N A T U R E H O T E L
G u e s t r e v i e w s
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
This was such a beautiful find, and Julio and his mother are oh so lovely! Big smiling faces and genuine guidance throughout. We in fact skipped on adventures and extended… read more our stay so we could keep waking up to this view (and closing our days with it)! The rooms are wonderful little nests in the sky, and so peaceful. Also, tip– make sure you take at least one dinner with Julio– I am not very easily blown away (I think), but Julio’s dishes were beautiful and delicate and delectable! One of the places I will mark down as a sanctuary for future visits.
April 8, 2019
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 Everything else we’d looked at seemed dark and outdated, and with views like this, who wants heavy curtains… read more and dark wood closing in on you?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
Our stay in this Bungalow was magical! We enjoyed the most incredible sunsets from the balcony, with spectacular views and magnificent birds right in front!
The Bungalow itself was very… read more modern, clean and really had the best view around the lake! The whole hotel area was carefully thought of, and well taken care of. After our traveling in the jungle, this was the best possible place to relax and cool down.
The Owner Bastian was so very nice, he even showed us around and always had great stories and helpful tips for us.
Breakfast was incredibly good, with self made yoghurt and the staff was absolutely charming!
We would love to come again and recommend this place to anybody who loves nature and quiet!
Thank you for everything and all the very best! More
May 12, 2022
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
These bungalows were outstanding! It is impeccably clean, modern, and a very well-maintained property. The view is absolutely gorgeous. I have attached a photo that shows the view from… read more our balcony. There are only 5-6 bungalows, so it’s very quiet and private. The owners were extremely sweet and accommodating. They were helpful with sightseeing tips and suggestions too! Make sure you eat there, as the food is delicious and all made there from scratch! We will definitely be back!
July 8, 2021
This was such a beautiful find, and Julio and his mother are oh so lovely! Big smiling faces and genuine guidance throughout. We in fact skipped on adventures and extended… read more our stay so we could keep waking up to this view (and closing our days with it)! The rooms are wonderful little nests in the sky, and so peaceful. Also, tip– make sure you take at least one dinner with Julio– I am not very easily blown away (I think), but Julio’s dishes were beautiful and delicate and delectable! One of the places I will mark down as a sanctuary for future visits.
April 8, 2019
The view at this location is absolutely jaw dropping. Opening my eyes up in the morning to that view was insane! I stayed here with my boyfriend and we had… read more a lovely experience. The owners are so considerate and kind. Their communication was great and they were even able to get us into our room a bit early considering we arrived before check in.
The wildlife is great in this spot. I saw a ton of colorful birds, cows, a horse, and a toucan flew directly in front of my face!
Now the only thing I would consider a drawback is that the location can be challenging to get to. But at the same time, that is also what makes this a perk. It is not located in the main part of town (La Fortuna) where tourist life is bustling with restaurants and stores. The town it is in is called Nuevo Arenal. At the bottom of the hill it sits on there are only a couple of restaurants, one souvenir shop, and a small mercado store. It would be extremely helpful to rent a car if you are staying in Nuevo Arenal because getting a taxi to come get you and take you back can be difficult and pricey.
With that being said, I would not have changed my decision to stay here. The owners were so gracious, the location is out of this world, and the wildlife is amazing. It was beyond peaceful and I will never forget it.
March 8, 2023
I have to say this is one of the most amazing places we have ever stayed at. The location is stunning and very peaceful. From the moment we arrived… read more to the time we left we felt welcomed and part of a really great place. Anna the owner provides outstanding customer service, she is so very kind and friendly and nothing is too much trouble. She even took us unto town and came back to get us. We arranged transport and Jose picked us up and was very friendly and helpful. The food is delicious and we had dinner there most nights. Breakfast is very good and always presented well and tasty. A very BIG thanks to Anna, Bastian, Jose and the team for making our stay so very memorable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED More
January 12, 2023
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



