HI!
We are planning a two night stay in the Arenal area as part of our honeymoon in either November or December. My wife has done a LOT of research and narrowed down our hotel choices to The Springs and Royal Corin. We were originally planning on finding a more budget-friendly place here but since it's our honeymoon, we want to treat ourselves, within reason. Our dilemma is that we can book the Master Suite at the Royal Corin for much less than a basic room at The Springs. The Springs look amazing though and we know we'd love being able to walk out of our room and experience them. We have ruled out Tabacon for a variety of reasons so it's not in the running for us.
Anyone been to both? If it helps here's our list of pros and cons for both...
Royal Corin PROS:
*Great price on a Master Suite - What an amazing room it would be!
*Package includes breakfasts and a dinner and lunch per stay.
*Package includes a 30 min massage and facial per guest per stay.
*Closer to town.
*We understand Eco Termales and Baldi are close should we wish to experience more authentic, natural hot springs...
Royal Corin CONS:
*No "real" hot springs despite their glamourous looking pools.
*Some say it's too modern but we will be experiencing "Pura Vida" style lodges and jungle environments in other areas during our stay.
The Springs PROS:
*Hot Springs at your doorstep!
*More of a jungle environment.
*Reputation
*$115 spa credit included with special package.
The Springs CONS:
*More expensive/ High price for basic room
*Farther from town
*Breakfast not included
*We have heard about the "caged animals" but learned from friends that they are kept humanely and were rescued from being euthanized!
We both like the looks of both hotels so we're almost at the point of flipping a coin. We like the location and look of Royal Corin, especially that pimped out Master Suite but worry we'll be missing out on the hot spring experience. We plan on zip lining at dining at Don Rufino's one night so our time is tight over our 2 night stay. If only we could stay longer and try both hotels!
Thanks again for your help Trip Advisors! Mucho Gracias! :)