Lodging near Children's Eternal Rainforest, Alajuela Province

"Our two-day retreat at Arenal Observatory Lodge was nothing short of magical. Nestled amidst the lush rainforest, the lodge offers an unparalleled connection to nature. Waking up to a symphony of birds and the breathtaking view of the volcano was a rejuvenating experience for the soul. The abundance of birdlife and plant species made every moment a discovery. The well-maintained trails and observation decks provided serene spots to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us. On our final evening, we dined at the lodge’s restaurant, El Jilguero. The meal was exquisite! From starters to desserts, compliments to the chef. What truly set our experience apart was the warmth and friendliness of the staff. Their genuine hospitality made us feel welcomed and cared for throughout our visit. Arenal Observatory Lodge isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary that nourishes the spirit and reconnects you with nature. We left feeling refreshed, inspired, and eager to return. "

"The view is beautiful and "

"excellent views of volcano"

"Our family had the pleasure of staying at Heliconias Nature Inn and Hot Springs for a few days in April, and we left with wonderful memories and a few suggestions for future improvement. We stayed in the Glass House Bungalow, which was an absolute highlight of our trip. The room was beautifully surrounded by nature, and we thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in the hammocks on our private balcony. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the lush greenery and natural sounds, made it feel like a true escape from everyday life. The hotel breakfast was excellent—fresh, flavorful, and a perfect start to each day. However, it would be great if there were more variety offered on different days to keep the experience exciting for longer stays. We made good use of the pool and the hot springs during our stay. The hot springs were relaxing and serene, and the pool was enjoyable, especially for families. To enhance the pool experience further, it would be helpful if the hotel provided pool floats or toys for children to play with. Additionally, offering ice cream and snacks by the pool (even for an extra charge) would be a great touch for guests spending time by the water. The staff at Heliconias were incredibly friendly and helpful. We especially appreciated their willingness to transport us to and from our room using company golf carts—this added a convenient and thoughtful touch to our stay. Overall, we had a great experience and left feeling very satisfied."

"The rooms are beautiful, spacious, and in such a unique location. Each bungalow really transports you to a secluded little world in the jungle. The forest on the property was breath taking. A wonderful experience. The staff was welcoming, happy to help with all of our questions, and easily set up off-site activities (ziplining, rafting) and transportation to La Fortuna for dinner/shopping."

"Such a quiet place where you can really enjoy nature. Staff was wonderful, all of them were very friendly and kind. Delicious food. With no doubt I recommend this place. "

"Hidden away off a quiet roadway, tucked behind a small hotel is this amazing property. Out the back yard is and endless stretch of rainforest. Cows and horses graze out the front yard.My wife and I spent most of each day on the front deck, accompanied by dozens of birds. She migrated between hammocks based on the position of the sun while I sat at the table. We ultimately stayed one more day that we had scheduled.It is a full house, with everything you need, if you buy enough groceries. The access road is good quality and a 4x4 is not needed. Allocate some extra time to arrive the first time; it is truly tucked away."

"We arrived late so it was dark. Our host Augustin was very kind and checked us in and made sure we were taken care of. When we woke up in the morning there was Arenal volcano just outside our window. We went outside on the beautiful patio and you could hear and see all the beautiful noises of the jungle. Song birds, toucans, and monkeys. It was comfortable and beautiful! We would definitely stay here again. The road up is a bit of a climb but the view is unmatched !! "

"The property was as described. Breakfast was 3 different choices daily with fruit. It’s all very tasty. Our room was quite spacious and I honestly enjoyed that style although some Complained a waste of Space. We also had a daily inclusive access to a hot spring 0.7 miles away. Enrique was our primary host who was attentive and accommodating. "