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Rancho Margot

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Rancho Margot

A stone pool with wooden lounge chairs, a thatched roof, and a stone wall.
A wooden staircase leading to a small building surrounded by dense tropical vegetation.
A garden with a pond, stone steps, and lush greenery.
A couple in a clear indoor pool with lounge chairs and a stone wall.
A rustic wooden structure with a stone pathway leading to a covered seating area.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
3km West of El Castillo Center, Tronadora, Alajuela, 21007

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room

A room with two wooden beds, a wooden bench, a wooden table, and a ceiling fan.

Deluxe Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 376 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Bungalow

A wooden bed in a room with a tiled floor and a painting on the wall.

Superior Bungalow

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Tronadora

Located within a mile (2 km) of Lake Arenal, Rancho Margot is within 3 miles (5 km) of Butterfly Conservatory. This 39-room, 3-star resort has free breakfast along with conveniences like an outdoor pool and an indoor pool.
View more Resorts in TronadoraOpens in a new window

Restaurants

  • Shangri-La Gardens
  • Restaurante El Jilguero
  • Cafeteria Selva Verde
  • La Mesa de Mamá
  • Ave Restaurant

About this property

Rancho Margot

At Rancho Margot, guests enjoy features like an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi in public areas. You can take advantage of free offsite parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 170 per vehicle one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with concierge services, luggage storage, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include meeting rooms, conference space, and coffee/tea in a common area.
An indoor pool and an outdoor pool are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Jul 7 - Jul 8
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Rancho Margot Restaurant

Things to do

  • Fishing
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Indoor pool
  • Library
  • Natural pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Conference space
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • On a lake
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Banquet hall
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally sourced food prioritized
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Non-plastic coffee stirrers available
  • Non-plastic drinking straws available
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle

More

  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 9 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 9 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 170 per vehicle (one-way)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3 PM—-9 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free nearby parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Rancho Margot All meals included Resort El Castillo
Rancho Margot El Castillo
Rancho Margot Hotel
Rancho Margot Hotel El Castillo
Rancho Margot Hotel Arenal Volcano National Park
Rancho Margot All meals included El Castillo
Rancho Margot meals included
Rancho Margot Meals Included
Rancho Margot All meals included
Rancho Margot - All meals included Resort
Rancho Margot - All meals included Peñas Blancas
Rancho Margot - All meals included Resort Peñas Blancas

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see around Rancho Margot?

This resort is located in Tronadora, close to Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano, and Tabacon Hot Springs. You'll also find Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park and Costa Rica Sky Adventures nearby.

How much does it cost to stay at Rancho Margot?

As of Jul 6, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rancho Margot on Jul 7, 2026 start from $259, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available on site at Rancho Margot?

No, there isn't parking at the resort but you'll find free parking.

Does Rancho Margot feature a casino?

No, Rancho Margot doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Rancho Margot?

Yes, this resort has an indoor pool along with an outdoor pool.

Is Rancho Margot a good place to stay for couples?

This riverfront resort offers plenty of amenities for couples including a garden-view restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge.

Does Rancho Margot have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this resort.

Does Rancho Margot have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Rancho Margot serves free buffet breakfast at Rancho Margot Restaurant each morning.

Will Rancho Margot allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Rancho Margot.

Does Rancho Margot have connecting rooms available?

No, this resort doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Rancho Margot?

The closest major airport to Rancho Margot is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), which is about 10.3 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Rancho Margot?

Yes, some guestrooms at this resort offer either a furnished balcony and a patio where guests can enjoy mountain and garden views.

Does Rancho Margot have a wedding venue?

If wedding bells are in your future, take advantage of the wedding venue at Rancho Margot.

Rancho Margot Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

6/10 Okay

Zachary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay. The staff were great, the food was great, and the surrounding were beautiful
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very special, almost magical place!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

osman

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place. flora, landscape, birds singing all the time, yoga, fishing, horseback riding, night tour with wild life, the cold and warm pools were all great. Staff was great, friendly. Food was simple, delicious. Wood fired pizza was to die for. This place is heaven on earth. Quite, simple but satisfying and beautiful in every way if you are into simply nature.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Palmer

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The commitment to sustainable eco resort is comprehensive in scope and detail with very generous farm to table meals and well meaning interactive activities.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Lorna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely self sustaining eco resort in the midst of the forest. We loved the food, the coziness of the cabin, the yoga classes, and wandering around the property. The farm tour and the night tour were fun activities to do with a 4 year old. We did not like: occasional smell of sewage around the property, especially around the pools. Dated bathrooms in cabins - needs a refresh. Construction noise around the property.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alberto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Able to connect with nature and have the ranch experience. Outstanding people that make you feel welcomed.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lourdes

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a retreat from the WORLD
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

fabulous stay

Excellent sustainable farm stay! Highlight of our trip. Educational walks were wonderful as well as staff and food.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location with a great story of hoow it got started. Highly recommend this place to everyone and anyone. Staff were fantastic, our tour was insightful and the food was amazing and so fresh. Came with 3 kids age 1,3 and 5 and they absolutely loved the place as much as we did.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We are two young kids and two parents. If you’re going with the expectations afforded to an all-inclusive (whatever that means now), then I imagine you’ll be satisfied, even delighted with the facility and how its run. Much to its credit, Rancho Margot is not that however. Its staff and facilities take care of you to the highest standard with a feeling of community similar to that of a summer camp or a kindly country uncle, right down to the family dog that joins you every day for a swim in the pond (warm and cool). All of this with sustainability in mind. It’s truly incredible what is developing there and what have already been achieved. They offered a chance to be part of that which you can’t get anywhere else that I know of. It’s tough to get to (although getting easier), and booze is expensive (which is par). Rooms are excellent, people are wonderful, farm is awesome, area is beautiful, bugs were easily handled, I could go in and on. It’s high on the list of places to return to. We’re already planning to take more family next year.
The pools are really great. Very warm and cool.
Every morning and evening I sat there
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

All I had hoped for

Staff very friendly and helpful. Helped plan excursions and able to speak English & Spanish. New Years was a blast❣️
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very cool experience, very minimal room amenities (none). Super rustic but very authentic and educational and beautiful Hummingbirds everywhere! Farm tour, horse back riding and hiking!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Rancho Margot is a gem

I can’t say enough about Rancho Margot. It’s relaxing, inspiring in its commit to sustainability, and the staff is wonderful. It’s a gem in a beautiful part of the world. We loved the tours, the free workshops, the forest walks, the pools, the food. All great.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Gardens a bit scruffy, buffet food service, wine v expensive, no views, staff v pleasant
Verified

8/10 Good

Kirsten

Disliked: Room comfort
Our experionce was good, although it was difficult to get around with a child in a wheelchair. The place is very nice and so are the cottages and the simple but tasty food. But we did find that the staff at the front desk were inexperienced which at times led to misunderstanding.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As a solo traveler, I was welcomed and my needs were met from the very beginning. The owner, Juan, joined me for dinner the first night, which was welcomed and resulted in a very interesting conversation. The bungalow I was assigned was very comfortable. The farm tour is not to be missed. The included three meals per day were tasty and satisfying. The rancho and its facilities are well thought out, efficient, and highly sustainable. Truly a remarkable experience. Highly recommended (don't forget to bring and apply bug spray).
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really loved this place and already want to return. Two days is not enough time! It is rustic, like glamping accommodations but if you’re into health, authenticity, and sustainability, it’s such a dreamy, magical place. I loved the horse riding and farm tour. Make time for them. The farm tour is thorough! We wished we could make the cheese and soap but ran out of time to take those classes. The food was so great—the tomatoes taste like tomatoes! The WiFi is spotty in the cabin & frankly it helped my mental health! The front desk and staff are so kind and real people who truly connect with you.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at Rancho Margot. The staff was so kind and accomadating. The property was lovely, it was so nice that food was included. We loved going to see the animals. The Pook is warm and fun for kids to swim in. It was more adventurous as the drive in is on a dirt road. I definitely recommend driving to La Fortuna first and coming on the road from La Fortuna. We drove straight from Liberia and it was a rough road where we crossed several rivers, including a VERY large one at the very end. I highly reccommend this ecolodge. The rooms you stay in are separate little bungalows with a porch and hammock, which is fun!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stunning stay!

I came here for 3 days and rented a deluxe cabin. We had the most amazing time at rancho Margot. The photos don't do it justice! It is stunning. It is so relaxing and mind altering. I would highly recommend taking them up on the farm tour. It is so informative and you can just feel how much the property means to everyone who works/lives there. You could certainly bring a light raincoat however they provide umbrellas which we found more that sufficient. There were some mosquitos but being from canada they were do where near as bad as we are used to.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Jackson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Eco Jungle Ranch

Exactly what we were looking for in an eco + budget friendly stay in the heart of Costa Rica. Far away enough from the hustle and tourist madness of La Fortuna but close enough that you can still take a short drive to all the sights. Rancho Margot food was average and having access to three meals a day was clutch. Legit working farm and the tour is a must. Horse back riding with a river crossing. Played soccer, pool, ping pong. Yoga classes in a true pura vida scene. El Mirador hike for volcano views. Not fancy amenities but clean rooms and fresh farm made soap. All the jungle feels and sounds. Extremely friendly young staff that truly seemed that they enjoyed their jobs.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was amazing, literally one of the most beautiful properties that I have ever stayed at! The staff were so accomodating, especially given a reservation error . They had us check in, stated they would handle the problem with Expedia, and told us the most important thing is that we have a good time. AND THEY LIVED UP TO IT! I couldn't believe there wasn't 100 extra charges and excuses etc--such incredible service! Our family of (6) kept busy on the hiking trails, at the beautiful river/waterfalls/rapids, reading on our porch hammocks, sitting by the big dining-side fireplace, or grabbing a beer at their cute little bar. We would absolutely return! Thank you Rancho Margot!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Most visitors stay longer than we did to learn about the permaculture and sustainability ethos or there on a volunteering stint, but we were made to feel very welcome. The staff are friendly, helpful and passionate about their home. Our 2-night stay allowed us to enjoy a morning farm tour and evening twilight walk, hike up to the top of the property to take in the spectacular views of the lake and volcano, afternoon horse riding hack to explore the surrounding areas and relaxing dip in the spring pools. Our deluxe room was big and comfortable with farm made soap provided. The kitchen staff provided meals that represented the farm to plate and local community buying concept and the pizza made with farm made cheese was some of the best I've eaten. Wi-fi was available in the bar and communal areas, but not the rooms. The drive into Rancho Margot is bumpy and unmade, so slow and although a 4x4 isn't a must, it is recommended. It's a great base to look upon the Arenal sights rather than being in it and looking outwards.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
If you're interested in sustainability, the environment and being in the wilderness, this is an amazing place to be. The farm tour was incredible. The area it's in is absolute heaven, surrounded by rainforest and rivers and on the edge of a lake under a volcano. The bird life is astounding and the activities and tours available are great. The room I was in was very small, but perfect for 1 person. 2 would people would have been cosy. But it has a gorgeous little terrace out the front and back with a hammock :) The food is fresh and delicious and simple, although not a huge variety as each day is very similar. The daily yoga was delightful and in a beautiful setting. The downsides are, it's very isolated. You can't walk anywhere easily so you do need a car. It rains a lot. it is the rainforest so it's to be expected(!) but nothing dries and everything is damp. With this comes mosquitos! So take lots of spray, they seemed to stay away, once I was covered in Deet. The other slightly disappointing thing was that most (not all) of the staff seemed very bored and miserable. They were all helpful and polite, but they didn't seem too happy! The tour guides were good and knowledgable, but didn't go much beyond the necessary. I was there for 5 nights, which was maybe a little too long without a car and eating the same food every day. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and amazing to see the biodiversity and positive environmental impact they are having.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeroen van

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
De accommodatie en de locatie waren helemaal top. Je waant je midden in de jungle. Het is wel ruim 30 minuten rijden vanuit La Fortuna, doordat de laatste 15 minuten over een onverharde weg zijn. Wij hadden wel een 4x4 maar zagen ook kleine auto's zonder 4x4 op de locatie. Het eten is lokaal, basic, maar erg lekker. Verwacht geen patat en hamburgers, maar er is wel iedere dag pizza. Het zwembad is lekker verwarmd en erg leuk voor de kinderen. Personeel is erg vriendelijk. Verwacht geen luxe van een hotel, dus ik denk dat het niet voor iedereen is weggelegd, maar wij hebben een super fijne tijd gehad met onze 3 kleine kinderen.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
C’est une magnifique expérience. La nourriture est incluse et délicieuse. Le personnel est passionné et c’est vraiment un projet grandiose qui mérite d’être vécu.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024