Arenal Montechiari Hotel

Wi-Fi only really worked around reception, not in the rooms. I actually liked that, since it gave me a chance to unplug and connect with nature. Downtown was another seven-minute walk down the street, which was a big plus because I didn’t have to Uber like I did when I stayed at Manoa Resort. The hotel was cute and relaxing for our two nights at Arenal Montechiari. The room was simple but clean and spacious, and there’s a good view of Arenal Volcano from the pool on a clear day. It’s a nice choice if you’re trying to keep costs down. Breakfast was included, but just okay. Since I’m diabetic, there wasn’t much I could eat. One of my favorite things about the area was Don Juan Tours La Fortuna, a short seven-minute walk up the street, where I had a great chocolate tour. Chicharronera Bar Restaurante Fuego y Sabor nearby is also a great restaurant and a must.

The rooms are basic in comfort, with little storage, bright neon lighting, weak shower pressure, and minimal soundproofing, so outside noise carries in. There’s no Wi-Fi in the cabins. Near reception it barely worked for me either. Asking reception for a bedside lamp might help with the lighting. For a low price, Hotel Montechiari offers good value. It was clean throughout, including the shared areas, and the pool was well kept and pleasant after a day out. Breakfast was simple but good, and the room’s air conditioning worked well, which matters in La Fortuna’s climate. The location is excellent for walking to the center and nearby restaurants. It’s also a short drive to hot springs, Arenal Volcano, hanging bridges, and coffee tours. A solid affordable option if cleanliness and location matter most, as long as you’re comfortable with simpler rooms and amenities.

The rooms could use some attention, but the garden is lovely and there are sloths in the trees right outside. The staff were extremely nice. It’s about a ten-minute walk to the center.

We may have caught Hotel Arenal Montechiari at a bad time. The restaurant and the larger pool were closed while we were there, which was disappointing, and we already knew the sauna was shut. Breakfast wasn’t good, so I’d choose the bakery down the street instead. Laundry was expensive, though the service was good. Staff were friendly and nice. Our room was spacious and looked nice, with a little terrace and a pleasant shower. There was no Wi-Fi in the room, no complimentary water, and the fridge didn’t seem to work. The location was alright, within walking distance of the center and a nature park with lots of sloths just a few minutes away. On our last day we spotted one near the bridge at the hotel entrance. Apparently it’s often there, and that was fun.