Hotel Arenal Lodge

Hotels
•
Coral CR
8.4 (119 reviews)
200 Meters NW of the dam of Arenal Lake, Fortuna de San Carlos, La Fortuna, Alajuela, 21007 , La Fortuna , CR
1-506-2479-1881

listing image 1
Show all photos
Pets allowed

Facilities

Free breakfast
Full-service spa
Boat tours nearby
Fitness facilities
Fireplace in lobby
Arcade/game room
Hot springs nearby
Comprehensive recycling policy
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Sustainability/community reinvestment (10% revenue or more)
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful views
Friendly staff
Spacious and comfortable rooms
Cons:
Dated room conditions
Arduous access road
Inconvenient address

Categories

Cleanliness
7.6
Room conditions were dated; some aspect of facilities lacked necessary upkeep.
Service
9.1
Staff was friendly and went above and beyond for guests, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Location
8.1
While the scenic views were praised, the road access was described as arduous.
Room Quality
8.6
Rooms were spacious and comfortable, providing great comfort for families.
Amenities
8.6
Amenities such as the pool and restaurant received positive feedback, promoting relaxation.
Value for Money
8.1
Good value due to overall experience and amenities, despite some complaints.
Food and Beverage
8.6
Restaurant provided quality food and accommodated guests well, enhancing the dining experience.
Overall Experience
8.5
Overall stay was enjoyable, but with some notable downsides related to facilities.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 11:35

Property Description

Luxurious Spa Services

Indulge in massages, body treatments, and facials at our full-service spa, or unwind in 2 spa tubs, a steam room, and a fitness center for ultimate relaxation.

Delicious Dining Options

Savor international cuisine at La Fortuna, enjoy a cocktail at the bar/lounge with garden views, or opt for room service. Wake up to a complimentary local cuisine breakfast daily.

Convenience and Comfort

Experience complimentary Wi-Fi, a computer station, and concierge services. With cozy guestrooms featuring modern amenities, stunning views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano National Park, your stay at Hotel Arenal Lodge will be unforgettable.

Book now to enjoy a serene and rejuvenating getaway at Hotel Arenal Lodge!

Important information:

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 3 children 11 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
  • Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
  • This property allows pets in specific rooms only. Guests can request one of these rooms by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:30 AM
Airport code: SJO

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Maximum number of pets per room 2

  • Pets

    Only dogs and cats are allowed

  • Pets

    Service animals not allowed

  • Pets

    Pet max weight (per pet) in lb is 44

  • Guest type

    Essential workers only - NO

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 119 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.6
Service: 9.1
Location: 8.1
Room Quality: 8.6
Amenities: 8.6
Value for Money: 8.1
Food and Beverage: 8.6
Overall Experience: 8.5
M
Mayra • friends
10
Pros:

Todo estuvo excelente

2025-09-28 • via Nuitee
M
Michelle
10
Pros:

Had an absolutely wonderful time at Hotel Arsenal Lodge. I couldn’t get enough of all the pretty flowers all over the property and the room with the breathtaking views of the volcano! We were a family of 5 and the room was spacious and comfortable.
The property is family run and felt very welcoming from the moment I checked in. The owner was so kind to make a beautiful bouquet for my mom’s 70th birthday and arrival to the hotel. I really wanted a bouquet with local flowers and couldn’t really it online. I was so ecstatic when I saw the bouquet with tropical flowers. I’m still touched by this, thank you Mrs Terry. The property is a gem for nature lovers. 100% recommend.


2025-08-31 • via Nuitee
S
Samuel • family
8
Pros:

Great place, but the power was out for 12 hours. Additionally, the road to get to the hotel is quite arduous.

2025-08-21 • via Nuitee
L
Louise mor
10
Fantastic
Pros:

Loved it. Amazing views, and fabulous wildlife in the grounds. Lovely staff, and the best steaks. A fantastic stay, thank you!

2025-08-10 • via Nuitee
K
Kathryn
10
Beautiful property
Pros:

Our stay at the lodge was wonderful! It’s an older property with lots of charm. Views are beautiful! Room was large and we loved time on the balcony in the hanging chair. Board games and chess and checkers for some good family time. Pool was beautiful and chilly for those hot days. Restaurant had good food and the team was flexible with times (we came in at 2 after activities and they served us lunch, which was much appreciated!). Loved our stay! Saw coati, hummingbirds, lots of cool insects and a tayra on property. Recommend driving to the lodge in the daylight. Very close to Mistico Hanging Bridges.

2025-08-05 • via Nuitee
F
Felicia • family
10
Pros:

Gorgeous property! Staff was great. The hill to get to the property is no joke!
Would absolutely stay here again.

2025-08-04 • via Nuitee
M
MAURICIO • family
10
Pros:

It is a good hotel. It is a little far
From La Fortuna but has nice views and staff is friendly

2025-08-02 • via Nuitee
P
Philip • family
10
Pros:

Get the included breakfast. Quality restaurant on site. The property was not crowded, often times we were the only people at the pool or the restaurant. The views are amazing. Rooms are comfortable.

2025-08-01 • via Nuitee
Y
Yohana • family
2
Pros:

This property is deceiving!!!! Travelers beware!! The address listed is not the address to the hotel. It takes an additional 10 minutes up a very dangerous mountain road to reach the hotel. Their rooms are extremely dated and old. Travelers stay away! Complete false advertisement.
When we arrived, we were told the hot tub was not working. We asked for some type of accommodation or compensation for the inconvenience and they refused to accommodate us. We didn't stay for our second night due to the disappointment and their deceitful ways. They refused to refund us for our last night stay even though we canceled 24hours prior to leaving.
Don't stay here!! The photos are completely deceiving and inaccurate. They won't refund you if anything is not as expected. Complete disappointment.

2025-07-25 • via Nuitee
M
Mathieu • family
8
Pros:

Beautiful view on the Volcano

2025-07-25 • via Nuitee
B
Beatriz
10
Love it
Pros:

Best place ever! The view and service was amazing, the owner stays in the property so it’s a very personal experience.

2025-07-19 • via Nuitee
N
Niraj
10
Pros:

Really good property to have uninterruptwd views of the Arenal volcano. It is 30 mins from la fortuna. Very peaceful location.

2025-07-06 • via Nuitee
S
SAIKRISHNA • family
10
Pros:

Location and surroundings

2025-07-03 • via Nuitee
B
Benjamin
10
Pros:

Amazing property with a touch of history and the best views of the volcano you could possibly imagine. Friendly staff, excellent food, great activities.

2025-06-28 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
10
Pros:

Stunning location and amazing staff

2025-06-27 • via Nuitee
J
John • family
8
Pros:

Staff

2025-05-29 • via Nuitee
W
William
6
Pros:

Beautiful views, if you stay in the rooms on the top of the hill. The view of Arenal is amazing. The staff were friendly and helpful when asked.

Good : View, Quiet Environment, Friendly Staff, well maintained gardens
Neutral : Vehicle 100% required, Some parts of the hotel clearly need a bit of updating or repair, but mostly not too serious.
Bad : Food (not terrible, but not good), Price, should be closer to 100$ per night considering you really have to leave to enjoy the area or get good food, services offered at the hotel front desk are very high, including transportation and tourist activities in the area (this won't impact you if you make arrangements yourself)

Overall, if you want to see the view, maybe call ahead and get a drink around sunset there, but otherwise this place is probably not your best option.

2025-05-22 • via Nuitee
D
Damaris
6
Pros:

The property needs TLC
The staff is welcoming but the property needs upkeep

2025-05-05 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • family
4
Pros:

The road to the lodge was washed out and we couldn’t get our car up the steep incline with hairpin turns. One of the men had to get our car passed that area but left us to drive the rest of the way up the dangerous road. The view was amazing, but the chalet was dated and old. Staff was amazing but limited.

2025-04-27 • via Nuitee
J
Justine • friends
10
Pros:

Arenal Lodge was pure tranquility—secluded, peaceful, and incredibly welcoming. The staff made us feel right at home, and the stillness of the surroundings was unmatched. I had some of the best sleep of my life there. Waking up to a breathtaking view of the volcano from the pool felt surreal—there’s truly nothing like it in the area.

2025-04-12 • via Nuitee