Last Minute Decision....Help!
 

Hey all,

I am just getting ready for my trip to Costa Rica next week and getting pretty excited! Just when I thought I had all my ducks in a row I have a new decision to make.

I have been planning on staying at the AOL for weeks. I am a photographer and thought this would be the place for me to stay to get some great volcano photography, particularly at night. Today I found out that I got a ridiculously good opportunity to stay at The Springs instead. A rate comparable to the AOL. Not sure what to do.......I was looking forward to the AOL and the Volcano views and the possibility of a nighttime show! On the other hand The Springs looks amazing!

I guess my main reason for staying at the AOL is to photograph the volcano at night and experience the night lava flows. Now if I stay off site is it safe and easy for me to drive and find a good spot for some nighttime volcano photography and viewing? Where should I stay?

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help!

Best,
Adam
www.adampass.com

I think you have to pick if you want awesome photos or a posh hotel experience. The thing with the volcano is that it comes and goes out of view with clouds/rain/fog/mist. So by staying somewhere with a volcano view, you really increase your odds of seeing it. We did a nighttime volcano hike and it ended up raining that night so our views weren't great. It's safe to drive but you would have to hope for good weather and a clear view for when you make your viewing attempt. Any chance you could stay at both and split your time?

Thought about it, but the girlfriend axed that idea. I keep her running around too much! I think having access to the amazing looking hot springs might be the clincher for me. Thanks for the feedback Vgirl! What would you do?

You have to ask yourself:

Are you staying at any other posh hotel? If the Springs is the only super nice place you are staying, then stay there. AOL is pretty basic, but the location can't be beat for volcano views. However, views are not guaranteed. You may get crummy weather and never see a spark. As far as hot springs, you can always spend an evening at Eco-termales, which is great.

How much do you want to impress and keep your girlfriend happy? If you REALLY love her, you will do what she wants to do!!

Good luck,

MY

Thanks Michelle! She is really leaving it up to me. After just speaking with her though she was looking forward to the view from the Smithsonian room very much but the thing that she sees as the main positive for The Springs is the location, closer to La Fortuna and not so far off the beaten path. Thanks again!

I'd stay at AOL but that's just me cause I know I'd spend more time on the balcony staring at the volcano than I would in the hot springs or a nice room. That said - I think your best bet would be just to show your girlfriend the 2 websites and let her decide ;)

Thanks Tully, you said it best "I'd spend more time on the balcony staring at the volcano than I would in the hot springs or a nice room". I think we feel the same way!
Best,
Adam

I've stayed at both.....I would stay at the Springs for one or 2 nights, it is fabulous. Every on here seems to love eco-thermal....I have been to both and it is Tabacon, hands down for me....and they have a world class Grand Spa which your girlfriend will adore. Having said that I would definitly stay at AOL......it is exquisite, unique, great hiking, birds and wildlife. You will end up spending a great deal of time driving and looking for volcano views if you stay at the Springs. Don't worry about being further from town, it is not that big of a deal to drive 20 minutes further.

I don't think the Springs is right in town either. Isn't it off a ways on a side road somewhere? We were just there and didn't see it. Me personally, I would stay at AOL just because I think it's something uniquely Costa Rican and I couldn't pass up the chance to get good photos. Having hot springs at my hotel isn't a big appeal to me. I like to go to Eco Termales and enjoy their dinner and springs for a night, but I wouldn't be in the springs every night. We stay at the Lost Iguana, which is also on the lava side, and we spend every night sitting on the balcony watching the volcano. I think that's the thing that I love about La Fortuna.

I would also stay at AOL, given the choice. I'm sure you will get much better and more natural photo ops than at The Springs, being a bit more contrived, albeit beautiful. You will have the trails and wildlife right out your doorstep and a more rustic and fulfilling experience.

I'm with keymarina and agree that Tabacon is fabulous. We have had a terrific experience every time we have been, and the Spa is amazing. Yes, admission to the springs is way too much, but you can make an entire day of it and not regret one minute (if you have the time). We like to go in about 10:00 and stay until 1:00 or so, leave and rest and/or do other things, and return for the evening. Tabacon Grand Spa is one of the Top Ten Spas in Mexico and Central and South America. In your shoes I'd probably stay with AOL--and visit a hot springs (just not Baldi!).

Thank You! I will leave a pre-trip report with our decision! I will also have a detailed report of my trip, mostly photographic since I am terrible writer!
Best,
Adam

Thanks for the input Marina!