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Pura Vida Hotel & Restaurant: Traveler Reviews

| 300 Meters West of the Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
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12 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
    1
    5
    3
    0
    3
Date Rating
Boston, MA
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Dingy and horrible water system!”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed September 7, 2008

My husband and I stayed here because this hotel was the Lonely Planet Costa Rica editor's pick for mid-range hotels. What a huge mistake! The bed coverings were digusting and looked like they hadn't been washed for years. We *hoped* at least the sheets were clean. Our room was poorly lit with one tiny overhead light and a tiny bedside lamp, so we always came home to a dark and dank room. The worst part was the inconsistent water temperature. Lonely Planet made much of the hot showers, which are important in Costa Rica after a long day of rafting or hiking. During our first few showers, the hot water would come and go, forcing us to wait about 5 minutes between each temporary spurt of hot water. By the time we left, the shower water only ran cold. We paid $60/night in the low season, and after comparing notes with other travelers who went to La Fortuna at the same time, seems like you can get a much better hotel for about $35-$40/night.

  • Liked — The locations was great; close to La Fortuna for food and tours but far enough to be quiet
  • Disliked — Pretty much everything else
  • Stayed September 2008, traveled as a couple
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
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Ask justvisiting3 about Pura Vida Hotel & Restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cincinnati, OH
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Hotel Pura Vida”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 21, 2008

I stayed with my girlfriend at Hotel Pura Vida while we were in La Fortuna, and it deserves a good recommendation. It is a great, centrally located place that is perfect for a base to explore all the area has to offer. It is three blocks from the center of town, where there are plenty of restuarants, bars, etc, but that puts the hotel away from the bustle of the main drag. The rooms are inexpensive, but very clean and have air condition, TV and hot showers. The beds are great, which cannot be emphasized enough if you are planning to do some of the multitude of tours available. You can book tours right downstairs that will pick you up at the hotel. The owner was very helpful in booking tours and even helped us book a hotel in Liberia the night before we flew out. Highly recommended if you're in La Fortuna for the excitement and not the resorts.

  • Liked — Good Value, Good Location
  • Disliked — The staff speaks limited english
  • Stayed April 2008, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
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Ask Worldfuntimes about Pura Vida Hotel & Restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Messina, Sicilia, Italy
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 24, 2013
Google Translation

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Antonella C about Pura Vida Hotel & Restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
Great value on a similar hotel
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park
5 of 5 stars 1,409 Reviews
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Additional Information about Pura Vida Hotel & Restaurant

Also Known As:
Pura Vida Hotel & Restaurant Costa Rica/Arenal Volcano National Park
Address: | 300 Meters West of the Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Region: Costa Rica > Province of Alajuela > Arenal Volcano National Park > La Fortuna de San Carlos
Amenities:
Restaurant
Hotel Style:
Ranked #44 of 62 hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos

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