kazsi

We are traveling with our 13 and 15 year olds. Which hotel would you recommend we stay in the Arenal area? Los Lagos or Arenal Paraiso? I'd like great views, of course, but a kid friendly hotel would be a plus. I'm open to any and all suggestions! Thanks!

mat629

Kazsi,
We stayed at Los Lagos in August and were quite pleased with the hotel. They have extensive gardens which include frog and butterfly enclosures, and ponds (well enclosed) with crocodiles. The kids would probably love their pools - there are two, one cold and one with warm water. Both have waterslides which we found to be a lot of fun (I don't remember the last time I rode a waterslide). The hotel is located very close to the flank of the volcano; we could here it rumbling, and if the clouds had lifted while we were there the views are supposed to be very impressive. Our room was very nice - get a new one if you can. Food was good, and there is a shuttle that runs up and down the hill continuously so you don't have to walk if you don't want to (Rooms are up the hill from the restaurant and pools). Very friendly folks at the reception desk. I have plenty of photos if you would like me to email them to you. Hope this helps!

lvk

We stayed at the Arenal Paraiso with our 9 & 11 year old and enjoyed it. However, I think Los Lagos has more kid-friendly attractions, like the water slides, hiking trails,crocodile zoo, etc. They also have a good view of the volcano.

The only reason we didn't stay there vs. the AP was that the rooms looked a bit shabbier based on pictures on their website. However, I have since read some great reviews about Los Lagos on this board.

CRinfo

I recommend los lagos, it has better view

TripleSecDelay

How many nights is the duration of your stay? Can you do both? What time of year? Are the kids adventurous?

Both have excellent views, trails nearby, and loding construction underway (not dangerous).

Los Lagos is on the volcano side of the road, and AP is opposite side. AP has views of the face that Los Lagos offers via an Observation Point. My perception is that all the rooms/beds at AP face the active side of the volcano. Not all of the beds at Los Lagos face the active side, although all rooms have porches/chairs if the beds do not face the volcano.

Need some input here from a traveler who stayed at AP and ate there. I've only stayed and eaten at LL - where the buffet breakfast should have something for even the most selective of diners. (this comment is not about you nor your children).

Los Lagos might be more kid-friendly as they have animals on site, pools and slides, as mentioned. Pool towels are provided by the hotel.

TripleSecDelay

It's <<lodging>> construction. I don't know what loding is, either.

jeg

My kids (ages 13 and 15) said the breakfast buffet at Arenal Paraiso was their favorite breakfast on our trip. There were lots of choices for them.

shillmac

triplesec, we ate breakfast as well as a couple of other meals at AP. None were disappointing.

twoinluv

How long does everyone recommend in the Arenal area? It will be me (27), hubby (29), cousin (33), cousin (15) on vacation for a total of 8 days. So we have to make the most of our time. We don't want to schedule too much time in Arenal and be bored. But I have a habit of cramming too many activities into each day.

What does everyone recommend for reasonable activities to fill 1 - 4 days in the Arenal area?

Jenny

kazsi

Thanks for all of the tips! My children are highly adventurous (we're finishing up our Scuba diving certifications this weekend). As a matter of fact, upon leaving Arenal we are headed for a two night stay at the Pacuare Lodge where we'll raft in and out, horseback ride further into the jungle and bring school supplies (as we like to do when we visit the Dominican Republic), and will canopy. We will only be in Arenal for one night so that's why I'd like to make this as kid friendly, yet viewing friendly as possible. My kids eat anything. We've traveled extensively and you name it and they've probably eaten it. Food really isn't a priority; I don't have a problem eating food from food vendors on the streets of Mexico so I don't really care much about the quality of the buffets. I can always pick up something somewhere if I want. Something that has popped into my mind, which of the two is closer to the Tabacon Resort. It is full for the time we would like to visit, but I understand we can still go there and use the facilities. It's looking like Los Lagos is going to be our choice for accomodations, but maybe Arenal Paraiso is closer to the Tabacon Resort?

Anyone have any input on the rafting trip on the Pacuare as well as staying for two nights at the Lodge? Any thoughts and/or tips would be appreciated as well.

Thanks for all the great information!

kazsi

Oh gosh. When I say Tabacon Resort, I mean the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort. My understanding is that one can visit there and still utilize the facilities.

Mat629, I would love to see your photos! My email address is: [email protected]

Thanks for the kind offer!

RufusTFirefly

We prefer AP over LL, but our kid is all grown up.

We didn't think the view at LL was better than AP--the rooms at AP have a direct, head-on view of the side of the volcano with the lava flows. And it is spectacular.

shillmac

I like your food attitude, kazsi--it just makes life easier, huh?

maryanne1

We stayed at the Arenal Paraiso which offered a spectacular view in a deluxe cabin of the volcano erupting all night. Hope it will be clear for you as I understand that is not always the way. We reauested the desk call us to see this event which they did at 12:00 at night.
The pools would be good for your children as well as the mineral water for yourself. There is a trail which you can hike at the back of the Paraiso which you can view the canopy lines zipping across. A waterfall at the botton. I did not make it that far,but my daughter did. A very good hike she says. We found the staff very helpful with a video at the reception that shows other day trips in the area. There is a trip you can take around the volcano. Sorry we did not get to take more of the tours offered. Think all of you would enjoy it here.

TripleSecDelay

I have posted tips on how to enjoy one's stay at Tabacon on another thread. I will locate and re-post here.

I have some photos of inside the rooms at Los Lagos, and of Tabacon. Also have photos of the grounds of each location. LL has an observation point for the volcano that is THE closest a person can safely view the action. I should have snapped a few at AP, but it didn't occur to me to do this . . .

twoinluv : 1-2 days maximum would cover everything if you're great at time management. Zip lines, waterfalls, etc are common attractions; volcano viewing is best late nights. Sunrise over the valley is worth the effort, if you're out the door for something you've planned.

If there during the green season, I STRONGLY recommend that people get going early for their hiking/equestrian/rafting adventures. One day, we slept in and casually began our day and "tried to hit Fast Forward" and ended up on the 12:30 raft instead of the 7:30 raft of the Penas Blancas River. I totally enjoyed the rain, while my spouse wasn't thrilled. It was as if God himself had placed his thumb over the end of his own garden hose and sprayed the Earth for 40 minutes...If you were there, you'd swear that Hollywood was filming a scene.

kazsi : All the hotels you mentioned are on the same road and are within 10 minutes drive. Baldi Termae is another hot springs location that is VERY close to Los Lagos.

Driving from Fortuna the order of appearance is Baldi Termae (Left)..three minutes... Los Lagos (Left), Arenal Paraiso (Right) ...a few minutes more... Tabacon Resort(Left)...Tabacon Hot Springs(Left).

We did the 1-day trip on the Pacuare River. I also posted tips on this. I will locate and re-post here. This is more important than the rest!!

TripleSecDelay

In lieu of a wordy trip report, I post the following suggestions for travelers. This is not a must-see guide; it's a cut/paste of my earlier posts which have been requested. I have pictures I can share, if requested.

BTW : If you don't find the info you need on Fodor's, also check Frommers dot com and Virtual Tourist dot com.

Flying out of SFO, it didn't help that TACA's in-flight movie was the one where Kurt Russell's wife gets kidnapped by a trucker while they are driving on a road trip vacation. Just a notch above showing Airport '77 in tactfulness by TACA. This film had my wife paranoid when we landed.

If you fly straight into CR, kiss the ground and genuflect. We didn't have a direct flight. Welcome to San Salvador International Humidity Airport. Funds initially earmarked for A/C in the airport concourse were diverted to the paramilitary police and their drug-sniffing dogs. Don't worry. It's not you they are after.

For the whole trip : Most Ticos are not social climbers. Please leave your family's jewelry and even your knock-off jewelry at home and don't unfold that accordion of credit cards, either. (Driving past a Ferrari importer on the way to San Jose, CR was THE sharpest contrast to the steel cages welded around residences I saw during our entire stay.)
Please consider setting aside small US bills to tip your guides / drivers / whomever. I read the thread here on Fodor's titled "what's the biggest mistake you've made while traveling?" and mine was not having tip money ready every single time I needed it while in NYC. A handful of dollars to those who deserve it means so much more than to you or I.

RENTAL CARS:
___We picked-up our rental car - not at the airport - as we learned from research. Rather, we accepted a shuttle ride to the off-site car lot and saved the gov't mandatory 12% airport car rental tax. Do the same. Or taxi over. Or have the rental car delivered to your hotel.
___Check you cardholder's agreement on insurance in foreign countries well before you leave home. There is a gov't-mandated minimum insurance for all rental cars, but a person could save a few dollars by using their CC insurance benefits for the add'l insurance. Then again, it may just be worth the peace of mind to pay the extra. Your call.
___We were able to secure an automatic 4x4 with CD player & brought a cache of CDs from home.
___If you have a digital camera, maybe you take pix of the exterior of the car before leaving the rental lot.
___Also, on the contract, maybe you note all the damage on the line drawing of the car and write on the contract "various dings and scratches throughout the vehicle". It's a standard CYA clause I like to use. Not paranoid; think : thorough.

DRIVING :
___Prior 4x4 driving experience is completely unnecessary in CR. While we were also apprehensive about driving when stateside, it was a breeze once we arrived.
___Please research road sign translations if you are not Spanish-proficient. Check other postings at all three websites.

CLOTHES :
___Teva's and light hiking boots are all we needed.
___Please also consider BREATHEABLE waterproof jacket (think : laminates). Spend more and be comfortable. Waterproof is $10, breatheable is $60.
___Polyester/cotton blend tops were perfect for quick drying. Columbia, Nike, Adidas, most sports brands now offer these and can be purchased in USA at discounted prices in stores like Marshall?s, Ross, Sportmart.
___Umbrella, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, chap stick / carmex, aloe vera
___Zip-off, conversion pants into shorts were perfect as was a sarong.

GEAR:
We were well-prepared with umbrella, tripod, bug repellant, flashlights, air fresheners for hotel rooms,
___Waterproof notepads made by Rite in the Rain (campmor.com) & a pressurized pen (write in any condition/any angle).
___A prepaid phone card just may be THE least expensive telecom choice.
___Two-way radios are nice for that extra warm'n'fuzzy feeling when separated for : restroom, visit to front desk, whatever; same radios we use for communications as when snow skiing, camping, boating, etc.
___Petzl MYObelt 5 head lamp was $50 online and we've used these for camping, fishing, hiking Yosemite. A lesser cost light can be just as useful. Mini-Maglite is fine for $10.
___Remember also to bring : binoculars, zoom lens on camera, silica gel packs inside camera bag to absorb moisture, spare batteries / battery charger / memory cards / film.
___Ziploc bags of all sizes for all the things you want to keep dry. We brought the gallon sized Ziplocs for our clothes - knowing from research here that nothing really dries quickly in lush areas of CR.
___If you use your hotel?s laundry service, be aware of their pickup and delivery schedules. It wasn?t possible for us to constantly be aware of the passing of time and we skipped the laundry service because it was not conveniently timed for our activities. A person could dry a couple of articles of clothing with the in-room hairdryer.

RAFTING :
From San Jose, we were shuttled by the rafting company van to a nice breakfast restaurant and then on to the put-in location on the Rio Pacuare. We saw the lodge from our raft, but our journey did not include an overnight stay there. A slower pace will allow a person to explore the trails and waterfalls and see more wildlife. On the one-day trip, we did see clusters of butterflies, egrets, a single blue morpho tantalized us mid-river.

For rafting the Pacuare :
___A waterproof, disposable camera was purchased and handed off to the two kayakers who accompanied our raft down the river. They captured images of our raft shooting the rapids. Nice touch.
___Bring a change of clothes in zip-loc bags or a dry bag. .
___There is also one waterfall in particular for which you will want your camera to be prepared. Maybe there are 18 waterfalls on the trip we took(?) Make certain to remind your guide to give you the heads up for this one, as the water/raft slows. I'm nearly sure it has been published in Nat'l Geographic. That's my take on it.
___Rafting is also where the waterproof notepads are invaluable!! Having a pen that writes upside down helps, too. Noted above.
___Water shoes or Teva sandals, dry bag, change of clothes in ziploc, camera equipment, sunglasses, baseball cap or visor to wear under helmet, sunblock.
___Petzl head light was perfect for all night walks everywhere in CR, and should be great for the river lodge.
___Polyester towel that dries quickly was bought at an outdoor store. Maybe campmor.com has this also.

TABACON : is nice for the hot springs and gardens, the massage/spa services, the 4star hotel services available; the thin kids shuttling guests around in golf carts and van/buses. Views of lava are at nature's own pace. Early one morning, we both had an excellent hot lava rock massage in a private, open-air, thatched-roof bungalow for 80 minutes at $95 each. There were few, if any, guests around. We could hear only the bubbling brook and the songs of birds. Very nice.
Hot Springs area opens at 8:00am for guests, 10:00am for public. From 7-10pm, public can enter for $17, instead of the $27 day rate.

BALDI TERMAE : is another well-known hot springs on the same road. $15 per person day rate. A dozen or so pools with temperature ranges to satisfy the Goldie Locks in us all. Restaurant, massage, a hotel in January(?), another bar/restaurant currently under construction; hammocks, swim-up bar, lockers, towels, etc. We had the entire place to ourselves from 3-6pm on a weekday in September. No kidding. Volcano views, also. Not 4-star resort a la Tabacon, but very nice to us.

Near Arenal zip lines (SkyTrek company name), we had a great lunch at Linda Vista Lodge, which has a commanding view of the Lago Arenal (lake btwn Monteverde and Arenal) and partial view of the active side of Volcan Arenal, maybe 30 mins(?) from Tabacon. I have pictures of the signs that guided us there. 10 minutes from the restaurant, on a graded, but unpaved road is SkyTram + SkyTrek zip lines. Same company is also in Monteverde with SkyWalk suspension bridges in add'n to the first two.

Tabacon HOTEL :
Bring your AAA card for the 10% discount we rec'd. Standard room ($140 became $125) was totally acceptable to us in the 600 bldg. - their newest. Nice tumbled marble backsplash above a granite slab counter in the bathroom. Art in the bedroom. Good sized closet, safe, TV in armoir, patio with table and 2 chairs. Drapes did not require a clothespin to stay closed. Rooms with volcano views were booked when we arrived w/o reservations in the green season. The volcano could be seen just outside our front door, from the second floor. Not my choice of viewing locales.
___Room numbers 109,108,107,106, etc have XLNT views off the back patio. All of this is dependent on the weather and mother nature. The lower the number, the older the building. Not a big deal, just something to consider.
___Rain in Sept ?04 was Almost Regular from 2:30 - 6:00 or so. Please rise early for your scheduled activities to avoid midday rain. Lava views were Almost Regular after 10pm, when the clouds lifted.
___Unscrew the lightbulb near your door if you leave for the evening, so that the moths do not gather and follow you into your room when you return.
___Jesus Christ lizards are seen on the grounds and especially at the perimeter of the pool that has 4 blue-tiled concrete lounges nearby.
___From 7-9 and from 9-10, the Tabacon outside bars have 2 for 1 drink specials if you order the same drink.
___Lava flow can be seen at night from the end of the "L" of the buffet restaurant during late dinner, and from the back of the Palenque Bar (where 2-for-1 is offered).
___The vendors selling carved/painted masks across the street from the entrance will bargain if you try hard enough.
___Wireless notebook computers are available for rent in the lobby/bar area.
___You can sit behind the hot springs waterfall and nobody can see you at night.
___At the hot springs, a person could also bring a bottle of grape and a couple of glasses in a backpack - if discreet.
___Dining at the swim up bar is possible after the restaurant has closed, but eating in the water is not allowed. Simply walk around to the other side and sit on the dry stools.

_________________________


Message: I posted similar elsewhere, but This bears repeating on this thread : We stayed at Los Lagos September 5th/6th in one of their newest buildings (several are under construction) at the top of the hill. Rooms 201-206 are a 6-room building w/an unobstructed view of the volcano from the covered porch with chairs and a table (view is not from the beds) Two queen-sized beds with trundles. Remote A/C and remote TV, safe, small fridge, hairdryer, phone, good sized tub/shower with low water pressure.

Rooms in the 100-series are smaller, but just as nice, with one Queen-sized bed. From the bed here, you can see the active side of the volcano.
Views of the sunrise over the valley below to the East, and the volcano above to the West.

Los Lagos also has something no place else has onsite : There's an XLNT observation point with concrete benches - accessible by 4x4 (or foot) on an unpaved road past friendly, grazing horses - which gives a person a straight shot view across the small lake to the face of the volcano where boulders tumble down. Orange lava w/sparks at night & white skipping down the mtn during the day.

If you go and are a shutterbug, please consider waking pre-dawn as the sunrise is worth it. Not only for the illumination of the bottom of the clouds over the valley, but also for the warm glow cast upon the face of the volcano mtn. Having the observation point to oneself is a plus, also. Whether at night or in the early a.m.

Crocodiles in pens, butterfiles in a net/chain link enclosure, frogs in a glass house, pools with slides, koi pond, ducks, JC lizards, around-the-clock security.

We paid $85/night including tax and breakfast for two. Same rate was offered for any room during the Green Season. Manager is Juan Carlos. We also dealt with Robert(o) and Alejandra. All very nice and speak English.

Los Lagos is not a "hotel" per se, rather a well-arranged set of buildings on terraces upon the hill & likely the closest lodging to the volcano itself.

In the Arenal / Fortuna area, much construction is underway everywhere as new places arise from fields and expansion occurs at existing destinations. Listen : you can hear birds, howler monkeys, rainfall and construction.