I've read the posts from the people who won't have cars, but which hotel would you recommend for a party of 3 adults and 4 college kids with a car? Arenal Lodge, Volcano Lodge and Paraiso all look fine, budget wise. I want good food, if possible, good views and proximity to the activities.
And, would you stay 2 nights or 3? We won't get to the hotel until about 4 or 5 pm on the first night.

I'd stay 3, and would probably opt for Volcano Lodge. I just booked Arenal Paraiso for a couple of nights (can't do 3!) in March, and now wish that I had tried Volcano Lodge as it gets good reviews. We've stayed at Arenal Paraiso before, though, and have liked it just fine.

agree with shillmac except arenal paraiso was fine with us. we have stayed there 4 times. don't eat at the hotel all the time....explore and enjoy!!!

ps to shillmac... i see you as a big fan of cr as i am! after we move down in 2008, i'll invite you to stay at our campo casa! lol

I'm sure that you've prob been told this, but don't count on getting a view of Arenal - its covered in clouds most of the time.

If you don't mind driving a bit, there are tons of decent restaraunts up and down the main strip.

What ever you do do not eat dinner at Arenal Paraiso - it was definitely by far the worse food we have ever had. Right down the street toward Taacon is El Novillo which is delicious! It does not look like much but we cannot wait to go back in March. We had a deluxe room at Arenal Paraiso and that was fine, breakfast was fine but dinner - oh my gosh!

hansboomer--to which area of CR are you moving in 2008? How exciting!