My husband and I returned last week from a wonderful trip to Costa Rica - Our first hotel was the Arenal Lodge - and it was perfect. This is not a fancy property - all wood, very rustic - up about 3 miles of drive off the main road - but soooo quiet and so comfortable. Our room had a wonderful porch to sit and read and look out at the scenery. We ate each dinner at the hotel and the food was fabulous - also the breakfasts were wonderful - Staff here are very friendly and accommodating. This was a perfect way to immerse ourselves into the Costa Rica Rain Forest.

The view of the volcano from our room and dining room was perfect, and the breakfasts were very good. The hotel itself, however, needs a lot of work. Our room had a great balcony with tons of windows, but the room itself was old and the wood walls/floors were decaying. The furniture was dated, the beds were very flat and uncomfortable. The roaches, however, didn't seem to mind. The overhead light in the room didn't work and they couldn't seem to fix it, so our dark room stayed even darker than expected. There is free WiFi, but it only works if you are within 30 feet of the access point. The grounds themselves are beautiful and well kept, and the nature walk is worth doing.

We stayed in the Arenal Lodge for three nights in October. While our first room (#24) had a great view, the decor and room was a little stale. With this said, I think that Costa Rica has a lower standard for hotels when comparing them to the US. Without an extra charge, we were moved to the chalets (#210) on top of Arenal Lodge. Let me tell you, this room had the best view that I've ever seen on one hotel room. Simply beautiful views of the volcano and the lake. Again, the room is dated and could be cleaner, but with a view like that, who cares.
Take note that the 2.5km drive up their "driveway" was long and bumpy. The food was very tasty at the Lodge. The servers were great! The pool and hot tub were a nice treat too. Don't count on the fitness center though. It has seen better days, probably a few years ago.
The hotel itself is so quite and peaceful! Nothing but nature can be heard here. There is a local macaw named Stephanie who stays close to the Arenal Lodge and may even been found sitting outside your door.

Upon arrival, there was a cold tropical drink waiting for us- along with breath taking views from our windows and the nicest staff waiting on our every whim. The room itself was beautifully designed and clean. Cozy jazzuzzi and contempo-rustic feel. The horse ride, tour, and excursion were a treat. The hotel is located few miles on top of the mountain- perfect for those who really want to get into the tropical atompsophere. But what a gorgeous view- I can't stress that enough. Yes, it is located 20 minutes away from the town, but who wants to be suffocated by the touring crowds when this gem of a hotel is the perfect picture of tranquillity? For those complaining clouds over the mountain: dont visit the RAINforest and expect no fog. And as for those complainging about the bugs and frogs, let me say there are also monkeys and toucans and parrots....Costa Rica is not for those who cannot appreciate mother nature.