www.CostaRicaTicas.com

That almost sounds Steven1 like.....


Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

Prolijo - I think you actually understand the Tica mindset. Are you sure you're not "tucking?"

I think I found a good place... not too expensive, but we'll be comfortable and not overrun with families.

I would recommend just going to Lafortuna, getting a room when you get there. There are plenty available that time of year. I like the all day pass at Baldi. I also recommend the LaFortuna waterfall, it is a hell of a walk back up though. The girls typically wont appreciate a $300 a night place and are more likely to think you are silly for wasting money.

There is one good Itlaina restaurant wiht an open air bar right in the middle of LaFortuna that is also good.

Interbus and Grayline both go there and the local bus from Coca Cola only costs a few bucks.

If you stay in Lafortuna you can walk to restaurants and shopping and then take whatever tours you want. At the resorts you are locked in wiothout a rental car and will spend a bunch on drivers.

BKTUNA
I am never going home

I just got back from Arenal. My 5th trip, and it's the first time i've seen the volcano

However, I must say, if you are looking to do this in style, there is no better place than "The Springs spa and resort". I spent 2 days there, and it was simply amazing. This place rivals the Belagio for luxury. The bathrooms even in their worst rooms are amazing... deep jacuzzi tubs that can easily fit two people (even if one of them is a bit on the grande side). The thermal pools are simply fantastic, and they ahve a set of "lost" pools in the jungle that are very secluded. If you go during the week you may be one of, or the only people there. (we saw only one other couple when we were there).

It's expensive, but right now the rates are good.. the food is excellent, but expensive, and drinks are expensive... it's expensive all around, but I firmly believe it was worth it. This would go for $1000 a night in vegas easy.

The service is top notch, everyone speaks english, it's not tico owned (they also own "The Peace Lodge" at La Paz waterfall.) and i don't think a tico hand touched any of the construction.. it's amazingly detailed and hand crafted wood, marble imported from peru, etc.. You really have to see this place, even if it's to visit for a day. The rooms are nice though, plasma TV's, wet bar with cold beverages and a wine selection (in room). The bed is king sized with a "perfect sleep" pillow top (non-feather, so i'ts hypo-allergenic). Air conditioned. Every room has an amazing view of the volcano (assuming it's visible, but even when it's not it's still a great view of the valley).

I can't gush enough about this place...

http://www.thespringscostarica.com

A strong kudos to Brother TMG for this mention. The least expensive room I saw was $265/day 'til 15 Nov. but if you're bucks-up, this is the place to stay. The Website was honest enough to emphasize that construction was going on.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

That was the best advice in this whole thread. Covered all the bases and was short and to the point (unlike my posts)

You can get lucky like I did in July of 2001 and the sky was clear all day and night, great time at Arenal.