“Wonderful hospitality and brand new rooms with a pool”
Lavas de Arenal was a wonderful surprise as we were warmly welcomed by the kind owners. The quiet, clean & comfortable rooms were new (only a couple months old, and had air conditioning). The poolside setting was lovingly landscaped next to a river and backing onto a biological reserve. We weren't there a few minutes before hummingbirds were buzzing around us and toucans were calling from the trees. We saw poison dart frogs there too. We appreciated that this secure spot was a short drive outside of La Fortuna because the town itself was a bit touristy & hectic, and safe parking seemed scarce on the main streets of town. Be forewarned that Lavas de Arenal is actually in the small village of El Bosque. It is about 5-10 minutes south of La Fortuna a short distance down a paved road to the west off route 134 (Route 134 leads to San Pedro, Le Tigre, and then down to the Interamericana Highway Rte 1). There are plenty of Lavas de Arenal signs along route 134 to help guide you there. You can hike into the biological reserve just down the street from the hotel, and they have drinks available for purchase at the hotel, but you will have to drive into La Fortuna for food or most other amenities. We really enjoyed our stay there and would recommend it for those with a car seeking clean, quiet, friendly and affordable accommodations near Arenal volcano.