Lost Iguana or Arenal Observatory Lodge
 

Which would you choose for the best views of the volcano especially lava views? Meal choices, we will not have a car and will probably eat at the resort? Good hiking trails?
Best wildlife watching?
Thanks

Volcano/Lava Views: Arenal Observatory Lodge
Meal choices: Lost Iguana
Most convenient without a car: Lost Iguana
Best hiking: Arenal Observatory Lodge
Best wildlife: Arenal Observatory Lodge

We always stay at the Lost Iguana. It has nice volcano views and great balconies where you can watch the lava flow. It's not right on top of the volcano like AOL is, but the views are gorgeous. It has 120 acres of hiking trails and is located right next to the Hanging Bridges. Nice open air restaurant with a view of the volcano. Both properties are located out on the outskirts; the road to Lost Iguana is in much better shape. It's right by the lake. We've seen coatis, a tyra, lots of birds, including toucans on the property but I think AOL has the edge for wildlife sightings.

If you want a posher property, go with LI; if you want to be right up on the volcano, go with AOL. If you went with AOL, I would rent a car. AOL used to have a reputation for bad food, but I'm not sure if it's improved. You stay there for the proximity to the volcano.

I'd go over to tripadvisor.com and read the reviews and look at the pictures. They're pretty different from each other, and probably one would be more appealing to you.

If you go with LI, be sure to check out their specials. We saved 20% when we went last time.

www.lostiguanaresort.com

AOL more of an Eco-Camp

The Observatory Lodge is not an eco-camp. You won't be sleeping in a tent or in a bunkbed. Its rooms are nice and comfortable, without a lot of luxury. There is a swimming pool and hot tub (both with stunning volcano views) there as well as hiking trails, waterfalls, and tons of wildlife.

I agree with volcanogirl that a car makes sense in the area, regardless of where you stay. Everything is spread out, and cab fares will add up in a hurry.

When we stayed at LI, they let us use their employee shuttle to go into town for dinner, so we either ate on the property or used that. We caught taxis back; fares ranged from $12-17 depending on where we went. You might check to see if they would let you use the shuttle or if it's still operating because things can change. If you use the shuttle, you're dependent on their schedule.