krissykris

Hi all. We are planning a 10 night trip to CR. We would like to stay 2 nights Arenal, 2 nights Monteverde, then 4-5 nights Manual Antonio. I've also heard Peace Lodge is worthwhile. Would it make sense to spend one night there on the way to Arenal?
Also, need lodging help in Monteverde? Suggestions?
We have plans to stay at the Tobacon Resort in Arenal but I've wondered if this place gets crowded, due to all the tour groups stopping there?

Any lodging/itinerary help would be much appreciated! Thank you!

volcanogirl

Hi, kk - the Peace Lodge is great if you want to spend a super indulgent over-the-top night in CR. It's really posh with great views, waterfall showers, balconies, and 5 beautiful waterfalls that you can hike to. We loved it.

Personally I would not want to stay at Tabacon - it was really packed when we were there. Some people probably like all the activity, but we tend to enjoy a more quiet property - Lost Iguana was really nice. If you like wildlife, the Cano Negro tour is amazing and really fun.

volcanogirl

I know this is a personal choice, but I would spend more time in Arenal than in MA. Arenal has so much to do; I'd get bored in MA for 5 nights - unless you just want to spend the time relaxing on the beach.

ShellD

Regarding Tabacon, we stayed there at the end of April/beginning of May and it wasn't crowded at all. I suppose it depends on when you are going. It was nice enough, but just my personal opinion though - that unless you plan to go to the hot springs daily - I would stay at one of the other "upper" end resorts. Tabacon is very expensive and the rooms are fairly basic. The restaurant is expensive and they don't included breakfast whereas most other hotels do include breakfast. However, if you used the hot springs each day you are there, you would be getting your money's worth. While I enjoyed our stay - I kept thinking we could have saved a lot of money by staying someplace else...Also, at the time of year we were there, the hot springs weren't crowded either. We went in the early evening until about 8 or 9 pm.

However, Peace Lodge- that was really worth it's money - and yes it's a bit over the top! It's a lot of fun though and the rooms are vey luxurious!

And I agree that you really need more than 2 nights in Arenal - keep in mind your travel time....

Have fun!

cmerrell

Hi krissy,

If you have 10 nights how about spending 3 nights in each location and donating the remaining night to the Peace Lodge (at either the beginning or end of your vacation)? Less than 3 nights in Arenal really would be too rushed, imho. Sounds like a great itinerary otherwise.

rmeyer

We stayed at Lost Iguana in Arenal, and El Sapo Dorado in Monteverde, and loved both.

tunadoc

We recently returned from a great 16 day trip to CR, which started in Monteverde and Arenal.

The first 3 days were at the Rainbow Valley Lodge. This a two unit house just outside of Santa Elena (about three minutes drive along the road toward Punta Arenas). We stayed in the upper story, 3 rooms (bedroom, bathroom, and enclosed balcony/kitchenette). Marvelous views across the valley (the one that the Frog Pond is on the edge of). Coatis were there to greet us 6 feet from the balcony 2 of the 3 mornings, breakfasting in the trees. $40/night. The owner was very friendly and helpful.

In Arenal, we would recommend the Volcano Observatory Lodge. The lava flow is very visible day and night from there (clouds permitting). We had a Smithsonian room, and the volcano filled the picture window that the king sized bed was placed right in front of. Unfortunately, the nighttime views were only completely clear for a very short time during our two days there, but the next night was picture perfect (after we had moved on to another hotel in the area!). But the views and grounds were otherwise great, the road getting there was nowhere near as bad as advertised here, and the food and service was good.

I can't comment on the Peace Lodge (we found a cheaper cabin nearby), but the La Paz Waterfall gardens were one of the highlights of the trip. You should try to stop there, at least.

hipvirgochick

tunadoc -- Where did you end up staying near La Paz? How did you like it?