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Recent guest reviews

A beautiful property with a wonderful view of the volcano. We were in an economy vehicle and were able to get up the steep entrance road with no issues. Simple but lovely accommodation, good food on site and lovey grounds. We also did a horseback ride that allowed us to see more of the beautiful property. We did our own night walk around the property and saw a number of frogs. AC is available but we didn't need it in August. Porches are great for enjoying the sites and sounds of the rainforest.

The place was great, the only thing we did not know is that the property located on mountain top, which was a mile from the entrance at the foot of mountain. Going in and out is taking 10 mins driving one way. You may like it for privacy, but some people may not because of the inconvenience.

Owner seemed like she did not want guests to stay there and often asked us if we were checking out that day. She was very passive aggressive towards the guests. Many complained about the portions in the breakfast menu and owner wanted an upcharge for items that were supposed to be included. Penny pinching everywhere, from the breakfast, to the amount of staff they had on busy season. You could clearly see that the staff was overworked as service was slow and some of the waitresses were also cleaning rooms(explains why she kept telling guests that they did not need room service). The rest of the staff was very friendly, but it seems like everyhwere you looked, there was an attempt to save money (from the appliances in the room, to not wanting to provide housekeeping, to the lack of staff in the lobby, to keeping the hottubs off to save elctricity) .... deffinately could have been a better experience considering the location and size of the place. Next time ill be staying in another place where the owner is more considerate of their guests.

Amazing lodge in the rainforest. We ate at the restaurant many times and the food was always great! The owners are amazing and add to the experience with knowledge and humor!

Outstanding view, excellent food and great service

The property is beautiful and feels remote yet is close enough to everything you need. The view from our chalet was incredible! The staff was very kind, helpful, and responsive. We had a wonderful time!

The location and property was absolutely perfect and stunning. The maintenance of the property was impeccable. It was a unique escape from the hustle of Los Angeles, California. Our view from room 311 will always be in my memory....when u open balcony doors to a view of Arenal Volcano and listen to the sounds of various birds such as Toucans. The trails of the property were breath taking. The staff were an absolute joy. The front desk staff of Gaby and Cesar were very hospitable and kind. The concierge, Jesse, from Jacamar Tours was helpful and networks like no other. The grounds people are friendly. All I can say it was truely "Pura Vida."

Great staff and location! We loved staying here especially enjoyed the pool and jacuzzi.

The view was fantastic. We were above the tree tops.

Beautiful grounds and hiking trails. Great restaurant.

The lodge was on a gorgeous, remote property, far from the road. The terrain on the drive up was a bit dangerous, so rent a vehicle with 4 wheel drive. The staff was accommodating and friendly and the housekeeper kept the room tidy and welcoming. The front desk and restaurant staff were so kind, friendly and helpful! My only concern was that the back door just seemed very easy to break into which is a little scary. We also encountered a snake in the shower which the hotel staff kindly removed without a problem :) we think it got in under some space under the door that faced the garden. We loved our stay!!

Grounds are fantastic, can take a day just to wander. Drawback is it's out of the way, dining out is difficult as a taxi is required.

Beautiful location, spacious and venerable lodge, with beautiful pool and hot tubs, all well-tended and very inviting. Food in the lodge restaurant was varied and very good, staff was wonderful and services were all timely and thorough. Jesse at the activities desk is an energetic and well-informed lady. The drive to the lodge from the highway is 2 km long and fairly steep and rough at times, but no matter for us, as we had Jesse schedule zip line and river rafting activities and all included transportation in nice, air-conditioned vans to and fro. We would definitely choose this place again, in large part because it's well away from the traffic and bustle of La Fortuna.

We stayed in one of the Chalets at Arenal Lodge. The views of the volcano were breathtaking. The property had several nature trails with lots of floral and fauna to view. It is a very hilly property so be prepared to walk as the resturant, pool, bar, etc are a good distance from the chalets. If staying here make sure you make time to explore the nature trails. We saw hummingbirds and howler monkeys plus much more on the property. The chalet was not air conditioned which led to dampness in the room and a camp feel but we slept with the windows open and it was nice and cool plus it was neat to be woken up by the howler monkeys each morning. This is an older hotel and it shows but the rustic nature is what led to its charm. I do have to say the beds were quite uncomfortable - extremely hard. Also this hotel is one of the farthest from LaFortuna and “off the beaten path”. It is a 2km Drive from the main road up a curvy unpaved road. It was quite a trip especially at night. The staff was very friendly and helpful and overall I would recommend this hotel if you don’t care about being in a plush resort and want to feel like you are in the mountains of Costa Rica.

The hotel has various buildings with rooms suitable for travelers needs from single to large groups. The setting is one of a kind. The grounds are amazing. The staff couldn't be more friendly or accommodating. The location is near many attractions and Lake Arenal. The food at the lodge is great. There is a very clean pool and 2 Jacuzzis outdoors overlooking the grounds and the Arenal Volcano. The owner enjoys cigars and is great to chat with.

We loved our stay here - the room was large with full glass walls to view the volcano from our room. The lodge is very nice as well and offers a great place to hang out, play games, read, etc. The free hiking on the property was beautiful as well.

We arrived on Wednesday to stay through Saturday. I did not want to leave. The owner is a delight and makes sure you are happy. She is hands on...

200 Meters NW of the dam of Arenal Lake La Fortuna Alajuela

Hotel highlights

  • Walking distance to Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Free local cuisine breakfast
  • Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
  • Free parking

Lake Arenal is within a 5-minute walk of Hotel Arenal Lodge while other popular sites like Arenal Volcano National Park are within a 15-minute stroll. This 50-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with free breakfast, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool.


Dining

Start your day off right with a free local cuisine breakfast, served each morning from 6:30 AM to 10 AM. Sit down for a leisurely bite to eat at the onsite restaurant, or enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Satisfy your hunger from the comfort of your room with room service.


Rooms

Guests can expect free WiFi and 24-inch TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include coffee makers, free local calls, and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is available on request.


Property features

At Hotel Arenal Lodge, guests enjoy a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a gym. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 180 per vehicle one way. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with dry cleaning/laundry, luggage storage, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this hot springs hotel include 2 spa tubs, a steam room, and free WiFi in public areas.

Room options

Chalet (2 Queen Beds)

2 Queen Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed | Sleeps 5

Master Suite

1 Double Bed, 1 Twin Sofa Bed and 1 Twin Bed | Sleeps 4

Family Suite (Standard)

1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds | Sleeps 4

Standard Room, Kitchenette

2 Double Beds | Sleeps 4

Guest reviews for Hotel Arenal Lodge

Everyone (19) Couples (9) Family (16) Other (1) Friends (1)
5
Family Family with small children

A beautiful property with a wonderful view of the volcano. We were in an economy vehicle and were able to get up the steep entrance road with no issues. Simple but lovely accommodation, good food on site and lovey grounds. We also did a horseback ride that allowed us to see more of the beautiful property. We did our own night walk around the property and saw a number of frogs. AC is available but we didn't need it in August. Porches are great for enjoying the sites and sounds of the rainforest.

By on Aug 17, 2023

Review comment responded on Aug 18, 2023

Greetings from Arenal Lodge, a hotel surrounded by nature and beauty in the Arenal Volcano National Park. We are very glad that you enjoyed your stay with us and that you appreciated our services and amenities. We sincerely appreciate your rating and comments, which help us to improve and offer an unforgettable experience to our guests. We hope you will visit us again soon and enjoy the wonders of Costa Rica.

5
Family

The place was great, the only thing we did not know is that the property located on mountain top, which was a mile from the entrance at the foot of mountain. Going in and out is taking 10 mins driving one way. You may like it for privacy, but some people may not because of the inconvenience.

By on Jul 9, 2022

Review comment responded on Jul 20, 2022

Thank you very much formvisiting Arenal Lodge And for your comment. Hope to see you agin Best regard.

4
Everyone

By on Apr 27, 2022

1
Family

Owner seemed like she did not want guests to stay there and often asked us if we were checking out that day. She was very passive aggressive towards the guests. Many complained about the portions in the breakfast menu and owner wanted an upcharge for items that were supposed to be included. Penny pinching everywhere, from the breakfast, to the amount of staff they had on busy season. You could clearly see that the staff was overworked as service was slow and some of the waitresses were also cleaning rooms(explains why she kept telling guests that they did not need room service). The rest of the staff was very friendly, but it seems like everyhwere you looked, there was an attempt to save money (from the appliances in the room, to not wanting to provide housekeeping, to the lack of staff in the lobby, to keeping the hottubs off to save elctricity) .... deffinately could have been a better experience considering the location and size of the place. Next time ill be staying in another place where the owner is more considerate of their guests.

By on Jan 2, 2022

Review comment responded on Jan 4, 2022

We apologize for any inconvenience. Thanks for your visit and commentes. Best regard.

5
Family

Amazing lodge in the rainforest. We ate at the restaurant many times and the food was always great! The owners are amazing and add to the experience with knowledge and humor!

By on Feb 5, 2021

Review comment responded on Feb 6, 2021

Thank you very much for commenting. Hope to see you again in Arenal Lodge.

5
Family

Outstanding view, excellent food and great service

By , from Michigan on Jan 15, 2021

Review comment responded on Jan 28, 2021

Thank you for visiting Arenal Lodge. Hope you come back

5
Partner Couples Friends

The property is beautiful and feels remote yet is close enough to everything you need. The view from our chalet was incredible! The staff was very kind, helpful, and responsive. We had a wonderful time!

By on Feb 5, 2020

Review comment responded on Feb 5, 2020

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your comments, these are very important to us. We hope to see you again in the future. Best Regards!

5
Family

The location and property was absolutely perfect and stunning. The maintenance of the property was impeccable. It was a unique escape from the hustle of Los Angeles, California. Our view from room 311 will always be in my memory....when u open balcony doors to a view of Arenal Volcano and listen to the sounds of various birds such as Toucans. The trails of the property were breath taking. The staff were an absolute joy. The front desk staff of Gaby and Cesar were very hospitable and kind. The concierge, Jesse, from Jacamar Tours was helpful and networks like no other. The grounds people are friendly. All I can say it was truely "Pura Vida."

By on Jan 18, 2020

Review comment responded on Jan 18, 2020

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your comments, these are very important to us. We hope to see you again in the future. Best Regards!

5
Everyone

By on Jan 13, 2020

Review comment responded on Jan 14, 2020

Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your comments, these are very important to us. We hope to see you again in the future. Best Regards!

5
Family

Great staff and location! We loved staying here especially enjoyed the pool and jacuzzi.

By on Apr 8, 2019

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