Arenal Country Inn, Arenal/La Fortuna

Pros

• The hotel is strategically situated just a 15-minute walk from downtown La Fortuna and within a 25-minute drive to La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park.
• The swimming pool is large and offers views of the volcano. 
• The staff at the hotel are notably friendly and responsive, promptly addressing guests' needs via WhatsApp.
• The hotel offers an excellent (included) breakfast buffet.
• The hotel's well-kept grounds offer some views of Arenal Volcano, and you might spot wildlife.

Cons

• You might find the decor in most rooms a bit dated and minimalistic, and rooms with king beds might feel tight.
• The hotel provides basic, generic toiletries, so it might be best to bring your own if you have specific preferences.
• Gaps between the floor and the door create openings for bugs and insects to enter the room, and thin walls can let in noise from other rooms. 

Authenticity

The property is surrounded by lush gardens and tall palm trees, creating a serene environment where you can spot local wildlife such as toucans, sloths, and lizards. The sound of the jungle and the view of the Arenal Volcano from the pool area add to the immersive experience, making your stay truly memorable.

Location

The hotel's location perfectly balances downtown La Fortuna and nature. It's a 15-minute walk to the town center, where you can explore local shops and restaurants. The hotel is also within a 25-minute drive to major attractions like La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park. The El Salto Rope Swing, a popular local swimming hole, is also within walking distance for a refreshing dip.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's bungalows provide privacy and a cabin-like atmosphere. Each room has comfortable beds and bedding, a mini fridge, air-conditioning, and a terrace where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding nature. Family rooms are available for larger groups, accommodating up to five guests. Bathrooms are simple and have basic amenities.

Sustainability

The hotel demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability. The property is well-maintained and manicured, providing a habitat for local wildlife. The staff is also committed to keeping the area clean and preserving its natural beauty.

Wildlife

Guests can expect to see colorful tropical birds, like toucans and butterflies, as well as sloths, turtles, and iguanas. The owner's friendly German shepherd dogs are the unofficial mascots of the hotel.

Amenities

The hotel has an expansive outdoor swimming pool surrounded by leafy trees and gardens and facing views of the volcano. The adjacent patio has plenty of lounge space. There's also a smaller, shallower pool for kids. The bungalows are all single-story and connected via flat walkways, but some are too small to accommodate wheelchairs comfortably. 

Family-Friendliness

Arenal Country Inn is a family-run hotel. Babies under two stay free, while children ages 3 to 9 are charged a reduced rate. There's a children's pool and rooms designed to accommodate larger families. Younger guests will like the game room with a foosball table. Parents with strollers will have no problem navigating the grounds. 

Other Highlights

There's no on-site restaurant at Arenal Country Inn, but guests love the included, all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast served in an open-air pavilion. The hotel has no bar, but guests can purchase beer and wine. The hotel partners with a nearby restaurant, so guests can order food from the pool by placing an order with the staff.