First and foremost - this hotel's advertising does not do it justice! The grounds have 3 large pools/hot springs (2 hot, 1 cool) with two waterfalls, in addition to a number of smaller hot spring pools, some under waterfalls, some among plants. There is a swim-up pool bar in the main hot spring pool where you can also order food in addition to the main restaurants. Every room has a balcony view of the volcano and given the shape of the hotel in a V shape, they all have decent views.

We debated staying here versus The Springs Resort and are very happy we stayed here after visiting The Springs Resort on a two-day $40 visitor pass while staying at Hotel Royal Corin. The pass allows you to use their springs, enjoy their on-site activities, and eat at their restaurants if you choose (we don't recommend eating there over Royal Corin). We preferred the views, location, food, decor, and even mostly the hot springs at Hotel Royal Corin.

Located at the base of the Arenal Volcano, the hotel has gorgeous views of the summit. Note about the Volcano in general: Although sometimes the clouds do get stuck around the top of the mountain, especially given you are in a rainforest-like jungle region, the peak did appear for us a few times in the few days we were in the area. We found the views at Royal Corin to be superior to those at The Springs Resort up in the hills as it is much closer to the volcano.

The hotel is a short smooth taxi ride into town which is nice if you are looking to explore on your own. The town is relatively small, with a few road-side open air restaurants and some good places to pick up souvenirs. The Springs in comparison is up a long bumpy ride up and away from town, tours, etc.

The Hotel Royal Corin food was excellent and far superior to that at The Springs Resort which we also visited and dined and just as good as the "best" restaurant in town, so no need to leave the property for food unless you're looking to explore.

As mentioned above, the hot springs were diverse and not at all crowded. None were nestled quite as deep in the jungle like other resorts but what we found not well advertised was the amount of landscaping and jungle-ness! The one seeming downside is the resort is close to the road, but this had no negative impact on our trip or enjoyment given how well they make you feel away from it and noise was not an issue at night.

They also have a great modern bar at the top of the resort with an excellent view with snacks in the evening and drink specials that seemed under utilized. The entire resort is very new and modern and the room was clean and spacious.

We loved our massages so much as the spa (we are pretty picky) that we booked second ones only a couple days later given the prices were reasonable and would highly recommend it!

We did really enjoy using the day-pass to the Springs Resort to do river tubing as well as visiting their Perdido springs which are nestled into the jungle a bit more but can be crowded. The Springs Resort only has a single place open for lunch (strange) and it's very small but sort of in the trees which was nice while visiting. The tubing along with the waterfall rappelling tour offered from any hotel were our two favorite things to do aside from sitting in the hot springs at the Hotel Royal Corin.

Our three night stay was very nice. We enjoyed the warm mineral pools. The swim up bar was fun and when you got tired of sitting at the bar you could move to reclining tiled loungers in the pool and gaze at the night sky.
The food was good at the hotel but you are also close enough to walk to another property or take a taxi to La Fortuna for variety.

We stayed at Royal Corin for 5 days in a superb 'Master Suite' with a very comfortable bed with great sleep quality. The entire staff was extremely helpful, friendly and professional. The food was excellent and experienced great and friendly service throughout. The hot spring pools were clean and well maintained to really have a most comfortable bathing/swimming experience. It felt like being in 'Paradise', specifically with the surrounding gardens and atmosphere. From the room/balcony we had a perfect view of the majestic Volcano Arenal. We will be back at the Hotel Royal Corin later this year with our entire family.

Stayed at the Royal Corin this past February and it was amazing! Welcome drinks on arrival, bottles of wine sent free of charge to our Junior Suite room after an amazing upgrade. Service was impeccable with great local food recommendations and spot on reliability when it came to booking adventurous outings throughout arenal.

A few notes for the well traveled:
Security: SUPER SAFE. Gated complex that checks all visitors in when they arrive to the property.

Getting There: We took a shuttle (Gray Line to Arenal, Interbus back) for about $45 each from/to San Jose. Don't take public transport, it's not worth not knowing the roads and the extra amount you'll spend on taxis actually getting to the hotel.

Pool: They are hot springs! No chlorine, which was AMAZING! Swim up bar as well... so worth it!

The view: Unreal. You get a great view no matter where you stay in the area... but each room as a balcony which made it extra nice.

WiFi: Super fast if it gets to your room. We stayed in the last room on the hall... didn't get any signal. Lobby was blazing fast though.

Room: We stayed in a Junior suite... which was great. Two balconies, jacuzzi in the room, rainfall shower (with some crazy fun lights), super clean bathroom, great cleaning service, a couch to hang out on, and a very comfy king size bed. Beautiful view of the volcano.

Getting around town: When you book an activity, the tour company picks you up and drops you off. When you're going to town, it's 8 US dollars each way.

Spa: Great service, I personally fell asleep during my facial! haha. Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries when we were done at no extra charge! We were treated like kings!

Booking trips: Hotel goes through a particular company (with a few kickbacks I'm sure), but everything was spot on for pricing when compared with other companies. For the best trips go through Desafio!

The Food: Nothing exceptional... but good. Don't order the pizza though. As a new yorker... it was dreadful. Grilled octopus was my favorite from the poolside menu and breakfast each morning (buffet style) was an 8/10. If you do go out... go to restaurant Nene's. Don Rufinos is also the go to spot... but super touristy. I say pass on the local local eats in Arenal, do the adventurous stuff, and make sure Quepos (the city) is on your list for the best local food experience.

Things to do: Arenal is not really the place to do anything "local" but very much the place to do the adventurous stuff in Costa Rica. Zip Lining, night nature walks, mountain biking, rafting... arenal is where it's at and the temperature was perfect. Do the "hard hike" too when you're there! Since you're already researching, you know that Arenal is not a beach spot, but if you're looking for that perfect mix of adventure and relaxing, book Arenal and a pacific coast town in the same trip!

Final remarks: All and all... this place was paradise, not to mention we got it for a great price when booked on Hotwire. Amazing place to bring your significant other. For someone who loves to travel on a budget and great deals, this place blows any 5 star hotel I've ever stayed at (for the price) away. Best luxury value in Arenal.