip to Costa Rica in mid-March. Since we are so late in planning this trip, we are having some challenges getting into the hotels that are recommended to us. We hear that the Arenal Observatory Lodge is a very cool place and experience, however, they are booked through mid-April. Any suggestions for a moderately priced, unique-type hotel to stay at with a view of Arenal?

I know it can be disappointing when you can't get a reservation..... when this has happened to me , I have been lucky enough to get a confirmation if I keep trying, even short notice.

If you book alternate lodging I just wanted to let you know that both times that I have stayed at AOL, there have been guests who come to sit on the observatory deck for a great view of the volcano. During the day and at night. It is especially engaging in the evening when you can see the hot rocks tumbling down. You might even decide to stay for dinner. Just beware of the terrible road in to the lodge , but it is perfectly do-able even at night.

Rivet, thanks for your help. Do you have other suggestions for alternate lodging? Or...any other suggestions for our two days in Arenal. We were originally going to Peru to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, but got cancelled due to mud slides...so we are definitely looking for some adventure in Costa Rica. I would love some suggestions!

Have stayed at AOL you are not missing much...

closest to the volcano but up miles of really bad road

the only thing worse than the road was the food

www.costarica.bookit.com has many better lava view properties

www.tabacon.com my fav free hot springs from $199/nt

www.lostiguanaresort.com better rooms no hot springs

Leaves and Lizards pretty cool also in that area.

check www.tripadvisor.com Arenal for reviews on all these

Have fun,

AOL will charge you big admission fee

to go in if you are not a guest a big rip off...

views and sounds of lava every bit as good

from the other properties particularly soaking in the

Tabacon Hot Springs at night amazing sight and sounds.

Have you tried the Lost Iguana Resort & Spa, it is a nice place with very lush gardens. You can take tours from there. If the weather is clear, you have a great view of the volcano from your balcony.

Agree, that Lost Iguana is a great spot and sometimes they run specials where you can get a discount or night free.

http://www.arenal.net/arenal-costa-rica-map.htm shows a good map of area hotels.

Don't be disappointed about AOL. I thought it was fine, but my DH wasn't that crazy about it. Lots of good recs listed above.

Some people come to Arenal and never even see the volcano because of the fog/rain/mist - even if you stay on the lava side, unfortunately there's no guarantee you'll see it. We've stayed at LI several times and one trip we may see lava four nights, and another trip we may only see it once. The entire volcano gets enshrouded in mist and sometimes you wouldn't even know there's a volcano there at all. Silencio del Campo is popular and will give you a volcano view but not on the lava side.