So much to see and do all around Arenal Lodge and the staff are always so helpful and friendly. We have stayed many times but this time due to business and a very short trip we only drove up for the day. We were still greeted and graciously shown around the grounds even though we admitted we just stopped by and were not able to stay. Miguel gave a a few tips on places to visit on the grounds helped us glimpse a wild toucan in an apple tree right in the courtyard. The drive up the steep and winding mossy road is definitely an adventure but it is so worth the trouble. Prices are good and the resturant is great. The little gift shop has some nice photos and guide books as well as local artwork.

I have been driving by the sign advertising this hotel every time I've been to La Fortuna (many times over the years). A friend that booked a tour with 3 nights at the Arenal Lodge, so I wanted to spend some time with him and his significant other. So, we booked two nights at the lodge. On the way up the hill we were greeted by at least a group of 15 Coatimundis digging in the leaves for their next meal. I knew right then this would be a great trip. Well, this was right up my alley, I love nature and animals. When we got to the top I found the reception area to be charming. That night the dinning was just great with good food that filled me up. The next morning I was ready to hit the trail with a free guided tour. Well the tour blew me away. Our guide Manuel Jiminez explained all the detail with of the relationship by the vegetation, the insects, the animals and man. It was fascinating, best guide I ever had, he had my attention 100% of the time. The stay at Arenal Lodge will have many memories and I'll be back for more.

This hotel is superbly situated for walking, bird watching and other outdoor activities. The views are incredible. The staff are friendly and the food excellent. There is a good wifi and a small shop for snacks and souvenirs.

We loved our staying here. Arenal Lodge is a magic and beautiful place. You drive to the top of the hill through the forest on a paved road and you feel like being in the fairy tale story. The view from the top is breathtaking. The lodge is in the middle of 1000 hectares of land and no other building is around. You are facing the majestic volcano Arenal. Staff at the resort was extremely nice and polite. We got a glass of champagne to welcome us. One night coming back from hot springs…. we were very hungry but the kitchen was already closed. They offered us to make a sandwich with no hesitation.
The lodge is a wood build construction having elegant colonial style. Rooms have French windows, large balcony with rocking chairs and a beautiful view to the luxury garden full of flowers and the Volcano. Our room was a junior suite. The standard rooms, didn’t have the view. We loved our tours with hotel guide Miguel. We went with him on horse back riding and hiking in the forest. He is an amazing person, passionate by his work and knowledgeable about the nature. We saw more wildlife here than in Cloud forest in Monteverde. We saw, learned and enjoyed our time with you Miguel. We had other tour guides during our trip, before and after meeting you, but you touched our hearts and made our memory unforgettable. Thank you Miguel!
If one would like to go hiking to the Volcano there are few centers you can start from. This time we went without guide. The information we found about volcano on the Internet was enough to us. The place is safe and you are not allowed to hike very high. It’s rather a short trail.
The activity to experience is a hot spring thermal station. There are many centers and for all budgets. We chose one witch was small with more privacy - Eco-Termales Hot Springs. We had a blast. We went also to visit the Baldi Hot Springs Centre and it was too big and too commercial.
We experienced also the laundry service in Fortuna. The way it works: You bring your laundry; the price is based on the weight + detergent and softener for dryer. There is an employee, who does everything. You just come back 1h later and you get fresh, perfumed and nicely folded clothes. The place was very clean and their machines where all new. We paid 12$ for 2 medium size bags.