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Arenal Country Inn, Arenal/La Fortuna

Simple yet comfortable boutique hotel near downtown La Fortuna with an outdoor pool and volcano views

Overview

Arenal Country Inn is a standard option in La Fortuna, close to the downtown area and all the main attractions, including the national park. The best rooms are those in the bungalows, though all options have air-conditioning and terraces. Enjoy a simple breakfast in the morning and sit in the sun loungers by the pool in the afternoon.

Kimkim's Take

Adam
Adam Gomez kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, August 2023 (Learn more)
Pros
  • You'll appreciate the strategic location of the hotel, 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 staff at the hotel are notably friendly and responsive, promptly addressing your needs via WhatsApp.
  • The hotel's well-kept grounds offer some views of Arenal Volcano, and you might even spot wildlife.
  • Most rooms at the hotel are standalone bungalows, providing an added layer of privacy.
  • The hotel has partnerships with two nearby restaurants, offering discounts and specials to you as a guest.
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.

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 offers standalone bungalows that 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. However, you might find the water temperature tricky to adjust as it tends to fluctuate between hot and cold.

Other Highlights

The hotel's well-maintained grounds are a highlight, offering views of the Arenal Volcano and opportunities to spot local wildlife. You can relax by the outdoor pool, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle, or explore the manicured gardens. The hotel also partners with two nearby restaurants, providing discounts and special offers to guests for various dining options.

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.

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 88999000
Hotel address icon 1 km Sur de la Iglesia Católica de La Fortuna

Traveler Reviews

14 total ratings, 12 with reviews
4.0 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.3
Location
4.3
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.2
Jane
Jane K.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 17, 2023
Nice location away from the busyness of La Fortuna. Jackie at the front desk is a lovey greeter and hard worker. Read more

Nice location away from the busyness of La Fortuna. Jackie at the front desk is a lovey greeter and hard worker.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Jackie
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in November 2023
Charles
Charles B.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2023
I am sure this hotel is one of the most beautiful places on earth very tranquil staff. It was wonderful and my room was just perfect close to town good restaurants. Read more

I am sure this hotel is one of the most beautiful places on earth very tranquil staff. It was wonderful and my room was just perfect close to town good restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
The setting was in the jungle a lot of trees flowers everything was just beautiful
Location
The hotel was deep in the jungle with a beautiful pool, wonderful scenery, and close to town
Staff
They paid attention to every detail they asked how was everything going during my stay and if I needed anything just ask
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful grounds staff that is very attentive, amazing surroundings
Stayed in October 2023
Adam
Adam G.
Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023
I'm a kimkim staff member and I was on a work trip when I stayed at this hotel. The hotel is located about 10 minutes from downtown La Fortuna. The staff is very friendly and even gave me a late checkout. The pool is huge with lounge chairs and the wifi works great in the pool area where I was able to work from my laptop. My room was very small but had a king bed. The bathroom was outdated and had no counter space. The hotel room can use some updates. The door to the room didn't completely... Read more

I'm a kimkim staff member and I was on a work trip when I stayed at this hotel. The hotel is located about 10 minutes from downtown La Fortuna. The staff is very friendly and even gave me a late checkout. The pool is huge with lounge chairs and the wifi works great in the pool area where I was able to work from my laptop. My room was very small but had a king bed. The bathroom was outdated and had no counter space. The hotel room can use some updates. The door to the room didn't completely touch the bottom allowing for bugs/ insect to easily enter.

Authenticity & Character
Rustic feels that may not be accommodating to some people.
Location
You can order a taxi at the front desk.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Yelena
Yelena S.
Castro Valley, CA | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023
Hospitable workers, clean room, tasty breakfast and beautiful location. Nice pool. Negative: poor lighting in the room. Read more

Hospitable workers, clean room, tasty breakfast and beautiful location. Nice pool. Negative: poor lighting in the room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2023
Theo
Theo V.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Aug 10, 2023
Consider the location before booking. I like that fact that it’s outside of town, so it’s relatively quiet except for the loud diesel trucks that roar down the road. On the downside, I was without a car and had to walk into town (20 min each way) to find lunch and dinner (the inn only serves breakfast). The room was good. Hot rain shower, everything was clean, breakfast was good, and towels were changed daily. I didn’t care for the $16 charge for laundry (even though I only had 2 items), Read more

Consider the location before booking. I like that fact that it’s outside of town, so it’s relatively quiet except for the loud diesel trucks that roar down the road. On the downside, I was without a car and had to walk into town (20 min each way) to find lunch and dinner (the inn only serves breakfast). The room was good. Hot rain shower, everything was clean, breakfast was good, and towels were changed daily. I didn’t care for the $16 charge for laundry (even though I only had 2 items),

Authenticity & Character
It’s very much an inn
Location
It’s a bit far from town to walk
Staff
Staff was nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2023
Brian
Brian M.
New Bedford, MA | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2023
Very quaint and authentic Read more

Very quaint and authentic

Authenticity & Character
It was nice
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2023
Darlene
Darlene N.
Steamboat Springs, CO | Reviewed on Apr 30, 2023
Quiet and very protected from the highway. Loved it! Read more

Quiet and very protected from the highway. Loved it!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
M
Marla F.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2023

Overall a good place. Rooms were functional, clean. The hotel moved us to a bigger room that didn't seem as cute as the cottages. I would rate it a 3 star place but we really loved the location!

Stayed in November 2022
Leo
Leo Z.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023
The hotel was good, the staff were all super helpful, friendly and nice and the area is conveniently located near the town center of La Fortuna with easy access to restaurants and grocery stores. Only thing would be the door is super hard to figure out especially since you can potentially be locked in the room if the key leaves the room with someone. There aren't door handles on the inside, it was a scrolling mechanism that was difficult to figure out. I think a demonstration from staff at... Read more

The hotel was good, the staff were all super helpful, friendly and nice and the area is conveniently located near the town center of La Fortuna with easy access to restaurants and grocery stores. Only thing would be the door is super hard to figure out especially since you can potentially be locked in the room if the key leaves the room with someone. There aren't door handles on the inside, it was a scrolling mechanism that was difficult to figure out. I think a demonstration from staff at check in could be helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2022
S
Stacey O.
Scottsdale, AZ | Reviewed on Sep 05, 2022

Not my favorite, very dated and rustic. Rooms were tiny.

Stayed in August 2022