I've been reading the reviews of this hotel, and was getting excited until I went on the hotel's site and saw the prices. We'll be on our honeymoon, but the $250+ rate is a bit rich for our blood. I went on hotels.com and found a rate for $134, excluding taxes. This is more up our alley, but it almost seems to be too good to be true. Anyone ever have problems booking on hotels.com?

I like the location of El Silencio--seems like it's close to town and taxis would be cheaper, but I'd love to get other Arenal hotel recs for the $100-$140 range!

And one other question: How far in advance do you have to book excursions and tours? Can we wait until we arrive or should we do it in advance?