We are going to drive from San Jose to The La Maison Inn in Arenal for 3 nights, and then want to do the activities in Monteverde for 2 nights after, before we drive back to San Jose for our flight to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Osa for the last 4 nights.
Do we need to stay in Monteverde or Saint Elena, or is there another location recommended?
Hotel/ Lodge recommendations?
Thanks to all, especially Volcanogirl, who have helped us get this far!

Thanks!!
Renee

Unless you want to spend quite a bit of time driving the choices are roughly within, between or around Santa Elena or Cerro Plano (what many people call Monteverde.

There are a couple of places to the north past Selvatura and sky Trek (Rancho Makena, Vista Verde and San Gerardo Lodges).

San Luis eco-lodge is only about 15 south and there was another called the Congo Lodge in the same valley, but it was closed last time we went by.

Fondavela.com

Hotelbelmar.net

2best for me Santa Elena more remote not as pretty

Sapo Dorado also nice have stayed there

So any or all of the above..

Aw, thanks, renee. I'd just stay in the area since that's where your activities would be. Fonda Vela was good for us, the new junior suites are nice with a small frig and a bathtub, nice grounds, and a good restaurant on site. It's one of the hotels closest to the Reserve. Arco Iris is another one that's popular.

We stayed at Arco Iris (reasonable rates) which is in Santa Elena, but you don't feel like you are in town because the grounds are very extensive.

We had a small cabin, loved it and the front porch to watch the stars at night, had white faced capuchins in the trees. You can leave your car and walk to restaurants, but must drive to MV or Santa Elena Reserves. We hiked both along w/ a night hike at Children's Eternal Forest. There is a beautiful orchid garden right next to Arco Iris.

Try out great lunches at Stella's Bakery and good locally made gifts across the street at CASEM, a women's co-op.

Johnny's Pizzeria is another good spot - really elaborate for a pizza place. My husband liked their pizza, and they had great salads. We did a night hike at Hidden Valley and loved it. Saw lots of neat night time critters like a fox, porcupine, etc.

Thanks Everyone!!!! Love this forum!

Any thoughts between Arco Iris lodge in Santa Elena or Hotel Belmar in MG, for sites in Monteverde? We are there two nights.

renee, have you checked tripadvisor? I'd go over there and read reviews and look at pics. That always helps me decide what the best fit for me is.

Thanks volcaniogirl, I have gone on trip advisor, but have heard that they may not be as reliable a source as fodors