We are looking at Costa Rica for Spring Break and would like to do 2 different hotels...one near Arenal for activities and one on the beach.
Any recommendations for Arenal area 4 or 5 star hotels, and likewise for Pacific Coast beach hotels?
Also...I have a severe phobia of snakes. If we avoid the obvious...deep rainforest, night hikes & trails...how likely is it that I'd encounter one?

In the Arenal area, both the Springs Resort and Spa and Nayara are very nice upscale hotels, pricey though. On the Pacific coast, we like Tulemar which are individually owned villas.

I grew up with a Dambrosio family.

If you do any guided hikes, let the guide know not to point out any snakes.

We adored Nayara springs in Arenal - I would go back again in a heartbeat

I lived in CR for 13 years until 2019 and unless you are in the city, you can't discount the possibility of a snake encounter.

The Caribbean coast is much nicer in terms of beaches, surfing and the general vibe. There are luxury accommodations out there, but tend to be AirBnBs, villas, etc rather than hotels.

Have never seen snakes at The Springs, Nayara, or Tulemar; they tend to be pretty manicured properties. We have seen snakes at other more jungly locations including a coral snake and a fer de lance.