We had a wonderful adventure with three couples who have travelled together far and wide. We rated our stay at Arenas del Mar as even more relaxing than our usual cruises, and that's saying a lot! Loved the staff, all very friendly and helpful, by the second day they all know your names and seem like longtime friends. Rooms were gorgeous and very clean, even saw a mama humpback whale with her new baby rolling in the surf from the spacious balcony on our first day. Sloths, spider monkeys, howler monkey and iguanas came to visit us right at the resort. Choice of two lovely beaches, one secluded and extremely relaxing with great food, drinks and lounge chairs.under the trees. The other beach was perfect for the walk to Manuel Antonio Park, the hotel staff even waited for us at this beach entrance as it was dark when we finally strolled back. The front desk was very helpful with side trips, we enjoyed a sailing adventure where we saw more whales, a swinging bridge park tour with the hotel nature guide, and the national park, they gave great advice and took care of all the essentials. Others with us went on a succesful deep-sea fishing adventure and the hotel Chef graciously created a masterpiece with the bounty. A very nice spa is on the property with big windows overlooking the jungle to watch the monkeys playing while enjoying the ultimate relaxing massage. We honestly can say we will return at every opportunity. So much to do and experience with superb surroundings to just relax and veg out, whatever your heart desires. This trip will certainly be near the top of all the great adventures!

This hotel is a jewel! The rooms are great, clean, comfortable beds. Service is wonderful, stuff is friendly, eager to help and acomodate any request. Spa treatments are exeptional ( ask for Andrea,magic hands). You do not even have to leave hotel to see monkeys, birds, iguanas or racoons...Kids friendly.

My husband and I stayed here after a stay at Nayara in Arenal. To be very fair, if we had stayed here first the rating would be higher, but the comparison with a true 5 star hotel lowers the score a bit. We arrived and were met with a cool drink at check in, which was professional and quick. We were given an unexpected upgrade to oceanfront suite instead of oceanfront room, which was very nice. The accommodations were nice, and the deck and view were beautiful. There was a tv in the bedroom, but not the living room, which seemed a little odd to us. The fridge was stocked with drinks and snacks, but these disappeared before we used them. The bed is extremely comfortable and we loved the large feather pillows. The pool, bar and restaurant areas are very nice with outstanding views. The food was ok. Breakfast selections are somewhat limited, but tasty. Dinner was okay, but there are some better choices in the area. The wine list was not up to par, with limited selections. Staff in all areas were friendly and did their best to help with your needs. The cart drivers are a good bunch (Sergio). The van is a nice touch as an alternative to taxis (Bernie is great). The hotel offers their own tours, and the Manuel Antonio Park tour with Ercel was excellent and highly recommended. The "behind the scenes" tortilla tour is very informative. All in all, a nice place right on the ocean, with two semi-private beaches and lovely sunsets.

Arenas del Mar rounded out the last few days of our honeymoon to CR. In short, this is the most magnificent hotel we have ever experienced. The service was impeccable--we constantly felt as though we were the only guests, and we were impressed with how the staff anticipated and exceeded our needs at every turn. The staff was beyond personable--they treated us as though we were guests in their home. Their pride in their country and culture and their willingness to share it with us was what made our time at Arenas so memorable. The private beach and lush rainforest settings in which the buildings are nested allow you to commune with nature, where it's hard to see where a "hotel" stops and nature begins. In fact, we had better access to animal sightings (e.g., monkeys, sloths, etc.) here than we did at the National Park. Make sure to read the in-room guide book when you first arrive so you can make sure to take advantage of some unique options such as the Sustainability Tour (so impressive!), hiking trips, and other excursions. If you're looking for a truly unique and memorable experience, Arenas is the place to be!