Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Good food quality
Beautiful surroundings
Cons:
Remote location
Cleanliness concerns
High prices

Categories

Cleanliness
7.65
Some reviews indicated issues with room cleanliness and maintenance.
Service
9.15
Guests praised the staff for their friendliness and excellent service.
Location
8.15
The location is beautiful but can be remote and hard to access.
Room Quality
8.15
Rooms were described as minimalist and could have better sound insulation.
Amenities
8.65
Wellbeing facilities such as spa services were highlighted positively.
Value for Money
7.65
Some guests felt the prices were too high for the quality received.
Food and Beverage
9.15
The food was well-received, especially the fresh, locally sourced meals.
Overall Experience
8.65
The overall experience was very positive with some caveats regarding location and cleanliness.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-11 09:57

Property Description

Surrounded by Nature
Experience the tranquility at Essence Arenal, an ecological hotel nestled in the Tropical Forest with stunning views of Lake Arenal and the majestic Arenal Volcano.

Wellness Center and Eco-Friendly Amenities
Indulge in our wellness center and enjoy a variety of services including yoga classes, spa circuit, and therapeutic massages. Explore our organic farm, relax by the outdoor pool fed by a natural spring, and unwind in the lush gardens.

Farm-to-Table Dining and Cultural Experiences
Savor delicious meals at Essence Restaurant, offering organic, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Immerse yourself in local culture with cocoa tours, bird watching, and various themed activities.

Escape to Essence Arenal for an unforgettable eco-friendly retreat. Book now to experience nature at its finest.

Important information:

Breakfast is only included in reservations made from July 12th, 2025 to October 18th, 2025.

There is an additional charge to use the spa/wellness centre:

Adult: 20 USD, per hour/per day.

Child: aged 7 – 12 years: 15 USD, per hour/per day.

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 861 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.65
Service: 9.15
Location: 8.15
Room Quality: 8.15
Amenities: 8.65
Value for Money: 7.65
Food and Beverage: 9.15
Overall Experience: 8.65
B
Bernardita Alejandra • family_with_children • cl
7
El Volcán
Pros:

Las vistas del lugar son espectaculares, tiene lindas instalaciones y extensas, puedes dar paseos en el medio de la naturaleza y ver muchos animales. Es ideal para desconectar ya que se encuentra alejado de La Fortuna.

Cons:

La habitación no tiene aire acondicionado ni ventilador, como tampoco refrigerador, no pudiendo guardar comida o bebidas heladas y era necesario!! Además, el primer día una huésped se puso a cantar y tocar un tambor alrededor de las 10pm al lado de nuestra habitación, deberían tener política de ruidos!! Amiga ubicate!

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
E
Esther • solo_traveller • de
9
Pros:

Staff very very friendly. Quiet relaxing atmosphere. Stunning views over the volcano, lake, mountains. We saw Tucans directly in the tree next to us. The yoga lessons with Aurelio are also great. Quietest nights we have had in Costa Rica so far. Good breakfast with good vegan options.

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
S
Sara • solo_traveller • ca
8
Amazing experience
Pros:

All members of staff were very welcoming.
The food was great, flavourful and fresh.
We were able to identify more than 30 different species of birds just by sitting on our porch.

Cons:

We had one issue during our stay and the staff and owner were very receptive and made it up to us.

Do not hesitate to come here, you'll have a restful time!

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
U
Uta • solo_traveller • nl
8
Pros:

De locatie en het uitzicht zijn fantastisch.
Erg vriendelijk personeel
We kregen een upgrade van een tent naar een huis zonder extra kosten

Cons:

Het eten was niet zo bezonder, maar smaken verschillen. We hadden graag wat meer keuze uit eenvoudige maaltijden gehad.

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
N
NATALIA • couple • es
10
2026-09-04 • via Nuitee
R
Raul • family_with_children • es
4
2026-08-27 • via Nuitee
F
Florent • couple • fr
8
2026-08-27 • via Nuitee
B
Bastien • solo_traveller • fr
10
2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
C
coast motor • solo_traveller • us
8
2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
P
Pierina • couple • us
3
Pros:

The staff was really healthful , Fabian y Jesus are excellent employees, food was healthy but everything is overpriced, in the website they have low prices than booking but they won’t take us, no AC no mini fridge, no dryer, no worthy for the money they charged, even the breakfast are overpriced

Cons:

Hot tub restrictions, sauna restrictions, pool too small, is not convenient, hills and road are narrows

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
O
Oriane • couple • fr
8
Un bon acceuil par le personnel, très serviable. La vue est magnifique sur le lac.
Pros:

L’accueil et la vue depuis le logement

2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
S
Sandrine • family_with_children • fr
10
Une belle expérience immergée dans la jungle avec le confort d’un spa
Pros:

Nous avons apprécié l’excellent emplacement avec une vue splendide sur le lac Arenal et le volcan. Dormir en tente au milieu des bambous fut une très bonne expérience. Le spa est très sympa. Nous avons pris une excursion nocturne avec Aurélien qui est un excellent guide avec une approche passionnée et bienveillante de la faune et la flore de la jungle. Il nous a appris plein de choses, a transmis sa passion et nous a permis d’observer des mygales, grenouilles,oiseaux… Le restaurant est vraiment délicieux et le personnel sympathique.

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
M
Magnone • couple • uy
9
Pros:

El entorno maravilloso

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
S
Solis • solo_traveller • cr
7
Pros:

La cabaña estaba bonita.

Cons:

El camino, la ubicacion fue muy dificil de encontrar la cabaña
NOS PERDIMOS.

2026-08-16 • via Nuitee
M
Matthieu • solo_traveller • fr
10
Pros:

Emplacement magnifique au milieu de la forêt

2026-08-12 • via Nuitee
P
Pascale • family_with_children • fr
10
Luxe, calme, détente et vue imprenable sur le volcan.
Pros:

Vue imprenable sur le volcan. Jaccuzi et spa très agréables. Personnel aux petits soins. Visite nocturne avec Aurelio vraiment géniale.

Cons:

Trop pressants pour le menu au restaurant. Piscine très éloignée de l’accueil et très petite.

2026-08-12 • via Nuitee
P
Patrice • solo_traveller • fr
8
escape from the crowd staying at la Fortuna, and enjoy the beauty, wildlife and sounds of the forest
Pros:

in the heart of the forest, with a view on the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by wildlife and tropical floral. We've been waken up by howling monkeys every morning !
a lot of emphasis on ecology and sustainability - 100% solar powered equipments, excellent fresh and drinkable water by the tap

Cons:

pretty old furniture, but it hasn't affected our experience

2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
S
Silvia • couple • it
7
2026-08-07 • via Nuitee
A
Anne • solo_traveller • us
9
Soul-revitalizing
Pros:

The vegan options were always unique and freshly delicious, with a new menu everyday. The holistic massage helped unwind tension in my legs I had been having a long time. I was supported by the staff there when I got some sad news. The spa circuit was top notch. With beautiful views. So very peaceful. Excellent yoga class with Gaby. I felt very relaxed to do some songwriting and watercolor painting there. Thank you, miss you guys❣️ Hope to come back for longer and do the sweat lodge and more of the plethora of other services next time!

2026-08-07 • via Nuitee
G
Giovanni Bresciani • solo_traveller • ch
7
2026-08-06 • via Nuitee