If it wasn’t named Mountain Paradise Hotel for its spectacular location, it should have been. Mountain Paradise is situated high up in the mountains across from Volcan Arenal. Guests here have amazing volcano views from every spot on the hotel’s property. Each villa was built with this in mind, so that every room has excellent vistas.

Arriving at Tabacón feels like you have discovered a secret wooded paradise. A pleasant and plentiful staff greet you at the door in classy green Hawaiian shirts (yes they pull this off) and hand you a fresh juice and cold towel. The main reception area, which boasts a small bar, gift shop and tour desk is a mixture of dark wooden posts and beams with mossy lime colored walls that set the theme for this luxury rain forest retreat.

Arenal Springs is a nice little open family hotel, with a small resort feel to it. It has a good feeling of space to it, with little individual bungalows for guests, each of which are designed to face the Volcano.

This recently opened hotel (December 2007) features 24 rooms all overlooking the Arenal volcano. They all have private terraces with jacuzzi, perfect for a relaxed/romantic setting. The rooms are nicely decorated and the beds are very comfortable. Nicely appointed with all amenities: flat panel TV, A/C, hot shower, hair drier, safe, iPod stand, telephone.

Zig-zagging around the mountain at night, the only colors your eyes can catch are the red and yellow light deflectors lining the street. Here and there, a spark of light discovers a patch of grass, trees and wild flowers; beyond, a glimpse of a colossal mountain. Sudden moonlight unveils the never-ending lake lost in the black horizon as you reach the apex of the hill, giving you the chance to contemplate for a moment the Arenal Dam resting on the shore. A turn, and uphill again—a drop of red ichor slides down the mountainside in the distance unmasking the nightly visage of the Arenal Volcano. The distinguishing fresh smell of the jungle intensifies as the concert of crickets and night birds welcomes you. You have arrived to Lost Iguana.