I am going on my honeymoon in Sept to Costa Rica. Because of money issues, we have decided to cut the trip from 10 to 8 days, thus cutting out Monteverde.

We will be in MA (4 days), Arenal (2 days), and San Jose (1 day to do Pacuare). We are looking for hotels in MA and Arenal that are romantic, but not over $200 a night. I have read some bad reviews of La Mansion (although this is where I found the best deal), some good and bad of Parador, and I think Makanda and Si Como No might be too expensive, but maybe worth it. Opinions appreciated.

In Arenal, my fiance really wants the best view of the volcano. I am not a big fan of lodgey type places, but I know he will be fine with that. Any suggestions?

I know I ask too many questions, but I am having a huge planning headache! I think my head might explode soon! I know you guys have all the best information, I have searched and searched on this board. Please help...
Thanks!

There are mixed reviews of the Tabacon at Manuel Antonio, but mostly the dinner food gets the bad reviews...and you don't HAVE to eat there. You can get a nice room for under $200 and don't forget if you stay there you get into the springs for free.
Manuel Antonio: Also in the green season, you can get nice rooms at Makanda and Si Como No, although Makanda would be more romantic. They have suites for $175 in the 'green season when you are going. If that is too much for you, you can also get nice rooms at Costa Verde and the Mariposa hotel, both also fine for a honeymoon.

We just got back from our honeymoon. We LOVED Si Como No! Don't know if this is of interest to you, but they are rated well by the CST (Certification in Sustainable Tourism, I think) for their effect on the environment and interaction with workers/community. The view from our balcony at Si Como No was the prettiest view I have ever seen! Our room (superior, I think?) was less than 200.

We also stayed at and liked Arenal Paraiso. It was simple, but not icky-lodgey, and the view of the volcano is great. The volcano fills up your window! And the price is great.

My wife and I will be in Arenal in early September, and will be staying in the "matrimonial suite" at Arenal Lodge. At $127 it seems reasonable, and was recommended by our travel agent. Apparently it has a decent view of the lava flow compared to some other places (I was talked out of the Arenal Observatory Lodge because it's on the "wrong side" of the volcano for lava flow). I haven't stayed there yet, so I'm just going by what I've been told, but it is an option for you to look at.

Thanks for all your input!

I think I am leaning towards Makanda in MA and Arenal Paraiso.

After madly searching the boards again for most of the afternoon, the consensus seems to be that Makanda is the most romantic. (I will just have to hold my breath while we pay the bill)
Thanks again!

We also stayed at Arenal Paraiso. we really liked it there and the price is right. Views were great!

We stayed at Parador in MA, got a package off luxurylink.com. You might try them for a good deal. They do a lot of properties in CR.

Stacey

For what it's worth, Arenal Paraiso and Montana del Fuego currently have the best views of the lava flow. They are right by each other, so if you can't get in at one you can always try the other.

I dont think it's on the "best" side of the volcano (but does have a good view), but I like Los Lagos, and they're a lot cheaper than Tabacon and the like.

As someone who has visited Costa Rica more than 15 times and now lives here (but who has never honeymooned here or anywhere else), I think you have made the right choices in selecting Makanda at Manuel Antonio and Arenal Paraiso. Congratulations! Now relax and get happy!

Jacie,

Although we didn't stay at Makanda, from looking at their website and reading about Costa Rica for the past year, it would definitely be my first choice in MA for a honeymoon. It seems perfect! I don't know whether you read my recent trip report. If you did, I can't lie to you--you'll know that Arenal Paraiso wasn't our favorite of the hotels we stayed on our trip. We preferred Tabacon. However, the grounds at Arenal Paraiso are absolutely beautiful, the view of the volcano is great, and most people have really enjoyed staying there. I think it's a great deal for such a good view of the volcano. I would justify splurging on Makanda by rationalizing about the very reasonable price of Arenal Paraiso.

I agree with Barbarian--stop driving yourself crazy. Your plans sound great! You will love whitewater rafting the Pacuare. The pictures we ordered of our rafting trip arrived today and they are so cool! It was our first time rafting and the pictures make it look like we were really accomplishing something!

Relax--you have made some great plans. Enjoy your wedding and your honeymoon!