My husband and I stayed here during the first leg of our trip in Costa Rica. The staff was exceptionally helpful, especially Eliomar, who worked with us on last minute bookings (including day-of cancellation due to a horrible passport mistake, then rebooking later that night when the issue was resolved) and transfers from the airport. Other friendly staff recommended and assisted in booking adventures, and spa services, etc.

The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and the Arenal Volcano is breathtaking on a clear day. The landscaping is so lush and tropical, there are lots of bird species (that often gather in front of the restaurant...attracted in part by fresh fruit put out for them!) and some other wildlife to be seen. The hot springs were fabulous, and we enjoyed them every night of our stay. The biggest hot spring is the hottest, but there are quite a few smaller ones to choose from at a variety of temperatures and in some nice private settings. Our casita (the room/cabin) was large, clean, and cozy. My only complaint regarding the rooms is that the showers only heated to just above luke-warm. I never really felt like I had a hot shower during my stay, and even got in the hot springs one night after a disappointing shower just to warm up and feel truly refreshed. Not a bad solution though =)

The spa is beautiful and relaxing. The hotel was running a free facial promotion, which I took advantage of, and also booked a massage for me and my husband. I had a swedish massage but asked for more pressure and it was fabulous; my husband had a deep-tissue massage and, while he said it was somewhat painful (to be expected with a deep-tissue massage), he said it was one of the best massages he has ever received.

The restaurant is good and the servers were very friendly. We ate dinner there two nights and the food was delicious. However, I do think El Silencio del campo could improve/expand their breakfast selections. There are only 5 options for breakfast: Huevos rancheros (eggs with a salsa/marinara-type sauce), an omelet, french toast, and two other options I cannot remember. Thankfully, everything is served with fresh fruit and coffee/orange juice if you want it. The breakfast is good (and included in the room rate), but the other hotels we booked in Costa Rica had many more options for breakfast. On the last night we ate at Don Rufino in town - highly recommended.

Note about activities in La Fortuna: We stayed 3 nights at El Silencio del Campo; our first full day was the perfect weather for hiking so at the recommendation of our shuttle driver we hiked the Cerro Chato trail and visited the La fortuna falls. Each costs about $10 per person, and it was fabulous! If you have a nice day with good views of the Arenal Volcano, and are in decent shape (the hike up Cerro Chato is steep and takes about 3 hours just to get to the top), I highly recommend it. The La Fortuna falls are within walking distance of Cerro Chato so you can just do that when you're done, as long as you get there before they close at 5 pm. The waterfall is stunning, you can swim in the lagoon, and we saw lots of Toucans there! With our other full day we went on the canyoning trip through DeSafio expeditions, which including rappelling down 230' waterfalls and trekking through the canyons. We also highly recommend this tour, which I believe can be booked through the hotel, though we booked directly with DeSafio (usually it's best to book directly through the company because you will get a better rate).

Overall, my husband and I were very satisfied with our stay at El Silencio del Campo. I think 3 nights was a good length of stay to "see" La Fortuna if you have other places to visit in Costa Rica. Thanks El Silencio del Campo! Pura Vida!

I had been to the Tabacon Resort for a day on a previous trip to Costa Rica and decided to book this hotel on the recommendation of a friend. It was worth every minute spent there. The rooms are lovely and clean and the staff is welcoming and friendly. The grounds are spectacular - flowers and blooming bushes everywhere. The hot springs are fantastic and I gave up any idea of returning to Tabacon as I was totally content with the springs that were on site. Food was good and you should try the patecones rellenos - I had never had them and loved them. The wait staff both at the restaurant and at the pool are absolutely warm and welcoming. It is an absolutely fabulous way to unwind and rejuvenate.

The hotel is clean and pleasant. The landscaping is lovely and the food is reasonably priced. At breakfast, a waiter put fruit on nearby bushes to attract local, colorful birds. We were picked up at the hotel for a marvelous trail ride at the base of the volcano (great horses). This was handy because we had no car: I was pleased that we didn't need one. The best part of all was simply sitting in the warm, thermal water right on the hotel property. The pools are lovely, clean and just plain wonderful to sit in.

This hotel was very good. The front desk personnel was especially very informative and helpful. In particular Eliyan was most gracious and helpful. Her charm and attitude lifted up our day through the gloomy clouds overcast across the skies.

The room was very clean and spacious. The shower was very spacious with a ledge where one can sit. The room contained nice robes which were perfect for wearing after sitting in on of the many hot springs around the grounds.

The breakfast could have been better. They only offer you one item off their menu, fruits, orange juice and coffee. The breakfast was definitely no deal breaker. The staff and beauty of the grounds more than make up for breakfast.