lisabel

We are going to be in Arenal the first week in December and I'm a little torn about where to stay. Tabacon seems like THE place to stay but from what I've read it gets mixed reviews (other than the convenience of being near the hotsprings). I've read that there's a place across the road that is as convenient, but not sure of the name. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to stay that is near the Tabacon and not in La Fortuna? The view is the important thing.

Percy

Hi
Just got back today from Costa Rica.
There are three places that come to mind.
1.ArenalCountry Lodge..this is about a mile from La Fortuna. It has nice views of the Volcano from the pool.
2.Arenal Lodge..this one is about 14 miles from La Fortuna, it also has great views of the Volcano.
3.Arenal Paraiso Resort....this one is very near Lake Arenal, again the view from here is good...I drove into this one just last week.
From the outside and the gounds ,they look all okay, doknow know what the food is like etc.
I was at the Tabacon Hot Springs and from the pool here the view is excellent.
You have to remember you are viewing a mountain ,so the views are pretty good from any of the places.
Also prices are going to be much higher in December, but I am sure you already know that.

Have a good time..hope the volcano erupts while you are there..it is quite a sight to see.
Percy

Suzie2

I spent a few nights at the Arenal Paraiso this year. It has amazing views of the volcano and the lodge will give you a wake up if it erupts during the night so you can see it (if you ask). As of this past Feb it was in an almost perfect location for the best viewing. It has a nice volcano heated swimming pool with swim up bar. The breakfast buffet was very good. Didn't eat any other meals there. Great steak house right next door with an outdoor seating area to watch the volcano while you eat (El Novillo).
It is located between the Lake and town (slightly closer to town) on the main road. See monteverdeinfo.com for a map of some of the hotels in the arenal area.

Tess_Durberville

Last year I'd gone to CR and stayed @ Tabacon (prices are on the rise). And a couple weeks ago a friend returned from his sixth trip down there (I went last year; couldn't manage to swing another trip w/him). Anyhow, my friend, who usually stays at Tabacon when he goes to Arenal stayed at the Montana de Fuego this time and was pleased with it; it's barely a mile down the road from Tabacon and has excellent views of the volcano. For other input on this place ....


>Arenal Lodge or Montana de Fuego??<
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...6&tid=34393981

goulash

Tabacon is THE place to stay. During the upcoming 2004 High Season, entrance to the hot springs to visitors NOT staying at the hotel is going to be very limited and restricted. Reservations will be required. Your best bet by far is booking the hotel and avoiding getting shut out by limited availability.

KARLEARL

JUST GOT BACK FROM CR YESTERDAY.STAYED 2 DAYS AT ARENAL PARAISO.1/2 THE PRICE OF TABACON.EVERY BUNGALOW HAS A GREAT VIEW OF THE VOLCANO WHICH WAS ERUPTING LAST WEEK WHEN WE WERE THERE.THE RESTURANT IS VERY GOOD.THE COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST IS GREAT.A GOOD WAY TO START THE DAY.
KARL

lisabel

thank you all for responding. We booked the arenal paraiso and can't wait!