

N A T U R E H O T E L
G u e s t r e v i e w s
This hotel was our first hotel in costa rica our of the capital, start of our journey and honeymoon! we were so surprised by the beauty and serenity at this… read more place, the view just amazing, it is so quiet, at night all you hear is sounds of crickets and frogs and see the reflection of the moon on the lake! the sunset view, its an expirence never to forget! the place js so secluded and away from noise!
obviously to get there you need car, taxis dont get there as it is far from everything, down the hill therr is a little cafe and restaurant ( Toucan Lane) that has soooooo delicious food that you must tree!
Milena prepared us steak dinner with lake view that just is amazing! they helped us to rent a car and before renting a car they took us themselves from san jose hotel!
Great hotel, one with nature; highly recommend it! More
March 30, 2023
As per other reviews we really cannot recommend this property enough. From the moment you arrive at this stunning location you are treated to a feast of the senses.… read more The view, the smells from the plants and the taste of the food are all to die for. Milena/Ana (we heard her called both) and her husband Bastion could not be more welcoming and accommodating even when we asked for breakfast at 6 so we could get to La Fortuna in time for our tour.
March 19, 2023
Don’t you love it when you find a spot that is off the beaten track and delivers a unique experience? Hotel Laguna Arenal fits that bill perfectly. Five modern… read more and very cool bungalows are perched on a hill overlooking Lake Arenal. You turn off the main paved road and drive 5 minutes up a typical bumpy gravel side road to the hotel. The bungalows are very modern in design and look pretty new. I was impressed with the interior layout. My only comment is one additional chair to sit in would be nice as there is presently only a couch inside. But in truth, I mostly sat outside on the deck chair taking in the lake views. Which were incredible. Our host provided a free breakfast which was unique and tasty every morning.
And after several trips over the years to Costa Rica I can tell you this is the cleanest place we have stayed in. Well done folks. More
March 1, 2020
Julio and his mother are the best hosts we could have asked for. The service was top-notch and always came with a smile. When Julio found out we would be… read more heading out one morning before breakfast was going to served, he knocked on our door the night before with fruit bowls and sandwiches for us to take with us. It was almost like staying with friends (that actually want you there).
The units are brand new, modern, and offer sensational views of Lake Arenal. There is really nothing better than waking up to that kind of a view. The hotel is located in close proximity to some good restaurants, and is convenient to explore the area attractions including the volcano area, Rio Celeste, La Fortuna Waterfall, etc.
I would not hesitate to stay there again. Thank you for a memorable stay.
April 4, 2019
Honestly there are not enough words to describe how PERFECT this place is. An absolute hidden gem!!! My husband and I stayed here for part of our honeymoon trip in… read more January 2022 and were simply blown away by the kindness, service, beauty, and breathtaking nature of this stay. To start with- the buildings themselves are simply stunning. Pristinely clean, amazing architecture, and frankly …. The views literally cannot be beat. Next are the owners, who are simply the most welcoming, kind, thoughtful people in the world. I texted in advance that we were tired and hoping to have dinner on checking in and they (plus their chef Carlos) made what was honestly one of the best meals in our lives. No joke. We travel a lot and have been to Michelin starred restaurants that weren’t this good. I cannot emphasize enough HOW AMAZING the food was… you should come here if not for the views then the food alone!! We essentially had a private chef while we overlooked the most gorgeous landscape in their open concept restaurant. We ended up foregoing the five star resort dinner we had planned for the next night to eat here again and it was equally as amazing. On top of that- breakfast was served every day and was also phenomenal. A huge thank you to the owners, the staff, Carlos, for making our stay unforgettable. This place is a must see-must stay and we… Honestly there are not enough words to describe how PERFECT this place is. An absolute hidden gem!!! My husband and I stayed here for part of our honeymoon trip in January 2022 and were simply blown away by the kindness, service, beauty, and breathtaking nature of this stay.
To start with- the buildings themselves are simply stunning. Pristinely clean, amazing architecture, and frankly …. The views literally cannot be beat. Next are the owners, who are simply the most welcoming, kind, thoughtful people in the world. I texted in advance that we were tired and hoping to have dinner on checking in and they (plus their chef Carlos) made what was honestly one of the best meals in our lives. No joke. We travel a lot and have been to Michelin starred restaurants that weren’t this good. I cannot emphasize enough HOW AMAZING the food was… you should come here if not for the views then the food alone!! We essentially had a private chef while we overlooked the most gorgeous landscape in their open concept restaurant. We ended up foregoing the five star resort dinner we had planned for the next night to eat here again and it was equally as amazing. On top of that- breakfast was served every day and was also phenomenal.
A huge thank you to the owners, the staff, Carlos, for making our stay unforgettable. This place is a must see-must stay and we are so thankful to have stumbled across it. You will be SO thankful to stay here as well! More
January 10, 2022
We chose Hotel Laguna for the views and the bright contemporary cottages. Everything else we’d looked at seemed dark and outdated, and with views like this, who wants heavy curtains… read more and dark wood closing in on you?
We were SO happy this is where we ended up! The cottages are gorgeous – walls of windows, a deep deck on which to sit and watch the lake in the morning with your coffee. Everything is smooth, clean and modern, with a large bright bathroom, and the service is amazing.
This is much more like a bed and breakfast, than a hotel. Julio is a professionally trained chef from Europe, and his meals are artwork. We had dinner there twice, as well as the breakfasts. This was the best food we had throughout all of Costa Rica. And don’t miss Ana’s Colombian "roasted milk" dessert! We really enjoyed talking with them, I feel like we have new friends. From the coffee, to the wines, to the gluten-free pancakes Julio made for me, meals here were a treat. And with the gorgeous room with postcard views, and the wonderful hosts, this was a perfect stay.
Rainy season has begun, so Ana brought us umbrellas to our cottage (out in the pouring rain herself!),so we could escape without getting drenched – just one example of the thoughtful and excellent service.
June 20, 2019
This place was the bomb! Beautiful room, great food, wonderful hosts, and an amazing view. Super clean and comfortable, we enjoyed our afternoon just sitting on the deck in the… read more sun drinking beer and watching birds. Don’t hesitate in booking; you’ll love this place!
April 13, 2022
Simply stunning.
Meticulously maintained gorgeous rooms with unobstructed views of the lake. This is a true getaway from it all. Experience silence… read more and nature.
Amazing service. Silly and sweet cats roaming the property. Nothing but peace and quiet in this hotel.
December 26, 2021
From the moment we were greeted by the warm and affable hosts Anna and her son (and the chef) Julio, we knew we had stumbled upon a treasure, and our… read more three night stay confirmed that initial impression.
The rooms, which are actually six separate and modern cabins, are very well appointed, beautiful to look at and comfortable. The views of Lake Arenal and the surrounding area from the moutainside perches are outstanding and breathtaking, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
If you are at all interested in bird watching, this is the place! In our stay, we were able to spot and positively identify over 40 species of birds from the comfort of our balcony or the balcony down at the end of the main building. My friend went on a guided bird tour in Mistical and saw 4 or 5 different birds and was walking up and down the paths, while at the Hotel Laguna Arenal, we were able to observe the bird life from the comfort of our balcony, wine glasses close at hand.
Julio, the chef, has worked and studied at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam and has worked a few years at restaurants in Barcelona, and it shows. As someone who worked in the gourmet food and restaurant business for 25 years myself, I recognized the committment, intelligence, creativity and passion evident in Julio the moment he set the first dish in front of us. Both Julio and Anna are very warm and friendly people as well, and we engaged in several long conversations with them, much to our delight.
If you are planning a trip to Arenal and are looking for a home base to which you can return from a day’s hiking or soaking in thermal springs, look no further than the Hotel Laguna Arenal. I have stayed at several resorts and hotels in the Arenal/La Fortuna region, and this place, with its views, its style, its food and its hosts surpasses them all.
March 31, 2019
A very forward looking hotel at an amazing location. Very relaxing and amazing care provided. Bastian and Ana were amazing hosts and took care and it showed their passion of… read more giving the guests a welcome to their hotel and the laguna area. Highly recommended
August 28, 2019
