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Arenal Observatory Lodge & TrailsvsHotel Banana Azul
Both properties are recommended by travel writers. On balance, Hotel Banana Azul ranks significantly higher than Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa. Hotel Banana Azul scores 86 with endorsements from 3 publications such as The Telegraph, Afar Magazine and Lonely Planet.
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
Afar Magazine
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet
Frommer's
Oyster
23 km west from La Fortuna town, Main road to Arenal National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
From $147/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Shuttle Bus
Afar Magazine "Within the grounds of the Arenal Observatory Lodge in Costa Rica, there are several paths of varying length that can be walked." Full review
Fodor's "These cozy, comfortable, and simple rooms allow you to sleep as close as anyone should to a volcano—it's a mere 2¾ km (1¾ miles) away, and stellar views and outdoor activities are what the place is all about." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Close enough to Arenal Volcano for visitors to hear and feel the nearly constant rumbling, this observatory (on a hillside just over a mile from the peak) gets excellent views of the eruptions." Full review
Lonely Planet "Rooms range from La Casona’s rustic doubles with shared bathrooms and views from the porch, to plus junior suites, with king-size beds, local art and huge picture windows framing the volcano." Full review
Frommer's "The views from the rooms, restaurant, and common areas are simply spectacular. The main dining room features a massive wall of glass, with a V-shaped peak that perfectly frames the volcano." Full review
OysterMid-Range
"This all-inclusive, 864-acre, 48-room property on a mountain has some of the best views in the area of both the lake and the volcano, and allows guests to be immersed in the rainforest" Full review
Hotel Banana Azul Afar Magazine Lonely Planet
The Telegraph Fodor's Travel + Leisure Frommer's Oyster
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
From $133/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Restaurant
Afar Magazine "Tucked away in its own little world, a 20 minute beach walk north of the laid back surfer town of Puerto Viejo, Hotel Banana Azul is a little piece of heaven." Full review
Lonely Planet "Removed from town, this romantic hotel sits astride a blissfully tranquil black-sand beach." Full review
The Telegraph9.0
"Banana Azul is the ultimate romantic retreat on Costa Rica’s diverse and funky Caribbean Coast." Full review
Fodor's "Hardwood furnishings are abundant at this gay-friendly (but by no means exclusive) hotel at the secluded far end of Playa Negra." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Hotel Banana Azul is perpetually improving and tweaking its intimate 14-room retreat on a dramatic—and private—stretch of black-sand beach." Full review
Frommer's "Features such fabulous touches as koi ponds with turtles in the middle of the ceramic-tiled common lounge. One of the top draws here is the Azul Beach Club, which serves food and drinks on the beach" Full review
OysterUpper-middle-range
"The 14-room Hotel Banana Azul is one of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca's smaller properties. The upper-middle-range hotel is tucked away along the Costa Rican town's popular surf beach, Playa..." Full review
