I would like some opinions on staying at the Tabacon resort. I have mixed thoughts, although I went ahead and made reservations. I am travelling with my two sons (age 22, 23) and we will be visiting the Arenal volcano area. Is the Tabacon worth the $$$?
A standard room will cost $159 plus $19 for third person. I know this includes breakfast buffet and admission to springs, but wondering if there is some place that is a better choice. I realize we will save on admission to springs by staying there, but don't know what to do. I would appreciate any ideas. Want to visit the volcano park, do hanging bridges, and La Fortuna waterfalls while there. Also going on to Manuel Antonio and would appreciate any tips about things to not miss there besides the great beaches and park. What hotels do you suggest for staying there? Thanks a bunch.

Arenal Paraiso and Montana de Fuego are reported to have the best views of the active side of the volcano. I've also heard they are nice places to stay.

I'm not sure of your budget for MA, but Villas Nicolas are very popular due to their nice views and reasonable price. Other popular & recommended hotels include Si Como No, Costa Verde, Makanda by the Sea and Hotel California.

We stayed at Arenal Paraiso for $65 a night (no a/c) or they have rooms for $95 with A/c including breakfast, but not taxes. That said, keep in mind entrance to the hot springs if you don't stay at Tabacon is $29 per person, good for 1 day only.
Staying at Tabacon gives you unlimited access to the springs for the duration of your stay, so it depends on how often you want to go to the hot springs. Tabacon was really crowded when we went, too many people. Arenal Paraiso was full, but you couldn't even tell.

We were really happy with Arenal Paraiso and we visited the hot springs once while there. We had fantastic views of the volcano, and the horseback tour leaves right from Paraiso (would recommend that, too!)

Tip on Fortuna waterfall...you do not need to spend $$ on a tour to visit the falls. We went on our own, definitely a must see in my opinion! It is $6 entrance fee once you are there, though.

Manuel Antonio - We stayed at Parador, but I've heard Costa Verde is very good and pretty popular (and less expensive). We did a canopy tour there which was great, also went kayaking and sailing/snorkeling. There is so much to do, it depends on your likes. They also offer white water rafting trips.

Enjoy!

Stacey

I've stayed at Tabacon (off season & cheaper rates) and enjoyed having access to the springs. However if you're going to high season, then be aware that it can get crazy busy; especially during the midday to afternoon when the tour buses full of day-trippers arrive.

A friend who has also stayed @ Tabacon, chose Montana De Fuego for his recent stay in Arenal. He was pleased with accommadations and felt he'd stay there again on future visits. I looked at Montana website (www.montanadefuego.com) and they charge $127 for a triple, deluxe room which does include breakfast. Yes, the views from Montana and the nearby Arenal Paraiso provide a better view of the volcano --- assuming of course, that the peak isn't shrouded in clouds. FYI, I believe that Montana and Arenal Paraiso are both owned by same family.

Hi,
I am going to Costa for the first time and staying in Antonio Manuel. I would like to visit Tabacon. Does anyone know how far the drive is between the two cities?

I love Tabacon $150 or so a good price to stay there

especially considering you get free use of the springs

a $70 per day value... great night lava views from the

springs... other properties mentioned above do not have

springs and are inferior properties.

Figure 6 hours between MA and Arenal/Tabacon

oops my bad looks like cazel resurrected an old 04 post

Tabacon admission now $75/da making it lots better value

mapcr.com for driving directions between the 2...

cazel, it took us about five hours. I'd recommend just starting new posts rather than resurrecting these really old threads. Info gets outdated pretty quickly.