Arenal Lodge

We found the lodge after our original VRBO didn't work out, and luckily they had enough rooms for our large group. The rustic rooms each had a small fridge, microwave and hot plate, enough for lunch and snacks. Breakfast was included and delicious. We also had dinner there a couple of nights, and it was good and fairly priced. When clouds cleared, we had an amazing volcano view. I highly recommend a horseback tour: the horses are very tame and the views were fantastic. I'd recommend the Lodge to anyone, and hope we'll be back soon.

The garden was nice, and the parts of the place that the rain didn't get into were clean. But the whole complex seems past its best. The access road is about 2 km of steep, single-lane driving, a nightmare unless you're an experienced driver. Neither hot tub worked, the pool wasn't heated, and the room was very dark with hardly any lights. Meals were basic and not generous, and the next restaurant is a good 30-minute drive away. It poured all five days, so we had no view at all. The worst part was the man at the entrance gate. He was unfriendly and even rude. I'd never had that experience during my three weeks in Costa Rica.

The suites have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining room and a large kitchen, so they'd work really well for elementary-school-age kids and a family dog. Parents working remotely could get their work done from the suites, too. For families who homeschool, the property could be a rainforest classroom for a whole week. There's a huge, beautifully paved area of jungle on the hotel grounds, and walking the entire section slowly takes an hour. It seems like such a great place for kids to learn about the rainforest.

The red-eyed frog I met became a highlight of my trip, and I wouldn't have found it without Gloria. Ask early about the wildlife on the property, like I should have. It's a beautiful stay for people who like adventure and have a vehicle. The lodge has lush greenery and a wonderful volcano view, but the windows don't open, so air doesn't circulate and you can't hear the birds and wildlife. It's a lovely walk from the gate to the lodge, about 1.5 miles, if you're up for it both ways. Our room was another 0.3 miles uphill, which was arduous at night.