Great crash pad for adventures near Arenal. Central location that allows you to get anywhere in town on foot. Friendly staff, nice little pool for cooling down after a hot, humid day of hikes. I had some trouble as my neighborhood at home is quiet and the room didn't block sound very well, had to get earplugs to block out the cars, people talking, etc.

My mom and I stayed here during our time doing tourist things around the Arenal Volcano. The location was perfect--a block away from the bus stop to/from San Jose (a $4 & 4 hr bus trip), across the street from the town square and taxi stop, surrounded by restaurants, helpful tourist booths, and souvenir shops. In the US my family is accustomed to staying in Best Westerns and Microtels, and this was comprable to that. The rooms were on the small side but plenty of space for two adults, plus we were only there at night watching movies (they have HBO in English on the cable tv) after being out almost all day. The breakfast in the morning was great and the staff was helpful (we didn't intend for it, but we ended up having to check in a little early and leave a little late) and they were very flexible with us. Plus, they have a tourist info office attached to the hotel office with very helpful staff. Our balcony (room 6) had a lovely view of the pool and bridge and was surrounded with vines and flowers (and, in the mornings, hummingbirds!). The rooms were clean, they really did leave our towels in cute shapes, the hot water was so nice, and the beds were a little stiff, but better than other hotels I've stayed at in CR, and had bars of soap, towels, bedding, and AC. No noise issues (other than the occasional AC rattling that a good smack fixed). On top of it all, the price was great.
Needless to say, I really recommend this hotel, especially if you're used to your average Best Western/Microtel type hotels in the US.

I'm so glad we chose this hotel to end our costa rican vacation. It's right in the middle of La Fortuna literally down the road from the beautiful Arenal volcano. Our room was clean and comfortable, and at a reasonable price. The pool was super clean though it was a bit cool considering it was October. The staff was friendly and the breakfasts were really good. My only complaint was the day we checked out, the water was turned off at 9am for whatever reason. Other than the water issue, I'd gladly recommend this hotel.

We arrived late evening and need the cheapest place available. We walked into this place with fear that it's gonna be smelly and dirty like cheap motels. We had a local Costa Rica friend who came along and he was able to negotiate the price down to $50 a night (2 full size bed). The only thing is there is no elevator and we had to carry stuff up for 2 floors to reach our room on the 3rd floor but we all young and strong so we are ok (seniors may have to consider the walk).

We went into the room and it was surprisingly nice and clean. AC was super cold, fridge and TV is working just fine. Toilet is clean except the toilet paper can't go any thinner LOL! Free breakfast. We love the view from the balcony where we can see a part of the LaFortuna town. This hotel is close to everything! next to an internet shop (600 colons per hr btw) and a travel agent (check out that hot lady there!!). there are also restaurant, gift shop and church nearby, you name it!

The next day we stayed at Tabacon and did the spa thing. Then the following day we return to Hotel Arenal Carmela simply because of the good deal. The hosts were very nice. They let us leave luggage in their storage after check out. And even take shower and put stuff in their fridge (after check out). Everyone were helpful and we simply could expect anymore from these guys... I don't know what others are complaining about here. I uploaded some user photos, check them out. If we visit LaFortuna again, we will stay here again!