Hotels are expensive in late December / early Jan. I understand this is peak peak season of course, but I am wondering if Fodorites can recommend any nice-but-not-so-expensive places for a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids ages 12 & 9).

For 2 days in Monteverde (Monteverde Lodge is 205/night, anything likely to be cheaper which is not a dump ?

For 3 days in Arenal (Los Lagos is 163/night, any other suggestions ?)

For 2 days in San Jose (I am not even going to think about Peace Lodge, other suggestions ?)


BTW - I did get a place on Drake Bay for teh first 3 days (240/night, but includes all meals for all 4 of us). So my trip is 3 days in Drake Bay, 2 in Monteverde, 3 in Arenal, 2 in SJ before flying out. Thanks for all the help on this board so far !



Sunil

Hi, Sunil - we stayed at Grano de Oro in San Jose and really liked it. Our room was about 100 bucks a night; they had really great service and a nice restaurant on site.

I suggest you try the Trip Advisor search engine because you can search hotels by City, the prices show, and then you can check for availability all on TA. Once you see what's available that interests you we'll all have better knowledge of the choices that are available to you. We stayed at a moderate priced Tico owned place called El Campo del Silencio in Arenal, that we loved. But, I think you already checked there...? I can't remember. You could also try Volcano Inn and Volcano Lodge or San Bosco in town gets good reviews. Sorry, I can't help with Monteverde.

In Monteverde : the only hotel available on TripAdvisor is El Viandante ($70 !!). Following links to Expedia, I see that Montana Monteverde is also available ($148). Comments on either of these two, and comparison to Monteverde Lodge ($205)

In Arenal : Arenal Pariso is available for 100/ night, Los Lagos is 120 (that's the 2-adult price for teh base room, so I suppose the 163 they told me on the phone with 2 kids is about right). Any comments on Arenal Pariso versus Los Lagos ?


Sunil

I haven't stayed in either of those hotels in Arenal, but in case no one chimes in that HAS stayed there, I will let you know that I have heard equally good reviews of both. They seem to be pretty equal in amenities, fairly geared towards families (except of course Los Lagos has a slight edge with the pools) and both have good volcano views. If I remember correctly, shillmac stays at Arenal Paraiso on ocassion and seems to enjoy it there. They may have an edge over Los Lagos on the grounds/landscape.

Hopefully, someone here can give you more firsthand details, but TA reviews are generally a good source as well. I think you and your family will have a fantastic time either way!

By the way, where did you end up in Drake Bay?

I have a feeling Grano de Oro will be full, in which case I will offer a couple other suggestions. For in the City, Don Carlos. For near the airport, Hotel Villa Bonita. Both are under $100 (Villa Bonita much less) and include breakfast and plenty of day tours are offered from here. Also, I have not stayed at Casa Holanda, but it's fairly new, run by a concert pianist and looks very nice.

Stayed 2 nights at los lagos in April. Base room was decent, not great, but had tv, a/c (didn't really need it. The more expensive rooms are higher up the volcano and have better views. Breakfast was include--ok, not great. Fairly geared towards kids, but I'm 35 and spent my share of time going down the waterslides. Don't do the zipline there as it is pretty small and nothing compared to sky trek.

If you drive up to the top of the hotel there's a rough road that goes up higher and we were able to see some sparks and here some rumbles, but when I was there in April the activity was around towards the western side, arenal observatory lodge side of things. Bottom line, for the price I'd certainly recommend it. We only paid $100 night for 2.

Hi, ashta - we stayed at the Lost Iguana in Arenal and adored it. It might be kind of pricey, haven't checked the prices lately, but you can check out their web site. It's a really lush property with amazing volcano view. Have not been to Monteverde yet, so can't help you there.

Boy, this booking thing isn't easy !!

In Monteverde : Expedia shows Montana Monteverde available, but when I call direct they say it is full, must be a mistake on Expedia. SO of course I do not want to book thru the websites anymore, do not want to get stranded on the street with kids (even though they are 12 & 9 and could handle it, but I doubt I could ;-)). Has this happened to anybody before (the Expedia screwing up part I mean ?).

On top of that, COsta Rica Expeditions says Monteverde Lodge is only available if I book a full tour thru them, so no go. And I called 3-4 other places in Monteverde, no go. SO I am still stuck for a place there - hope it will be worth all this effort !!

In Arenal, I have settled on Los Lagos, but I called twice and their reservation guy was out both times (I called 3 hours apart, so he has been having a very long lunch !!). They say they have availability, but I am not "in" as yet, so keeping my fingers crossed.

Why does everyone else have to go at the same time of the year ??? Okay, just kidding...


Sunil

Just wait until you start faxing your credit card info. to them - it took hours for my faxes to go through. Yes, it's worth it! I hope you get to stay at some wonderful places because that always impacts how I feel about a place. Best of luck.

We stayed at El Establo in MOnteverde, it was nice. A little big (needed a shuttle to get down to rest) but the rooms were bigger than others. A litte buggy, but to be expected in that area.

Stayed at Lomas del Volcan at Arenal. Loved it. Very pretty, quiet and private, but on the "wrong" side of the volcano.

This isn't an area you mentioned but thought I would throw this in as well. You may want to check Selva Verde lodge (though they're large they may be booked up as well, don't know). Stayed there in May and thought it was such a great deal, $70 a night including 3 meals. Granted the food isn't gourmet, more like fuel til the next meal, but they give you plenty and their desserts are great. I saw tons of monkeys, large iguanas & birds on the property; they have nice areas to walk around plus their guided hikes are pretty cheap. I would definitely stay there again, especially liked the bungalows, which have ac & minifridge, very private.