Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [132]
Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens (Map; 2479-1600; www.arenalnayara.com; r US$232, ste US$309, both incl breakfast; ) Opened in 2008, Nayara has quickly become our favorite hotel in the Arenal region. This intimate hotel has 24 casitas with Asian-inspired architecture and minimalist decor. All rooms have exquisite furnishings and bedding, rich woods, flat-screen TV, DVD player, iPod dock and an indoor and separate outdoor shower. But the best feature is outside: your own private balcony with a Jacuzzi where you can soak up surreal views of Arenal volcano. Other amenities include a pool, wine bar and one of the best restaurants in the region. Nayara is one of the most romantic and relaxing hotels in Costa Rica. If you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary or other romantic event, you simply can’t do better than beautiful Nayara.
Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort Lodge (Map; 2256-1500; www.tabacon.com; d incl breakfast US$245-450; ) The original and still one of the finest luxury resorts in the area, the classy complex features 114 recently remodeled rooms and suites, spread out over several buildings that tastefully blend into the tropical rainforest background. All rooms have all the upscale amenities you’d expect, while suites add spacious Jacuzzi tubs. Hot water in showers is naturally heated by the thermal springs. Property amenities include a gym, restaurant, bar, pool and onsite transportation. But the best attraction is the thermal resort and spa across the street. Tabacón lodge guests have unlimited access to the hot springs, which is where you’ll want to spend most of your time if you stay here. The hot springs also offers the best dining options. Tabacón is 13km west of La Fortuna.
Arenal Kioro (Map; 2479-1700; www.hotelarenalkioro.com; s/d incl breakfast US$378/435; ) With in-your-face volcano views, it’s almost scary to think about just how close this hotel is located to Arenal. The 53 all-suite rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic volcano or mountain views, whirlpool tub, balconies and floral decor. There are eight beautiful thermal hot-spring pools surrounded by lush gardens. Onsite amenities include a restaurant, gym, gameroom and full-service spa.
SOUTH OF TOWN
Just a few kilometers south of town, a mostly dirt road trundles up to the base of Cerro Chato, and hotels now dot either side of the path where before there were fincas. A few of these hotels are listed in order of distance from the main road.
Even further flung is the village of Chachagua, about 8km south along the road to San Ramón. Crisscrossed by local rivers, this area is a quiet place in the rainforest, away from the touristy brouhaha of La Fortuna.
Cabinas La Catarata (Map; 2479-9753; r US$30; ) About 1km further up the road, you’ll see a few places offering cabinas; of these, this riverside, family-run spot is by far the best value. Though the wood-walled cabins are simple, they’re spotlessly clean and come with fully equipped kitchen, TV and hot water. Some sleep up to eight people, and the setting is peaceful and rustic.
Catarata Eco-Lodge (Map; 2479-9522; www.cataratalodge.com; s/d incl breakfast US$63/69; ) Well, they do recycle and don’t automatically throw your linens in the wash every day; apart from that, the ‘eco’ of this lodge extends to simply caring about the environment. But it has a gorgeous setting at the base of Cerro Chato, and the staff takes beautiful care of the garden, pool and guests.
Villas Josipek (Map; 2430-5252, 2479-9555; www.costaricavillasjosipek.com; s/d/tr US$40/75/93; ) In the village of Chachagua, these immaculate, simple wooden cabins with volcano views are surrounded by private rainforest trails that penetrate the Bosque Eterno de los Niños. All eight of the cabins have full kitchen, and the largest sleeps up to