This is a beautiful beach front resort and was our second stop in Costa Rica, I preferred the rain forest. The resturants at this place were amazing. The presentation of the food was a piece of art and it was even better when you realized it tasted just as great as it looked. The staff was very pleasant and wanted very much to make sure our stay was one to remember. Great view from our room with some extras like breakfast, calls, internet. Very Nice

We have stayed at Arenas del Mar three times and have already reserved our room for next year. Arenas Del Mar is an exceptional resort located between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. The resort overlooks the ocean with two beaches. The staff is extra-ordinarily attentive to guests, and they go out of their way to help guests in all situations.
The best guide (Roger is numero Uno) and best driver (Bernie is numero Uno) have eagle eyes and can spot just about any type of wildlife you wish to see. Definitely ask for them if you go on a tour. For us the best tours are Hacienda Baru, Rainmaker (where there are also hanging bridges), and the early morning bird tour with Roger.
We have found over the past few years that the Manuel Antonio National Park tour is not worth it compared to other tours. The park is overly crowded with one group of people there just for the beach and others for birds and wildlife. It is unbelievable the numbers of people making noise while others are trying to bird watch. There is nothing that you can see at the park that you would not see on the three tours I mentioned above.
All of the waiters/waitresses provide excellent service although we do have an affinity for Luis. Minor, William, Yahaira, David, and Amparro are close behind. Ramero and Diego, two trainees with years of experience at other restaurants, were also extremely helpful.
The reception area staff, particularly Alan, Sergio, Lara, Alexander, Romdben, and so many others treated us as if we were royalty.
The restaurant, Mirador, provides a variety of food. The Tuna Tataki appetizer and Casado with Sea Bass were extremely good. The tuna poke for lunch is also very good.
Introduce yourself to the staff and get to know them as it will pay off.
The only fault we have with Arena Del Mar is that they eliminated their breakfast buffet a few years ago. They still have a variety that you can order from the menu, which is all included in the price. The buffet was great because it allowed us to have only exactly what we wanted, and as much as we wanted, which was fresh fruit every morning.
Nevertheless, the place is great, and you will not be disappointed.

This was our first stop on a weeklong trip to Costa Rica. WOW, this place is amazing. The property is gorgeous, a mini paradise tucked in the rainforest. The rooms are beautifully appointed, very comfortable beds, a/c, lovely bathrooms and porches and they give free internet and international calls which is unheard of. The service is great and were very helpful in choosing day excursions. The restaurant and bar are in a lovely setting and the food in large part is quite good. We had two dinners and a lunch at the hotel. Lunch was actually our favorite meal with the Tuna poki. The private beach at the hotel is wonderful, warm water and a nice secluded area. Manuel Antonio is a very touristy town and quite built up but at Arenas you have no idea what is going on. It is a quiet paradise, I can not say enough good things about it. We would love to return.

Like many reviewers, we were in Costa Rica for our honeymoon, and were sent to Arenas del Mar as part of a package tour. And like many reviewers, we found it to be the absolute greatest location we visited during our trip.

From the bed (a Simmons Beautyrest World Class, if you're wondering - the best I've ever slept in) to the food (breakfast > lunch > dinner) to the drinks ($5-6 normally, 1/2-price at the bar from 5:30-6:30pm) to the people, everything about Arenas del Mar is *the best*. There's nature all around you: the beach is steps from your door (a rarity in Manuel Antonio), there are animals everywhere you look, and the waves gently lull you to sleep at night. The water is warm and inviting, the sunsets are gorgeous, and everyone seems to want you to have a good time. It was without a doubt the best way for us to end our honeymoon, and left us craving more.

Be aware that howler monkeys may wake you early in the morning. But that's the price you pay for spending a few days in paradise.