Let me start off by saying that my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Arenal Lodge. With some effort by the hotel’s owner, we are confident that this lodge could once again be absolutely fantastic. It is hard to tell from the hotel WEB site that it is located about 18 KM outside of La Fortuna driving towards Arenal. [Note – the town of Arenal is now called Nuevo Arenal since it had to be re-built higher up on the hillside as the original town of Arenal is submerged beneath the waters of the lake.] Once you drive over the dam and drive 200m more, the entrance is on the right. Be prepared for a slow and zig-zaggy drive on a narrow cobblestone drive up to the lodge. This drive takes about ten minutes and boasts several blind curves. No need for a zip line for thrills when you can just drive up and down this road.

We were supposed to have superior rooms but got upgraded to jr. suites. These were very nice and large and you could walk to the main lodge under cover the whole way. When in a rain forest, this is a feature we all appreciated. The rooms were wood paneled throughout the floor, walls, and ceiling. The attached patios were large and lovely. We could see the volcano [when it cleared up as it usually did in the afternoons] and loads of birds in the beautifully kept gardens. Our daughter and her husband had a room at the far end, and saw a great curassow from their patio. However, the rooms clearly needed some TLC. The lighting was dim, and several bulbs were out in our bathroom. Our alarm clock was missing, and our coffee maker did not work. The bath gel and shampoo were not labeled at all in the shower, so I remained stumped on those. I recommend bringing your own bath products here. Some of the trim was missing from the hot water faucet in the shower, and it leaked though the wall soaking the Travel file I had on the floor. Since the hair dryer did work, I managed to dry out my papers.

The grounds were fantastic and the birding was good. There is a copy [somewhat musty but still greatly appreciated] of Birds of Costa Rica on a stand in the breakfast room which I used every morning. We even saw a toucan several times. We all loved the paved trails, and could not believe how far they were paved through the rain forest. This was truly a high point of the Lodge. Unfortunately, the butterfly house was in disrepair and looked like it hadn’t been touched in months. Miguel, the nature guide at the Lodge, told us it was being brought back to a functional state, so hopefully that will happen. Do not pass up the chance to go on the nature walk with Miguel. My husband said it was 2.5 hours of interesting. Same thing for going on the horse back ride with him. [sign up as soon as you can.] He is a font of knowledge as well as a great photographer. He took photos of a small pit viper for us. WOW! The walks and ride was truly beautiful.

Breakfast was good and the staff atentive. Everyone got a fruit plate and juice as well as a choice of American breakfast, typical costa Rican breakfast [our favorite consisting of rice and beans, plantains, of which you can ask for extra, two eggs any style and toast], or pancakes. The staff feed the birds in the garden just outside with window, so there is a constant show of colorful birds while you eat. Early one morning we watched a family of tolomuco climb up the bird feeder and around the patio. There is a book exchange in the breakfast room so you can drop off a finished book and pick up a new one.

We did wish there was coffee in the lobby, as neither our coffee pot or our daughter's worked.

We did not eat dinner at the Lodge, but ate at a steak place with a bull in front on the way to La Fortuna. Very nice . We ate in La Fortuna the rest of the time. Make sure you have time to go to Arenal National Park and see the Sky tree. The drive out to Arenal is very nice as well and the town is interesting to walk around.

The resort was nice and clean and the view from the Chalet was fantastic. But that was about it. The room was clean but it had several issues. The clock was cracked but working so they just removed it. The mini fridge had so much ice it that it leaked because the door didnt close all the way since it was bent and rusted. The shower held about a 1/4 inch of water so you always stepped into water that was left in there. If you want the view and dont mind the other problems then you will like this place. The ride up to the hotel was like going on the Indiana Jones Adventure ride. Also, if you rent a car dont do the tours though the hotel. You are better off driving there on your own.

We arrived after dark and after driving from San Jose, the road once you passed the guard gate was something out of "Dark Shadows"! A long circuitous stone road, winding and winding it's way up and up, finally we reached a sign that said "You Made It"! Once there we were greeted with a much deserved welcome drink and shown to our charming junior suite! In the morning when we could see, our view of the Arenal Volcano was wonderful, we enjoyed the jacuzzi, pool and complimentary horse ride with a terrific guide. Everything was quiet, calm and super relaxing!

Second stay at Arenal Lodge.
Best place in Arenal because instead of being a compound and resort, it is a true rainforest lodge. The grounds are a couple of thousand acres and stunning. Miguel works for the lodge and gives free walking tours through the primary forest each morning. Tours last 30 min to 2 hours pending on your desire. We went on a 2 hour tour with our 7 and 9 year olds. Fantastic place and wonderful man. We took two free horseback riding tours on the property with Miguel. They were the first times my kids rode horses and Miguel and the horses were great.
We stayed in the family room 2 nights- nice with 2 separate bedrooms. We also stayed in the junior suite for two days adjoining the lodge- loved the view- amazing.
Breakfast is complimentary and very good!!
Love this place
Kerry- USA