Hi. Traveling to C.R. in August. While in the Arenal area, we can't decide if we should stay closer to La Fortuna at Tabacon, or closer to the volcano at the Lost Iguana. We are being transferred by private driver and will not have a car unless we decide to rent one for the 3 days we are at Arenal. It is myself, husband and 19 year old daughter. Any thoughts? Thank you!

Neither currently has good lava views (see http://costa-rica-guide.com/travel/i...amp;Itemid=357) so that's not an issue.

Lost Iguana is actually further away from the volcano, not closer, and and off the beaten path. Far enough from town that you may not feel like making the effort to get out just for dinner.

There's nothing within easy walking distance of Tabacon, but it's easy and quick to get a cab.

I wasn't terribly impressed with the standard rooms at Iguana (nothing wrong with them, they just felt quite standard), but if you splurge for the suites or Celebrity Villas (2 br) they're unique.

Hope this helps.

Tabacon is one of the most busiest hotels in the country...that means of course a lot of people there all the time...people complains about, service, food bad and expensive, drinks incredible expensive...distance from the volcano...Lost Iguana and Tabacon...are very much the same...when you drive to Lost Iguana...you are not getting far away from the volcano...you are making a big circle around the volcano...

Rooms at Tabacon...are just regular rooms...at lost Iguana they have a personal touch...

To get to town...from Lost Iguana maybe $3.00 extra dollars to the fare charge from Tabacon...and about 10 more minutes of driving..

To me personally I do not like Tabacon...for many reasons but one is that they charge a lot for anything and everything...I like Tabacon...for the location and gardens...

Lava you can see lava from almost any hotel...from La Fortuna cemetery up...

R.A Luis

Just buckle up and enjoy the ride in paradise!!

Hi, clavey - we stayed at the Lost Iguana last year, and we absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back some day. The grounds are really lush and pretty, and it's right next door to the Hanging Bridges. We had the deluxe room - second story with a big balcony that had a jacuzzi on it and a great volcano view. The lava was flowing on that side during our trip, and it was really amazing to relax in our 2 rocking chairs or sit in the tub and watch it. I didn't know it before we went, but they have a free shuttle that goes into town around dinnertime, so we did that each night and caught a taxi back. It was really easy to get a taxi. LI also has a nice small pool area and an open air restaurant with a view of the volcano. I would not hesitate to stay there again.

We visited Tabacon to do the hot springs, and it seemed really overcrowded to us - all the people (like us!) coming to use the hot springs.

Thank you so much for the very helpful advice. Just booked L.I. Can't wait!

Congrats - you will have so much fun! I meant to mention that if you're interested in the Hanging Bridges, the front desk at the Lost Iguana sells discounted tickets. We're heading off to the Osa this year, and part of me is still missing Arenal. If Cano Negro interests you, the LI front desk can arrange that for you too. Have a wonderful trip!

I think you'll be very happy with your choice. I haven't stayed at LI but I do know when we drove by Tabacon we saw buses and cars jam packed in there.

Thanks so much to you all for your time and wonderful advice on the C.R. Board. Have a room at the L.I.! Volcanogirl, I will definitely report back when we return at the end of August.