We stayed in the new Royal Coop. This place is AWESOME. The owner is great, the breakfasts he makes are UNBELIEVABLE, varied, beautiful, delicious. The lake is a short drive or reasonable walk away and is free, not at all crowded, and a delight to swim. But the most incredible feature is the Coop itself - more like a free-standing deluxe and superbly designed bird watching experience. Sit on the shaded deck and observe- and hear- birds ranging from numerous species of hummingbirds to groups of very friendly and social turkey vultures, toucans, oropedolas, magpie jays, laughing falcons, and scores of others. Wake with the roosters and you’ve got a good chance of seeing the sun rise behind the Arenal Volcano. We loved this place.