Buena Vista Lodge is a two-and-a-half-pearl property located on the outskirts of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The lodge’s 76 rooms are plain and practical, with no TVs, no AC, and minimal natural light; however, it’s the exciting line-up of activities that draw guests to this property, rather than the rooms. The lodge’s back country location lends itself to adventure and nature pursuits ranging from canopy tours to lounging in hot springs. Free breakfast is included, and there are a handful of dining options on the property -- an important feature considering that the nearest restaurants and shops are a rough, one-hour drive away. Travelers interested in active getaways in Rincon de la Vieja might want to compare rates and amenities with Hacienda Guachipelin.
Buena Vista Lodge is a two-and-a-half-pearl property located on the outskirts of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The lodge’s 76 rooms are plain and practical, with no TVs, no AC, and minimal natural light; however, it’s the exciting line-up of activities that draw guests to this property, rather than the rooms. The lodge’s back country location lends itself to adventure and nature pursuits ranging from canopy tours to lounging in hot springs. Free breakfast is included, and there are a handful of dining options on the property -- an important feature considering that the nearest restaurants and shops are a rough, one-hour drive away. Travelers interested in active getaways in Rincon de la Vieja might want to compare rates and amenities with Hacienda Guachipelin.
It's all about the Suites at Hotel Plaza Yara, an intimate, mid-range boutique hotel located off of Route 618, the road to Manuel Antonio National Park. Each of the 14 units here is a spacious Suite decorated in hues of soft gray and white. Kitchens are stocked with a microwave, sink, coffeemaker, refrigerator, and little extras like a bag of microwavable popcorn and local coffee. Huge bathrooms have some of the strongest water pressure in the area. The lobby shares its space with a local art gallery and there's a small pool that overlooks the neighboring rain forest. Made-to-order breakfast is included in the room rate, but there's no full restaurant or bar affiliated with the hotel. For those who want private beach access, compare rates at nearby Karahe Hotel, but expect smaller rooms.
It's all about the Suites at Hotel Plaza Yara, an intimate, mid-range boutique hotel located off of Route 618, the road to Manuel Antonio National Park. Each of the 14 units here is a spacious Suite decorated in hues of soft gray and white. Kitchens are stocked with a microwave, sink, coffeemaker, refrigerator, and little extras like a bag of microwavable popcorn and local coffee. Huge bathrooms have some of the strongest water pressure in the area. The lobby shares its space with a local art gallery and there's a small pool that overlooks the neighboring rain forest. Made-to-order breakfast is included in the room rate, but there's no full restaurant or bar affiliated with the hotel. For those who want private beach access, compare rates at nearby Karahe Hotel, but expect smaller rooms.
Hotel Villa Casa Blanca is a three-pearl hotel that's a 10-minute walk from Playa Ocotal. The hotel’s 15 guest rooms are homey if somewhat dated, some with full kitchens or ocean views. On-site amenities include a modest pool with a swim-up bar, as well as free breakfast served on an inviting terrace. The hotel’s relaxed vibe and laid-back location are a good fit for those interested in staying near one of the region’s less-touristy beaches; but guests looking for a buzzing nightlife scene would be better off elsewhere. Those interested in an intimate hotel right on the sands might want to compare rates and amenities with Hotel RipJack Inn on Playa Grande.
Hotel Villa Casa Blanca is a three-pearl hotel that's a 10-minute walk from Playa Ocotal. The hotel’s 15 guest rooms are homey if somewhat dated, some with full kitchens or ocean views. On-site amenities include a modest pool with a swim-up bar, as well as free breakfast served on an inviting terrace. The hotel’s relaxed vibe and laid-back location are a good fit for those interested in staying near one of the region’s less-touristy beaches; but guests looking for a buzzing nightlife scene would be better off elsewhere. Those interested in an intimate hotel right on the sands might want to compare rates and amenities with Hotel RipJack Inn on Playa Grande.
La Posada Private Jungle Bungalows is a budget option with an incredible location directly next to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park and a three-minute walk to the beach. Rates are low for the area, and include a free daily breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, and limited street parking. Rooms range from a two-story villa that sleeps six to cute bungalows with microwaves, small refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Three of the eight rooms face the street and can be a bit noisy. A limited restaurant serves a free breakfast and casual fare, but there are better options within fast walking distance for lunch and dinner. The vibe here is warm and convivial, with guests gathering on their porches or by the small pool to play guitar or swap monkey sighting stories. Family-style dinner is served for free three nights a week. For those who want bigger pools and sunset views, check out Hotel San Bada across the street -- but expect to pay more.
La Posada Private Jungle Bungalows is a budget option with an incredible location directly next to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park and a three-minute walk to the beach. Rates are low for the area, and include a free daily breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, and limited street parking. Rooms range from a two-story villa that sleeps six to cute bungalows with microwaves, small refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Three of the eight rooms face the street and can be a bit noisy. A limited restaurant serves a free breakfast and casual fare, but there are better options within fast walking distance for lunch and dinner. The vibe here is warm and convivial, with guests gathering on their porches or by the small pool to play guitar or swap monkey sighting stories. Family-style dinner is served for free three nights a week. For those who want bigger pools and sunset views, check out Hotel San Bada across the street -- but expect to pay more.
Nepenthe is a remote, modest seven-room hotel off the beaten track from the Arenal tourist circuit and just outside small-town El Castillo, close to the lake and the southwest slope of the volcano. It offers a choice of modest motel-like rooms in the main building or kitchenette-appointed cabins below. The hotel is too far to be convenient to La Fortuna's tourist hub, but it's within a 40-minute drive of the entrance to Arenal National Park and offers a slice of local tico culture. The unofficial hotel restaurant next door, Tres Cabras, serves seasonal fare; the pool has an excellent view of the lake; and treatments are available at a small, simple spa. Travelers who want a similar hotel closer to La Fortuna may want to check out the Hotel Cerro Azul just south of town -- though it lacks Nepenthe's pool and views.
Nepenthe is a remote, modest seven-room hotel off the beaten track from the Arenal tourist circuit and just outside small-town El Castillo, close to the lake and the southwest slope of the volcano. It offers a choice of modest motel-like rooms in the main building or kitchenette-appointed cabins below. The hotel is too far to be convenient to La Fortuna's tourist hub, but it's within a 40-minute drive of the entrance to Arenal National Park and offers a slice of local tico culture. The unofficial hotel restaurant next door, Tres Cabras, serves seasonal fare; the pool has an excellent view of the lake; and treatments are available at a small, simple spa. Travelers who want a similar hotel closer to La Fortuna may want to check out the Hotel Cerro Azul just south of town -- though it lacks Nepenthe's pool and views.
Hotel California is one of the more affordable hotels in Manuel Antionio, offering all the perks found at competing mid-range hotels, but lower rates due to the less than convenient location. Guests must drive (or walk) 200 meters up a gravel road from the main paved road that leads to Manuel Antonio Park and Beach. The 28 basic rooms have furnished balconies, some with phenomenal Pacific Ocean views. There's an outdoor swimming pool as well as an adjacent restaurant that provides free breakfast buffet and excellent lunches and dinners at a reasonable cost for the area. Downsides include minor maintenance issues and no Wi-Fi in the rooms. It may be worth comparing rates with Falls Resort, which has nicer rooms, or Karahe Hotel, which has more basic rooms but private beach access.
Hotel California is one of the more affordable hotels in Manuel Antionio, offering all the perks found at competing mid-range hotels, but lower rates due to the less than convenient location. Guests must drive (or walk) 200 meters up a gravel road from the main paved road that leads to Manuel Antonio Park and Beach. The 28 basic rooms have furnished balconies, some with phenomenal Pacific Ocean views. There's an outdoor swimming pool as well as an adjacent restaurant that provides free breakfast buffet and excellent lunches and dinners at a reasonable cost for the area. Downsides include minor maintenance issues and no Wi-Fi in the rooms. It may be worth comparing rates with Falls Resort, which has nicer rooms, or Karahe Hotel, which has more basic rooms but private beach access.
This mid-range gated resort has 47 terraced bungalows that seem to climb up the side of Arenal volcano. These big-windowed but dimly lit wooden cabins don't always have stunning views of the volcano, but each one has two private decks. The property is about 10 minutes north of La Fortuna by car, and property features include a swimming pool, hot tub, excellent restaurant serving all three meals (including the free breakfast), and a bar with volcano views. There are no hot springs, though; for that, consider Hotel El Silencio del Campo.
This mid-range gated resort has 47 terraced bungalows that seem to climb up the side of Arenal volcano. These big-windowed but dimly lit wooden cabins don't always have stunning views of the volcano, but each one has two private decks. The property is about 10 minutes north of La Fortuna by car, and property features include a swimming pool, hot tub, excellent restaurant serving all three meals (including the free breakfast), and a bar with volcano views. There are no hot springs, though; for that, consider Hotel El Silencio del Campo.
A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."
A posh wonderland for affluent Americans and their kids, the 74-room luxury resort The Springs is 165 acres of seemingly endless pools and hot springs, restaurants, and activities -- all hidden on a volcano-facing slope seemingly in the middle of nowhere. (Expect a long, bumpy ride to and from the hotel that will dissuade you from day trips off the property). The Club Rio outdoor center allows guests to experience everything from river tubing to horseback riding right on-site. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms with good views of the volcano to entire villas modeled after Swiss ski chalets. Though the nearest notable property is the vastly different (and quirky) Leaves and Lizards, The Springs' main luxury competition comes from the smaller Nayara resorts. The Springs, however, gets to brag that it hosted Jay-Z and Beyonce during a much-publicized couples getaway -- not to mention an episode of "The Bachelor."